News

Seasonal Stress? Aspirus Health Therapist Offers Key Tips for a Healthier Holiday

"Choose the activities and traditions that you truly enjoy and protect your time and energy."   RHINELANDER, Wis. – For many, the holiday season brings a sense of joy and celebration. However, for others, the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations can lead to significant stress and anxiety. Janet Wimmer, a clinical therapist with Aspirus Health, shares expert advice on how to manage these challenges and prioritize mental wellness during this busy time of year.   "One of the biggest challenges is

Preventing Slip and Fall Injuries in the Winter

“It’s important to take your time and not be in a rush, use handrails and keep your hands free as much as possible.”   MEDFORD, Wis. – As winter sets in, snow and ice can turn sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots into hazardous zones. Slip and fall injuries are among the most common winter-related accidents, often leading to serious consequences such as fractures, sprains, and head injuries.   Kaitlin Eichman, a physical therapist with Aspirus Health, says with a little foresight and some practical

Goodwill NCW ready to meet the need of holiday shoppers looking to stay on budget

The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts that holiday spending is expected to reach record levels again this year, between $979.5 billion and $989 billion in total during the winter holidays. NRF’s latest holiday survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics found consumers plan to spend a record $902 per person on average on core holiday items including gifts, decorations, food and other holiday-related purchases this year. This year, 92% of consumers plan to celebrate the winter holidays. If

Keep Your Little Ones Safe This Winter: Aspirus Health Advises Against Puffy Coats in Car Seats

“A practical rule of thumb is to dress your child in what you’re wearing, plus an extra layer.”   UPPER MICHIGAN, Mich. – As winter approaches and temperatures drop, parents and caregivers are prioritizing warmth and safety for their children. However, a common winter staple—puffy coats—may pose unexpected dangers when combined with car seats.   Jaime Oswald, MD, Aspirus Family Medicine Physician and Safe Kids Wisconsin (SKW) provides essential guidance for securely bundling and buckling children

Interior architecture on display at UW-Stevens Point

Works by interior architecture students at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point are now being featured at the UW-Stevens Point Edna Carlsten Art Gallery. An opening reception will be held Friday, Dec. 13 from 2-5 p.m.  “ROOTed”, an exhibition presented by interior architecture students graduating this fall, will be free and open to the public Dec. 13-Jan. 9 in the Noel Fine Arts Center Edna Carlsten Gallery, 1800 Portage St., Stevens Point. Gallery hours run from noon-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and

Right Care, Right Time, Right Place: Aspirus Health Offers Guidance for Respiratory Illness Season

“If too many people who do not have medical emergencies go to the emergency department, it slows down care for everybody.”   WAUSAU, Wis. – As the “most wonderful time of the year” arrives, it also ushers in the busy season for respiratory illnesses like colds, flu, and COVID-19. With more patients seeking care during this time, Aspirus Health is providing important guidance to help individuals navigate their care options, ensuring timely treatment and reducing wait times.   Know When to Stay Home:

UW-Stevens Point - faculty and staff recognized for excellence, achievement

Several faculty and staff members at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point have been recognized for excellence within their professional fields.   Sarah Manasreh-Decker, assistant professor of clarinet and music theory, received a Universities of Wisconsin 2024 Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award, a honor given annually to recognize achievements in advancing equity and inclusion for people of color within the university and communities across the state. Manasreh-Decker teaches clarinet and

FOOD + FARM EXPLORATION WELCOMES ALEXANDRIA BEHREND AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PLOVER, WI - After an extensive national search conducted by executive search firm Sano Pratt, the search committee for Food + Farm Exploration Center is excited to announce Alexandria Behrend as its new Executive Director. Behrend will officially assume her role on January 2, 2025, ushering in a new era of leadership and innovation for the organization.Behrend brings nearly two decades of progressive leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, demonstrating a profound commitment to advancing

Name the Team Contest for Wausau Softball Club Now Open!

[STEVENS POINT, WI] – The Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce their holiday

CWSO's 76th Season Holiday Concerts

[STEVENS POINT, WI] – The Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce their holiday concerts for their 76th season on December 14th and 15th at Sentry Theater.The CWSO will perform their holiday concerts entitled HOLIDAY ON BROADWAY at Sentry Theater on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 7:30 pm and December 15, 2024, at 4:00pm. These concerts will feature all your favorite Christmas songs, such as “Winter Wonderland”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “All I Want for Christmas Is You”,

UW-Stevens Point announces Title IX, affirmative action administrator

An experienced administrator at Gannon University has been named the new assistant to the chancellor for affirmative action and Title IX at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.Joseph Primiano will begin his new role at UW-Stevens Point on Jan. 6, 2025. The position ensures compliance with state and federal laws, Universities of Wisconsin policies and campus policies and reports to Chancellor Thomas Gibson.Primiano served as the Title IX coordinator and director of the Office of Student Accountability

Next Level Renewal - A Call for Community Support to Enhance Holistic Services for Recovery

Wisconsin Rapids, WI — Next Level Renewal, in partnership with the C4CS Center for Community Stewardship in Madison, WI, is reaching out to the Central Wisconsin communities for support in its mission to help individuals affected by trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. Focused on young adults, teenagers, veterans, and low-income families, Next Level Renewal is committed to providing holistic services that promote healing, recovery, and resilience for those facing life’s toughest

UW-Stevens Point to hold winter commencement ceremony Dec. 14

An alumnus who is a multifaceted instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and composer will address more than 500 graduates and their families at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s winter commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 14.  Stevens Point native Danny Mitchell, a 2006 graduate of UW-Stevens Point, currently lends his talents as keyboardist, bandleader and vocalist with multiplatinum recording artist Miranda Lambert. He will speak to graduates from campuses in Stevens Point, Marshfield and Wausau

Stay Safe This Thanksgiving: Avoid Dangerous Alcohol-Medication Interactions

  “These interactions can be more harmful than you think.”   WAUSAU, Wis. – As Thanksgiving approaches, many look forward to gathering with loved ones to celebrate gratitude, warmth, and togetherness. But for some, the holiday also brings “Blackout Wednesday”—a night notorious for heavy drinking that can quickly turn risky, particularly for those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications.   "Mixing alcohol with certain medications can lead to dangerous side effects, such as dizziness,

UW-Stevens Point’s offering planetarium shows in December

Journey light years away from home this December at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Allen F. Blocher Planetarium.  Planetarium shows will be offered at 2 p.m. on Sundays in December. All regular public shows are around one hour long and include a 25-min presentation focusing on the current night sky of Central Wisconsin (bright stars, constellations, planets, etc.) All events are free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated and help continue these programs:   Dec. 8 – 2 p.m.

First State Bank’s Holiday Giving Program

Help Fulfill a Giving Tree Wish for Someone in Need  Stevens Point, Wisconsin – Community members are invited to support First State Bank’s Share the Joy Holiday Giving Program. The bank is once again partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County to fulfill holiday wishes for local children in need.   Volunteer shoppers wishing to donate can choose an ornament from the Giving Tree at the bank’s Stevens Point office at 5500 Carrie Frost Drive. Participants then purchase a gift to fit the needs

Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital Helps Feed Neighbors in Need Through Meals on Wheels Program

STEVENS POINT, Wis. - Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital is playing a vital role in providing nutritious meals to those in need in the local community. Through its collaboration with Meals on Wheels of Stevens Point, the hospital’s nutritional services team ensures that homebound individuals - many of whom are elderly or disabled - receive hot, diet-specific meals delivered to their doorsteps. Each day, the nutrition services team at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital dedicates 2.5 full-time equivalent staff

Aspirus Health Offers Comprehensive Birthing Center Classes Across Its System to Support Expectant P

“Our goal is to provide expectant parents with the resources they need to feel ready and confident, whether they attend classes in person or online.”   STEVENS POINT, Wis. – Aspirus Health is proud to offer a wide range of birthing classes across its system, providing expectant parents with essential resources to support a healthy and confident start to parenthood. With both in-person and online options available, these classes are part of Aspirus's ongoing commitment to making quality maternal

It’s easy to give the gift of hope through Goodwill NCW on Giving Tuesday

WISCONSIN – On Tuesday, December 3, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) will join millions by participating in the global generosity movement known as Giving Tuesday.   You might not realize it, but Goodwill NCW makes giving back to our communities easy. Shoppers and donors provide fuel for job programs that put our friends and neighbors on the path to sustained employment and improved financial stability.Last year individuals served by Goodwill NCW’s mission programs increased their collective annual

One ‘front door’ for UW-Stevens Point students needing emergency aid

Unexpected challenges and expenses happen to everyone, including college students. With the goal of making sure these emergencies don’t get in the way of earning a degree, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is making it easier for students to apply for financial help in a crisis.Unlike previous years, students will have one “front door” with one application for any type of emergency funding rather than applying with several units. Starting in January 2025, a website through the NextGen financial aid

Local Aspirus Facilities to Incorporate Locations into Names

WISCONSIN RAPIDS - To enhance patient clarity regarding their locations, Aspirus Riverview Hospital and Aspirus Doctors Clinic will soon incorporate “Wisconsin Rapids” into their names.   Beginning February 1, Aspirus Riverview Hospital will be called Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital, and Aspirus Doctors Clinic will be Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Clinic-Peach Street.   Location-based name changes will also occur at the other Aspirus Health facilities in the greater Wisconsin Rapids area. The changes

Enjoy music concerts at all three UW-Stevens Point campuses in December

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is hosting a variety of music concerts on all three campuses in Stevens Point, Marshfield and Wausau this month.  UW-Stevens Point concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Noel Fine Arts Center Michelsen Hall, 1800 Portage Street, Stevens Point. Tickets are $17 for the general public, $15 for seniors (62+), $10 for youth (under 18) and UWSP employees. Events are ticketed unless noted otherwise. Tickets are available for purchase online, at the Information and Tickets

Haine’s legacy gift fuels growth of the UW-Stevens Point Sentry School

A retired educator couple with a history of giving is adding to their impact with a transformational gift to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.  Jim and Madeleine Haine of Stevens Point have committed an additional $500,000 to the Sentry School of Business and Economics at UW-Stevens Point, bringing their lifetime gifts to more than $822,000. Their contributions will continue to strengthen recruitment efforts and expand opportunities for students by creating new spaces and programs within the Sentry

The Stevens Point Area YMCA has officially relaunched their Youth Activity Center

The Youth Activity Center (YAC) at the Stevens Point Area YMCA has officially reopened for all Y Members. The YAC, located in the Conference Room near the Aquatics Lobby, will be open Monday through Thursday from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM for children ages 8-12. The Youth Activity Center provides a place for children to hang out, play games, create crafts, and participate in a variety of fun and enriching activities. YMCA staff base these activities around what participants express interest in and want to do. The

2024 Festival of Trees Returns for 27th year

Annual event supports Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services and Aspirus Family House               ROTHSCHILD, Wis. — The Aspirus Health Foundation will host its 27th Annual Festival of Trees during Thanksgiving week, November 27 through December 1 at the Central WI Convention +EXPO Center.   Festival visitors will stroll through a glittering wonderland of holiday trees, wreaths, decor, baskets, and specialty items decorated and donated by people in our community for a silent auction and raffle.

Improving Access, Improving Lives: How Aspirus is Shaping Rural Health Care

“Rural health care can thrive with the right people, partnerships, and vision.”    DULUTH, Minn. – For those living in small communities, access to health care can be a struggle. Hospitals and specialists are often hours away creating a barrier for receiving timely care. However, Aspirus Health is committed to rewriting this story, making health care more accessible for people in rural areas.    “Patients in rural areas deserve the same high-quality care as anyone in a metro area,” said Greg Ruberg,

Tree Stand Safety: Avoiding Falls This Hunting Season - Recent injuries underscore the dangers of tree stand falls during hunting season

"Hunting is a cherished sport, but it’s important to listen to your body, use proper tools, and ask for help when needed."   WAUSAU, Wis. – As deer hunting season kicks off across Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota, hunters are encouraged to prioritize safety—particularly when using tree stands. Tree stand accidents are a leading cause of hunting-related injuries, with 300-500 fatalities annually in the U.S., according to the International Hunter Education Association. At Aspirus Wausau Hospital (AWH),

For Gen Z Making a Difference Matters: Junior Achievement Survey

Volunteering opportunities make a big difference to Gen Z when evaluating job prospects, according to a multi-generational Ipsos poll conducted for Junior Achievement USA, a nonprofit provider of educational programs for K-12 students.  According to the survey of 2,294 adults, 72 percent of Gen Z want to work for companies that offer employees opportunities to volunteer. Additionally, 87 percent of Gen Z believe companies that offer volunteer opportunities for employees strengthen the community while 79