UP Health System - Bell

04/24/2026

✨ Meet Olivia — one of our UP Health System — Bell Heroes! 💙

Olivia Arntsen, RN, is a labor and delivery nurse at UP Health System – Bell. She cares for mothers and newborns through every stage of the birth experience, from labor and delivery to postpartum and newborn care. Whether supporting inductions, assisting with c-sections or providing hands-on care after delivery, Olivia plays a vital role in helping families welcome their newest members.

Her journey into health care began in high school when a teacher encouraged her to pursue nursing. From that moment on, she knew she wanted to work in labor and delivery.

Since joining UP Health System – Bell nearly four years ago, Olivia has spent her entire nursing career in labor and delivery. She values the ever-changing nature of her work and the opportunity to support patients during some of life’s most meaningful moments.

Olivia says the best part of her job is the team she works alongside each day. Their shared passion and commitment to patient care help create a supportive environment for both patients and one another.

Learn more about Olivia: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/news/2026/04/24/uphs---bell-heroes---olivia-arntsen

Thank you, Olivia, for your compassion, dedication and the care you provide to our community each day! 💛

What is your role at UPHS – Bell? I'm a registered nurse in labor and delivery.

04/22/2026

In recognition of National Infant Immunization Week, we’re highlighting one of the most important steps you can take to protect your baby’s health. 💛

Infant immunizations are a safe and effective way to protect against serious illnesses and help your child grow healthy and strong. These vaccines are carefully timed to give your baby the best possible protection during their earliest and most vulnerable months.

If you’re a parent or caregiver, it’s normal to have questions — and we’re here to help you feel confident in every step of your child’s care.

At UP Health System – Bell, our providers are here to guide you through your child’s recommended vaccine schedule and help ensure they stay on track.

👉 View the CDC recommended vaccine schedule: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-schedules/child-easyread.html
👉 Find a provider: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/find-a-doctor

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 aged 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

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-month

04/17/2026

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about one of the most common cancers affecting men ages 20 to 44, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Testicular cancer can sometimes go undetected due to stigma or discomfort discussing symptoms. It’s important to talk with your health care provider if you notice:

• Pain, swelling or a lump in a testicle
• A feeling of heaviness or aching in the lower abdomen
• Breast tenderness or growth

Regular self-exams can help you become familiar with your body and identify any changes early. Combined with routine conversations with your health care provider, early detection can make a significant difference.

To learn more about cancer care at UP Health System, visit: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/cancer-care

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

04/10/2026

Meet Vanessa Ghiardi — one of our UP Health System – Bell Heroes!

Vanessa is a registered nurse in the acute care unit at UPHS – Bell. She cites her family as inspiration for pursuing a healthcare career. “I’ve always been driven by a chance to support people through their most vulnerable moments and help them get back to their own lives and families,” she said.

Thank you, Vanessa, for your compassion and teamwork supporting our patients and community!

Learn more about Vanessa's journey:

https://www.uphealthsystem.com/news/2026/04/10/uphs---bell-heroes---vanessa-ghiardi

What is your role at UPHS – Bell? I'm a registered nurse in the acute care unit.

04/08/2026

Meet Valerie, our Easter

This little rabbit has delighted her family and the team at UP Health System - Bell. Now that she's out in the world, she's ready to greet the spring and watch the snow melt.

Welcome, Valerie!

04/06/2026

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month—a time to increase understanding and support for those affected by Parkinson's disease (PD).

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and is associated with changes in dopamine levels in the brain. Nearly one million people in the U.S. are living with PD.

Common signs and symptoms may include:
• Tremors in the fingers, hands or chin
• Smaller or cramped handwriting (micrographia)
• Reduced sense of smell
• Sleep disturbances
• Slowed movement or difficulty walking
• Constipation
• A soft or low voice
• Reduced facial expression (sometimes called “masked face”)
• Dizziness or fainting
• Stooped posture

Symptoms can vary from person to person, and having one or more of these does not necessarily mean you have Parkinson’s disease. If you have concerns, it’s important to speak with a qualified healthcare provider for evaluation and guidance.

Looking for a provider? Visit: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/find-a-doctor