What is a Well-Child Visit? It’s important to take your kids to the pediatrician when they’re sick. Or when they need a physical exam for sports. But routine well-child visits are also a critical part of health and wellness for children up to age 21. Think of these appointments as check-ins to ensure your child is – and remains – on a healthy track. And not just physically. Your child’s pediatrician or care provider will look at how your child is developing emotionally and socially as well. Find A Doctor What to Expect at a Well-Child Visit The ultimate goal of well-child visits is to make

Pediatric Services in Northern Michigan Visiting Pediatric Specialists Visiting pediatric specialists hold clinics in Cadillac and Traverse City for consultations and follow-up care for children who need advanced services. Bleeding Disorders The Northern Regional Bleeding Disorders Center in Traverse City provides excellent, comprehensive medical care and support for children with bleeding disorders and their families, including those with hemophilia, Von Willebrand’s disease, and other inherited blood disorders. Bleeding Disorder Center Cancer Children in northern Michigan with cancer are

Pat Carroll's Patient Needs Fundraiser Many times an illness or an accident happens without warning. It can be devastating to both patient and family and create the added burden of financial crisis. The Patient Needs Fund was created to provide welcome relief to patients and their families. The Patient Needs Fund provides financial assistance for the urgent needs of patients during a health-related crisis. Medical social workers and case management staff identify and approve financial assistance through this fund, based on patient needs. Immediate assistance is often provided until other

Meet Your Stroke Team When it’s a stroke, minutes matter. Expert medical attention is required immediately, so it is critical to be fast. Munson Healthcare’s interventional and multidisciplinary stroke team works together to provide the best care possible, from arrival to the Emergency Department through treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery. Your Stroke Team Gary B. Rajah, MD Endovascular/Cerebrovascular Neurosurgeon Surgical Director, Munson Healthcare Comprehensive Stroke Program “My goal is to bring vascular neurosurgical care and minimally invasive stroke care to our region, where these

Stroke Recovery Life After a Stroke How a stroke affects you depends on where the stroke occurs in your brain. It also depends on how much your brain is damaged. Many people who have a stroke are left with paralysis of one of their arms. Other problems can include having trouble with: Thinking Speaking Walking Swallowing, eating, or drinking Doing simple math such as adding, subtracting, or balancing a checkbook Basic problem solving Dressing Showering Going to the bathroom Some people may need long-term physical rehabilitation. They may not be able to live in their home without help. Support

Stroke Technology Biplane Imaging Biplane imaging is one of the most advanced interventional medical imaging technologies available. In fact, Munson Healthcare is the only stroke program in northern Michigan and one of just a few in the nation to have this equipment. The biplane utilizes two rotating cameras, one on each side of the patient, to produce simultaneous and highly detailed images of blood vessels, soft tissue, and blood flow in real-time. 3-D biplane imaging helps clinicians path blood flow through vessels, locate blockages that cause ischemic strokes, and identify aneurysms and

What is a Stroke? A stroke, or brain attack, happens when blood flow to your brain is stopped. It's an emergency situation. Call 9-1-1 if you think you might be having a stroke or stroke symptoms. The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to work well. If blood supply is stopped even for a short time, this can cause problems. Brain cells begin to die after just a few minutes without blood or oxygen. When brain cells die, brain function is lost. You may not be able to do things that are controlled by that part of the brain. For example, a stroke may affect your ability to: Move