UP Health System - Bell

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.

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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. 💙

01/13/2026

January is Mental Wellness Month, a gentle reminder to check in with yourself. Being proactive about your wellbeing can prevent smaller struggles from becoming bigger challenges. If you are experiencing mental health-related or emotional distress, we are here for you with quality, compassionate care.

01/12/2026

On the most recent episode of WNMU-TV PBS “Ask the Doctors,” host Jennifer Dehlin, MD, was joined by Zachary Leonard, MD; Bradley Benson, DPM; and Carley Maanika, PT, ATC for a discussion on orthopedic medicine.

The panel covered common musculoskeletal concerns, the value of early evaluation and how orthopedic care — including physical therapy, injury prevention and surgical options — helps patients maintain mobility and quality of life at all stages. They also offered practical guidance for managing pain, recovering from injuries and supporting long-term bone and joint health.

🎥 Watch the full episode: https://wnmuvideo.nmu.edu/video/orthopedic-medicine-32gpvr/

01/09/2026

A special moment from our holiday season:

Irene is a 98-year-old patient in our swing bed program, who was having a particularly hard day. Staff working with her wanted to turn her day around, so they subtly found out what her favorite Christmas Carol was. Some organization happened behind the scenes, lyrics were printed out, and for a few minutes our UPHS - Bell staff transformed into carolers, singing "O Holy Night" for Irene.

Irene lit up with excitement, and reflected the holiday cheer back to the UPHS - Bell staff.

In healthcare we talk about things like blood pressure readings, resting heart rate, and body temperature. But what's equally important is the compassion we share for our community members.

Thank you for letting us share some holiday cheer, Irene.

01/09/2026

Staying hydrated is often associated with hot, sunny days. However, drinking water is equally important in winter.

The CDC recommends regular water intake for keeping a normal temperature, lubricating and cushioning joints, and protecting your spinal cord. In winter, staying hydrated can help protect your skin, as well as reduce the likelihood of chapped lips.

It's common to not feel as thirsty when it's cold outside, compared to when sweat drips in the summer heat. However, dehydration symptoms can sneak up on you, regardless of season. Dehydration can cause fatigue, brain fog, and bring upon more serious symptoms if not addressed.

Here's some tips for keeping hydrated in the wintertime:

- Take regular breaks during outdoor activity to hydrate, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Limit intake of alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
- Carry a reusable water bottle that you can fill up at the gym, rink, or ski hill.
- Use hydrating lotion on your skin after showering, to lock in moisture before going outside.
- Make sure to cover exposed skin from cold winds.

01/07/2026

📣 Flu season is here — stay informed and stay healthy. 🤧🛡️

Flu activity is increasing across our region, making it important to understand how the virus spreads and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. From why the flu changes each year to how vaccination helps and where to get vaccinated locally, this article covers what you need to know. 💉👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Learn how to reduce your risk and take steps to stay well this season.

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



https://www.uphealthsystem.com/news/2025/12/22/flu-season-is-here--what-our-community-should-know-to-stay-healthy

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

01/06/2026

A new year means new opportunities to focus on your health, and we’re here to help every step of the way. From routine screenings to specialty care, we are dedicated to helping you live well in the moments that matter most. Because we don’t just specialize in healthcare—we specialize in you.

Start your year healthy and strong. Have questions or need a provider? Find one today: uphealthsystem.com

01/05/2026

Say hello to the first Bell Baby of 2026, baby girl Poppy.

Poppy arrived shortly after New Years, and is ready to celebrate along with us.

Welcome to the world, Poppy!

01/01/2026

🎉✨ Welcome to 2026! ✨🎉

From all of us at UP Health System, we’re ringing in the New Year with gratitude for our amazing community. Thank you for trusting us with your health and for letting us be part of your journey.

Let’s make this year one of wellness, joy and new possibilities! 🥂💛

12/31/2025

New Year's Eve is a time for reflection on the past and planning for the future. One of the most common resolutions made this time of year is to exercise more.

The hardest thing about resolutions is sticking to them. But sticking to them is a lot easier when they're defined in an actionable way.

In comes the SMART acronym, a method for setting and achieving goals. When your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound, you can turn that idea into reality.

Read more on what goes into the SMART acronym, and how you can use it to have a successful 2026.

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