Sometimes we don’t really appreciate what’s right here in front of us

Fortunate to be experiencing good health, Lauren Miene didn’t give much thought to healthcare. But when she took a tumble during a beautiful Sunday of cross-country skiing, she suddenly found herself in need of care. After brushing herself off, she realized her wrist seemed to have taken the brunt of the fall, and she decided she should get it checked. “I didn’t even know where Urgent Care was,” she laughed, “but I found it and had a very pleasant experience. Dr. [Lawrence] Waite was wonderful, his nurse was so helpful, and everyone was so caring.” An X-ray proved inconclusive, and, not wanting to risk further injury or a potential decrease in range of motion, Lauren was referred to Hans Serleth, MD, Winona Health’s hand surgeon, who ordered an MRI. “The MRI technologist, Marti [Gabel], was really nice—so affirming—she made sure I was comfortable and checked on how I was doing throughout the entire test to make sure I was ok and could let her know if I had a question or needed to adjust.” After her MRI, Lauren mentioned to Marti that she’d be back in a few days for a mammogram. “Marti immediately said ‘let’s see if we can get you in now as long as you’re here and we can save you a trip!’ Sure enough, they were able to do my mammogram right then, too! I wouldn’t have minded coming back, but that was so thoughtful—talk about service!” Lauren said she is doing occupational therapy at Winona Health as a result of her wrist injury and, “Holly [Taylor] is giving me reassurance, confidence and encouragement to get back to all my regular activities.” She adds that she is now also nearly caught up health-wise after a checkup with Mary Michener, MD, and preventive health screenings including a head-to-toe skin check with Dermatologist Kevin Christensen, MD. “Everyone has been absolutely wonderful—so caring and so good at what they do. Before we lived in Winona, my husband and I had always lived in bigger cities. We’ve lived in Winona since 1992. It’s easy to ignore what’s right here in front of you until you need it. Winona Health is really special, and I hope people don’t take this for granted.” ⁠—Lauren Miene

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