
Stay well this summer with tips from our providers.
Summer brings in sunshine, fresh air, and making the most of longer days in Minnesota – but it’s also
the perfect time to refresh your healthy habits. Whether you’re hitting the trails, traveling with loved ones,
or just trying to keep cool, staying healthy in the summer doesn’t have to be complicated. Our providers are
sharing their favorite mental and physical wellness tips to help you feel your best all summer long.

Matthew Copple, DO, FAAOS
OrthopedicsI take a Boundary Waters Canoe Area trip every summer – it’s the perfect way to recharge. I love being outdoors and enjoying whatever weather that nature allows at that time. Closer to home, Carver Regional Park is one of my favorite spots for biking, archery, or just enjoying the view. My go-to snack is some kind of smoked meat and cheese – fresh smoked fish from Lake Superior is great when I’ve chartered a half-day with friends, and I like getting summer sausage from local meat stores or en-route while heading up north and to the Leech Lake area.

Connor Hedstrom, DO
Family MedicineSpending time outside is one of the best ways I stay healthy in the summertime – both physically and mentally. My wife and I love the outdoors – whether we’re gardening in the evenings or taking a walk during sunset, being outside helps us stay active and clear our minds. One of my favorite local spots is Prairie Trail, right here at Glencoe Regional Health – I try to walk it at least once a day when I’m on campus.

Anna Mackenthun, MPAS, PA-C
Family MedicineMy go-to summer snack is a smoothie. My favorite recipe is:
- 1 cup of frozen strawberries
- ½ of a banana
- ¼ cup of vanilla yogurt
- 3 oz. of pineapple juice
Blend together and enjoy! You can easily substitute your favorite berry, as well.

April Trebelhorn, FNP-C
Family MedicineFor me, summer is all about soaking up the sunshine with my family. Whether we’re taking walks in the country, spending the day at the pool, or enjoying quiet evenings around the campfire, I find that staying active and mentally recharged comes naturally when we’re together. I keep a large 64-ounce water jug with me (sometimes with a slice of lemon for flavor) to stay hydrated, and when it comes to healthy snacks, a Greek yogurt parfait with fresh berries is my go-to. It’s easy, refreshing, and perfect for warm days.

Jake Traxler, MD
Family MedicineMy kids love to pick their favorite vegetables from our garden as a summer snack, and we also love to take advantage of fresh fruits and vegetables while cooking. We particularly like to make orzo salad in the summer months.
Salad Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups orzo
- 1 – 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ⅓ cup finely diced red onion
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 ½ cups diced fresh tomatoes
- ½ cup crumbled
Dressing Ingredients
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Cook orzo until tender. Cool. Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk. Combine orzo with remaining salad ingredients. Toss with dressing and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Terese Haasken, MPAS, PA-C
OrthopedicsI spend a lot of time outside in the summer camping, fishing, and gardening. I have a fairly large garden, and enjoy canning and freezing the food that I harvest to ensure my family has garden produce all year long. We really enjoy BLTs when the tomatoes in our garden are ripe. To ensure I stay hydrated, I have a specific 40 oz cup that is always full of ice water, and never more than 5-10 feet away from me.