McLaren Flint

McLaren Flint RN Kevin Bellamy combines his drive to help others with his love for technology as a member of the hospital’s cardiac catheterization team. Kevin’s been with McLaren for the past decade. His day includes helping set up the cath labs for procedures, reviewing patients’ medical histories, and then helping with the heart procedures themselves. “I work most often with our electrophysiologists who use devices and technology to help patients with irregular heartbeats, like AFib,” said Kevin. “We are constantly learning and using new technology, and that scratches the itch I have for it. I’m always doing things at home with technology, too, whether it’s using or fixing computers or soldering something back together.” Cath lab staff assist with both scheduled and emergent heart and neurological procedures as well, including heart attacks and brain bleeds or blockages for patients having strokes. “In the cath lab, if we see a problem, we fix it, and the doctors are very open to our feedback, too,” said Kevin. “I like seeing patients being helped by what we do and how we all care for each other. Whether it’s a patient or a co-worker, when someone needs help, someone’s always there to help.” To learn more about current careers at McLaren Flint visit mclaren.org/careers.

Whether you are working toward a healthier cardiovascular system or recovering from a vascular surgery, your diet can have a big impact on your blood vessels. "Incorporate foods like walnuts to help your blood vessels relax, they are high in an amino acid called L-arginine that aids in this process," said clinical dietitian Elexia Sylvester. Beets and celery contain nitrates which help blood vessels relax and dilate. Deep-colored veggies like carrots and winter squash are loaded with antioxidants to reduce inflammation.

Gerri Roth's lifelong love of knitting and crocheting led her to the McLaren Flint auxiliary. She met one of the hospital volunteers at the Flushing senior center, and that auxiliary member told Gerri her talents were needed. Before long Gerri became the chair of the Annie's committee. This group of volunteers makes products that are sold in the hospital gift shop and at a couple of major sales during the year. The group made nearly five thousand dollars with their crafts last year. Learn more about how Gerri and the group give back, and how you can join them at the link below. https://lnkd.in/gZBNXa9H

Smoking is a leading risk factor for a variety of cancers, but the human papilloma virus (HPV) may one day be an even greater risk factor for head and neck cancers. In fact, HPV is now the most common cause of throat cancers. Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint head and neck oncologist Dr. Nithin Peddireddy walks us through the head and neck cancer warning signs to watch out for at the link below. https://lnkd.in/gFJ767qX

It is Pharmacy Week and McLaren Flint wants to thank the hospital's pharmacy team for all of their hard work and dedication. They play a vital role in patient care.

This will be a huge tailgating weekend in Michigan, with the Michigan-Michigan State game slated for Saturday. We've got a quick and easy dish to pack for your party. Did we mention you can make it a little healthy, too? Think charcuterie board meets hummus. "A hummus board packs nutrients from the hummus itself, veggies, and added toppings like feta cheese and olives. Serving with pita chips or pita bread finishes off this balanced pick," said clinical dietitian Elexia Sylvester.

Voting for the staff Pumpkin Decorating Contest is happening this week. We had some very creative entries. Winners will be announced at noon Thursday.

Swelling legs, fatigue, and shortness of breath are symptoms we can easily assume are part of getting older. The truth is, they can also be warning signs of heart valve disease. These conditions can reduce blood flow, putting a strain on your heart by making it work harder. Find out about the different types of heart valve disease and the often-missed signs that you may have one at the link below. https://lnkd.in/gxWJr3Ft

We observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month all October long, but today is National Mammography Day. This is the perfect opportunity to remind the women in your lives to get annual mammograms. The American Cancer Society recommends. Women between 40 and 44 at average risk have the option to start annual mammograms. Women at high risk may need to start earlier and should discuss this with their provider. Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we wear pink to show our support. But you can also eat pink. That means adding pink food to the menu for get togethers, or just for your family. There are plenty of pink foods that happen to be great for us, too. "Add watermelon radishes or pickled beets to a salad. Dip fresh strawberries into pink-colored chocolate as a sweet treat," said McLaren Flint Clinical Dietitian Elexia Sylvester. "Dragon fruit also tastes wonderful in smoothies."