Head to Toe by Alomere Health

12: Postpartum Recovery: What Every Parent Should Know Featuring Annie Paulsen, APRN, Certified Nurse-Midwife at Alomere Health

Pregnancy is filled with doctor appointments, clear plans, and plenty of attention—but what happens after the baby arrives? For many moms, the postpartum period is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding stretches of their lives, and it usually comes without the same level of structured support. In this honest and reassuring conversation, Annie Paulsen, a midwife at Alomere Health, walks through what new moms can realistically expect in the days, weeks, and months after birth.  We cover what’s involved with actually recovering physically—from uterine changes and postpartum bleeding to healing from a vaginal birth versus a C-section. (What’s normal and when it’s time to call your provider.)  And then we talk about the emotional side of postpartum recovery. (What’s the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression?) Annie explains why postpartum anxiety is more common than most people realize, and she describes what partners and family members should watch for.  This episode provides plenty of practical guidance on sleep, nutrition, the mental load of new parenthood, and how couples can better support each other through the transition.  Whether you’re expecting, newly postpartum, or supporting someone who is, this episode is full of the kind of real, practical information that can make a genuine difference. Annie is both candid and compassionate, and she shares from her own experiences as both a practitioner and a new mom. Listen now and check out the resources below. If you are expecting or you need support with postpartum care, call Alomere Health at 320-763-5123 [tel:320-763-5123] or use MyChart [https://alomerehealth.com/mychart/] to schedule an appointment with Annie or one of our other midwives. Note: Head to Toe podcasts are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical advice is unique to each individual. Talk with your health care provider to see what’s right for you. If you’ve got an urgent health need, please schedule an appointment or visit the Alexandria Clinic Express Care today. If this is an emergency, dial 911.

11: Incontinence & Prolapse Featuring Dr. Sarah Sprengeler, OB-GYN at Alomere Health

Believe it or not, incontinence and prolapse are two of the most common conditions Dr. Sarah Sprengeler sees in her OB-GYN office at Alomere—and they’re also some of the least talked about.  In this episode, Dr. Sprengler breaks down why so many women suffer in silence with these conditions, and why they don't have to. Learn what prolapse and incontinence actually are, what causes them, and how hormones, childbirth, and lifestyle all play a role. Dr. Sprengler walks through the full range of treatment options, from pelvic floor physical therapy and pessaries to surgical procedures, medications, and newer treatments like Bulkamid. You'll walk away understanding when it's time to see a doctor and why asking "is this normal?" is always worth doing.  Whether you're experiencing symptoms yourself, approaching menopause, or just want to understand your body better, this episode offers the kind of honest, practical information that can make a real difference in your quality of life. Listen now — and then call Alomere Health at 320-763-5123 or use MyChart to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sprengeler or one of our other OB-GYNs. Note: Head to Toe podcasts are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical advice is unique to each individual. Talk with your health care provider to see what’s right for you. If you’ve got an urgent health need, please schedule an appointment or visit the Alexandria Clinic Express Care today. If this is an emergency, dial 911.

10: Joint Replacement Surgery Part 2 - Featuring Angie Miller, Joint Care Coordinator

In Part Two of our Joint Replacement series, we talk with Angie Miller, Alomere Health Joint Care Coordinator in Alexandria, MN. Angie guides patients through their entire journey, and she’s got great insights and advice for you. If you're ready to pursue a joint replacement, contact Heartland Orthopedic Specialists at (320) 762-1144 or visit heartlandorthopedics.com to schedule your consultation. QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE * What does a Joint Care Coordinator do and how do they support patients? * What signs indicate joint pain is serious enough to consider surgery? * What non-surgical treatments should people try before joint replacement? * What happens in the mandatory pre-op education class? * What is the role of the "coach" in the joint replacement process? * How should patients prepare their homes for recovery? * What's the difference between partial and total knee replacement? * Why are some patients able to go home the same day as surgery? * How does pain management work during and after surgery? * When does physical therapy begin and how intensive is it? * When can patients return to everyday activities like driving, cooking, and showering? * What equipment might patients need at home during recovery? * How long do joint replacements typically last? * What activities should be avoided after joint replacement? Note: Head to Toe podcasts are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical advice is unique to each individual. Talk with your health care provider to see what's right for you. If you've got an urgent health need, please schedule an appointment or visit the Alexandria Clinic Express Care today. If this is an emergency, dial 911.*

9: Joint Replacement Surgery Part 1 - Featuring Dr. Aaron J. Balgaard, M.D.

In this episode, you’ll hear directly from Dr. Aaron J. Balgaard, General Orthopedic Surgeon at Heartland Orthopedics in Alexandria, MN, as he shares what to expect, what role robots are playing in today’s joint replacement surgeries, and much more. You'll learn about recovery timelines, pain management strategies, and why patience is just as important as physical therapy in getting the best long-term results from your joint replacement. If you're ready to pursue a joint replacement, contact Heartland Orthopedic Specialists at (320) 762-1144 or visit heartlandorthopedics.com to schedule your consultation with Dr. Balgaard or another orthopedic specialist. QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE * What exactly is joint replacement surgery and which joints are most commonly replaced? * What are the most common reasons people need joint replacements? * When should someone consider having a joint replacement? * How does robotic-assisted (Mako) joint replacement work, and how is it different from a traditional surgery? * Is robotic surgery the right choice for everyone? * What can patients expect on the day of surgery and during recovery? * When can patients return to activities like golfing? * How long do joint replacements typically last? * What questions should someone ask their doctor when considering joint replacement? Note: Head to Toe podcasts are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical advice is unique to each individual. Talk with your health care provider to see what's right for you. If you've got an urgent health need, please schedule an appointment or visit the Alexandria Clinic Express Care today. If this is an emergency, dial 911.*

8: Treating Opioid-Use Disorder with Medication Featuring Dr. Allison Juba, Family Medicine physician at Alomere Health

Opioid use disorder affects thousands of Minnesotans every year, yet stigma and misunderstanding often prevent people from seeking the help they need. In this honest, hope-filled conversation, Dr. Allison Juba shares her personal connection to this issue and explains how medication-assisted treatment is saving lives in our community. Dr. Juba breaks down the difference between physical dependence and addiction, explains the three evidence-based medications available for treatment, and describes how Alomere’s approach treats opioid use disorder like any other chronic medical condition—with compassion, evidence-based care, and without judgment. Whether you’re struggling yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply want to understand this critical health issue better, this episode offers practical information and hope. Dr. Juba’s expertise and personal experience provide a perspective that could be life-changing for someone who needs to hear that help is available and recovery is possible. This conversation removes the mystery and shame around opioid use disorder treatment, emphasizing that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Listen now—and then visit our Medication-Assisted Treatment [https://alomerehealth.com/services/medication-assisted-treatment/] webpage to get the names of Alomere Health providers who offer this treatment. Call Alexandria Clinic at 320-763-5123 or visit alomerehealth.com and use MyChart [https://alomerehealth.com/mychart/] to schedule an appointment with Dr. Juba or another provider who specializes in treating substance use disorders. Resources and Tools Here are the resources Dr. Juba mentions in this episode: * Region Four Crisis Services [https://www.r4sconversations.org/programs/crisis/] * 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline [https://988lifeline.org/] * Thrive Behavioral Health Network [https://www.thrivebehavioralnetwork.com/] * Al-Anon Family Support [https://al-anon.org/] * Learn more about Alomere’s Medication-Assisted Treatment program [https://alomerehealth.com/] Note: Head to Toe podcasts are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical advice is unique to each individual. Talk with your health care provider to see what’s right for you. If you’ve got an urgent health need, please schedule an appointment or visit the Alexandria Clinic Express Care today. If this is an emergency, dial 911. “By providing those medications in a more accessible place like the clinic, you can get patients to come in more regularly and get them the healthcare they previously hadn’t been getting.”