If previous years taught us anything, it’s to prioritize our wellbeing and take care of ourselves through difficult times. Each year brings new stressors and challenges, but being able to take a look at your health and make changes that promote wellness can make all the difference.
In 2022, we shared news about all sorts of health topics: dental care, mental health, fitness, weight loss, urgent needs, sleep therapy, nutrition, and more. We’re glad to partner with such great organizations, businesses, and healthcare groups to help share the good and keep our Region a healthy one.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 health articles on LaPorteCounty.Life to recap the good news in 2022!
Franciscan Health adds Auris MONARCH Platform to diagnostic toolkit
Franciscan Health Cancer Center Munster, in collaboration with RUSH University System for Health, has introduced the Auris MONARCH platform to its arsenal of diagnostic tools in the cancer treatment field.
The Auris MONARCH system is equipped with a camera on the end of the robotic arm, which allows surgeons to see a live view of the procedure. The machine’s improved technology provides a less invasive and more comprehensive approach to diagnosing lung cancer.
BraunAbility spreading accessibility across the nation with a base in Northwest Indiana
“A substantial part of our local economy,” is how Nathan Origer, executive director of Pulaski County Development Commission, described the wheelchair-accessible brand BraunAbility.
BraunAbility is an American company known as “the leader in wheelchair vehicles and mobility solutions” according to their website. They offer vehicles and services for customers who benefit from wheelchair mobility while on the go.
HFL and PHB council work to combat infant mortality, low birth rates, and preterm births in La Porte County
Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL) established the Partners for Healthier Babies Council (PHB), which has partnered with over 30 organizations and numerous community members to address infant mortality, low birth rates, and preterm births within La Porte County.
HFL’s board of directors analyzed county health data and particularly the rising rates for infant mortality. They knew something had to be done to help lower the numbers. HFL Board Member Dr. Gary Wheeland and other members were inspired by the data to take action. From 2017 to 2020, the infant mortality rate rose from 7.9% to 11.4%, making it 51% higher than the national average and 42% higher than Indiana’s average.
Prenatal Assistance Program supports mothers and babies from educational workshops to first-birthday celebrations
Pregnancy is something that no one should face alone, so for the past 20-25 years, Franciscan has housed a Prenatal Assistance Program in an effort to assist teen mothers and their families. 10-15 years ago, teen pregnancy rates declined, so Franciscan repurposed the program to focus on prenatal and postpartum education.
The Prenatal Assistance Program uses a curriculum founded on evidence-based practices to assist program participants both during and after pregnancy. This program is open for enrollment at any phase of pregnancy through a child’s first birthday.
NorthShore Health Center’s Dr. Kathryn Schreck believes compassionate mental health care is a necessity
At NorthShore Health Centers, they take their patient’s mental health just as seriously as their physical health. That’s why they’ve brought on psychologists such as Dr. Kathryn Schreck, who brings with her both expertise and love for her work.
Her passion for the field was ignited as an undergraduate student, when a professor recounted his experience on Skid Row, a neighborhood in Los Angeles known for having one of the highest populations of homeless people in the country.
Watch over your baby in the NICU with AngelEye Cameras
When babies need to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), parents wish they could keep an eye on their little ones, which is now possible at Franciscan Health Crown Point. Thanks to generous donors, Franciscan Health Crown Point has installed the AngelEye Health Live Streaming Camera System in the NICU.
With a fair number of patients coming from outside hospitals to the NICU at Franciscan Health Crown Point, getting to see their babies can be a challenge for parents. When parents live far away from the NICU, as many do, transportation is often an issue. This is especially true for mothers who have recently undergone C-sections and are temporarily unable to drive.
NorthShore Health Centers expands Endocrinology Team, offering expert, affordable care for diabetes and more
According to the CDC, more than 37 million Americans – or about one in 10, have diabetes. For the vast majority of those cases, its type 2, which children, teens, and adults of all ages can develop. It’s often called a silent epidemic, and NorthShore Health Centers is committed to providing the care and resources around the community to address it.
Treating diabetes, thyroid disease, and other hormonal issues is the responsibility of endocrinologists – a team of which NorthShore recently expanded. About a year ago, they brought on an endocrinologist, Dr. Wahid Kassar, part-time to begin their efforts. Around the same time, Patience Tieri, a nurse practitioner, completed her education at Duke University to specialize in endocrinology and earned certification in diabetes management.
Northwest Health – La Porte expands access to healthcare in Michigan City with new medical office
To meet the growing demand for quality healthcare in La Porte County, Northwest Medical Group and the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of a new medical office building at 6923 West 400 North in Michigan City.
The new medical location, Northwest Health’s third in Michigan City, expands the practices of internal medicine physicians Joseph Arulandu, M.D., and Vinay Tumuluri, M.D. The facility also houses Northwest Health Bariatric and Weight Loss Services and Northwest Medical Group – Gastroenterology. Additional physicians will also be seeing patients at the new location in upcoming months.
Franciscan Health introduces nursing home alternative to Indiana through PACE Center
When seniors need extra care, nursing homes may not be the ideal solution that fits both their needs and wishes.
Fortunately for Northwest Indiana seniors, the first floor of Franciscan Health’s Homer St. Campus in Michigan City has been renovated to house the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), an alternative to a nursing home.
Northwest Medical Group opens new office in Michigan City
Northwest Medical Group recently opened a new site in Michigan City to meet the growing demand for its healthcare services in La Porte County. The new medical office is approximately 9,500 square feet and located at 6923 West 400 North in Michigan City.
Currently, the new medical building houses internal medicine physicians, Joseph Arulandu, M.D., and Vinay Tumuluri, M.D. Additionally, Northwest Health Bariatric and Weight Loss Services and the Michigan City offices of general and bariatric surgeons, Adam Conn, M.D., FACS, and Andrew Martin,M.D., are now at this location. Several physician specialists will be adding office hours at the new location in upcoming months.