UP Health System - Bell

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

Every step should be pain-free. If joint pain is slowing you down, it might be time to learn more about your joint health. Take our quick Joint Health Risk Assessment to understand your risk and your options. uphealthsystem.com/health-risk-assessment/joint-health?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=16950_701O&utm_content=ojh

12/15/2025

We want to thank community volunteer Mary Poirier and her dedicated sewing group for lovingly making the beautiful Christmas stockings for our Bell babies. These thoughtful gifts are cherished by families and enjoyed by our OB team each year.

We also appreciate the Bell Auxiliary for providing the fabric and delivering the stockings to our OB unit for distribution. This annual tradition would not be possible without the generosity, time and talent of everyone involved.

Wishing you all a wonderful and special holiday season.

— The Bell OB Department

12/12/2025

There’s more snow coming this weekend, so it’s important to remember how to handle it safely — especially when it comes to shoveling.

Here are three helpful tips to get the job done and look after yourself in the process:

Warm up: Before heading out, take a few minutes to loosen your muscles and prepare for physical activity. Exercise is exercise, whether you’re playing basketball or shoveling your steps. A short warm-up with stretching or light movement helps your body transition to the work of shoveling.

Dress in layers: Wear multiple layers instead of one heavy coat. Layering helps you regulate heat and sweat more effectively as you shovel.

Use proper technique: Whenever possible, keep the shovel low and use it like a snowplow to push snow aside, reducing bending and lifting. If you need to lift snow, bend at the knees and use your legs to take most of the weight. As you get tired, take smaller loads instead of trying to move large amounts quickly.

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

The winter wind does more than make you cold, it dries your skin too. Prolonged periods of exposure to cold can cause cracking and irritation— dermatological issues which can go unnoticed under layers of clothing.

Here's five tips to look after your skin health when the air is cold:

- Use a moisturizing lip balm to protect your lips from becoming chapped.
- Continue to stay hydrated like you would in the summer. It can be easy to forget about water when you're not sweating outside, but staying hydrated will help your skin during winter.
- Consider using a humidifier when sleeping. Home heating systems, paired with closed windows, can dry out skin when resting.
- Wear sunscreen for exposed skin. The sun reflecting off snow can burn skin, just like the water on a lake. Applying sunscreen is still important, even if it's only on a small area.
- Apply moisturizer after showering or washing hands. This helps keep moisture in our skin, instead of losing it to cold, dry air.

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.

12/02/2025

Have you had your flu shot yet?

It’s Influenza Vaccination Week, so now’s the perfect time to roll up your sleeve and get protected. A quick vaccination helps keep you, your family and our community healthier all season long.

Give your primary care provider a call to schedule your flu shot, or if you need a provider or have questions, we’re here to help: uphealthsystem.com.