Top 10 health articles on NWI.Life in 2022

Top 10 health articles on NWI.Life in 2022
By: Alayna Wilkening, Ashley Schiyer, Ashley Spargo, Aubrey Thomson, Curtis Hankins, Dan Petreikis, Lauren Grasham Last Updated: December 21, 2022

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 NWI.Life to recap the good news in 2022!

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. 

Chief Nursing Officer Amanda Jensen leads by example at NWI Indiana ER & Hospital

Amanda Jensen’s extensive knowledge of nursing and her love of patient care has made her an exceptional asset at NW Indiana ER & Hospital. As Chief Nursing Officer, Jensen is responsible for ensuring that quality care is given to everyone that enters the building on a day-to-day basis.

Jensen drew inspiration from her aunt when choosing a career in nursing.

Methodist Hospitals earns Chest Pain Center Accreditation

Methodist Hospitals was recently awarded Chest Pain Accreditation by the American College of Cardiology (ACC).  ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation recognizes exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms. 

Methodist Hospital’s Chest Pain Coordinator, Shari Slyder, says receiving this accreditation is not just a reflection of the excellence that Methodist Hospital continually strives for; but also represents the expected outcomes for the community we serve, and provides a process for continuous improvement.

VNA Hospice of NWI is first in area to receive full accreditation for palliative care

VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana (VNA Hospice) has been awarded full accreditation for its Palliative Care program by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) today, announced VNA President & CEO Bob Franko. The program is only the second in the State of Indiana to achieve this certification. 

“The VNA Hospice has always been about helping people maintain their dignity, their voice in their health care decisions, and independence for as long as possible,” said Bob Franko, president, and CEO of the VNA Hospice. “Our Palliative Care program fits very well in our wide continuum of care options for seniors and families and we’re extremely proud of the work and effort that went into achieving this huge milestone.”

Aesthetic Services available at Midwest Express Clinic

Midwest Express Clinic (MEC) is offering botox and other aesthetic services at multiple locations throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, making it easier than ever to get a consultation and procedure performed at your earliest convenience.

The services were brought to the clinics a few years ago through Head Nurse Practitioner for Aesthetic Services Kaitlyn Steinberg, MSN, FNP-C, who has professionally practiced in the field for over four years. After the program took a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Steinberg and the rest of the aesthetics staff are now ready to get back to action to help patients both look good and feel good on the inside.

Advanced Dental Concepts equips GreatNews.Life’s Jenny Craig-Brown with an upgraded smile

When GreatNews.Life Executive Director Jenny Craig-Brown needed some cosmetic maintenance done on a few teeth, she knew she needed a dentist who specialized in cosmetic dentistry while prioritizing dental health.

She ultimately chose to work with Advanced Dental Concepts, which provided not only excellent results, but an excellent experience from start to finish as well.

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.

Community Healthcare System a proven leader in sepsis awareness, prevention

Last month was Sepsis Awareness Month, but raising awareness about this life-threatening medical emergency is essential year-round according to Lisa Leckrone, director of Quality and Risk Management at St. Mary Medical Center.

“We try to promote sepsis awareness at our facility monthly,” Leckrone said. “We have a campaign called Sock it to Sepsis, where we recognize our nursing staff for early detection and communication with our providers to ensure proper sepsis treatment.”

Porter-Starke Services and Marram Health Center make an impact on mental health awareness in the community

Porter-Starke Services is a not-for-profit health center that has multiple locations throughout Northwest Indiana, including LaPorte, Knox, Valparaiso, and Portage. 

With mental health awareness on the rise, Porter-Starke is equipped to provide a variety of services to those who need it. Porter-Starke is licensed through the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addictions and the Social Services Administration.

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.