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Because health means everything…(really)

That phrase is part of our purpose statement, but to be honest, it’s not something I thought about much during the past 2 years.

Joy’s Blog
May 26, 2022


Portrait of Joy Plamann, President of St. Cloud Hospital
Joy Plamann, EVP & President of St. Cloud Hospital

I had other things on my mind.

Being so focused on the pandemic, taking care of others, getting my daughters finished with high school and started with college, worrying about the stress of the pandemic on my husband (he’s a small business owner), and then caring for my dad with a brief bout of cancer and his subsequent passing; I had other things at the forefront of my mind.

Although there are components of physical, mental, and spiritual health within all of these experiences, I had not been mindful as to how. That is until now. 


I am taking, “Because
health means everything,”
to heart.

Minimalist Illustration of a woman's face and butterflies signaling growth

It is important for all of us to take care of ourselves. We hear this all the time, and I am encouraged by the increasing numbers of people I see posting on social media in this realm. For me personally, I am taking “Because health means everything,” to heart. It started a few months ago, when I knew I could – and needed to – improve my sleep. 

Next came getting more exercise. 

Now I’m focusing on the emotional and spiritual aspects by reconnecting with my family after a busy two years! 

We recently had the opportunity to travel, get out and experience nature, talk, play games and simply enjoy one another. It was much needed and wonderful!


My husband, Patrick, and me.

Family time in San Francisco.

Yosemite National Park

Nature is so important to us all.

My daughter, Olivia, and me.

We caught a Twins win in Oakland!

Patrick with our two daughters

I can still hear the sound of that waterfall.

Me…in a tree.

Sequoia National Forest


Photo of river in Yosemite National Park taken by Joy Plamann

It is time for all of us to reinvest in ourselves.

Although I am thankful for the blessings of what the last two years have taught us, it is time for all of us to re-invest in ourselves. Whether it’s reading a daily devotional, re-connecting with a long-lost friend, taking your grandma to lunch, committing to a 30-day walking challenge, seeing a counselor or setting a personal box jump record for yourself – make a plan. 

Now is the time and it is important for all of us because health truly does mean everything!


Joy Plamann is President of St. Cloud Hospital and Senior Vice President of CentraCare.

4 comments

  1. Marcia Ericson says:

    Thank you for sharing your experience, Joy, and for your encouragement and inspiration! Such great reminders of the importance of resilience and self-care. Love the photos of your sweet family and beautiful scenery, too!

  2. Mallory Mondloch says:

    Yes, yes yes! Incredible!! Thank you so much for sharing, Joy!

  3. Tiffanylee Omann-Bidinger says:

    Thank you Joy for sharing! What an amazing article and reminder of the beauty to reinvest in ourselves; emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

  4. Joni Vaughn says:

    Great article, Joy, and thank you so much for sharing. Caring for self is huge concern, and as healthcare providers, often it is not evaluated or assessed as we would do for someone else other than ourselves. Thank you so much and I look forward to working with you.

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