Vasectomy is a minor surgery that is a permanent form of birth control for males. The procedure blocks sperm from reaching the semen, preventing pregnancy. Getting a vasectomy is an option many men consider if they decide to not have any more children or not have children at all. Preparation for a vasectomy, side effects and the recovery process are all items to consider. Vasectomy Preparation and Procedure Before a vasectomy, you will have a consultation with your primary care provider or a urology provider to ensure you fully understand the procedure and its implications. During this appoint ..read more

Tongue and lip ties are common concerns for parents of infants and toddlers. What is a tongue tie? A tongue tie (medically known as Ankyloglossia) is a congenital (by birth) condition where a short, tight band of tissue attaches the bottom of the tongue's tip to the floor of the mouth, thereby restricting its motion. It is normal to have tissue that connects from the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, however, if the tissue is tight, restricts motion, or is abnormally short this can cause speech sound development issues and difficulties with eating. What is a lip tie? There is a b ..read more

Livi Jones was a very busy toddler. She constantly put things in her mouth. Often, she filled a backpack with toys and wore it for hours on end. Her pain tolerance was as high as her willingness to take risks. However, she seemed more sensitive than other toddlers. Wet sleeves, certain foods and various textures bothered her. Noise from passing cars or the air-conditioning unit turning on sent her into a raging meltdown. During these meltdowns, she would rip off her clothes and scream and cry inconsolably. Livi’s parents, Brianna and Craig Jones, felt lost. Other children didn’t have such extr ..read more

Navigating the path to a cancer diagnosis is a challenging journey. It can be a roller coaster of emotions, as well as a period of uncertainty and fear. No one wants to receive a cancer diagnosis, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone on this journey. Here are five tips for coping with a cancer diagnosis. 1.) Understanding the Diagnosis The first step to coping with a cancer diagnosis is to take the time to understand exactly what it is. Talk to your doctor about the type of cancer, the stage and the possible outcomes. Ask as many questions as possible to gain a better und ..read more

Chad Swendseid, 56, knew he was a risk for heart disease. Both his parents had heart disease, and he had a history of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, in addition to having diabetes. “I had noticed I was getting a little bit winded, but I thought I was just out of shape, you know?” Chad says. “I used to play hockey and do a lot of sports, so I just thought this was a part of getting older.” Still, when his wife, Lanette, 56, suggested the two of them get a heart and vascular screening at Altru, Chad thought it couldn’t hurt. “With my folks both having heart issues, I thought it would ..read more

Getting out and enjoying fall is a great way to stay active while the outdoors transition from one season to the next. The colorful foliage and crisp air make for perfect outdoor activity weather as well as a mood boost. Going for a walk, supporting local outdoor businesses, contributing to the community, and staying active are all great ways to participate in the beautiful fall we witness every year. Activities to help you transition from summer to fall Ride your bike or walk your pet on the greenway Grand Forks offers a naturally flourished 10-mile greenway that leads you next to t ..read more

Michael Bullinger’s mom, Sandy Kovar, STEMI and stroke coordinator at Altru, affectionately nicknamed him “Sweet Pea.” “He was my first child, and he brought so much joy into my life,” says Sandy. “He was such a kindhearted and lovable kid. He would do things like sit by the lonely kid at school to have lunch and then invite them to his hockey games. His tender heart showed on a daily basis.” Michael loved hockey, first picking up a stick at age two and playing throughout high school. In the summers, he headed to the lake for water sports. And he loved his little sister, Shalee, teaching and c ..read more

Pickleball is surging in popularity, and it’s easy to see why it’s becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in America. It’s a fun sport, easy to learn and a great form of low-impact exercise for all ages. The sport is a cross between badminton and tennis and can be played on a court indoors or outdoors. Tennis courts across the region have been converted to pickleball courts to meet the growing demand for the sport. Although pickleball is an engaging sport, there are some risks of injury to keep in mind. Our team at Altru Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is here to share the top injurie ..read more

Dr. Jason Go, cardiologist, was named Altru’s Physician of the Quarter for Quarter 4 of 2022. Get to know a bit more about Dr. Go. What is your educational background? What is your career history? I grew up and received most of my medical schooling in the Philippines. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in medical technology and earned my Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines. My internal medicine residency and cardiovascular fellowships were completed at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Then I finished two more years of post-fellowsh ..read more

Erin Beck, NP, in dermatology at Truyu, was named Altru’s Provider of the Quarter for Quarter 4 of 2022. Here’s a chance to get to learn a bit more about Erin. Why did you choose to work in healthcare? I love people. The medical world is like solving a puzzle, yet you are impacting people’s lives. You work alongside people with the same vision of helping and serving others. What is your educational background and career history? I started with Altru in 2007 as a CNA. I graduated with my RN-BSN in December 2009 and transitioned to working as an RN at Altru on the telemetry and cardiology units ..read more