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During a routine visit, Marvin Tate’s doctor suggested a PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test for the 56-year-old. “I didn’t know anything about PSA levels before that,” Marvin said. Marvin was about to learn more about PSA levels than he wanted to. His PSA came back extremely elevated. “My doctor referred me to a urologist, who suggested a biopsy,” Marvin said. “It came back positive.” Not only was his biopsy positive, but further screening revealed the cancer had spread to Marvin’s lymph nodes.&...

Mammograms are a standard screening radiology exam recommended for asymptomatic women over the age of 40 for early detection of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Recommended yearly mammographic screening helps detect breast cancer early, which is easily amenable to less invasive treatment, decreasing mortality, morbidity, and significantly improving survival. So, what happens if you get a call back from your screening mammogram, and further testing is recommended? There...

After he was diagnosed with stage three melanoma, Brian Brandau’s doctor in Cheboygan referred him to the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint. “First I had surgery,” said Brian. “Then I had to come down to Flint every three weeks for immunotherapy.” The 260-mile trip from Cheboygan to Flint was tough, and often meant staying overnight for him and his wife Martha, before or after his treatments.   “Brian’s surgical oncologist recommended we consider staying at the Hospitality House right next...

Congratulations go out to psychiatric technician Timothy Sumrall, McLaren Flint's June Outstanding Employee of the Month. The behavioral health team has come to rely on Tim as someone always willing to go above and beyond for both his fellow staff members and the patients in his care. "Patients say Tim is kind, listens to them, and ensures they have what they need," said Tim's nominator. "Around the hospital, you will see Tim greeting fellow staff and helping visitors find their way around. Tim always k...

What do blood pressure and your heart health have to do with one another? Some experts argue, everything. According to the CDC , the number one cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. is heart disease, and high blood pressure is a key risk factor for it. “High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it is a disease that often has no warning signs,” said Asma Haydar , certified family medicine nurse practitioner at the McLaren Flint - Flushing Community Medical Center. “Having high b...

Innovative Partnerships Help High School Students Pursue Careers In 2024, McLaren Flint developed a Workforce Development Initiative to create a guaranteed-employment educational partnership with Genesee Career Institute, Mott Community College, and UM-Flint.   It is designed to build a pipeline of students with the promise from McLaren Flint to either provide support toward their tuition or associated expenses, such as housing, in exchange for a work commitment equivalent to the investment. T...

When Terry Gates started making more frequent trips to the restroom this year, his heart sank. He had been through this before. and he knew exactly what to do. “I had prostate cancer 15 years ago. So, when the symptoms showed up again, I went straight to my doctor,” Terry said. “My PSA was up, and he ordered a biopsy.” The biopsy confirmed Terry’s worst fear- his journey with prostate cancer was far from over. “I just wanted to get in, get treated, get out, and get it over with,” Terry said. Terry’s doc...

It is important to seek medical care when heavy periods, also known as menorrhagia, start to interfere with your daily life. Heavy periods are a common experience, affecting about one in three women. The worry about heavy bleeding and the discomfort it brings can take a toll, making it difficult to focus at work or school, enjoy social events, or even get a good night's sleep. Heavy bleeding is characterized as severe bleeding or cramping that hinders your ability to carry out everyday tasks. Another si...

Suffering with a bloated, swollen stomach and irregularity, Elaine Bazydlo visited a surgeon who recommended removing her gallbladder. Elaine told her primary care doctor she wanted a second opinion. “I had a trip to France with my daughter scheduled for the summer,” Elaine said. “I did not want complications from surgery interfering with my trip.” However, further testing revealed the possibility of something far more serious going on with Elaine’s health. Scans revealed fluid in her abdomen, and a bio...

Congratulations Employee Health clinician Kim Summers, McLaren Flint's May Outstanding Employee of the Month. Kim lives by the motto printed on a plaque hanging behind her desk that says, "Always be kinder than you feel." If you have visited employee health, one thing is certain, Kim will remember your name and face. That is just one of the reasons colleagues say Kim is a vital member of the team. "Kim takes time to get to know a bit about the people she meets, and forges relationships," said one of her...