News

When Wiebke Papenfus and her husband lost their health insurance, she started skipping her annual mammogram. “I had been very diligent about getting them because my maternal grandmother died of breast cancer,” Wiebke said. During a self-breast exam Wiebke made a startling discovery- a lump in her left breast. “I went to a nurse practitioner who sent me for a mammogram and an ultrasound,” Wiebke said. “Then I had a biopsy.” The results of Wiebke’s biopsy came via email.  An occupational therapist by...

You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who wants to think about cancer, much less get a diagnosis.  However, thinking about cancer now could improve your odds of survival if you have the disease.  Regular screenings can literally make a life-or-death difference.  Early detection is one of the most powerful cancer weapons our clinical experts have in their arsenal. “Catching cancer early is critical to survival. Screening is something we should all keep in mind. Cancer is not just an old...

Studies show income, race, and education could impact access to  potentially life-saving health care. A team of McLaren Flint family medicine doctors is working to change that. April is National Minority Health Month (NMHM), a time to raise awareness about the importance of improving the health of racial and ethnic minority communities and reducing health disparities. This includes the disproportionate burden of premature death and illness among African American, Asian, and Hispanic populations, an...

Managing stress is something that everyone experiences at some point. Whether it’s from a heavy workload, worrying about a particular issue, or just trying to keep everything on track, stress is a normal part of life. However, when it becomes overwhelming, it can affect both your mind and body, leading to feelings of anxiety, fatigue, and even illness. According to the American Psychological Association , learning to manage stress in healthy ways is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. There are ...

If your mammogram reported that you have dense breast tissue, you may wonder, what exactly does that mean for my breast health? “Having dense breast tissue is not uncommon; about 40% of women over the age of 40 years have dense breasts,” said Dr. Preeti Banga , breast imaging fellowship-trained ARS radiologist at  MSU Health Care at McLaren Greater Lansing Breast Imaging Center . A woman’s breast is composed of three different tissue types: glandular tissue which has milk-producing glands; fibrous ...

As the weather warms up, the spring sports season begins. Whether you’re playing soccer, basketball, or just running outside, it’s exciting to be active again. But after months of rest during the winter, jumping into more intense activity can sometimes lead to injuries. These injuries can be painful, but the good news is, they can usually be prevented. Here are six common spring sports injuries and tips on how to stay safe. Ankle sprains: Ankle sprains are very common in sports like basketball, soccer, ...

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...