Get to Know: Dr. Smolinski
Dr. Jennifer Smolinski says her journey to Clinic Sofia and relocating to Minnesota last year felt like coming home. Even though she was born and raised in Michigan, her family relocated here about 10 years ago while she was in college. Since then, she has made the Twin Cities her home base, and we are so excited to have her on staff at Clinic Sofia.
Holidays and Your Health
Between an endless cookie tray at the office, busy schedules that can take a toll on your healthy routines, family struggles, the pressure of planning the perfect party and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in these darkest days, the holidays aren’t always healthy days. “Many of our patients this time a year are struggling with frantic schedules, high expectations and less time for self-care, something we all understand a little too well,” said Dr. Donna Block. “I encourage the women we see – and myself – to find just 10 minutes a day to do something good for themselves. Even a small break from the busy season can help you appreciate it that much more.”
Ask Sofia: Why Do I Need an Annual Mammogram?
Most organizations today – including Clinic Sofia – encourage women to receive an annual mammogram starting at age 40. We are always happy to discuss the benefits and risks of an annual screening – the best tool for detecting breast abnormalities – as well as the procedure itself.
Get to Know: Dr. Wagner
Even though Dr. Jewelia Wagner is a native of Nebraska, she embodies the spirit of a true Minnesotan. Since moving here in 2002, she has learned to enjoy the great outdoors in every season, including winter—embracing the cold and finding fun ways to keep busy such as skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing.
Ask Sofia: How Do I Know if I Have Depression or Just a Case of the Blues?
As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s not uncommon to feel a little blue, fatigued or wistful for warmer, brighter days. However, if your brief bout of sadness or tiredness deepens, begins to interfere with your daily life or leads to loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, you may be experiencing depression. About 19 million Americans experience depression each year, according to WebMD, with women accounting for nearly twice the cases as men.
Get to Know: Dr. Kellie Stecher
Dr. Kellie Stecher moved to Minnesota to join Clinic Sofia in 2013 and has already established strong roots—growing her patient base and the Clinic Sofia community as well as expanding her own family. Dr. Stecher and her husband Joe, who have a 20-month-old son, are expecting a daughter in January!
