UP Health System - Marquette

04/27/2026

Last week on “Ask the Doctors” on WNMU-TV PBS, host Jennifer Dehlin, M.D., was joined by a panel of local providers for an informative discussion focused on brain, brain injuries and spine health.

Guests included neurosurgeons Elizabeth Hogan, MD, and Nathan Esplin, MD, of UP Health System – Marquette Brain and Spine Center, along with physical therapist Kimberly Spranger, MSPT, of UP Rehab Services. They discussed how the brain and spine function as a connected system, common causes and types of injury, and what patients may experience with neurological or spinal conditions.

The panel also discussed warning signs to watch for, ranging from headaches and dizziness to changes in strength, balance or mobility. They emphasized the importance of early evaluation, appropriate diagnosis and a coordinated approach to treatment and rehabilitation.

Throughout the episode, the providers answered viewer questions and shared practical guidance on prevention, recovery and long-term brain and spine health.

🎥 Watch the full episode: https://www.pbs.org/video/brain-brain-injuries-and-spine-yzxldd/

04/24/2026

✨ Meet Megan — one of our UP Health System — Marquette Heroes! 💙

Megan Thiel is a member of our team at UP Health System – Marquette, where she plays an important role in supporting patients and colleagues each day. She helps ensure patients receive the care, attention and compassion they need during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Her passion for health care is rooted in a desire to help others and make a meaningful difference. She brings dedication, teamwork and a positive attitude to every shift, helping create a supportive environment for both patients and staff.

Whether she’s assisting patients, collaborating with her team or navigating the fast-paced nature of health care, Megan’s commitment shines through in everything she does.

Learn more about Megan: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/news/2026/04/24/uphs---marquette-heroes---megan-thiel

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

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?I am an operations manager for Medical Specialists and Sleep Medicine at UP Health System – Marquette.What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?My mother worked as the RN nurse manager for the Intensive

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:
Marquette Police Department
300 W Baraga Ave, Marquette, MI 49855

Northern Michigan University Police Department
1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855

Michigan State Police – Negaunee Post
2901 U.S. 41 W, Negaunee, MI 49866

🗓 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

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Neil Umles to the nephrology team at UP Health System – Marquette. 💙We are excited to have him join our team and our community.

Dr. Umles provides comprehensive kidney care, including treatment for acute and chronic kidney disease, hypertension, electrolyte disorders and dialysis management. He brings advanced training in internal medicine and nephrology, along with experience caring for patients in complex, high-acuity settings.

He is passionate about improving kidney health through evidence-based care, patient education and collaboration with care teams and those he serves.

Dr. Umles is now seeing patients at UP Medical Group – Medical Specialists, 1414 W. Fair Ave., Ste. 344, Marquette, Michigan.

Learn more about Dr. Umles: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/news/2026/04/20/up-health-system---marquette-welcomes-neil-umles--md--to-nephrology-team

Learn more about our nephrology services: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/services/nephrology

To schedule an appointment, call 906.449.1300.

UP Health System – Marquette is pleased to welcome Neil Umles, MD, to its Medical Specialists nephrology team. He provides comprehensive care for patients with acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, electrolyte disorders and

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

✨ Meet Frances — one of our UP Health System — Marquette Heroes! 💙

Frances Stanchina, RN, is a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse at UP Health System — Marquette. She cares for some of our smallest patients, supporting babies and their families through moments that can be both uncertain and incredibly meaningful. From helping a newborn learn to take a bottle to stabilizing critically ill infants, Frances plays a vital role in their journey home.

Her passion for health care started with a lifelong love of helping others and caring for babies. She finds it especially meaningful to support mothers during one of the most important — and sometimes unpredictable — times in their lives.

Since joining UP Health System — Marquette in 2019, Frances has grown through several roles, including care aide and ICU nurse during COVID-19 before finding her place in the NICU. She has also helped transport babies across the UP so they can receive specialized care close to home.

Learn more about Frances: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/news/2026/04/17/uphs---marquette-heroes---frances-stanchina--nicu-rn

Thank you, Frances, for your compassion, dedication and the care you provide to our tiniest patients and their families each day! 💛

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?I am a registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at UP Health System – Marquette.What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?I have always wanted to help people.

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

Last week on “Ask the Doctors” on WNMU-TV PBS, host Jennifer Dehlin, M.D., was joined by a panel of local providers for an informative discussion focused on children’s health and wellness. Guests included Joshua Dykla, D.O., of Marshfield Clinic Health System; Rebecca “Annie” Reinertsen, M.D., of South Shore Family Practice; and Erika Tyler, D.D.S., of Marquette Pediatric Dentistry PC.

The group discussed key topics in pediatric health, including the importance of routine wellness visits, monitoring growth and developmental milestones, staying current on preventive care such as vaccinations and dental health, and recognizing early signs of developmental or behavioral concerns.

Throughout the episode, the panel answered viewer questions and shared practical, family-focused guidance to help parents and caregivers support children’s health and well-being at every stage.

🎥 Watch the full episode: https://www.pbs.org/video/childrens-health-h0wr3j/

04/10/2026

✨ Meet Stephanie — one of our UP Health System – Marquette Heroes! 💙

Stephanie Bovan, PTA, is a physical therapist assistant on the inpatient rehabilitation unit at UP Health System – Marquette. She works closely with patients on the medical, surgical and oncology units, helping them regain strength, mobility and independence so they can return to their daily lives. Every day brings something new, and Stephanie is proud to support patients through each step of their recovery journey.

Her path into health care was shaped by personal experience. After tearing her ACL in a high school track injury, the care she received through surgery and physical therapy inspired her to pursue a career helping others heal and recover.

With seven years at UP Health System – Marquette and nearly two decades in the field, Stephanie has seen many changes in health care. Through it all, she remains focused on adapting and growing to provide the best possible care for her patients.

Learn more about Stephanie: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/news/2026/04/10/uphs---marquette-heroes---stephanie-bovan--pta

Thank you, Stephanie, for your dedication to your patients, your team and our community each day! 💛

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?I am a physical therapist assistant on the inpatient rehabilitation unit at UP Health System – Marquette.What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?I had always wanted to work in health care