With every step, Dr. Ali Lerman and the rheumatology team from HealthPartners and Park Nicollet helped make great strides toward improving the lives of people living with arthritis. Dr. Lerman and the team recently took part in the Walk to Cure Juvenile Arthritis at the Mall of America, contributing to an effort that raised over $30,000 to support children living with arthritis. This annual event raises both funds and awareness for arthritis—a condition that affects 60 million Americans, including hundreds of thousands of children. “This walk is such a wonderful annual gathering,” says Dr. Lerman, pediatric and adult rheumatologist at HealthPartners. “I love getting to see some of my patients outside of clinic and show my support for them and their families.” Dr. Lerman, who was named the Medical Honoree for the walk, says it was great that so many colleagues who support adult patients also attended the walk. “I am transitioning some of my pediatric patients to our adult rheumatology clinic at HealthPartners as they get older,” she says. “To have those colleagues who will be supporting them as adults take part in this event is really meaningful to myself as well as the patients.” Dr. Lerman and the team—partners for good—walking in step to support and strengthen our community. (fb)

Terry Sullivan is at risk for falls. He has had reduced sensitivity in his hands and feet for 15 years due to compression on his spine. After having neurosurgery, his doctor recommended Tai Ji Quan. Tai Ji Quan is a traditional Chinese martial art that’s best known today for its gentle, flowing movements and mind-body focus. For Terry, it's helped with his balance. His neurologist is astonished by his improvement with the help of a 12-week Tai Ji Quan program he took with his wife, Judy, at our White Bear Lake clinic. “It looks like you’re doing nothing, but just very slow confined movements are improving my balance,” Terry said. “It's teaching us how to prevent a fall because we’re challenging our balance doing these exercises. We're navigating our bodies in different directions and learning to pull things back. I found it easier to get out of a chair." To find a fall prevention class near you, please visit: https://bit.ly/4cJIXfy (fb)