News

McLaren Greater Lansing nurse Rachel Kenzie was honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the exceptional care nurses provide every day. The nomination, submitted by a coworker, read as follows: “I have worked alongside Rachel for over a decade, and she has always been 100% about her patients. Rachel goes above and beyond to make sure that her patients are taken care of and has been an advocate for them when they need it most....

“Health equity” is a term that has become commonly used in both research and medical practice. However, what health equity means to community members on a hyperlocal level is rarely explored. As new research describes, this was the goal of the Detroit Community Health Equity Alliance, an initiative of Wayne State University’s Center for Health Equity and Community Knowledge in Urban Populations, or CHECK-UP. A report recently published in Health Equity provides unique insight from community stakeholders...

First for Women Simone Smith, entrepreneur, jewelry designer, and wife of LL Cool J, was diagnosed in 2004 with stage III chondrosarcoma, a malignant tumor that originates from cartilage cells. Chondrosarcoma usually develops in the pelvis and long bones, like thighs and arm bones. However, it can grow in various parts of the body. Tarik Hadid, M.D., MPH, MS, FACP , medical oncologist and member of the Sarcoma Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos, explained that though it’s not known what causes ...

As we age, the risk of developing chronic conditions such as dementia, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer increases. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a powerful way to manage these risks and support both physical and brain health as we grow older. The National Institute on Aging highlights the importance of maintaining physical, mental, and cognitive health to ensure a high quality of life throughout aging. Staying physically active, eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, ...

Maintaining a healthy gut is important for your overall health, but it can also be significant toward preventing colorectal cancer . This includes making sure you have your regular screenings done, including a colonoscopy. “Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women, yet it’s a very preventable type of cancer,” said Dr. Jannel Lee-Allen , gastroenterologist at Digestive Health Institute, who performs procedures at McLaren Greater Lansing . “We recommend a...

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, but the good news is that a colonoscopy can help detect and prevent it. In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March , it’s important to highlight how preparing for a colonoscopy is easier than you might think. In fact, it’s a simple and essential step toward maintaining your health. A colonoscopy is the gold standard to screen for and prevent colorectal cancer. A clean colon allows the gastroenterologist to spot any ab...

Menopause is a natural stage in every woman’s life, but it’s often talked about in a way that makes it seem like something to dread. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleepless nights are just a few of the symptoms many women face. But here’s the truth: this is not just an end; it’s a new beginning—an opportunity to embrace the changes in your body and your life. For so long, menopause has been stigmatized, says the National Institute on Aging . This is a time for women to feel liberated, not ...

A long-held dream of creating a painted rock garden at Karmanos Cancer Institute has finally come to life, thanks to the hard work of an Eagle Scout candidate from Troop 1795 in Southgate. The project, completed in November, marked the completion of years of planning and a shared vision for the entrance to the main Karmanos location in Detroit. The rock garden has been on the wish list of several Karmanos team members, including Clara Beaver DNP, RN, AOCNS, ACNS, BC, manager of Clinical Education and cl...

Taking the first bite of a meal or sip of a drink suddenly became difficult for Daniel Zuhlke. Whatever he ate or drank would stop when it reached his throat, and when it finally went down, it was painful. “I thought I had a hiatal hernia because I had watched my father struggle with one,” Daniel said. “But my doctor thought my symptoms sounded like something more serious. He sent me for tests.” Imaging, followed by a biopsy revealed Daniel did have something more serious. He had esophageal cancer. “I w...

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , cancer centers, and other organizations across the nation recognize March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women; however, there are a variety of screening tests available to detect it. Colorectal Cancer Facts and Figures In 2025, an estimated 107,320 cases of colon cancer and 46,950 cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. More than 52,000 people in the U.S. will die from color...