Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Kick off a Healthy New Year with Core4 by Sodexo - Early Bird Discounts until January 2nd!
The New Year is a perfect time for a change!
Change your lifestyle, change your eating habits, change your attitude and change your life! Core4 by Sodexo is offered to PLHS employees and the general public. Beginning Tuesday, January 10th, there are two 12-week sessions available that meet for an hour - one meets at 12:00 pm and the other meets at 5:30 pm. Both groups will meet in the North Conference Room.
Effective weight management isn’t just about losing pounds. It’s about gaining a healthier, more rewarding lifestyle. During the Core4 program, our Registered Dietitians will focus on boosting your overall health, relying on proven scientific methods to train you to improve your eating habits, lifestyle, and activity choices- for good!
The 12-Week CORE4 Program
- Week 1: Introduction
- Week 2: Individual Appointment with a Registered Dietitian
- Week 3: Taking Control Behavior Modification
- Week 4: Portions
- Week 5: Food Labels, Meal Planning and Dining Out
- Week 6: Exercise
- Week 7: Choosing Wisely Fat, Cholesterol and Triglycerides
- Week 8: Choosing Wisely Carbohydrates and Fiber
- Week 9: Choosing Wisely Protein and Water
- Week 10: Choosing Wisely Vitamins and Minerals
- Week 11: Stress, Sleep and Extreme Diets
- Week 12: Moving On
Early-Bird Incentive: Enter promo code "Early" on/before January 2nd and receive $20 off your registration fee.
The program is limited to 8 attendees per session, so be sure to get registered before they fill up!
To enhance your Core4 experience, we are now offering the use of the PLHS Cardiopulmonary Rehab gym with healthcare staff assistance. More information will be shared at the first Core4 class.
Body Composition Analysis (BCA)
This analysis is based on an individual’s personal information using weight, height and age. The BCA shows the composition of your body in terms of fat, muscle, and water content. This can help you concentrate on losing body fat instead of just focusing on losing pounds. A body composition analysis is completed at the beginning and the end of this 12 week program.
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Wednesday, December 07, 2022
Ladies Night Out 2023 - Save the Date!
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is proud to announce the return of an in-person Ladies Night Out on Friday, February 24th at the Watertown Event Center!
Our keynote speaker, Leslie Morgan Steiner, will be sharing poignant information on the importance of self-care, ways to cope with stress, and the unique challenges working mothers face as they raise a family along with enjoying a professional career. Leslie Morgan Steiner is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir Crazy Love; the critically acclaimed anthology Mommy Wars: Stay-at-Home and Career Moms Face Off on Their Choices, Their Lives, Their Families; The Baby Chase: How Surrogacy is Transforming the American Family; and her latest memoir, The Naked Truth, which explores female sexuality, self-esteem and dating after 50. Visit her at www.lesliebooks.com.
In addition, various PLHS providers and specialists will be providing educational breakout sessions along with several interactive booths for the community to enjoy. Dinner and a no-host bar are also included in this free event.
We look forward to seeing you on Friday, February 24th.
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Thursday, March 09, 2023
BASH is Back in 2023!
Update: Tickets sales have now ended, but check back for additional information on online silent auction bidding and other opportunities to get involved and support the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation and BASH 2023.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is excited to announce BASH (Building A Superior Healthcare System) 2023 will be held on Saturday, March 25th at the Watertown Event Center. BASH is an annual gala fundraising event hosted by the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, with much support from donors and volunteers.
About BASH 2023
Kidney Dialysis MachineBASH 2023 will have a whimsical golden theme, encouraging guests to “dial in on dialysis.” Proceeds from the event will be used to purchase new kidney dialysis machines (artificial kidneys) for Watertown Kidney Dialysis at the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
Dialysis is a treatment for people whose kidneys are failing and don’t filter blood the way they should. As a result, wastes and toxins build up in the bloodstream. Dialysis does the work of the kidneys, removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood. One type of dialysis is hemodialysis, where a machine removes blood from your body, filters it through a dialyzer (artificial kidney), and returns cleaned blood to your body. This 3–4-hour process takes place at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, three times a week.
All proceeds raised during BASH 2023 will be used to purchase these lifesaving kidney dialysis machines!
Event Details
- 5:30pm - Social Hour and Silent Auction
- 7:00pm - Gourmet Dinner
- 7:45pm - Program and Live Auction
- 8:30pm - Entertainment Featuring MVP Smash Band
Buy Tickets and Support the Cause
Reservations are required for BASH and may be made online at EventBrite or by calling the Foundation office at 605-882-7631.
Sponsorships
Corporate sponsorships are appreciated as the Foundation works to cover the cost of the event so all dollars raised are allocated towards the cause. Sponsorship inquiries may be made by calling the foundation office at 605-882-7631 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Visit the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation’s Facebook page for updates on packages and other exciting event details.
The mission of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is, “Healthcare is a vital component of a community’s quality of life. Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation exists to raise funds with which to support and advance the health services available to the Watertown area through Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.”
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Monday, December 05, 2022
Save the Date for BASH 2023
Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is excited to announce BASH (Building A Superior Healthcare System) 2023 will be held on Saturday, March 25 at the Watertown Event Center. BASH is an annual gala fundraising event hosted by the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, with much support from donors and volunteers.
Tickets
This semi-formal event is open to the public. Tickets must be purchased by March 8th through the link below, by calling the Foundation office at 605-882-7631, or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Theme and Cause
BASH 2023 will have a whimsical golden theme, encouraging guests to “dial in on dialysis.” Proceeds from the event will be used to purchase new kidney dialysis machines (artificial kidneys) for Watertown Kidney Dialysis Unit at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
Dialysis is a treatment for people whose kidneys are failing and don’t filter blood the way they should. As a result, wastes and toxins build up in the bloodstream. Dialysis does the work of the kidneys, removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood. One type of dialysis is hemodialysis, where a machine removes blood from your body, filters it though a dialyzer (artificial kidney), and returns cleaned blood to your body. This 3–4-hour process takes place at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, three times a week.
All proceeds raised during BASH 2023 will be used to purchase these lifesaving kidney dialysis machines.
BASH Agenda
- 5:30 pm - social hour with signature drinks, a wine bar, and silent auction bidding
- 7:00 pm - gourmet dinner
- 7:45 pm - program and live auction
- 8:30 pm - entertainment featuring the MVP Smash band
Sponsorships
Corporate sponsorships are appreciated as the Foundation works to cover the cost of the event so all dollars raised are allocated towards the cause. Sponsorship inquiries may be made by calling the foundation office at 605-882-7631 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Visit the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation’s Facebook page for updates on packages and other exciting event details.
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Monday, November 28, 2022
Prairie Lakes Welcomes New Radiation Oncologist
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to welcome Radiation Oncologist, Joni Buechler, MD to our cancer care team. Dr. Buechler cares for patients at the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center and creates personalized treatment and therapy plans for patients diagnosed with cancer. With advanced radiation therapies, chemotherapy, mobile PET scanning, clinical trials, and an experienced oncology and hematology team, Prairie Lakes Cancer Center is equipped to diagnose, treat, and manage a large variety of cancers and blood disorders.
Dr. Buechler has a combined 34 years of experience as a radiologic technician, radiation therapist, nurse, and Radiation Oncologist. She earned her medical degree from the University of North Dakota and completed her residency in Radiation Oncology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She is board-certified by the American Board of Radiology.
Since 2014, Dr. Buechler has spent time at Prairie Lakes Cancer Center as a locum physician. Upon the retirement of Dr. Jeffrey Brindle, she assumed a full-time role. She and husband Jeremy come to us from Fargo, where she worked for almost 10 years. She enjoys being active with water fitness, going to the gym, hiking, and biking. She is addicted to Wordle and British TV. She loves animals, especially cats! She continues her quest in search of the perfect caramel roll. “So far, no one’s is better than my Mom’s,” she says.
“I grew up on a farm in ND and am happiest in a rural community” said Dr. Buechler. “We look forward to becoming a part of this one.”
You may schedule an appointment with Dr. Buechler by calling the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center at 605-882-6800. A referral is not required to schedule an appointment.
View Dr. Buechler's Doctor Profile
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Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Prairie Lakes Appoints New Vice Presidents
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurie Fieber to the position of Vice President of Clinic Operations and Alison Gilbertson to the position of Vice President of Human Resources. Both Fieber and Gilbertson will provide administrative leadership for PLHS.
Fieber received her nursing degree from the University of South Dakota and her Master of Science in nursing from Grand Canyon University. She has been with Prairie Lakes for almost 20 years where she has served patients in the ER, Same Day Surgery, Home Health/Hospice, and Cath Lab. Fieber previously held the leadership role of Director of General Surgery, ENT Clinic, Outreach Clinics and Central Scheduling. She was most recently promoted to the Interim Vice President role in January 2022. Fieber enjoys spending time with her children: Cassie, Davin, Jeryn, and Blake along with reading her kindle.
“I have always been proud to be a part of the Prairie Lakes team. It is an organization that has such a proud past and a bright future.” My years at PLHS have taught me time and time again that we have some of the best staff and physicians that I have been fortunate enough to work alongside,” Fieber said. “I’m excited to continue to serve an organization that is committed to its employees, continued growth, and providing excellent care to our patients.”
Gilbertson holds a master’s degree from the University of South Dakota and her undergraduate degree from South Dakota State University. She has been with Prairie Lakes for the past 10 years, and 8 years prior, where she has served in several leadership roles including Director of Human Resources, Executive Director of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, Organizational Development Specialist, Medical Staff Liaison and Recruiter, and Outreach Coordinator. Previous to Prairie Lakes, she served as the Executive Director of Golden Living Center in Lake Norden, SD. Gilbertson was most recently promoted to the position of Interim Vice President in February 2022. In her free time, she enjoys spending time, preferably outdoors, with her family - husband Steve, and their boys Austin, his wife Sasha, and Brody, her sisters, and her parents. She also appreciates an occasional trip to Disney World.
“Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is a highly successful organization with a compelling vision for continued growth. We have phenomenal staff who work hard together to get the job done, and I believe our most valued asset is our people,” Gilbertson said. “I look forward to contributing to and providing leadership to a team that makes us better than we were the day before."
Fieber and Gilbertson join the Prairie Lakes Administrative Leadership Team which consists of Shelly Turbak, Chief Nursing Officer, Jay Hodges, Interim Chief Financial Officer, and Paul Macek, Interim Chief Executive Officer.
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Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Hope for the Holidays Memorial Service
The holidays can be a difficult time for families and friends remembering a lost loved one.
Prairie Lakes Hospice invites you to join us on Thursday, December 8th, 2022 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm in the Prairie Lakes Chapel for our "Hope for the Holidays" Memorial Service.
Pastor Scott Dempster, Chaplain at Jenkin's Living Center in Watertown, will offer an invocation to help those in attendance to find hope and peace during this season knowing their loved one is in a good place.
There will be time for private prayer and reflection. A private blessing will also be offered.
Please RSVP to Sherri Sellers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 605-882-7714.
For more information on Prairie Lakes Hospice and the services we provide, please visit our website or call 605-882-7745 where somebody is always available to answer your call.
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Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Prairie Lakes OB Patient Lives to Tell Her Story
A Prairie Lakes patient is grateful for a team of doctors and nurses who saved her life after complications following child birth on July 6, 2022. She honored a local OB/GYN, Dr. Miranda Pray-Dede, with a "Guardian Angel" award. Many Prairie Lakes teams were involved in Nicole Rislov's care including OB, OR, and CCU. She shared her story with KELOLAND News and surprised Dr. Pray-Dede with the award alongside Priaire Lakes OB staff, Sanford Health staff, and Dr. Pray-Dede's family.
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Wednesday, November 09, 2022
Home Care and Hospice Month
During the month of November, the home care and hospice community honors the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists, social workers, and support staff nation-wide who make a remarkable difference for the patients and families they serve. These heroic caregivers play a central role in our health care system and in homes across the nation.
- Provides skilled and non-skilled home health services to over 300 patients
- Counties Served: Clark, Codington, Day, Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, and Roberts.
- Serves an average of 30 patients daily across this same region, including 13 nursing homes and assisted living centers.
- Counties Served: Clark, Codington, Day, Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, and Roberts.
To cover this expansive region, we employ:
- 25 nurses
- 16 homecare aides
- 5 physical therapists and PT assistants
- 5 occupational therapists and OT assistants
- 2 speech therapists
- 2 social workers
- a spiritual care coordinator.
- Billing and support staff
Julie Sampson, Director of Home Health, Hospice & Home Connections adds, “I am beyond blessed to work with such an outstanding team of home health and hospice caregivers here at Prairie Lakes. As difficult as our work can be, it is truly a blessing to serve people in their homes, which is where they want to be. And, when it comes to end of life care, we consider it a gift and an honor to care for patients and families, making that final journey the very best that’s possible medically, emotionally, and spiritually.”
We recognize that caring for a loved one who is still living at home is difficult sometimes. Providing the care needed on a regular basis may not be realistic for family members. Prairie Lakes Home Health can help by providing professional nursing or personal care services - all in the comfort and privacy of the individual's home.For more information, visit our website below or call 605-882-7745 to make an appointment.
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Monday, November 07, 2022
Blood Mobile Coming to PLHS November 14th
During this time of community, connection, and giving thanks please consider giving blood during the next Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Blood Drive in partnership with Community Blood Bank! The Blood Mobile will be parked outside of the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Did you know, when you donate through Community Blood Bank all the blood stays within your community. A safe, cost-effective supply of blood is delivered to local hospitals, like Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. If you or someone you know receives blood or blood products from medical treatment, it likely came from a Community Blood Bank blood drive just like this one!
Join us to donate blood on Monday, November 14th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., check-in is in the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic main lobby.
Update: Community Blood Bank will be giving all donors a $5 Scooters Coffee gift card!
Guidelines to Donate:
- Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form found at www.cbblifeblood.org) weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good general health.
- Donors exhibiting cold or flu symptoms are unable to donate.
- Valid identification is required at the time of registration.
- It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluid prior to donating blood.
- Online sign-up is preferred to help with social distancing
- Walk-ins will be accepted, if there is room or a cancellation – staff on event day will manage this process
- When donating on the Bloodmobile, masks are optional despite vaccination status (*Masks are required during the check-in process in the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic)
- The donor will be asked to read the Covid-19 questions at the registration table
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Thursday, November 03, 2022
Prairie Lakes Welcomes New Speech Language Pathologist
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to announce the recent addition of Speech Language Pathologist, Kirsten Blackwell to Rehabilitation Services. With the addition of Blackwell, Prairie Lakes Speech Therapy now has three Speech Language Pathologists that care for patients with conditions that affect speech, cognition, and swallowing.
Blackwell grew up in Watertown and decided to move back after graduate school to serve the town that served her for so many years. She received her undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders and Special Education from Augustana University in Sioux Falls. She then graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology. In her free time, Blackwell loves to play golf and tennis, enjoy Lake Kampeska, and spend time with her husband, Bradey and their dog, Popcorn.
Blackwell has a special interest in pediatric speech therapy and cognition. She cares for patients in both the inpatient and outpatient settings of the hospital and Specialty Clinic as well as Prairie Lakes Home Health Services.
“I am excited to care for the needs of patients here in the Watertown community,” Blackwell said. “I have been impressed by my colleagues and Prairie Lakes as a whole. I look forward to continuing to learn more about my areas of interest to help patients live their best life.”
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Thursday, October 20, 2022
A Newer Approach in Swallowing Rehabilitation
Prairie Lakes Health System is proud to offer a new treatment option for those who have difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia. Speech-language pathologists at Prairie Lakes continue to assess and treat dysphagia via screenings, clinical evaluations, Modified Barium Swallow Studies and conventional treatment methods. Prairie Lakes Speech Therapy recently added another swallowing treatment modality called Vital Stim which uses neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to retrain the muscles that produce a swallow.
Vital Stim Device
Prairie Lakes currently has two speech-language pathologists who are specifically trained to treat qualified patients with this new therapy. Vital Stim is one of several FDA-cleared NMES devices used to treat swallowing disorders. This type of therapy uses small electrical impulses to restore muscle function by helping the swallowing muscles contract more. Because of the sensitive nature of the areas where the electrodes are placed, the unit delivers a carefully calibrated current safely to the motor nerves in the face and throat while the patient eats, drinks, or does swallowing exercises. Over the course of multiple sessions, the muscles are re-educated. The Vital Stim unit also provides biofeedback to assist the patient in learning new swallow maneuvers and to see the progress being made, which is a key piece in providing effective treatment.
While it can be a helpful tool, Vital Stim is not for everyone. For this reason, a doctor’s order is needed to use Vital Stim in your swallowing treatment plan. To find out if you or a loved one is a candidate for Vital Stim therapy, please contact one of our Vital Stim certified speech-language pathologists at 605-882-7700.
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Saturday, October 15, 2022
Prairie Lakes Adds Two Therapists to Rehab Services
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Physical Therapist, Todd Hodenfield and Occupational Therapist, Chelsea Hodenfield to the Prairie Lakes family. The Hodenfields join the Rehab and Therapy Services team to provide individualized care plans for patients with rehabilitation, therapy, and recovery needs.
Chelsea Hodenfield grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from the University of South Dakota (USD) in Vermillion with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from USD. Chelsea built her leadership skills as an Occupational Health Coordinator and Clinical Mentor in her last role. As an Occupational Therapist, she develops personalized treatment plans to help individuals of all ages increase strength, endurance, flexibility, and independence to return to an active lifestyle. Chelsea has also earned her Certification in Hand Therapy indicating advanced clinical knowledge in treatment of the upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand). Her and her husband, Todd, have two young children and are excited to become part of the Watertown community.
“I am so excited be back in South Dakota after nearly a decade away," said Chelsea Hodenfield. "I look forward to getting to know the Watertown community and serving the needs of individuals and employers in the area.”
Todd Hodenfield grew up in North Dakota and earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. He later completed an Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency with Evidence in Motion. He is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy and focuses on restoring people’s confidence in the amazing healing power and capability of the human body. He has a special interest in optimizing movement and working across the healthcare spectrum to improve the quality of life for all individuals he encounters. In his spare time, he enjoys the outdoors, family time, playing guitar, and reading.
“Watertown is an awesome community," said Todd Hodenfield. "Our family is loving our time here and we look forward to more."
View Chelsea's Rehab Specialist Profile View Todd's Rehab Specialist Profile
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Thursday, October 06, 2022
Prairie Lakes Adds Two Advanced Practice Providers to Staff
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Physician Assistant, Kahley Meyer and Nurse Practitioner, Travis Erickson. They join the Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic in the expert care of patients with heart conditions.
Meyer graduated with her Bachelor of Biological Sciences degree from South Dakota State University and then received her master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2017 from MCPHS University in Worcester, MA. Meyer and her husband, Dillan, recently moved to Watertown and are expecting their first child in December. In her spare time, Meyer enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, and spending time with her family and friends.
“I am honored to join the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Cardiology team and provide patient-centered care to Watertown and the surrounding communities,” said Meyer. “I look forward to getting to know my patients and being a part of this great community.”
Erickson is a Brookings native and graduated from South Dakota State University with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He then received his Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner in 2018 from South Dakota State University. Erickson and his family live in Brookings, SD. He enjoys spending time with his family and enjoys hunting.
“I am excited to be part of the Cardiology team as we continue to grow our service line and provide excellent, high-quality care to the region,” said Erickson. “Prairie Lakes has exceptional technology and treatment options that I’m excited to offer to patients.”
Learn More About Kayley Meyer, PA-CLearn More About Travis Erickson, DNP
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