Beacon Health System

Did you know we can get a map of your heart? An echocardiogram, or "echo," is a special test that uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart. It uses ultrasound technology. How do you know if you need one? Your provider might recommend an echocardiogram to: ? Check the size and shape of your heart ? Look at how your heart's valves are working ? See how your blood is flowing ? Detect any heart conditions early on During most echocardiograms, you'll lie down comfortably while a technician moves a small device over your chest. It's painless and gives us a lot of information about your heart health! Talk to your primary care provider to see if they recommend any heart testing for you. They can provide a referral if needed. Beacon is here to help keep your heart healthy and strong! Our heart care team specialists review your test results and help you plan for a healthier you. Learn more about what to expect during a heart echo: https://bit.ly/3MFdwGZ

Who says kids get to have all the fun? Our Beacon Children's Hospital team is celebrating Spirit of Children Week with our young patients, helping them pick out their favorite costumes while donning pajamas and dressing as Dynamic Duos. Spirit Halloween raises money for local children's hospitals across the country through its Spirit of Halloween program, donating more than $124,000 over the past three years toward the Child Life program at Beacon Children's Hospital. "The partnership with Spirit Halloween brings joy and comfort to our patients," said Jen Tonkovich, director of Women and Children's Services at Beacon Children's Hospital. "Their generosity helps us create moments of happiness and distraction for kids facing tough medical journeys." #SpiritofChildren

Health equity is fundamental to our community's well-being. Our health is shaped by more than just medical care. Where we are born, live, work and play greatly impacts our health. In fact, these factors account for 80 percent of what determines our health. "For a long time when we said 'health care' we meant health, the care you receive at your doctor's office and in the hospital, and now it's so much more than that," Kimberly Green Reeves, executive director, Beacon Community Impact, said in an interview on WVPE Radio. "Health equity is making sure that everyone has an opportunity to achieve their full potential of health and well-being." Beacon is committed to a comprehensive approach to health, partnering with community organizations to address the full spectrum of factors influencing health and work toward health equity for all. "This is not something we can do alone," Green Reeves said. "We need to lean into those community partners to be able to help us address those barriers." Listen to more of this insightful and compelling interview during Health Literacy Month: https://bit.ly/4eILIhs

Dr. Jin was the first recipient of Elkhart General Hospital's "Hey Doc You Rock" award in May 2014. He was Research Associate at the Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School after receiving a PhD at the Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics from the University of Toronto. He has authored many publications, including articles in highly respected journals such as Circulation, Nature and Nature Genetics, and chapters of books of treatment of bladder cancer and kidney cancer. He has been a member of the University of Chicago Medicine Hematopoietic Cellular Therapy Physicians Advisory Board since 2016. Dr. Jin is board certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gFZfd9NC

Healthcare security and safety take a variety of forms. From the physical safety of patients and personnel in hospitals and clinics to the cybersecurity of the records and medication. Facilities face threats of various levels on a daily basis. Their security and safety network follow set guidelines and protocols to resolve matters at every level. Whether the concerns involve violence, patient safety, emergency management or infection control, personnel have been trained at every level. Healthcare Security and Safety Week take time to honor the dedicated professionals who secure the facilities we rely upon for our healthcare needs. It takes place annually during the second full week in October.

Twenty years ago, Monica Santa’s life changed forever with a phone call. “I think about it every year when it comes along,” she recounts, her voice filled with emotion. She’s describing the moment she learned she had breast cancer. Despite no family history or palpable lumps, a routine mammogram revealed the hidden threat. Monica underwent radiation and ever since has been cancer-free. She does not take for granted how early detection has allowed her to live and tell her story. “If we do detect cancer early, we are talking about a 99 percent survival rate," says Samir B. Patel, MD, FACR , the Beacon radiologist who diagnosed Monica. "It is one of the greatest success stories in medicine.” Hear more from Dr. Patel and read about Monica’s journey from patient to volunteer in this month’s “Eye on Health" during Breast Cancer Awareness Month: https://bit.ly/3U2dlKb

You can now order another round of free COVID tests from the federal government ahead of the respiratory virus season. What you need to know: -- Every U.S. household is eligible to place one order of four free rapid at-home tests. -- Knowing if you have COVID can help you decide what to do next, like getting treatment and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus. -- The tests can be used whether you are up to date on your COVID vaccines or not and even if you do not have COVID symptoms. Go to https://lnkd.in/dhY3RzBG to order from the U.S. Postal Service and learn more. Don’t wait until you feel sick to look for a family doctor. Beacon is here to serve you. Find a primary care physician near you: https://lnkd.in/gfAiqW3v

Midwives specialize in caring for women in pregnancy through birth. But did you know they also care for women throughout their lifespan, from teen years to beyond menopause? Midwives make sure you have the information you need to make personalized decisions about your care. “Midwives empower women in their health care needs and decisions,” says Beacon’s certified nurse-midwife Heather Hostetler. “We provide education, care, comfort — all while practicing evidence-based medicine.” We’re celebrating Beacon’s amazing nurse midwives during Midwifery Week! Learn more about midwifery at Beacon, where a midwife can help deliver your baby in the safety of a hospital setting: https://bit.ly/4gKVykt

Dr. Dhillon specializes in adult medicine and is trained to prevent, diagnose and treat various medical conditions in addition to helping patients manage their complex and chronic conditions. “I enjoy internal medicine because it allows me to manage the body as a whole,” she says. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/g9U6xBEg

The countdown is on to Halloween. We’re here to help. And at the same time, you can help our youngest patients. Present this coupon at Spirit Halloween stores in our region and 10 percent of your purchase will be donated to our Child Life Specialists at Beacon Children’s Hospital. The locations include: 6501 Grape Road, Mishawaka; 1290 E. Ireland Road, South Bend; 3901 Franklin St., Michigan City; and two stores in Fort Wayne, including 4220 W. Jefferson Blvd. and 4224 Coldwater Road. Child Life Specialists are healthcare professionals dedicated to helping children understand and cope with their illness or injury. They provide comfort, support and information that kids can understand so hospital care isn’t so scary. Their work is essential, but their services are not covered by insurance. Instead, their thousands of hours of care are fully funded through community support. So, this spooky season, get a great costume at Spirit of Halloween AND make a difference in the lives of sick children right here in our area.