Written by Lori Cannon, MSN, RN

The shorter days of fall bring a lot of things to love, like cool crisp days, ripe apples, and everything pumpkin. They also lead us into the beginning of flu season, which means it’s time to get your annual flu shot. Many people struggle with the decision of whether or not to get a flu shot every year for a variety of reasons. There are myths around the flu shot and immunizations, unknowns about potential complications, and misunderstandings about the flu itself.

People are often confused about what exactly “the flu” is. Influenza, also referred to as the flu, is not the same as a cold, nor is it a gastrointestinal virus (though occasionally children will experience vomiting and diarrhea with influenza). Influenza often causes a fever and chills, a cough, sore throat, intense body aches, fatigue and headache, and symptoms come on quickly, not gradually. People with the flu often say that they feel like they were “hit by a truck,” and even without any complications, it lasts anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.

Complications of the flu can be moderate, like sinus or ear infections, or serious, like pneumonia or sepsis. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 960,000 people were hospitalized and 80,000 deaths occurred in the United States as a result of influenza during the 2018-2019 flu season. Those at highest risk of complications from the flu include adults over 65, children under 5, pregnant people, and people with certain chronic diseases like asthma, COPD, diabetes, and heart disease.

What about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines? Some people even state that they have gotten the flu from the flu shot itself, but because the virus used in the vaccine is not live, it cannot cause illness. Often, people who receive the vaccine may feel slightly achy and tired, and possibly even have chills or a slight fever for up to 24 hours. This is the immune system doing its job and responding to the vaccine by making antibodies. People experiencing this are not contagious and do not have the flu. Alternately, because full immunity takes up to 2 weeks, someone could be exposed to influenza just before receiving the vaccine and become ill before their immune system was able to make antibodies to protect them from the flu.

It is true that the flu vaccine is not 100% effective, but if you do get the flu after being vaccinated, your illness is almost certain to be shorter and less severe. It also helps to slow the spread of the influenza virus in your community and helps to protect vulnerable populations, like infants under 6 months or other people who may not be able to get the vaccine.

People may also be worried about thimerosal, a preservative that is sometimes used in vaccines. Thimerosal has been shown to be safe, but if you are still concerned, you can request a preservative-free vaccine. It’s also important to note that the CDC no longer recommends that people with egg allergies refrain from getting a flu shot. If your allergy is severe you may need to stay in the clinic for 10-15 minutes after receiving the vaccine, but scientific evidence shows that it is safe to receive the flu shot if you are allergic to eggs.

October is the best time to get your flu shot to protect yourself and your loved ones as we head into the busy holiday season. Contact NorthLakes Community Clinic at 888-834-4551 to schedule your flu shot today.

Northlakes Community Clinic is proud to be a gold recipient of the 2019 Target: BP Recognition program. Clinic locations in Hayward, Iron River, Lakewood and White Lake received the recognition for achieving blood pressure control rates of 70 percent or more in their adult patient population with high blood pressure. A total of 1,183 physician practices and health systems nationwide were recognized by the program for their commitment to help patients improve blood pressure control. The recognized organizations represent 29.8 million adult patients, with more than 8 million patients diagnosed with hypertension, across 46 states and territories.

Launched in 2015, Target: BP is a national initiative between the American Hospital Association and American Medical Association aimed at addressing the growing burden of high blood pressure in the U.S. The initiative aims to help health care organizations improve blood pressure control rates through use of the AMA’s evidence-based M.A.P. quality improvement program, and recognizes organizations committed to improving blood pressure control.

There are 116 million U.S. adults living with high blood pressure, the nation’s number one risk factor for heart attack and stroke, and less than half have it controlled to target level. Many patients are unaware of the deadly consequences associated with high blood pressure and that it can be managed working in partnership with their physician to create and follow a treatment plan.

“Although we have the tools to treat high blood pressure, many patients face a variety of barriers that make it difficult to successfully manage the condition. That’s why the American Heart Association and American Medical Association created the Target: BP initiative—to bring patients and providers together to successfully get blood pressure under control,” said AMA President Patrice A. Harris, M.D., M.A. “We applaud the physicians who are already working hard to control their patients’ blood pressure, and we will continue to urge more physician practices, health systems and patients to join this effort to prioritize the rising risk of high blood pressure and improve health outcomes for patients across the nation.”

“Collaboration is key to managing high blood pressure,” said AHA President Robert Harrington, MD, FAHA. “When doctors, clinics, patients and organizations like the American Heart Association and American Medical Association are all working towards the same goal, we have the opportunity for great success. We are pleased to be a part of the success of so many practices – and so many patients – in reducing high blood pressure and improving health.” NorthLakes Community Clinic – Hayward Hospital Campus, Iron River, Lakewood and White Lake, along with all other practices and health systems being recognized, will be featured in upcoming Target: BP materials. This includes appearing in national journal ads, on TargetBP.org, and acknowledged at AMA and AHA events throughout the year.

About NorthLakes Community Clinic:

NorthLakes Community Clinic is a regional Community Health Center, with clinic locations in Ashland, Birchwood, Hayward, Hurley, Iron River, Lakewood, Minong, Oconto, Park Falls, Turtle Lake, Washburn and White Lake. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization managed by a patient majority board of directors. Services we offer include: medical, chiropractic, dental, behavioral health counseling including substance use disorder and recovery services, optometry, psychiatric services, pediatric speech and occupational therapy, physical therapy and prescriptions for patients.

NorthLakes Community Clinic provides care to individuals with Medicaid and Medicare, those without insurance, and also those with private health insurance. We also provide a Sliding Fee Scale available for patients who qualify. For more information, please visit: nlccwi.org.

As National Recovery Month comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to shed some light on the work NorthLakes Community Clinic is doing to address addiction.  I’m often surprised by some of the misinformation that is out in our community about our Recovery Program and the need there is for it in northern Wisconsin. Unfortunately, very few of us can say we have not been touched by addiction—whether it is a friend, family member or loved one.  While this is not unique to northern Wisconsin, the collective impact addiction can have on our community is clear and I feel very fortunate to work at an organization so committed to Recovery.  It is because of this, I come to work every day with hope.

Since 2014, NorthLakes Community Clinic has been actively building a Recovery Program that is not focused on medication, but rather treatment of the whole human being.  Often times, when one thinks of a Recovery Program, pill seekers or a drug clinic come to mind.  This couldn’t be further from the truth at NorthLakes. Our patients in the Recovery program are assessed on each individual’s needs, which include medical care, mental health counseling, motivation, recovery environment and overcoming other barriers to care. Medication Assisted Treatment is a very small component to the patient’s path to recovery; and only used if indicated through individual assessment reviewing risks and benefits. Patients attend intensive therapy and group counseling, build social connections with peer support specialists or recovery coaches, engage in employment and volunteer opportunities, and educate themselves on the “why” behind their addiction.  As part of our program, we utilize best evidence-based practices by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).  These practices are resource intensive and often times not covered by insurance. Despite this barrier, we’re committed to offering these services because we know it is when we engage our clients in the root causes behind what’s causing them to use, we can create real change.

In 2018, 502 patients made contact with the Recovery Program and 432 participated in treatment in northern Wisconsin, 18 of which were pregnant.  Seventy percent of them cited an improved quality of life because of our program.  The majority of these patients come from Ashland, Bayfield and Sawyer counties where we have active Recovery programs.  These individuals are not transplants, but rather our friends and neighbors who need help. Many of these clients are on a life long journey of recovery and are still active participants in our program today. 

At NorthLakes Community Clinic, we understand that addiction is a disease, and treat it as such.  Similar to treating diabetes: you wouldn’t complete a simple training or modify your insulin once and then go on your way.  Instead, you enter a life of long-term chronic disease management. It takes a variety of tools and skills to manage a chronic disease. Addiction is no different.  Our approach to addiction is meeting people where they are, without judgement, and providing a safe and affirming place to be. Our treatment program looks at the whole person, not just their addiction.  We have an integrated team that includes medical, behavioral health counseling, Community Health Workers, Employment Specialists, Peer Support Specialists and other area support groups to ensure we’re helping patients move towards a life worth living sober. 

We recognize this approach is intense.  But, we also believe that this approach is the strongest way to help those struggling in our community.

Dr. Mark Lim
Board Certified in Family and Addiction Medicine
NorthLakes Community Clinic

Iron River, Wisconsin—Tanya Brickson and Jesse Olesiak sprinted their way through Iron River Foods on Sunday, September 15 with a goal of filling their carts for a good cause.  The two were winners of the first Supermarket Shopping Spree put on by Iron River Foods and NorthLakes Community Clinic.

In August, $20 tickets were sold in the Iron River area for a chance to participate in a Supermarket Shopping Spree. The grand prize winner was allowed 90-seconds in the store to shop for up to $1,000 worth of free groceries while the runner up was given 60-seconds to shop for $500 in groceries.  On Sunday, both Brickson and Olesiak maxed out at the register after strategically racing for plenty of meat, dairy and other quality foods.

Proceeds from the ticket sales went to support NorthLakes Community Clinic’s Community Outreach fund in Iron River.  These funds help support programs that focus on addressing the root cause of disadvantage.  This includes programs like childhood literacy, school based mental health, dental outreach, and the work of our community health workers. 

“We are grateful to Iron River Foods for their support of this creative and fun fundraiser which helped raise awareness and funds for our Community Outreach fund,” says Madelaine Rekemeyer, Development Director at NorthLakes Community Clinic.  “We rely on our community partners to best serve our communities and this partnership is another great example of how we can have a greater impact when we work together.  Also, thank you to everyone in the community who purchased tickets.”

Plans are already underway for next year’s Supermarket Shopping Spree.  Tickets will go on-sale during the Iron River Community Appreciation event held at the Iron River Clinic in August.  If you are interested in learning more about the fundraiser or how you can support NorthLakes Community Clinic, please contact Madelaine Rekemeyer at mrekemeyer@nlccwi.org or (651) 792-5534.    

Written by Todd Joseph, LPC-IT, CSAC

The Blueberry Fest and County Fair have passed. Evenings and mornings are cooler. With these and other signs of fall’s approach, we at NorthLakes Community Clinic are looking for ways to help those in the area struggling with behavioral health symptoms or substance use.

Two groups will begin at the Iron River Clinic in September. On September 12 Living in Balance begins. Developed by the Hazelton treatment center in Minnesota, this group provides support and important educational information to people new to recovery. The second group is called Seeking Safety, which is a group designed to help clients with symptoms caused by trauma. This group starts September 24. We hope these two groups can help clients find the support and encouragement they need to make lasting change.

Changing how we think about ourselves—and/or how we think about our problem—has a profound ability to create meaningful change in our lives. I have had the pleasure of facilitating groups of many different types for nearly ten years. Over the course of that time I have seen many people change their thoughts and lives. The primary role for the therapist in the group is to maintain a sense of safety. This is the most important rule of group therapy. Healing cannot take place if a client does not feel safe. The therapist also helps the client continue their group work during private sessions. A key lesson I learned facilitating groups was that the leader is important, but much of the change in a group for good or ill comes from the interaction between members. A longtime expert on group therapy (he literally wrote the book), Irvin Yalom says, “Not infrequently group members will accept observations from another member far more readily than from the group therapist.”

One of my most rewarding moments as an AODA counselor happened at an open Narcotic Anonymous meeting. A young man who I worked with for several months was awarded a medallion for one year of continuous sobriety. He had worked hard, and our work had been difficult, but it was clear that he owed a large amount of his success to the support of the group members around him. This young man in the course of several months had gone from seeing himself as a repeated failure to a successful man who was now doing well in school and helping others overcome their own struggles with addiction.

This is one of the keys to why groups are effective at helping their members. Often, through group work someone finds the ability to help others. They arrive at the group in need of help, and over the course of time receive support, and in turn support others. In social support groups like AA and NA this is a central tenet of the group – helping the newcomer. It is no less true in psychotherapy groups where the benefit comes from a combination of being helped by members of groups even as the member is rendering support to others. Along the way the group member finds their mistakes and sufferings are given context and even meaning as they are discussed and normalized. One member often helps another to find context and meaning for their own difficulties.

Finding safety and meaning in life is something rare and important to all of us. These two groups are meant to provide both if only for a short time each week. The true hope is the safety and meaning found in the groups will allow the client to heal, recover and find support, even as they support others. Benefits of the group are passed on and on.

Living in Balance begins Thursday, September 12 from 3:30-5 pm. This group is designed for people in early recovery, still finding their footing in a new life without substances. We’ll look at lifestyle areas that may have been previously neglected.

Seeking Safety begins Tuesday, September 24 from 3:30-5 pm. This group program is for people who struggle with trauma and/or substance use. We’ll focus on the present and what can be done now to create a better life.

Group meetings are held at NorthLakes Community Clinic in Iron River, 7665 US Highway 2. To register call (715) 372-5001.

Balsam Lake, Wisconsin—As of September 3, NorthLakes Community Clinic – Balsam Lake will be transitioning patients to its Turtle Lake location.  For the past several years, NorthLakes Community Clinic and Polk County have enjoyed a strong partnership focused on providing residents in the Balsam Lake region access to quality dental care.

Due to recent growth Polk County Community Services and NorthLakes Community Clinic are experiencing, NorthLakes and Polk County have come to a mutual agreement that the best way to serve NorthLakes Community Clinic patients is at the Turtle Lake location.  NorthLakes Community Clinic – Turtle Lake recently expanded to accommodate more patients with a focus on integration.  In addition to dental services, the Turtle Lake location offers behavioral health services and health support services, such as resource coordination and health insurance enrollment.  There are also plans to expand again in the coming year. 

NorthLakes Community Clinic and Polk County Community Services will continue to partner to provide dental services by offering outreach through the County WIC office, partnering in regional collaborations and assisting residents with services as possible.  NorthLakes Community Clinic will work with patients to ensure they have the resources needed to continue utilizing services in Turtle Lake.  If you have any additional questions or concerns about this transition or need assistance getting to an appointment in Turtle Lake, please contact Nikki Leidl, Turtle Lake Site Manager, at (715) 986-2599.

About NorthLakes Community Clinic:

NorthLakes Community Clinic is a regional Community Health Center, with clinic locations in Ashland, Birchwood, Hayward, Hurley, Iron River, Lakewood, Minong, Oconto, Park Falls, Turtle Lake, Washburn and White Lake.  We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization managed by a patient majority board of directors. Services we offer include: medical, chiropractic, dental, behavioral health counseling including substance use disorder and recovery services, optometry, psychiatric services, pediatric speech and occupational therapy, physical therapy and prescriptions for patients.

NorthLakes Community Clinic provides care to individuals with Medicaid and Medicare, those without insurance, and also those with private health insurance. We also provide a Sliding Fee Scale available for patients who qualify. For more information, please visit: nlccwi.org.

White Lake, Wisconsin—NorthLakes Community Clinic is excited to announce the addition of Nurse Practitioner Samantha DeBroux.  DeBroux will see patients of all ages in White Lake and Lakewood. 

Of this position, DeBroux says “I joined the NorthLakes team because they care about the needs of the community. I look forward to working with the individual helping them achieve their best health.”

DeBroux received her AS in Nursing at Rasmussen College in Wausau and her BS in Nursing at Chamberlain University in Downers Grove, Illinois. There, she also completed her Master of Nursing to be a Family Nurse Practitioner.  As a Nurse Practitioner, DeBroux enjoys working with patients on prevention and understanding the root cause of your health issues. She also has a special interest in medical psychology and advance care planning.

Prior to joining NorthLakes, DeBroux worked for Aspirus Langlade Hospital as a hospice and palliative care nurse and in their birthing center. She also worked at Eastview Medical and Rehab in Antigo and Harmony Assisted Living in Wausau.

When she’s not working, DeBroux enjoys traveling her husband and three children, bargain shopping and rummage sales and attending renaissance festivals.

She is currently accepting children and adults in her practice. If you are interested in establishing your primary care with DeBroux, please call (888) 834-4551.

About NorthLakes Community Clinic:

NorthLakes Community Clinic is a regional Community Health Center, with clinic locations in Ashland,

Birchwood, Hayward, Hurley, Iron River, Lakewood, Minong, Oconto, Park Falls, Turtle Lake, Washburn and White Lake.  We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization managed by a patient majority board of directors. Services we offer include: medical, chiropractic, dental, behavioral health counseling including substance use disorder and recovery services, optometry, psychiatric services, pediatric speech and occupational therapy, physical therapy and prescriptions for patients.

NorthLakes Community Clinic provides care to individuals with Medicaid and Medicare, those without insurance, and also those with private health insurance. We also provide a Sliding Fee Scale available for patients who qualify. For more information, please visit: nlccwi.org.

Hayward, Wisconsin—NorthLakes Community Clinic – Hayward is excited to announce the addition of Michael Lawler DDS to the dental team.  Dr. Lawler will see patients of all ages at the dental clinic in Hayward. 

Of this position, Lawler says, “I’m passionate about dentistry and wanted to go to an area that I can serve all the patients. I also heard NorthLakes has a great team.”

Lawler received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Since 1980 he’s been practicing dentistry at Lawler Dental in Lake Nebagamon and more recently in Iron River.  He is an expert in complex extractions, impressions and bites, denture related services, and prosthodontics.

When he’s not working, Lawler enjoys softball, hunting, fishing, spending time with grandkids.

Iron River, Wisconsin—NorthLakes Community Clinic – Iron River is excited to announce the addition of Dr. Amy Roberts. Dr. Roberts is a family medicine physician who will see patients of all ages in the Iron River clinic. 

Of this position Roberts says “I decided to join NorthLakes because I share a passion for excellent health care for all people. The staff is genuine and dedicated, and of course there’s the therapy dogs!”

Roberts received her BA in Global Studies from the University of MN – Twin Cities.  She went on to complete an Adolescent and Sports Medicine Externship from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas; a Primary Care Sports Medicine Externship from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Minneapolis, Minnesota; and a Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Minnesota Medical School.  She completed a Residency in Pediatrics and Family Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.  Most recently, she’s completing her Family Residency via the Montana Family Medicine Residency program in Billings, Montana.  While Roberts enjoys treating a variety of patients, she especially enjoys helping adults and children live well with chronic conditions, women’s health, and musculoskeletal medicine. 

Prior to joining NorthLakes, Roberts worked as Medical Director at the Klamath Tribal Health and Family Services Clinic in Chiloquin, Oregon and at Northland Community Health Center in Rolla, North Dakota.  She was also a physician at Presentation Medical Center in Rolla, North Dakota.

When she’s not working, Roberts enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband and dog, along with spending quality time with her extended family.

She is currently accepting children and adults in her practice. If you are interested in establishing your primary care with Roberts, please call (715) 372-5001.

In anticipation of National Health Center Week (August 4-10, 2019) we thought we’d share this editorial written by NorthLakes Community Clinic CEO Reba Rice.

Each year, National Health Center Week provides an opportunity to highlight the work Community Health Centers are doing to move beyond the political battle over health care and provide preventative and primary care services to all.

Currently, health centers serve 28 million people or 1 in 12 Americans.  Community Health Centers are locally run and provide care to people who disproportionately suffer from chronic disease and lack access to affordable, quality care.  While our approach is community-based and local, collectively we generate a nationwide ripple effect.  Nationally, we lower health care costs (to the tune of $24 billion a year), reduce chronic diseases, and stimulate local economies.

At NorthLakes Community Clinic, we’re committed to finding quality, innovative and cost effective ways to actively remove barriers to care.  Our end goal is to create healthy engaged communities where everyone thrives.  While this vision is ambitious, it is one we work towards daily by finding ways to help people get access to the care they need and deserve—either in our clinics or through community partners and collaborations.

This year, we’re proud to say we have clinics in 13 communities throughout northern Wisconsin.  We employ more than 370 people with an annual payroll of $26 million.  That’s a lot of good jobs in small communities. Also, it results in our creating access for a lot of individuals who might not otherwise have access—whether it is financial, geographic, provider shortages or another barrier that once prevented them from seeking care.

So far this year, more than 17,000 individuals have received services in our clinics.  In addition to direct patient services, many of these individuals receive additional services coordinated through our health support services. These supports range widely based on the patient need: it isn’t unusual for our team to assist patients overcome barriers around housing, insurance, child care, transportation, and care coordination all in one day. 

Our commitment to community extends well beyond our walls. During the 2018-2019 school-year, we served 15,386 children in our Seal-A-Smile program, making it the largest in the state both by geography and patients. In the meantime, we continue to grow our School Based Behavioral Health program to ensure more students have access to this critical service right at their school.  We’re currently in 16 school districts and saw over 275 kids in the past school year.

I share these numbers because they show our commitment to serving northern Wisconsin both through providing great health care and great jobs.  We recognize that improving the overall health of our communities extends beyond medical charts.  We’re committed to exploring ways to address many of the factors that may cause poor health, such as poverty, homelessness, substance use, mental illness, poor nutrition, and unemployment. We collaborate and partner with hospitals, local and state governments, social, health and business organizations to improve health for people who are vulnerable.   

Community Health Centers are proven models of health care. As part of National Health Center Week 2019 (August 4-10^th), we invite you to take a moment to learn more about NorthLakes Community Clinic and why local health centers are a great prescription for good public health; and ask you to encourage our legislators to continue their bi-partisan support of Community Health Centers.

Reba Rice, CEO

NorthLakes Community Clinic