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Move Your Way Toward a Lower Stroke Risk

Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the U.S. – and stroke cases are on the rise in younger adults. But about 80 percent of strokes are completely preventable through lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise.

The challenge for many people is that preventive measures like exercise can require time and/or energy that isn’t always achievable. However, a new study has found that even minimal amounts of movement can significantly reduce your risk for stroke. Click below to learn how your everyday tasks can add up in a big way when it comes to stroke prevention.

Movement & Stroke Risk

Mother-Daughter Physician Duo Talk Medicine and Motherhood

Mother’s Day is a special day where we pay homage to moms and the other women in our lives who make an impact, like Catherine Wonski, MD, and Caitlyn Monks, DO, a mother-daughter duo who've been a guiding force in our Charlevoix community.

When Dr. Wonski graduated from medical school, little did she know that 30 years later, a daughter she hadn’t yet conceived would earn her own medical degree and go on to support and empower women as an OBGYN – all while raising children of her own.

“From an early age, I grew up watching my mother show me it was more than possible to have work-life balance as a female physician,” Dr. Monks says.

Read more about this incredible mother-daughter duo and how they’ve helped influence an entire community.

Read More

Self-Disclosure Tool Helps Expecting Moms
with Support and Recovery

Historically, Northern Michigan has struggled with higher rates of smoking and substance use during pregnancy. We also know that depression rates are high in our region and mental health supports are important during pregnancy.” — Toni Leaf-Odette, Senior Coordinator of Community Health at Munson Healthcare.

Pregnancy is both exciting and overwhelming for parents-to-be. Struggling with addiction or mental health challenges can worsen feelings of stress and fear. To help moms and their babies be as safe and healthy as possible, our High Tech High Touch tool connects expectant parents to resources that can include treatment, counseling, and more.  

How it Works

Marta W., MSN, RN, Is Committed to Our Future

My commitment to my patients comes from being a mom in the community. Our kids are our hearts and future, and I want the best for them.

I moved to Northern Michigan from Illinois after my now husband and I got engaged. He has lived here his whole life, and now we are raising our family here. My children were born at Munson, and I’m proud to be part of the team that cared for us – a team of people who care so deeply about our patients and communities."

Read More Stories of Commitment

Expanding Access for People Experiencing Homelessness

Over the next two years, Munson Healthcare has committed to donate $300,000 to Traverse Health Clinic to support expansion of the Street Medicine Program in Traverse City. The funds will help expand access for patients experiencing homelessness and complete accessibility upgrades to Traverse Health Clinic’s mobile medical unit, which in partnership with Munson and Goodwill Northern Michigan has served over 1,000 people since its launch during the pandemic. Additionally, a full-time community coordinator will be hired to support comprehensive wraparound services and manage operational costs for the program.

The Street Medicine Program connects with people experiencing homelessness wherever they are and provides medical care including immunizations, chronic disease management, mental health and substance use care, and prenatal care, as well as connecting those who are unhoused to appropriate housing resources. Health professionals from Munson, Traverse Health Clinic, and the Michigan State Residency Program at Munson Family Practice see hundreds of patients on Tuesdays and Fridays each week year-round, helping to minimize severe health issues, reduce the strain on emergency departments, reduce health disparities, and promote equity.

In Case You Missed It...

Upcoming Events at Munson Healthcare

Advance Care Planning Workshops

Do your loved ones know your care preferences if a medical emergency leaves you unable to communicate? Register for one of our free upcoming workshops to learn what advance care planning includes and how to choose the best advocates.

Weds., May 29 | Noon - 1 pm | Online | Register Here

Tues., June 4 | 10 am - Noon | Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital | Register Here

Tues., Aug. 6 | 10 am - Noon | Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital | Register Here