If previous years taught us anything, it’s to prioritize our wellbeing and take care of ourselves through difficult times. Each year brings new stressors and challenges, but being able to take a look at your health and make changes that promote wellness can make all the difference.
In 2023, we shared news about all sorts of health topics: animal health, cancer care, heart health, healthcare symposiums, mental health, children's health, resources, and more. We’re glad to partner with such great organizations, businesses, and healthcare groups to help share the good and keep our Region a healthy one.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 health articles on Valpo.Life to recap the good news in 2023!
Vale Park Animal Hospital supports Valparaiso Community School’s Viking Pups Program
There is nothing quite like a dog. Our longest animal companions, dogs force us to take walks outside and to see the joy in everyday situations. One look at a therapy dog and you know that dogs can do so much more to protect and improve our lives.
This is something the students of Valparaiso Community Schools (VCS) know well. Like most good things, the Viking Pups program began with good people doing good things.
Starting with two therapy dogs, Vale Park Animal Hospital sponsored and provided medical treatment and supplies to these amazing animals.
Community Healthcare System symposium gets to heart of matter
The leading cause of death in the U.S. is heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And Northwest Indiana, in particular, has some of the highest rates of heart disease in the state, according to the Indiana Department of Health.
Survivor Tracey Valois finds passion in helping others through their breast cancer journeys at Methodist Hospital Breast Care Center
The Northwest Indiana Breast Care Center at Methodist Hospital provides an opportunity for residents of the Region to be proactive in their physical health. Offering an array of tests and preventative strategies to ensure that women and men who are susceptible to breast cancer stay healthy, the center is an invaluable asset in the long-term health of Northwest Indiana. One of the reasons the center is able to maintain a high level of quality care is the passion of the people running its everyday operations.
Mental health with Porter-Starke Services: Identifying issues and seeking solutions
When it comes to healthcare, it’s easier to focus more on physical wellness than mental wellness. If someone is experiencing back pain, blurring vision, rashes, or any number of visible symptoms, they will typically do something about the issue, whether that be the use of medicine or a trip to the doctor. Mental health is just as important. In fact, a mental health crisis can be as debilitating as a physical one.
Porter County Health Department revolutionizes health in Porter County with new mobile health clinic
The Porter County Health Department is always looking for innovative ways to improve the health and well-being of its community members, and the department’s newest resource is truly incredible.
On Tuesday, May 9, the Porter County Health Department held a ribbon cutting at Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso to officially reveal its new mobile health clinic to the community. Community members clapped and cheered as health department leaders unveiled the mobile clinic, which is sure to change the narrative of health in Porter County for years to come.
Associated Pediatricians brings quality, compassionate pediatric care to Northwest Indiana
As a parent, knowing a team of quality pediatric healthcare professionals is available to help your child in most circumstances can be a big sigh of relief. Associated Pediatricians LLC is just that team parents in Porter County and surrounding areas can rely on for their children. With offices in Valparaiso and Portage, the team of pediatric healthcare professionals is able to offer local children quality, compassionate care 24/7, 365 days of the year.
Porter-Starke Services Foundation’s Living Health, Balance, & Hope Symposium brings resilience strategies to the Region
Life is a journey of continual growth, but there are always obstacles and adversity to overcome. Having the right tools to face these challenges is the key to having a healthy, successful life, which is why the Porter-Starke Services Foundation is excited to host its annual Living Health, Balance, & Hope Symposium.
This year’s symposium is focused on The Science of Resilience & Optimism. The goal behind this year’s symposium is simple: learn strategies to increase resilience and develop an optimistic mindset. The symposium will take place on July 12 at Valparaiso University’s Harre Union.
NorthShore Health Centers expands mental health care team with social worker & addiction expert Andrew Troxel
NorthShore Health Center’s commitment to providing quality, affordable healthcare to everyone is not limited to medical needs. The federally qualified health center understands that a healthy lifestyle extends beyond its patients’ physical needs, so it also has a team of expert mental health care providers, including addiction specialists.
One of the newest members to join that team is Andrew Troxel, LSW, MSW, a licensed social worker with years of experience in providing mental health and substance abuse care.
Surviving sepsis with Community Healthcare System’s Jennifer Mulvihill
Jennifer Mulvihill is a survivor. The St. Mary Medical Center nurse fought and beat sepsis, a potentially life-ending condition, twice in two years.
“I could really feel that my body was on fire,” Mulvihill said of her first bout with sepsis. “I knew at that time I was running a fever, but getting out of bed was such a challenge because I had no strength. My Labrador, Daisy, helped to get me out of bed because, as I was attempting to walk to the kitchen and get a thermometer, I could not catch my breath.”
Northwest Health Commemorates National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with “Blow Away Breast Cancer” event
Northwest Health - La Porte hosted a “Blow Away Breast Cancer” rally to commemorate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and honor those who have been affected by breast cancer on Wednesday, Oct. 4.
The celebration was flooded with people wearing pink to help raise awareness for the occasion. Keith Nichols, CEO of Northwest Health - La Porte, kicked off the event sharing his excitement on bringing the hospital and community together for the event.
