If you're spending time outside today and it feels like your allergies are flaring up, that's likely the smoke drifting into our region from the Canadian wildfires. You might recall how hard we were hit back in late June 2023. The situation now is very...
Rachel Brading saw it coming. It was nighttime and a car was speeding toward them, blowing through a blinking red light on a quiet rural road. In an instant, she knew it wasn’t going to stop. She and her sister, Emma, were sitting in the backseat when instinct took over. Rachel reached...
July 7, 2026 — Elkhart General Hospital today announced the expansion and renovation of its Emergency and Trauma Center, a project aimed at increasing capacity, reducing wait times and improving patient experience at one of the region’s busiest emergency departments. The $37 million project will move...
Many patients walk into their primary care appointment with questions they intend to ask, only to leave without bringing them up. Sometimes it's because they're embarrassed. Sometimes they're worried their concern isn't important enough. Other times, they're simply unsure how to start the conversation. The reality is...
Many people may skip annual checkups because they feel healthy or assume there is no reason to see a doctor unless something feels wrong. But routine primary care visits often uncover health concerns long before symptoms become obvious. [caption id="attachment_60340" align="alignleft" width="250"] Austin Hickok, PA-C, family medicine, Beacon Portage Family...
When something unexpected happens during a camping trip whether it’s a fall, a burn or a child who suddenly isn’t feeling well, one of the first questions families ask is where to go for care. Should you head to urgent care, or go straight to the emergency department? “Knowing where to go ahead of...
Whether it’s a pool at day camp, a lake at overnight camp or a weekend swim, water is a big part of summer. But with more time in the water comes a common issue urgent care providers see every year: swimmer’s ear. [caption id="attachment_60225" align="alignleft" width="306"] Dr. David Brown, Beacon Kalamazoo...
Campfires are a highlight of many summer experiences whether it’s roasting marshmallows at overnight camp, gathering at day camp or relaxing with family at a campsite. They’re also one of the most common sources of injury during camping season. [caption id="attachment_60220" align="alignleft" width="223"] Rachel Kratzer, NP, MedPoint Urgent Care Main Street[/caption] “Burns related to...
[caption id="attachment_60214" align="alignleft" width="242"] Sara Golden, NP, MedPoint Urgent Care Goshen[/caption] Summer activities often mean long days outside, shared meals and changes in routine whether kids are at day camp, overnight camp or families are spending time camping together. While these experiences are a highlight of the season,...
Summer often brings more time outdoors, family vacations and packed activity schedules. But it can also bring coughing, congestion, headaches and fatigue — symptoms that can leave families wondering what is actually causing them. Is it seasonal allergies? Smoke or poor air quality? A summer cold? In many cases, the symptoms overlap enough...
