News

For individuals with asthma, allergy season can be especially challenging. The increased pollen and other allergens in the air during spring and summer can trigger asthma symptoms, making it hard to breathe. However, with proper management, people living with asthma can navigate the allergy season more comfortably. Here are key tips for managing asthma during this time. Monitor Pollen and Air Quality Levels Stay informed about local air quality and pollen levels, as they are highest in the early morning...

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and Wayne State University present the annual Breast Cancer Symposium 2025 on Saturday, April 12, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Detroit Marriott Troy (200 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, Michigan). This year’s keynote speakers include Sara Hurvitz, M.D., FACP, professor of Medicine, Smith Family Endowed Chair in Women’s Health, head of the Division of Hematology and Oncology, and senior vice president of the Clinical Research Division at the University of Washington Sc...

Diagnostic tests are important in every area of life. If you experience an issue with your car, a diagnostic test provides a quick and accurate assessment of your vehicle so it can be fixed. In schools, it is used to help teachers identify gaps in learning so they can help the students where it’s needed most. In health care, diagnostic tests help identify and diagnose a medical condition or disease. One of the most common ways to screen patients is a blood test. Here are the five most common blood tests...

McLaren Northern Michigan, the regional health care provider for 22 northern Michigan counties, is bringing its Children’s Health Fair back for a 31st year. Parents and children of all ages are welcome to Petoskey Middle School on Sat., April 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the free, fun, and healthy-focused event. “This has been a longstanding tradition for many northern Michigan families, and one we are very happy to organize,” said Gar Atchison, McLaren Northern Michigan President and CEO. “It is a pilla...

McLaren Flint, part of the statewide Karmanos Cancer Network and a regional leader in cancer care and prevention, has enhanced its capabilities through the addition of Volpara® Risk Pathways™, an industry-leading software program streamlining patients’ risk assessment and care management for breast and other common cancers. Volpara has further expanded the care abilities and proficiencies of the McLaren Flint Comprehensive Breast Care program. “Breast cancer risk assessment is a priority for McLaren Fli...

Congratulations to Shelby Eichman, engineering, our March Outstanding Employee of the Month. Shelby is known as someone we can depend on to always get the job done. "Shelby consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication and work ethic. Always punctual, he ensures the grounds of McLaren Flint are immaculately maintained," said Shelby's nominator. "Shelby has taken on the role of outside groundskeeper with remarkable commitment, transforming and upholding the cleanliness and beauty of our surroundings. ...

Alicia Jeffery planned to have a colonoscopy at 45, but life happened, and she did not get the screening until she was 47. “I wanted to be vigilant because colon cancer is in my family,” Alicia said. “My grandmother had it and survived, so I knew screening was important.” However, it wasn’t until after McLaren Flint gastroenterologist Dr. Erika DeGayner performed her colonoscopy that Alicia truly realized what a valuable tool the screening is. “Dr. DeGayner removed four polyps from my colon,” Alicia sai...

In recognition of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and to further raise awareness — and promote the importance of — early detection, the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Northern Michigan is providing free at-home screening kits throughout the month. Through March 31, members of the Petoskey community can register for the free kit by calling (231) 487-3390 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Registration is required. “Catching and identifying potentially cancerous tumors before the disease progresse...

McLaren Central Michigan, part of statewide McLaren Health Care and a longtime comprehensive provider for the communities of Isabella County dating back to its time as Central Michigan Community Hospital, has added four esteemed and long-serving members of its past medical staffs to its Physician Hall of Fame. Originally dedicated in 2006 with an inaugural class of 11 providers covering the hospital’s 82-year history, McLaren Central Michigan leaders have routinely added physicians to its Hall of Fame, ...

Many people think that osteoporosis is a women’s disease and that it is a natural part of aging. This is a myth. While women are more susceptible, especially after menopause due to a decrease in estrogen, osteoporosis can affect all genders and ages. Here are some ways that you can keep your bones healthy. Early Screening “A bone density test, also called a DEXA scan, uses low-dose X-rays to measure the strength and density of your bones,” said Elise Wildern, NP, who specializes in orthopedic care and b...