Dear Dr. Toshi, (Lab Results Part 3) I went to see my doctor, and she showed me my lab results, but I had no idea what they mean. Can you explain them to me? Today I'll talk about the last part of the Complete Blood Count lab (CBC), namely, platelets. Basically, platelets play an important role in repairing injuries and clotting blood. So, I'll tal...

Dear Dr. Toshi, (Lab Results Part 2)    I went to see my doctor, and she showed me my lab results, but I had no idea what they mean. Can you explain them to me? We started talking about the family of white blood cells last week. They're cells that are part of your immune system, and they circulate in the pipelines in your body--that is, i...

Dear Dr. Toshi,   (Lab Results Part 1)I went to see my doctor, and she showed me my lab results, but I had no idea what they mean. Can you explain them to me? I'm sure you've had your blood drawn to have lab tests done at the clinic or hospital. But do you know what they're for? Have you wondered what the results mean? I'd like to give you a q...

Dear Dr. Toshi, I have trouble sleeping at night. What can I do to get better sleep? Insomnia is "persistent problems falling and staying asleep." Interestingly, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed sleep habits for some people, according to a report I read. Some people are struggling with insomnia due to increased anxiety or stress, for example. But ...

Dear Dr. Toshi,   COVID-19 is still going strong, but will we have a regular flu season this fall and winter, too? Yes, we will have a season of influenza (the flu) again, just like any other year. Unfortunately, having COVID-19 is a different virus, so it doesn't make our regular flu season go away. COVID-19 is caused by a virus called SARS-C...

Dear Dr. Toshi, Why do some people have to be quarantined for 14 days after a vacation away from home if they're feeling fine and have no fever? Good question! It's been really confusing because 1) some unfamiliar words and phrases are used, 2) guidelines and rules seem to change a lot, 3) recommendations and guidelines from the CDC (Centers for Di...

Dear Dr. Toshi, "We often hear doctors and other providers talk about blood clots. What exactly are they? Why are they so bad?" Several years ago, on a flight to Japan, I heard the overhead announcement, "Is there a doctor or nurse on board? If so, please let one of the flight attendants know." I was ready to help! I immediately pushed the flight a...

Dear Dr. Toshi,   "My doctor says that I have a 'chronic cough.'  What does 'chronic' mean? Also, how is this related to deciding whether to go to my doctor, an Acute Care clinic,  or the Emergency Room?"    You might think you know what a common word means, but sometimes common words mean something different when used...

Could you give us a quick tip for better health and safety in the time of COVID-19? Hand Hygiene Part 2

Dear Dr. Toshi - Could you give us a quick tip for better health and safety in the time of COVID-19? Hand Hygiene Part 1

Have you been considering quitting tobacco products and e-cigarettes? 𝓘𝓽'𝓼 𝓠𝓾𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓣𝓲𝓶𝓮 and time for you to finally implement that quit plan you've only been thinking about. If you need help contact WRHS Tobacco Treatment Specialists Rose Bergquist, Teresa Nielsen, and Lesley Kling for resources to get you started. 𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙌𝙪𝙞𝙩? This week can be ...

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a new strain of virus, and we are learning more about it every day. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. At this point, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes it. Stopping transmission (spread) of the virus through everyday ...

Don't be afraid to seek medical attention for serious conditions that are not related to COVID-19! Health care professionals are taking steps to keep all patients safe during the pandemic. It's okay to seek treatment for non-COVID-19-related conditions, especially serious emergent conditions like heart attack or stroke. Call 701-567-4561 or any one...

West River Health Services provides Virtual Care for many of our services such as clinic appointments, counseling, speech, physical, and occupational therapies. West River Health Services is taking steps to keep all patients safe during the pandemic. Do not be afraid to seek medical attention for serious conditions that are not related to COVID-19!...