UP Health System - Portage

04/23/2026

What’s in your medicine cabinet? 💊

Unused or expired medications may seem harmless, but they can lead to accidental poisoning, misuse, or diversion if not properly disposed of.

That’s why National Drug Take Back Day is important—offering one day each year to safely, freely, and anonymously dispose of medications you no longer need while helping protect your family and our community.

📍 Drop-off locations:
Houghton County Sheriff’s Office
403 E Houghton Ave, Houghton, MI 49931

Michigan Tech Public Safety & Police Services (Harold Meese Center)
1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931

Michigan State Police – Calumet Post
3460 U.S. 41, Calumet, MI 49913

🗓 Saturday, April 25, 2026
⏰ 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Please note: No liquids, needles, or aerosols. Pills only.

Take a few minutes to clean out your cabinet and make a difference—this is a one-day opportunity each year.

Learn more: http://consumermedsafety.org/

04/22/2026

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month—a reminder that staying focused behind the wheel is one of the simplest ways we can all help keep our roads safe.

Distracted driving isn’t just texting. It’s anything that takes attention away from driving, even for a moment.

Small choices make a big difference:
• Put your phone away before you start driving
• Set GPS and music before you shift into drive
• Use hands-free tools or apps that limit notifications
• Talk with family, especially new drivers, about safe driving habits
• As a passenger, speak up if the driver is distracted
• Take a distracted driving pledge and encourage others to do the same
• Support hands-free driving laws that help protect everyone on the road

A few seconds of distraction can have lifelong consequences.
Let’s stay focused, stay safe and take care of each other on the road. Learn more about distracted driving: https://www.nhtsa.gov/april-distracted-driving-awareness...

04/21/2026

Lung cancer often develops quietly, with few or no symptoms in its early stages. That’s why screening is so important.

A low-dose CT scan is quick, simple, and painless. It can detect lung cancer early—when it’s most treatable and before symptoms appear. The scan takes just minutes, but it can make a life-saving difference.

You may benefit from lung cancer screening if you:

Are age 50–80
Have a history of smoking (20 pack-years or more)
Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years

If this sounds like you, don’t wait to talk with a provider. Early detection can save lives.

Take charge of your lung health today—because early detection is everything.

Learn more about lung cancer care:
https://www.uphealthsystem.com/cancer-care/lung-cancer

Take a lung health assessment:
https://www.uphealthsystem.com/cancer-care/lung-cancer

Need a provider? Find one here:
https://www.uphealthsystem.com/find-a-doctor

04/20/2026

What an incredible SiSu Shuffle at UP Health System – Portage! 💙

Despite chilly, windy weather, nearly 100 runners, walkers and shufflers showed up ready to move, laugh and enjoy a great community tradition.

From start to finish, the energy was high and the spirit of “sisu” — resilience, determination and heart — was on full display.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this year’s event such a fun success! 👟❄️

04/17/2026

Meet Heather, an endoscopy clinic navigator in general surgery at UP Health System — Portage.

With more than 20 years of experience as a registered nurse, she spends much of her day connecting with patients by phone, helping them prepare for upcoming procedures and ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.

Drawn to health care by a desire to support others, Heather values the relationships she builds with both patients and coworkers while helping shape a newer role designed to better serve patients.

Thank you Heather, for the care, dedication and heart you bring to your work each day.

What is your role at UPHS – Portage? I'm the endoscopy clinic navigator for general surgery.

04/16/2026

True or false: You should remove a tick with heat, nail polish, or petroleum jelly.

With warmer weather here, tick activity is increasing in our area—and it’s important to know the safest way to remove them.

The correct answer: False.

Using heat, nail polish, petroleum jelly or other “home remedies” is not recommended and can actually increase the risk of infection.

If you find a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it close to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure. Then clean the area with soap and water, rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.

After removal, monitor for symptoms like rash, fever or flu-like illness and contact a healthcare provider if you have concerns.

For more guidance on what to do after a tick bite, visit the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/after-a-tick-bite/index.html

Do you need a provider? We’re here to help. Find one near you: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/find-a-doctor

04/15/2026

Did you know that someone new is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the U.S. every six minutes?

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, share knowledge and support the millions of people and families living with this progressive neurological condition.

Parkinson’s affects movement, but its impact goes far beyond tremors. It can also cause stiffness, balance issues, speech changes and a wide range of non-motor symptoms that often go unseen.

While there is currently no cure, advances in research, treatment options and supportive therapies are helping people live longer, more active lives after diagnosis. Early recognition of symptoms and ongoing care from healthcare teams can make a meaningful difference in quality of life.

This month, we recognize the strength of those living with Parkinson’s, the caregivers who support them and the researchers working toward better treatments every day. Awareness leads to understanding and understanding leads to better support for our community.

Learn the early signs of Parkinson’s disease and talk to your healthcare provider if you or a loved one notice changes in movement, balance or coordination: https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/10-early-signs

If you would like to speak with a provider or learn more, visit:
https://www.uphealthsystem.com/neurology

04/14/2026

❄️The snow is melting fast and as moisture increases mold is becoming a major allergy trigger for many people both indoors and outdoors.

Even with lingering snow on the ground small amounts of tree pollen can still be in the air 🌿 Most days it is low but if you are sensitive you might notice sneezing congestion or itchy eyes.

Along with mold and pollen other common triggers include dust pet dander and dry indoor air.

Tips to feel better:
• Keep indoor air clean and well-humidified
• Change furnace filters regularly
• Address damp areas quickly to reduce mold growth
• Wash your hands and face regularly
• Use a saline nasal rinse
• Talk with your provider if symptoms persist

Need a provider? Click the “Find a Provider” tab at www.uphealthsystem.com

We’re here to help you get relief so you can enjoy the things you love.

04/13/2026

As the snow begins to melt across the Upper Peninsula, many people are returning to outdoor activities they may not have done since fall. While the change in seasons is exciting, it is important to ease back into exercise safely.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

- Start small and build gradually. Your heart, lungs and muscles may need time to adjust, especially if activity levels decreased during the winter months.

- Stretch after a light warmup. Periods of inactivity can affect flexibility, so begin with gentle movement to increase blood flow before stretching.

- Revisit your nutrition. Eating habits often shift during the winter, making spring a good time to refocus on balanced nutrition.

- Listen to your body. Mild soreness can be normal, but persistent pain should not be ignored.

If joint pain is slowing you down, our orthopedic team is here to help. Patients can take a free joint pain assessment at:

https://www.uphealthsystem.com/orthopedics

04/09/2026

At UP Health System, the Upper Peninsula isn’t just where we work—it’s our home. That’s why every day we’re focused on more than health care: we support local programs, invest in the well-being of families and help our communities thrive.

From providing access to care for those who need it most to supporting public health initiatives, education and local organizations, our work is guided by one goal: making a positive difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Our latest community benefit report shows how these efforts come together to strengthen the UP, one patient, one program and one community at a time. Explore the impact here:
https://www.uphealthsystem.com/community-benefit-report