Getting your flu shot this fall is important because it will be your best protection against COVID, says Dr. Keyna Martinez, medical director at Beacon Medical Group Bremen.
“We have very good evidence that some of the severity of COVID-19 illness earlier this year was partially related to individuals getting flu and COVID at the same time, or one right after the other.”
Martinez explains how right now is the best time to get vaccinated, before the flu starts circulating, to avoid a “twindemic” of flu and COVID at the same time.
BEACONHEALTHSYSTEM.ORG
Flu shots critical this fall with worsening COVID possible
"The reality is that what chaplains normally try to do – contact family and get them there as soon and as often as possible – has been flipped upside down by COVID.
"Rather than having conversations about getting a patient’s loved ones physically here for them, we talk about how we can best help family members be present for their loved one when they can’t visit in person."
Rev. Sarah Samson, M.Div., BCC, Spiritual Care Coordinator at Memorial Hospital offers her perspective on providing spiritual care to patients and their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn more: https://beacon.health/2G0pMTK
BEACONHEALTHSYSTEM.ORG
Faces masked, prayers raised: Hospital chaplains balance compassion with COVID realities - Beacon Health System
Whether you’re an athlete or a weekend warrior, our Sports Medicine team helps patients of all ages get back to doing what they love.
Learn more: https://beacon.health/3cDeWz1
BEACONHEALTHSYSTEM.ORG
Sports Medicine - Beacon Health System
Take care of your breast health and put the squeeze on breast cancer!
Routine mammograms are critical to your breast health. When detected early, the cure rate of breast cancer is greater than 90 percent. Digital mammography, including 3D mammography, is the gold standard in breast cancer detection.
So, don’t wait! Schedule your mammogram today, download a free breast self-exam guide, learn about risk factors and more at the link below.
BEACONHEALTHSYSTEM.ORG
Mammography - How to Schedule a Mammogram
Thank you Linda's Camp K9 for recently gifting our team – and their sweet pups - with 100 doggie daycare passes!
We’re so grateful for your support, and we have no doubt that the canine members of the Beacon team will look forward to visiting you soon!
#BeOnTheirTeam
Dr. Bernadette O’Neil cares for some of Beacon’s youngest patients
– those requiring higher levels of care when they are critically ill in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
“I chose this specialty because I felt honored to be allowed to take care of someone’s child during such a difficult time."
Please join us in welcoming Dr. O'Neil to Beacon!
PROVIDERS.BEACONHEALTHSYSTEM.ORG
Dr. Bernadette O'Neil, DO - South Bend, IN - Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
Babies are born with immune systems that can fight most germs, but there are some diseases they can’t handle.
That’s why they need vaccines to strengthen their immune system.
Learn more about how vaccines work: https://bit.ly/3175zTJ
CDC
5 hrs ·
Do you know how vaccines help babies fight infections? Baby Jack and his parents are learning how vaccines help train your baby’s immune system to help prevent disease. Learn more on how vaccines strengthen your baby’s immune system here: https://bit.ly/3175zTJ.
October 11-17 is #HealthcareSecurityAndSafetyWeek, recognizing the strong commitment, diligence and care officers display in their practice and profession.
Memorial is one of only seven hospital security police departments in the country to be granted Program of Distinction status through June 2021 by the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety.
Beacon is honored to work with the outstanding safety and security teams across the health system!
As cold and flu start circulating in our community, and COVID-19 continues to spread, Beacon Health System is pioneering a new model of care with respiratory clinics.
Located at Beacon's MedPoint Urgent Care and many of our Beacon Medical Group offices, these specialized rooms will allow us to treat patients with respiratory symptoms while eliminating contact with other patients.
Learn more from our new Eye on Health partnership with WSBT-TV: https://beacon.health/3k22kVc
WSBT.COM
Eye on Health: Treating respiratory symptoms this flu season
Know the signs of a stroke and act F.A.S.T.
- Face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
- Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
- Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately!
Early stroke treatment can increase your chance of survival and limit or prevent permanent brain damage. Remember, anyone can be at risk for stroke, but age, family history and lifestyle play a major role.
Learn your risk factors and what you can do to help lower your stroke risk: https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/know-my-risk
BEACONHEALTHSYSTEM.ORG
Know My Risk | Beacon Heart, Vascular and Stroke Care
Holidays are approaching, along with cold and flu season.
The CDC offers some factors to consider before inviting your family or friends over, as respiratory illnesses continue to spread.
Learn more: https://beacon.health/3lVtFJh
Jeanette Dorman comes to work every day with a smile.
She takes great pride in her work on the Environmental Services team at Memorial Hospital, and she never hesitates to lend a hand. Whenever a patient has a need, Jeanette quickly finds the right person to assist them. She is a ray of sunshine that keeps 9 South shining.
Congratulations, Jeanette, on receiving the "Clinical Support of the Year" award during the recent Spirit of Nursing celebration.
Halloween is just days away, and it will likely look a little different this year.
If you plan to trick or treat, be sure to follow these recommendations from the CDC: https://beacon.health/37PajSd
Effective today, updated visitation policies are in effect for all Beacon hospitals. No visitors will be permitted except under special circumstances.
Learn more: https://beacon.health/3oDbFp3
BEACONHEALTHSYSTEM.ORG
New visitor guidelines take effect today at Beacon hospitals - Beacon Health System
Elkhart General Hospital and Memorial Hospital of South Bend have been honored with the INspire Hospital of Distinction award by the Indiana Hospital Association for excellence in infant and maternal health!
The award is given to those who use best practices in five key areas to keep moms and babies healthy.
Community Hospital of Bremen was also honored with the Category of Excellence recognition.
Learn more: https://beacon.health/35MYeKn
#HoosierHospitalsINspireUs2020
October 25-31 marks Health Care Facilities & Engineering Week.
Across Beacon Health System, our Facilities & Engineering #HealthcareHeroes keep us running 24/7. Because of all they do, there is power, running water, and a clean, comfortable, safe healing environment for all who walk through our doors.
#HealthEngWeek
ASHE (American Society for Healthcare Engineering) updated their cover photo.
October 8 at 11:55 AM ·
When is it time to consider joint replacement?
When your shoulder hurts during activity. When your knee hurts at the end of the day. When your hip is so sore it makes sitting uncomfortable or pain wakes you up at night. If you are frustrated because you can’t be as mobile as you’d like, it may be time to consider partial or total joint replacement.
Learn more: https://beacon.health/2HMrc56
BEACONHEALTHSYSTEM.ORG
Joint Replacement
With your help, Beacon was able to contribute to the collection and destruction of more than 8,000 pounds of prescription drugs by the 525 Foundation, DEA and local law enforcement this past Saturday.
Thank you for bringing unused or expired medications to our collection sites. And a HUGE thank you to our team members and families who volunteered their time at our hospitals and in our community!
Donnie Randolph, a Memorial Hospital patient care assistant, is a role model for everyone at Beacon. He is always willing to come in and help with COVID patients.
He was the first associate to volunteer to work on one of our COVID units, and has developed many great relationships with the patients for whom he has cared. He has a huge heart and cares strongly for his patients, while also taking great care of our Beacon staff.
It is encouraging and refreshing to see him genuinely care for his patients, and the way he willingly went into the pandemic as a patient care assistant.
Congratulations, Donnie, for receiving a COVID Hero Award at the recent Spirit of Nursing ceremony!
Even without a pandemic continuing to change the face of our community and our nation, the holidays can be a stressful time for many.
So how can you relax and avoid the harmful effects of stress? NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital suggests stretching, eating well and these other strategies for keeping calm in an anxious season: https://beacon.health/3lmn0H9
HEALTHMATTERS.NYP.ORG
Five Steps to Reduce Stress - NewYork-Presbyterian
When the unexpected happens, nothing is more important than knowing your child is in good hands – especially when it comes to a critical illness or injury.
Our board-certified physicians provide 24/7 care for a variety of medical and surgical conditions from respiratory failure and severe infections to juvenile diabetes, seizures, emergency medicine, trauma or critical needs.
The multidisciplinary trauma team at Beacon Children’s Hospital is here for you with advanced, specialized and compassionate care.
When the unexpected happens – trust Beacon. Learn more: https://beacon.health/36kkpJC
BEACONHEALTHSYSTEM.ORG
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) - Beacon Children's Hospital
Today marks the end of #StomachCancerAwarenessMonth. Stomach cancer rates have been on the decline for the last ten years in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society, but the risk of men developing the disease is still 1 in 95.
Call 574.647.8300 or visit https://beacon.health/2JdfNfL to learn more or schedule a cancer screening.
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2020, more than 57,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and more than 47,000 people will die from it.
Symptoms are rare in early stages, but if you suspect you may have pancreatic cancer, call 574.647.8300 or visit https://beacon.health/36n7yGJ.
#PancreaticCancerAwarenessMonth
BEACONHEALTHSYSTEM.ORG
Cancer Services
Mike Zinsmeister, MMSc, LCGC, chose genetic counseling because he wanted to help people in a very direct way.
“I am a big team player,” Mike says. “Having a well-trained provider is important for patient care. But, a huge part of the patient experience is the collaborative effort and positive attitude of everyone involved.”
Please join us in welcoming Mike to his new role at Beacon!
Learn more: https://beacon.health/2Jnvv7w
PROVIDERS.BEACONHEALTHSYSTEM.ORG
Michael Zinsmeister - South Bend, IN - Medical Genetics - Request Appointment
If you are feeling information overload or confusion about the COVID-19 vaccine, here’s a handy list of Dos and Don’ts from our Beacon physicians to help you understand what you need to know before and after you get your shot.
You’ll find these important tips from our experts in our WSBT-TV Eye on Health segment: https://wsbt.com/life/eye-on-health/eye-on-health-steps-to-take-before-and-after-getting-the-coronavirus-vaccine
BEACONHEALTHSYSTEM.ORG
Eye on Health: Dos and Don'ts of COVID-19 vaccine
REMINDER: The State of Indiana has expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to Hoosiers age 65 and older.
If you're older than 65, work or volunteer in healthcare and have contact or face-to-face interactions with patients, or have exposure to COVID-19 infectious material, you can register for the vaccine now at multiple sites across our community.
To register for the COVID-19 vaccine, visit http://ourshot.in.gov/ or call 211.
Health officials have released new research that finds double-masking can be 95 percent more effective at preventing transmission of COVID-19.
But how should you double-mask? The CDC recommends a disposable paper mask covered by a cloth mask. Learn more and see other tips on how to keep yourself safe from the Coronavirus: https://beacon.health/370UgiG
On this #NationalPizzaDay, Beacon Health would like to express our gratitude for all of the wonderful donors who have given pizza to our #HealthcareHeroes across the system.
Thank you to our community for all you have done to support our team throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond!
Beacon Medical Group LaPorte (LaPorte, IN)
February 9 at 12:31 PM ·
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Beacon Medical Group LaPorte will be closed today.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Beacon Medical Group LaPorte will be closed today.
Shana’e Sobieray, AUD, CCC-A, diagnoses and treats hearing and balance disorders and performs testing to determine the cause and best course of treatment for each patient. She works with newborns through older adults, although she has a particular fondness for pediatrics.
"I’m here to listen," she says. "You will not experience the same communication difficulties that you do in everyday life when you are in my office. I am ready to hear your frustrations, and I’m ready to help lessen them."
Learn more and schedule an appointment: https://beacon.health/2YXiypy
PROVIDERS.BEACONHEALTHSYSTEM.ORG
Shana'e Sobieray, AUD - South Bend, IN - Audiology - Request Appointment
