Beacon Health System

Do you or does someone you know snore at night or sometimes briefly stop breathing while asleep? Or has it been some time since you have felt refreshed in the morning? Nearly 40 million people in the U.S. suffer from sleep apnea, but 80 percent are undiagnosed, said Dr. Israr Siddiqi, Beacon Medical Group sleep medicine specialist. Losing sleep or not sleeping at night can increase your blood pressure, cause the onset of diabetes, impact work and make you more prone to accidents if you feel drowsy while driving. “I cannot emphasize of everyone needing a good night’s sleep,” Dr. Siddiqi said on 88.1 WVPE Public Radio’s “Health Headlines.” Hear more from Dr. Siddiqi about chronic sleep trouble and the importance of a sleep schedule: https://bit.ly/4aMsapw

More than 25 non-profit organizations across Elkhart and St. Joseph counties will be working with Beacon to improve maternal and infant health and address barriers to care. A recently announced $5.4 million grant is serving as the catalyst. Kimberly Green Reeves, executive director at Beacon Community Impact, joined WNDU 16 News Now at Noon to explain the impact of this grant and how clinical and nonclinical partners will play an important role in addressing this regional issue. “The end goal is that you can have a baby and a family and not worry about whether you’ll have a successful delivery just based on where you live,” she said. “We want to ensure we have a healthy community. Healthy moms have healthy babies and so ultimately we want everyone to impact the infant mortality rate so we start to see that lower.” Hear much more in the WNDU report: https://bit.ly/3V0FJMq Thanks to WSBT and ABC57 for also covering this story.

Can mental health problems be prevented after a traumatic event, such as the loss of a spouse or parent? Dr. Erik Thordarson, psychiatrist at Beacon Medical Group Behavioral Health South Bend, emphasizes in this WVPE “Health Headlines” story that early intervention and recognizing the signs are crucial. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

Beacon Health System has been awarded $5.4 million from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration for the Healthy Start Initiative: Eliminating Disparities in Perinatal Health. This grant, spread across five years, will be deployed in the community through the launch of a program that aims to improve birth outcomes, promote health equity, and eliminate health disparities. The Michiana Family Journey program will be a coordinated cross-sector collaboration, bringing together more than 25 non-profit partners in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties that will work together to address the barriers to care and improve health outcomes. “This is an unprecedented initiative in our community, fostering innovation to significantly improve infant mortality rates and maternal health outcomes,” said Kimberly Green Reeves, Executive Director, Beacon Community Impact. Read much more about the grant, the Michiana Family Journey program and key community partners involved in this initiative: https://bit.ly/3wWcVfV

We know Dr. Kathleen Kelley as passionate, thorough and detail oriented, a dermatologist who is dedicated to her career and genuinely goes above and beyond for each of her patients at Beacon Medical Group Ireland Road. She believes teamwork is essential to practicing medicine well and delivering the very best care possible. Beacon is proud to share that Dr. Kelley has been recognized by the South Bend Regional Chamber as a member of the 2024 class of Michiana Forty under 40. We are thrilled to share the news with our community, and thank Dr. Kelley for her commitment to providing outstanding care, inspiring health and connecting with heart.

As we enjoy this Memorial Day with family and friends, let’s not forget the true meaning of this day: Honoring the courageous individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. May we always remember their valor and keep their memory alive in our hearts.

In her role within Neurosurgery, Kaley works under the supervision of licensed physicians to provide medical care to patients. She conducts physical exams, diagnoses and treats illnesses, orders and interprets tests, assists in surgeries, prescribes medications, and provides patient education and counseling. Her mission extends beyond medical interventions – Kaley is committed to making health care more accessible and efficient, focusing on compassionate, patient-centered care. “I prioritize compassionate and patient-centered care,” Kaley says. “Establishing open communication, building trust, and tailoring treatment plans to individual needs are at the core of my practice.” Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gA72Azbi

Leaders across Beacon Health System who attended a leadership event this week donated Play-Doh, Hot Wheels, Barbie dolls and many other toys for our Child Life team’s treasure chest. When our Beacon Children’s Hospital pediatric patients go through a difficult procedure, they get to take a toy from the treasure chest. We are grateful for our leaders because their donations will make a difference in the lives of our young patients.

You don't have to trek deep into the woods to get tangled up with poison ivy. That irritating rash can strike after yard work or just brushing against the plant on a neighborhood walk. In this Medical Minute, Dr. Freeman Farrow, family medicine physician at Beacon Medical Group La Porte, shares advice about recognizing a poison ivy rash, what to do first, how long it might take to feel better and much more. No matter your need or age, our primary care doctors are here to treat your medical needs. If you’re looking for a new family doctor, Beacon Health System is here to serve you. Use our provider search tool to find a physician: https://bit.ly/3KbUwP7

Tómas Aguilar Fraga proudly threw out the ceremonial first pitch this week at a South Bend Cubs game in honor of his dad, Luis Fraga, a prominent Notre Dame Ph.D. and stroke survivor. He wore a T-shirt designed with a clock, the human brain and slogan “Time is Brain,” which is used to educate individuals about the importance of acting quickly when they think someone may be having a stroke. That’s exactly what Tómas did last November, and it saved his father’s life. The Beacon Stroke Team has cared for Fraga, who is back to teaching at ND. “It’s incredible to be a part of that full circle moment. I’m really grateful,” Tómas said in this interview with WNDU. Read much more of this touching story during Stroke Awareness Month: https://bit.ly/4aypHPz