UP Health System - Portage

12/19/2025

Meet Arianna Francois, registered dietitian at UP Health System – Portage.

Arianna sees patients in a variety of settings, helping them balance nutrition in their daily lives.

When asked about what she enjoys most about UP Health System, she mentioned “I was born and raised here. It is special to recognize patients, connect over our favorite local foods, and help improve their lives.”

Thank you, Arianna, for your passion and dedication.

Stay current with the latest health and hospital news from our hospital.

12/18/2025

Feeling under the weather? Colds, the flu, RSV and COVID-19 are all spreading this season, and their symptoms can look surprisingly similar.

Our latest blog breaks down how to tell them apart, what symptoms to watch for and when it’s time to seek care for yourself or your family.

Know the signs. Protect your loved ones.

👉 Need a provider? Visit https://www.UPHealthSystem.com/Find-A-Doctor

👉 Read more here: https://uphealthsystem.com/news/2025/11/26/is-it-a-cold--the-flu--or-something-else--how-to-tell-the-difference?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=cold_flu_difference

12/17/2025

🎄 Safe Toys, Happy Holidays! 🎁

It’s Safe Toys and Gifts Month, and while the holidays are all about fun, safety should always come first. In 2023, an estimated 154,700 children age 12 and under visited U.S. emergency rooms for toy-related injuries (CPSC).

Before wrapping up those gifts, take a few simple steps to keep playtime safe:

• Check age recommendations on every toy.
• Look for small parts that could be choking hazards.
• Inspect ride-on toys and scooters for stability and protective gear.
• Stay updated on recalls—even popular toys can have hidden risks.

A little attention today keeps the holidays joyful and worry-free tomorrow. Learn more and check the latest recalls at http://www.cpsc.gov.

12/16/2025

Meet Deb. 💙

What started as what she thought was a hernia turned into a life-changing cancer diagnosis. Fear consumed her thoughts — until she found a lifeline at UP Health System – Portage. With the support of a compassionate patient navigator and the expertise of hematologist-oncologist Dr. Charles Goodwin, Deb found the strength to face her journey head-on.

At Portage, Deb discovered that cancer care is never just about treatment — it’s about people. A team that becomes an extended family. Care that sees the person, not the diagnosis. And the comfort of staying close to home in the UP, where she belongs.

“At UP Health System – Portage, you’re not just a patient. You’re family.”

Watch Deb’s powerful survivor story and see how compassionate, community-based cancer care can make all the difference.

12/15/2025

Exciting Update for Visitors at UPHS – Portage!

We’ve heard your feedback! The Portage Café menu is now included on our website, making it easier for patients, families, and visitors to plan their meals during their time with us.

The menu is updated weekly to reflect current offerings, so you’ll always know what’s available when you visit for a meal or stop by the café.

View the menu and more in the link below.

https://www.uphealthsystem.com/portage/patient-guide

Our goal is to provide the best quality care and provide important information to our patients and visitors. Discover fast facts about your stay in our online patient guidebook and stay up-to-date on hospital information that will help ease your time with us.

12/12/2025

Meet Nora Pennala, Education Coordinator at UP Health System – Portage. Nora is our go-to person for staff education, handling things from new employee orientation to quality projects.

She grew up reading a medical encyclopedia for fun, so she's always carried a love for healthcare and human biology.

When asked about what she enjoys most about UP Health System, she explained “I think we have such a great team here; I love working with all the amazing coworkers I am lucky to have.”

Thank you, Nora, for your guidance and energy you bring to each and every day.

https://www.uphealthsystem.com/news/2025/12/11/up-health-system---portage-heroes---nora-pennala

Stay current with the latest health and hospital news from our hospital.

12/11/2025

The holidays are full of joy, comfort foods, and festive chaos — but all that celebrating can put extra stress on your heart. ❤️🎄

This season, show your heart a little love by keeping portions in check, staying active, and staying connected with your healthcare team. Small, consistent steps really do make a big difference.

👉 Take a quick Heart Health Assessment: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/health-risk-assessment/heart-health
👉 Need a provider? Visit https://www.UPHealthSystem.com/Find-A-Doctor

12/10/2025

The holiday season brings excitement, traditions, and time spent with the people who matter most. It’s also an important moment to pause and make safe choices—especially when it comes to driving. Each December, impaired driving incidents spike, highlighting the ongoing need for awareness and responsible decision-making behind the wheel.

According to the National Safety Council, more than 40,000 people lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes last year. It’s a heartbreaking statistic and a powerful reminder that every safe choice matters.

Make a Plan Before You Celebrate:

- Choose a designated sober driver
- Use a taxi or ride-share service
- Stay overnight if you’re in no condition to drive

And remember—impairment isn’t just about alcohol. Substances like ma*****na, opioids, and even certain over-the-counter medications can slow reaction time, impair judgment, and affect coordination. Fatigue and stress can also make driving unsafe.
As we move through December’s celebrations, let’s work together to keep our roads safe. A thoughtful plan today can prevent a life-changing tragedy tomorrow.

As always, we’re here for you. Learn more at UPHealthSystem.com.

12/09/2025

❄️ Winter in the U.P. means cozy meals, snowy adventures, and time with loved ones — but it also means icy sidewalks and slippery steps. Stay safe out there with a few winter-walking tips:

🐧 Walk like a penguin. Point your feet out slightly, keep a small bend at the hips, and use your arms for balance.
⚠️ Assume dark or wet pavement is icy. Take slow, short steps to maintain stability.
🧤 Keep your hands out of your pockets. It helps you stay balanced and catch yourself if you slip.

At UP Health System, we’re grateful you count on us for your care. Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the season. Need a provider? Visit UPHealthSystem.com. ❄️💙

Learn more: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/news/2025/12/09/walk-safe-this-winter-with-up-health-system

Stay current with the latest health and hospital news from our hospital.

12/08/2025

✨ Welcome to the new Virtual Tour of the UP Health System – Portage Family Birthing Center! ✨

We’re proud to care for moms and babies across the Copper Country, offering a warm, private and family-centered environment designed to support you through every step of pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum care. Our team provides personalized childbirth options — including natural childbirth and midwifery — along with prenatal classes, dedicated medical staff, around-the-clock nursery support, breastfeeding guidance and the specialized medical equipment needed to care for your newborn.

🎥 Take the new virtual tour here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9rn5pkmLOs

Learn more about our Family Birthing Center at: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/womens-health/portage-birthing-center

12/04/2025

This week is National Hand Washing Awareness Week so we want to remind you that handwashing can help reduce the spread of illness. It's simple, but effective! Help make sure this holiday is a healthy one by practicing good hand hygiene.