UP Health System - Bell

01/30/2026

Meet Tara Alderton, CMA, one of our UP Health System – Bell heroes.

Tara works in occupational medicine, a field focused on the treatment and prevention of workplace-related illnesses and injuries. Her work includes physicals, drug screens, CPR training, health fairs and more.

She joined the team in 2023 and transitioned into occupational medicine in 2025. When asked what she enjoys most about working at UP Health System – Bell, she said, “My favorite thing about working at UP Health System is the support team I have behind me.”

Thank you, Tara, for your compassion and support of our community.

Stay current with the latest health and hospital news from UP Health System.

01/29/2026

Many serious health conditions don’t cause symptoms right away. That’s why annual blood work is such an important part of preventive care. Routine labs can reveal early signs of heart disease, diabetes, kidney issues, and more, often before you feel anything is wrong. Reviewing these results with a primary care provider helps catch small changes early, when they’re easier to manage. Read the full blog: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/news/2025/12/22/what-your-annual-blood-work-can-reveal-about-your-health?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=annual_blood_work

01/28/2026

As snowfall accumulates across the Upper Peninsula, it’s important to exercise caution around your home and workplace, especially with fluctuating temperatures.

Snow that slides off roofs and icicles that form on gutters can create safety hazards for people outdoors.

Here are three steps you can take to protect yourself when walking outside:

• Watch for snow along roof edges. Snow can fall suddenly, especially when warmed by sunlight. Note areas with thick snow, and consider clearing them safely or changing your walking route to avoid those spots.

• Remove long icicles. Icicles may fall as temperatures rise. Using a shovel to clear them from gutters can also reduce additional weight on your roof.

• Be alert for ice. Melting and refreezing can create icy patches that may be hard to see. “Black ice” can form from runoff in driveways and walkways.

Being cautious in icy and snowy conditions can help reduce the risk of slips and falls during winter.

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

01/27/2026

Radon Awareness: Protect What Matters Most

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can build up in homes without warning—and long-term exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer. The good news? Radon exposure is preventable.

Simple steps to reduce your risk:
✔️ Test your home for radon — it’s quick, affordable, and easy
✔️ Install a radon mitigation system if levels are elevated
✔️ Improve ventilation in basements and crawl spaces
✔️ Stay informed and share the message with others

During , take action to help protect your family’s health. Testing could save a life — possibly even yours.

Learn more about radon testing here: https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-radon-test-kit-or-measurement-and-mitigation-professional?fbclid=IwY2xjawPl5kFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnM3l2SDhUTElnT0tjazZ4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnm_LUhALuPMjQ35L01EH_uREOdtJyqocTSf04aGsFejLGfLpOdbrHASB_ky_aem_jXBlQoIfIdW2MigqK37gVA

01/26/2026

January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month. While not all birth defects can be prevented, healthy behaviors before and during pregnancy may help support a healthy start for your baby.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, steps that may help reduce the risk of certain preventable birth defects include:

- Talking with your health care provider and keeping all prenatal care appointments. Open communication can help address family history, medical conditions and medications.

- Avoiding harmful substances, including ni****ne products, alcohol and illicit drugs.

- Taking care of your overall health, including managing conditions such as diabetes, treating fevers above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, and maintaining a healthy weight.

- Getting 400 micrograms of folic acid each day from fortified foods, supplements or both, which may help reduce the risk of certain brain and spine defects.

If you are looking for a care team to support you through pregnancy, we are here to help.

Visit the Find a Provider tab at www.UPHealthSystem.com to get connected with compassionate, quality care for you and your growing family.

01/23/2026

UP Health System – Bell is pleased to award Makenzie Laakso, RN, with the DAISY Award this quarter. Laakso is an emergency department nurse known for her compassion and collaboration with every patient she serves. In the fast-paced emergency department, no two days are the same.

Her positive attitude recently left a lasting impression on two patients, resulting in two separate nominations for the award.
To read the full story, click the link below:

https://www.uphealthsystem.com/news/2026/01/23/up-health-system---bell-honors-makenzie-laakso--rn--with-the-daisy-award

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

01/22/2026

Good health looks different at every age, and so does great care. Primary care teams help keep you well through every chapter, offering everything from annual exams to ongoing support for your evolving health needs. Wherever life takes you, we’re here, specializing in you. Find a provider today at uphealthsystem.com/find-a-doctor

01/20/2026

We love welcoming a new , but it’s not every day one is born to members of our own team. It’s a testament to the level of care we provide. When your team believes in what you do, they trust you with their own family.

Moments like this remind us why caring for our community—and each other—matters.

Meet baby boy Brian, born last month to members of our team at UP Health System – Bell. Welcome to the world, Brian!

01/19/2026

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. challenged us all to serve others with intention and heart. Today and always, we remain committed to caring for you and the communities we proudly serve.

01/16/2026

Meet Samantha Dymond, clinic nursing supervisor at UP Health System – Bell.

Twelve years ago, Samantha began her career at UPHS – Bell as a receptionist. She later went back to school and returned four years ago to lead staff on the nursing side.

She serves in a fast-paced, dynamic role supporting clinical staff, where no two days are the same.

When asked what she enjoys most about UP Health System, Samantha said, “I enjoy the opportunity to support my team and help create a positive environment for both the staff and the patients.”

Thank you, Samantha, for your passion and leadership.

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

01/15/2026

With temperatures dropping and wind speeds rising, it’s important to remember the health risks of cold exposure. If the weather conditions in Ishpeming are 19 degrees, with winds of 10 to 18 mph, frostbite can develop in as little as 30 minutes.

To help protect yourself, keep these frostbite dos and don’ts in mind when spending time outdoors:

Don’t: Wear one thick, heavy coat.
Do: Dress in multiple layers. This allows you to regulate your body temperature as you move around.

Don’t: Leave your gloves and hat at home.
Do: Cover your hands and head. Exposed skin is more vulnerable to frostbite. Even short periods outdoors in extreme cold can dry and damage skin.

Don’t: Improvise along the way.
Do: Plan ahead and limit your time outdoors. Preparation is the best defense to reduce your overall risk.

01/14/2026

Meet Kadie. 🏀💙

Kadie had played basketball with the same group of girls since third grade. Ever since they were little, they talked about one dream—winning a state championship. Sports were everything to her.

During the first scrimmage of her junior year, Kadie stepped the wrong way. She felt a shift, went down, and learned she had torn her ACL and meniscus. In that moment, it felt like her whole world had fallen apart.

Surgery was scheduled right away at UP Health System – Bell, and just days later, Kadie was already starting physical therapy. Knowing she could move forward so quickly made a difference.

Her physical therapists reassured her every step of the way—motivating her, making sure she felt comfortable, and reminding her that things were going to be OK. Rehab wasn’t easy. There were highs and lows, moments of frustration, and days when Kadie felt discouraged. Each time, the care team took the time to sit with her, talk her through it, and help her rebuild confidence in her body.

“I learned a lot,” Kadie said. “It shaped me into a different player.”

That season, everything clicked. Kadie graduated from rehab, returned to the court, and her team kept winning. The belief grew—this was their moment.

In March 2024, the Ishpeming High School girls basketball team made history, finishing the season 28-1 and winning the school’s first-ever MHSAA Division 4 State Championship.

Kadie is beyond grateful for her surgeon and rehabilitation team at UP Health System – Bell.

“If I didn’t have these people to support me through this, I probably wouldn’t have gotten back to where I was before my injury. It was an amazing ending.”

Stories like Kadie’s remind us why we do what we do—helping patients get back to what they love most. 💙