HEALTH PUBLISHED IN SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN BY COREWELL HEALTH
ISSUE 3 • 2023
Currents Be ready for an active retirement
A hands-on approach to health and healing Eight healthy foods that can lift your mood Medicare 101: Everything you need to know
Turns out, you can belong. Don’t settle for a place you don’t fit. Join a team dedicated to including, inspiring and empowering you with: • Supportive and engaged leadership. • Regular celebrations of front-line team members. • Work friendships and connections. • Culture of nursing excellence with multiple
Magnet® designations.
Apply for a nursing career at careers.corewellhealth.org
ON THE COVER Changing views on aging A painful joint may be more than a normal part of aging. It can signify a torn, injured or worn-down cartilage, tendon or ligament. Like many others, orthopedic surgery gave Joan Peden a solution to start her retirement pain-free.
HealthCurrents is published by Corewell Health. The information provided in this publication is intended to educate readers on subjects pertinent to their health and is not a substitute for a consultation with a physician. If you have questions or suggestions regarding this publication, email chsinfo@spectrumhealth.org MANAGER, MARKETING LAURA WAGNER EDITOR KATIE ROMERO GRAPHIC DESIGNER STEVE BANTIEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER JESSICA MALY
IN THIS ISSUE
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New and notable Welcome new providers Foundation news Supporting our community for over 30 years Our patients say it best Getting a second wind thanks to TAVR To your health Five screenings that matter most for men Our patients say it best Healthier in my 50s than my 30s To your health Eight healthy foods that can lift your mood Our patients say it best Be ready for an active retirement To your health A hands-on approach to health and healing To your health Medicare 101: Everything you need to know
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Community conversations Corewell Health Hospice & Palliative Care Community conversations Corewell Health Lory’s Place
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17
NEW AND NOTABLE
Expanding our local care and teams Great health starts with great care. Visit spectrumhealthlakeland.org/physicians to learn more about the Corewell Health medical team taking care of Southwest Michigan.
Salar Alam, M.D. Nephrology
Brooke Bredbeck, M.D. General Surgery
Joshua Cosek, PA Critical Care
Andrea Edgerly, NP Family Medicine
Jon Ferlmann, D.O. Family Medicine
Narayana Gandham, M.D. Pulmonary & Critical Care
Matthew Globerson, D.O. Ear, Nose & Throat
Pam Gregg, NP Hospice & Palliative Medicine
Sarah Leese, PA Family Medicine
Inderpreet Madahar, M.D. Diabetes & Endocrinology
Shawn L. Marein, D.O. Pulmonary & Critical Care
Garrett Muhlstadt, D.O. Family Medicine
Marmik Patel, M.D. Pediatric Hospital Medicine
Silvia Soto, D.O. Hospital Medicine
Andrew Vaughan, D.O. General Surgery
Alexandra Vroom, CNM Obstetrics & Gynecology
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FOUNDATION NEWS
Supporting our community for over 30 years Together we can make a difference. Thanks to the support of generous donors, Corewell Health Foundation Southwest Michigan distributed more than $2 million in 2022. These funds allow us to continue investing in our people, our services, our facilities and our efforts to make health better for our community.
2022 Funded Programs $2,126,880
19%
Nursing education: $529,441 Hospice and palliative care services: $471,836 Lory’s Place: $387,720
8%
Southwestern Medical Clinic Foundation: $179,465 Hope Grows cancer support services: $62,986 Allied Health education scholarships: $47,721 Patient assistance fund: $37,746
25%
2% 3% 3%
18% 22%
Other: $409,965
Coming together Funds raised at this year’s annual gala benefit the patient assistance fund, which provides financial support for expenses like medications, transportation and medical equipment to patients in our community who are experiencing financial hardship.
Coming Together Benefitting the Patient Assistance Fund
We want to thank every community partner that sponsored this event to help make health better. Philanthropy transforms our communities by supporting and enhancing the work of our clinical teams and making patient experience better through clinical innovation and research.
spectrumhealthlakeland.org
| HealthCurrents Issue 3 • 2023 | 3
OUR PATIENTS SAY IT BEST
Getting a second wind thanks to TAVR
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welling in her legs, anemia and shortness of breath were the first signs that Lucille Evans, 91, of Benton Harbor, needed to get her heart checked. “ “My doctor put me through the routine,” explained Lucille. “It’s like school, you know…you need to get passing grades on all the tests.” While she first thought some of her medicines caused her symptoms, Lucille was surprised to learn she needed an aortic valve replacement. “I didn’t talk to anyone about the surgery,” said Lucille. “I was praying to be sure this was what I wanted to do.” A decline in her energy Her daughter, Donna Evans, a clinical nurse supervisor at Corewell Health, shared that the news of surgery came with some added stress for their family. “My dad had open heart surgery 20 years ago and passed away from complications,” explained Donna. “That’s why Mom thought long and hard about having anything done.” Lucille was eager to get her energy back. She was not leaving the house much for church, antique shopping or other activities and not doing as much cooking, cleaning and laundry as usual. She decided the best decision for her health and family was to move forward with the procedure. Corewell Health cardiologist Dilip Arora, M.D. and cardiothoracic surgeon Kourosh Baghelai, M.D. performed a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in June 2022. “We put our faith in the surgeons,” said Donna. “And it was well worth doing the procedure. The outcome has been spectacular.” Lucille was in the hospital for three days and said she was surprised at how good she felt when she got home. She had cardiac therapy at Corewell Health’s hospital in St. Joseph and went to the Marie Yeager Cancer Center for therapy to help with swelling in her legs. Now busier than ever “My mom has been going to the Berrien Springs Senior Center a couple days a week,” said Donna. “She’s excited to get into some of their classes like knitting.” “At 91, she’s living her life to the fullest. It was well worth doing the procedure. In fact, I wish they’d had this when my dad was living. He didn’t have many problems. Just a bad valve.”
About transcatheter aortic valve replacement Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery. Less invasive means easier and more rapid recovery time, shorter length of stay and reduced surgical complications compared with traditional open-heart surgery. The TAVR procedure has been performed by Corewell Health specialists in Southwest Michigan for more than a decade and our team of heart specialists are experts with the technology. For additional information, talk to your primary care physicians or visit spectrumhealthlakeland.org/TAVR.
spectrumhealthlakeland.org
| HealthCurrents Issue 3 • 2023 | 5
TO YOUR HEALTH
Mental health
Skin cancer
Lung cancer
5
Colorectal cancer
Prostate cancer
screenings that matter most for men
Historically, studies show men are more likely to seek health care services only in “crisis” situations—and often miss out on annual checkups. In various circumstances, symptoms can be non-existent or begin as minimal. So, even if you feel fine, you may be missing important health information. The good news is that many conditions are more treatable and less threatening to overall health when discovered early. Annual checkups can help identify changes in your health. Some important screening men should talk about with their doctor include: Colorectal cancer screening discovers polyps in the colon and should begin at age 45, or earlier if you have inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or have a personal/family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps. Colorectal cancer screenings can be done with annual fecal occult blood testing or colonoscopy every 10 years. The goal is to detect polyps before they develop into cancer or while they’re still in the early stages. Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in men. It’s recommended men get screened once a year if they’re 50 to 80 years old, have smoked at least a pack a day for 20 years, and smoke now or quit within the past 15 years. During the screening, a low-dose computed tomography scan uses X-rays to make pictures of your lungs to detect any areas of concern.
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Mental health screening is a set of questions about a person’s mood, appetite, sleep, feelings and other things. One in 10 men will experience mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, but less than half seek treatment. A doctor may have you fill out a questionnaire or ask questions directly. A mental health screening can help identify areas of concern and opportunities for support. Prostate cancer screening looks to detect cancers that may be at high risk for spreading if not treated, and to spot them early before they progress or cause any noticeable symptoms. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE) are two common tests used to screen for prostate cancer. Men should talk with their physician about the pros and cons of screening starting at age 55. Skin cancer screening identifies moles or other growths on your skin that might be cancer. Talk to your doctor if you notice new or old growths that change in asymmetrical shape, border, color or size. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Getting a yearly check by your physician or dermatologist can help find skin cancer early when it is easiest to treat.
Staying on top of your health The most important step you can take to manage your health is establishing a good relationship with a primary care physician. It’s never too late to prioritize health. Know the facts about your wellness so you can make informed decisions about your care. Not sure where to begin? Visit spectrumhealthlakeland.org/physicians to start your search. *Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Great Lakes Gastroenterology joins Corewell Health Southwest Michigan area residents will now access gastroenterology services at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals Gastroenterology, 3903 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph. The facility, formerly Great Lakes Gastroenterology, joined Corewell Health on Nov. 1. “We welcome the Great Lakes Gastroenterology clinicians and team members to the Corewell Health team,” said Melinda Gruber, Ph.D., vice president of medical groups and continued care for Corewell Health. “This move ensures access to high-quality services for our patients. Special recognition and gratitude go to the teams that have devoted significant time and effort to make the November 1 go-live a reality.” “We look forward to being part of the Corewell Health system,” said Bruce Jones, M.D., provider at Great Lakes Gastroenterology. “We have the team, the advanced technology and Corewell Health systems to deliver comprehensive gastrointestinal services to the community.” Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals Gastroenterology offers patients across Southwest Michigan access to experienced gastroenterologists who specialize in treating and caring for the digestive system (GI tract and assisting organs like the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas) and conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, food allergies, stomach ulcers, hemorrhoids and other GI concerns. Gastroenterology also offers important routine screenings for colorectal cancer. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 269.408.1100.
spectrumhealthlakeland.org
| HealthCurrents Issue 3 • 2023 | 7
OUR PATIENTS SAY IT BEST
Healthier in my 50s than my 30s
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other of three and St. Joseph resident, Rebecca Wolff, NP, and Teri Peak, NP. Audrey Henriquez, spent years avoiding “I found the classes to be amusement park rides. It started in extremely valuable,” said Audrey. “I was 2002 when she volunteered as a chaperone on learning how to make necessary diet her son’s eighth-grade field trip. She was excited and lifestyle changes early on, so it to experience riding a roller coaster with her felt like second nature by the time son—but that quickly changed when she could I had surgery.” not secure the seatbelt. At 54, Audrey underwent the “When the park employee arrived alongside Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery at our cart to check if we were Corewell Health’s hospital strapped in properly, I was in Niles. It involved dividing immediately asked to exit,” her stomach to form a said Audrey. “It was smaller pouch for food. “Three years ago, humiliating.” “I was anticipating being if you asked me if I Over the following years, in a lot of pain when I woke craved a salad—I’d Audrey was motivated to try up after surgery,” said Audrey. say no. Today, I’d diet trends that promised “But I felt great—no pain, say yes, because my quick and easy weight loss cramping or discomfort. I was mindset and flavor results. She would lose back at work two weeks later.” weight and then gain it all Over the next months, palate have changed.” back. At one point, she Audrey began losing an –Audrey Henriquez considered surgical options average of 15 pounds a but decided it was not the month. Since her surgery, right time for their family. she has lost 184 pounds— “I didn’t think of food as going from wearing a size fuel for my body,” said Audrey. “It was more of an 26 to wearing a size four, and no longer needs attachment, and I was hooked.” her blood pressure or joint pain medications. The turning point At 314 pounds and over 18 years of struggling with her weight, Audrey decided she was ready to reconsider a permanent weight loss solution. She attended a free Lose Weight…Find Health seminar hosted by Corewell Health bariatric surgeon Seth Miller, M.D. “Dr. Miller presented himself with such compassion,” said Audrey. “He provided scientific evidence as to how the various surgeries could greatly impact one’s life. He gave me all the information and left the decision up to me.” Audrey joined a six-month program through Corewell Health Weight Loss Clinic - Niles in preparation for bariatric surgery, which included a consultation with Dr. Miller and monthly meetings with a dietitian and care team,
From spectator to participant “Some days I walk out of the house in sweatpants, no makeup on, and grey roots showing—and I feel fabulous,” she said. “What’s important is that you’re comfortable in your own skin and healthy.” Earlier this year, she went on a vacation to Florida with her family and was able to join them on all the roller coaster rides at an amusement park. “Those thousands of small things in daily life that no one really worries about—like getting into the passenger seat of a car and wondering if the seat belt will fit—are no longer something I have to think about,” said Audrey.
Take the first step toward achieving your weight loss goals. Watch our free online seminar at spectrumhealthlakeland.org/weight to learn more.
spectrumhealthlakeland.org
| HealthCurrents Issue 3 • 2023 | 9
EATING HEALTHY
Eight healthy foods that can lift your mood If you are feeling down, you may find yourself looking for high-sugar, calorie-filled sweets to try to lift your mood. While this might give you a quick sugar rush, it is not likely to help you in the long term—and may have harmful results over time. What’s a better option? Look for nutritious foods that have been shown to boost your mood and overall health. Certain nutrients can improve overall brain health, stabilize sugar levels and keep you feeling better, longer. Try these eight healthy foods that may help boost your mood. • Bananas are a great source of natural sugar, vitamin B6 and fiber, which work to keep your blood sugar levels and mood stable. • Beans and lentils are rich sources of mood-boosting nutrients like B vitamins. • Berries come with disease-fighting antioxidants that can help lower your risk of depression and are helpful for heart health. • Dark chocolate with high amounts of cocoa has flavanols and other beneficial compounds that can boost the production of “feel-good” chemicals in your brain. • Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, kimchi and sauerkraut have probiotics that can support gut health. • Fish that is fatty like salmon and albacore tuna are rich in omega-3s and may lower your risk of developing depression.
Up to 90% of your body’s serotonin, or the “feel-good” chemical, is produced in your digestive tract, according to the National Institutes of Health. A healthy gut can help improve your overall mood.
• Nuts and seeds like almonds, cashews, walnuts, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds are high in protein, healthy fats, fiber, tryptophan, zinc and selenium, which support brain function and lower your risk of depression. • Oats supply fiber that helps keep your blood sugar levels and mood stable. They are also high in iron.
EATING HEALTHY
Dark chocolate chip oat bars (Gluten-free,* gout-friendly**) These easy, homemade snack bars can help you feel fuller longer and keep you on a path toward healthier eating. Enjoy the chewiness of the oats and flavor from the highest-quality dark chocolate you can find to help satisfy your sweet tooth. Ingredients • 1 large egg • ½ cup fat-free Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla) • ½ cup artificial sweetener brown sugar blend (like Truvia or Splenda) • 1 ½ cups gluten-free* quick oats • 2 tablespoons milled flaxseed • 1/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chips or bittersweet baking bar broken into small chunks Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray. 2. Whisk together the egg, yogurt and brown sugar blend. 3. Add oats, flaxseed and chocolate chips. 4. Spread mixture in an 8-inch square pan coated with cooking spray. 5. Bake for 30 minutes. 6. Cut into 12 bars. Nutrition Information Serving size: 1 bar Each bar (using plain yogurt) contains about 92 calories, 3 g protein, 3 g fat, 18 mg cholesterol, 15 g carbohydrates, 1.5 g fiber, and 12 mg sodium. *To make this recipe gluten-free, use only quick oats that are certified gluten-free. **This recipe is gout-friendly because it contains food moderate in purines. You should limit the amount of oatmeal you eat to less than 2/3 of a cup (uncooked) per day.
spectrumhealthlakeland.org
| HealthCurrents Issue 3 • 2023 | 11
OUR PATIENTS SAY IT BEST
Be ready for an active retirement
W
ith just a few years left in her 22-year career as an elementary school secretary, Joan Peden envisioned that her retirement would be filled with busy days alongside her family and friends. However, her dreams of an active life soon faded when she noticed a constant pain in her right knee. “I assumed the pain was just a normal part of aging,” she said. “I tried over-the-counter medication and temporary treatment shots for a while, but the pain would always come back and get worse with time.” Joan was eager for relief and met with Corewell Health orthopedic surgeon Daniel Sohn, M.D., to discuss a solution. After an MRI scan of her knee, Dr. Sohn explained that she had severe cartilage loss and a horizontal tear in her meniscus, which had resulted in a nine-millimeter parameniscal cyst. The untreated tear overtime had allowed fluid from the knee joint to leak through the tear and cause a painful fluid-filled growth. Knee replacement surgery is one of the most common procedures in the United States, with more then 790,000 procedures performed each year, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Joan opted for total knee replacement surgery, where parts of the knee joint would be replaced 12 | HealthCurrents Issue 3 • 2023 | spectrumhealthlakeland.org
with artificial or prosthetic parts. Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals are rated among the top 10% in both the nation and in the Midwest for Orthopedic Care Patient Safety in 2023, according to CareChex® by Quantros. “I was happy to have finally found a long-term solution that would take care of my knee pain,” said Joan. “Everyone I encountered treated me so well and I could tell that my safety and recovery was a priority.” Joan was released from Corewell Health within
Orthopedic surgeons are specially-trained to help patients manage certain conditions, relieve pain, restore mobility and independence, or return to work and other daily activities. To find an orthopedic surgeon near you, visit shlakelandortho.com.
a few hours after surgery. “I was up and walking right after surgery,” she said. “I was surprised with how good I felt and that I could go home to recover in my own home and relax in my own bed.” Getting back to fun Today, Joan is living life with no restrictions on her knee. Thanks to a successful surgery and her dedication to physical therapy, she is moving freely
without pain. She’s grateful to return to her love of nature. You’ll find Joan outdoors, alongside her husband and dogs, maintaining their property, gardening and keeping up with their two young grandsons. “I’m so grateful that I can enjoy my life again,” said Joan. “I missed so much because of my knee. If anyone has joint pain, my advice is don’t wait—get it looked at now because you could be spending time without the pain.” spectrumhealthlakeland.org
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TO YOUR HEALTH
A hands-on approach to health and healing
It might surprise you to learn that many conditions, like chronic pain, newborn feeding difficulties, and even digestive disorders, can be improved with a hands-on approach to health and healing. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is based on the theory that the body can heal itself. It’s often used as a tool to relieve pain, promote healing and increase mobility. Corewell Health Primary Care - Longmeadow in Niles recently expanded OMT services with the addition of Max Schaefer, D.O., to a team of family physicians like Raul Torres, D.O. Both doctors as well as others in their practice, take a holistic approach to health and wellness. “OMT is a method of care that supports the body’s natural self-healing ability to restore well-being and maintain physical, emotional and spiritual health,” said Dr. Schaefer. “We discuss a person’s individualized short- and long-term goals for their health. Throughout their treatment, my job is to teach and provide tools that can empower people to manage much of their health and wellness outside of the office visit. It is a very collaborative process.” Restoring function and flow to the body “The body, like any structure, is built on a framework,” said Dr. Torres. “When one area becomes dysfunctional, it puts a strain on other regions of the body, including nerves, ligaments and tendons. These can transmit into pain or even referred pain.” OMT is a manual manipulation and augmentation of the body’s tissues, joints and fascial planes. This movement helps to repair and support the natural mechanisms and flow throughout the body, like blood supply and lymphatic drainage. Treatments are customized and range from a very gentle, light touch to techniques with more pressure. OMT can benefit individuals with a wide variety of needs, including: • Newborn and pediatric care for feeding difficulties, torticollis or head-shape concerns.
• Fatigue or stress-related illness.
• Pregnancy and postpartum support. • Digestive disorders.
• Headaches and cranial conditions, including concussion and traumatic brain injuries.
• Symptoms related to chronic pain or sports injuries.
• Recovery from recent surgery or hospitalization.
• Acute and chronic ear and sinus infections.
To learn more about osteopathic manipulative treatment or to schedule an appointment, visit spectrumhealthlakeland.org/omt or call 269.684.6000.
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TO YOUR HEALTH
Medicare 101: Everything you need to know Are you confused about how to apply for Medicare? Priority Health is here to give you everything you need to know to enroll in Medicare when you’re ready. For those approaching their 65th birthday, it’s time to start thinking about Medicare options. Medicare vs. Medicaid: What’s the difference? Medicare and Medicaid often get mixed up because they sound similar. While both of these government programs provide health care to specific populations, there is a big difference between them. Medicare is a federal insurance program serving individuals 65 and over—along with individuals under 65 with certain disabilities, as well as dialysis patients. Medicaid is an assistance program providing coverage for low-income Americans. Researching Medicare plans and unsure where to start? Look for the star rating. There’s a lot to compare with Medicare—premiums, copays, coverage—and it can be difficult to tell which plans have the best combination of features to fit your health needs. That’s why Medicare star ratings make it easy to find the best of the best, letting you verify quality coverage. Plans are ranked on a scale from one to five stars—the higher the star rating, the better the plan’s performance—on features like member satisfaction and provider feedback. That means the plans aren’t just verified by Medicare, they’re verified by the members and doctors who use them. You can learn more about plan ratings by going to prioritymedicare.com or calling 1.800.MEDICARE (1.800.633.4227). When can I apply for Medicare benefits in Michigan? Your 65th birthday is a big milestone for many reasons. This is the age when you are eligible for Medicare. If you already receive Social Security benefits when you reach 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare on the first day of the month of your birthday. If you haven’t started Social Security yet, now’s the time to apply for Medicare. You can apply online or over the phone, although you’ll need to pay close attention to enrollment deadlines and the details of the plan to make sure you have set up your benefits correctly. If you are already on a Medicare plan and are interested in making changes to your plan, remember, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7, 2023. During AEP, you have the option to enroll in or switch to a new Medicare Advantage, Medigap or prescription drug plan. Medicare.gov is a great place to start for answers to your most basic Medicare questions. Health plans also have resources that can help you understand all you need to know about Medicare, like the Priority Health Medicare Learning Center available at priorityhealth.com/learn. spectrumhealthlakeland.org
| HealthCurrents Issue 3 • 2023 | 15
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
Corewell Health Hospice & Palliative Care Corewell Health Hospice & Palliative Care, formerly Caring Circle, has been serving Southwest Michigan for more than 40 years. What started from one woman’s vision and generosity has grown to an organization that has assisted thousands. This local legacy lives on through the range of programs that provides services to people living with a serious illness and their caregivers, as well as individuals facing death, anticipating the death of a loved one, or healing their grief after the death of a loved one.
Thanks to our donors, in the past year we provided:
1,548 patients served
$186,657 of benevolent care at the Merlin and Carolyn Hanson Hospice Center
$112,438 in unreimbursed care
Join us and support our neighbors in need. Your generous donation makes these programs possible: Advance Care Planning; Bereavement Care; Corewell Health Lory’s Place; Hanson Hospice Center; Hospice Care; HouseCalls; Palliative Care; Transitions; We Honor Veterans Program 16 | HealthCurrents Issue 3 • 2023 | spectrumhealthlakeland.org
157 days of hospice care for uninsured community members
Corewell Health Lory’s Place Since 2004, Corewell Health Lory’s Place has been an oasis of support for those in our community experiencing grief and loss. Children, adults and families across Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana receive these services and programs at no charge thanks to the generosity of our community. Through regularly scheduled peer group support sessions, expert grief healing and education is available in a safe, comforting atmosphere. Support also expands beyond our walls. Ongoing grief programs and community outreach initiatives are available at several local elementary, middle and high schools, as well as places of worship.
Thanks to our donors, in the past year we provided:
3,951
562
59
27
community members served
volunteer hours
community outreach groups in 4 counties
new programs in 2023
Programs made possible through your generosity Each dollar donated stays within our local community to create programs like Book Club, Canvas & Cupcakes, Chair Yoga, Cookies & Conversation and Cooking for One. Help ensure that resources are available for those who have experienced the death of someone significant in their lives. It is an honor and privilege to take care of our own friends and neighbors. We couldn’t do it without you. spectrumhealthlakeland.org
| HealthCurrents Issue 3 • 2023 | 17
1234 Napier Avenue St. Joseph, Michigan 49085
Detect cancer and beat it—as many times as it takes. Benton Harbor resident Carolyn Jones didn’t want to be a statistic. She wanted to live. With her friends, family and local care team supporting her, Carolyn beat cancer—not once, but twice. Across the U.S. in communities like ours, Black women have a much higher breast cancer death rate. Starting yearly mammograms at age 40 is vital for every woman. Schedule through MyChart at spectrumhealthlakeland.org/mammo or call 800.791.2810.