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Top 10 health articles on NWI.Life in 2024

Top 10 health articles on NWI.Life in 2024
By: Alyssa Chartrand, Aubrey Thomson, Curtis Hankins, Lauren Grasham, NorthShore Health Centers, Philip Bolton Last Updated: December 18, 2024

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 2024, we shared news about all sorts of health topics: cancer care, healthcare symposiums, women in healthcare, children's health, the latest medical technology, various healthcare resources, 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 2024!

Methodist Hospitals removes tumors with pinpoint accuracy thanks to new Gamma Knife Elekta Esprit

As the fourth in the nation to receive the newest Gamma Knife technology, the Elekta Esprit, Methodist Hospitals is proud to be a leader not only in Northwest Indiana but also across the country. Methodist Hospitals has used Gamma Knife technology for several years and was thrilled to be among the first to receive the latest updates.

Community Healthcare System hosts 19th annual Hearts of Hope ceremony, honoring patients and pioneering research

As part of its month-long effort to draw extra attention to heart health, Community Healthcare System hosted its 19th annual Hearts of Hope ceremony.

The event, which took place Feb. 8 at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, highlighted advances in cardiovascular research and how those findings benefit patients in Northwest Indiana. Attendees heard from speakers and admired the Hearts of Hope tree, knowing that each light on the tree shines in honor or memory of those who have battled heart disease.

NWI Breast Care Center Mammography Technologists Educate and Encourage Patients Concerned About Mammograms

While many women may be intimidated by the prospect of getting a mammogram, the mammography technologists from Northwest Indiana (NWI) Breast Care Center at Methodist Hospitals are there to educate and encourage everyone who walks through the door. 

Choosing an elective course at NWI Breast Care Center and learning about mammography is what led Savana Taneski to choose her field of study and come back to the center to work as a mammography technologist. Now, she considers it her joy and responsibility to educate others about mammograms as she was once taught.

Regional Health Systems holds ribbon cutting for innovative Crisis C.A.R.E. Unit at Merrillville location

On Tuesday July 16, Regional Health Systems, a Regional Care Group Member, hosted a ribbon cutting for the new Crisis C.A.R.E. Unit at their Merrillville Care Center location. The Crisis C.A.R.E. Unit, which has been in the works for over a year and a half, is a facility that will provide individuals experiencing a mental health crisis with immediate care and support. Additionally, the staff is available to assist in crisis 24/7 since the emergency number is always staffed and open.

Powers Health brings multidisciplinary approach to nationally accredited oncology rehab

With national accreditation from the Physical Oncology Rehabilitation Institute (PORI), it comes as no surprise that Powers Health – formerly known as Community Healthcare System – offers a variety of robust cancer care programs in Northwest Indiana. 

These options utilize the latest technology to treat patients, such as SOZO® and the Ovation Interactive Treadmill System.

Marram Health Center hosts annual Back to School Fest at IU Northwest

To help ensure students across the Region have a healthy school year, Marram Health Center welcomed them all to its annual Back to School Health Fest on Saturday, August 24. Many vendors and booths packed the parking lot outside Indiana University (IU) Northwest, sharing resources, screenings, health information, appointment scheduling, and more to celebrate health and wellness throughout the academic year and beyond. 

NorthShore Health Centers holds grand opening for new location in Crown Point

On the morning of Wednesday, August 28, NorthShore Health Centers held the grand opening of its newest location in Crown Point. The three-story clinic, which began construction in January of last year, boasts primary care, mental health care, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), substance abuse care, pediatric, dental, vision, and chiropractic facilities.

VicTory 4 Kidz connects students with industry professionals to explore healthcare careers

Witnessing a heightened need for future healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Regina Beard was inspired to create VicTory 4 Kidz in 2022 to empower children to explore careers in healthcare.

VicTory 4 Kidz began as a week-long summer camp with 11 students and was followed by its first Masquerade Gala that autumn. In February of 2023, VicTory 4 Kidz held its first Youth Healthcare Career Expo, which welcomed healthcare professionals and students as young as fifth grade to meet and learn from each other. Since then, VicTory 4 Kidz has hosted a total of four Youth Healthcare Career Expos with more on the way.

Midwest Center for Youth and Families promotes mental health in the Region and beyond

For the past 27 years, Midwest Center for Youth and Families has helped young people living with complex mental health issues across the country achieve a better quality of life at its main location in Kouts and its extension in Valparaiso. The Kouts facility offers its services to females aged 10-18 and males aged 12-18, while its Valparaiso  unit caters to females aged 12-18. Midwest Center accepts patients who continue to struggle with issues like suicidal tendencies, anxiety, and depression even after they have received treatment at a hospital or from a mental health professional. 

Associated Pediatricians partners with Purdue University Northwest to provide integrated mental health care

Mental health is just as important as physical well-being, and few know this better than the team at Associated Pediatricians. Beginning this year, Associated Pediatricians has partnered with Purdue University Northwest (PNW) to take part in Northwest Indiana Identification and Management of Pediatric Experience of Trauma and Underlying Stress (IMPETUS), which is implementing routine screenings and in-office interventions for childhood traumatic stress.