Whether it was organizations donating supplies to local hospitals, clinics, or shelters, new breakthroughs being created to care for patients of all kinds, or businesses being celebrated for protecting, informing, and taking care of others, the health of our Valparaiso and Porter County communities was the focus all 365 days of 2020. Even as our abilities were tested or our hope was questioned, our hearts remained positive, as seen in the hundreds of health-related articles that we produced this year.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 health articles from Valpo.Life in 2020:
COVID-19 versus the flu: spotting the differences
While flu season is always difficult to navigate, this year has been a bit more complex with the added stress of the global pandemic. Both are respiratory viruses and produce similar symptoms, so waking up with a sore throat or a fever may leave you wondering whether it’s the flu or COVID-19. Understanding the similarities and differences between the two may help you determine which virus you are dealing with.
VNA of Northwest Indiana’s veterans program provides education for veterans’ hospice needs
When the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) partnered together to create the We Honor Veterans program, education and compassion were at the heart of their mission. A pioneering program, it can now be found in hospice programs around the country, including locally at the VNA of Northwest Indiana.
Bartholomew Funeral Home guides families through the loss of a loved one
When confronted with the loss of a loved one, families are unfortunately faced with the prospect of navigating the paperwork, finances, and array of decisions involved with funeral arrangements and burials. Bartholomew Funeral Home is committed to making the process as smooth as possible and has an array of answers prepared for some of the most common questions from families who need help while grieving.
Porter Regional Hospital is now Northwest Health – unifying three hospitals under one name
Porter Regional Hospital is now Northwest Health - Porter, after CEO Sean Dardeau unveiled a new brand and Healthcare System over a year in the making. The rebrand unifies the Porter Regional, La Porte, and Starke hospitals all under one name: Northwest Health. Additionally, the La Porte Physician Network and Porter Physician Group are now combined into Northwest Medical Group.
With the status of our world creating uncertainty in healthcare and the economy, providing employees quality health benefits while helping companies balance important cost savings is on everyone’s mind. UnitedHealthcare recognized businesses’ need for affordable coverage for employees and created the All Savers Alternate Funding health plan, a plan designed to not only save you money but also put that money right back into your pocket.
Porter-Starke Services is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our community through prevention, treatment, education, and research. Their full continuum of care serves adults, families, adolescents, and children with mental health or substance abuse issues, and treats all clients on individualized plans of care. One of the many ways Porter-Starke Services brings this mission to life is through their InSHAPE program, which aims to help clients address specific needs to live a healthier lifestyle. Wellness Coordinator Kaitlyn Miller has been involved with the InSHAPE program since its implementation in 2016 and is a witness to the healthy changes it instills in participants.
Finding the right doctor who will listen and take into account your unique needs is vital to receiving the right care. At Great Lakes Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, patients have found just that in a team that respects and values everyone in need of care as if they were family.
Porter-Starke Services provides accessible care with on-site pharmacy
With health care locations across Northwest Indiana, Porter-Starke Services is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities through prevention, treatment, education, and research. Their full continuum of care serves adults, families, adolescents, and children with mental health or substance abuse issues. All clients are placed on individual plans of care tailored to specific needs, but Porter-Starke takes care a step further by having a full pharmacy on-site. Mike Weaver, Vice President of Medical Services, has worked for Porter-Starke Services for 20 years and seen the benefits of their on-site pharmacy since its inception 11 years ago.
Sleep Airway Solutions offers those on Medicare affordable, healthy sleep treatments
Those with Medicare often worry about a lot of different health concerns, be they seniors or younger people with disabilities. For seniors especially, it is easy to dismiss snoring or chronic fatigue as inconveniences or simply part of aging, but that is often not the case. Both of those traits are warning signs for possible obstructive sleep apnea, a dangerous and sometimes fatal condition.
Residences at Coffee Creek celebrates One Year Anniversary
The residents and staff of Residences at Coffee Creek celebrated their One Year Anniversary in early 2020. Featuring tours, expertly prepared food, cocktails, and music by Ivy Ford, the celebration commemorated a successful launch for the living community.