8 Tips for a Better Night's Sleep

While diet and exercise often steal the spotlight in discussions about health, getting enough quality sleep is just as crucial. Sleep is the time when our bodies rest, repair, and recharge. Without it, we risk facing a host of health issues, from obesity and diabetes to heart disease.

Are you getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night? If not, don't worry! We've got you covered with our top tips for better sleep. Plus, take our "snore score" quiz to find out if it's time to consult a sleep specialist.

Celebrating Nutrition with 3 Tasty New Recipes!

This month, we’re celebrating fueling our bodies with three new nutritious recipes filled with flavor. Whether you have a hankering for something hearty or fresh, don’t miss out on these easy meals made with nourishing ingredients – including pantry staples.

Asian Chicken Pasta Salad

Spinach and Black Bean Burrito with Fresh Salsa

Ethiopian Lentil Stew

Women's History Month Spotlight: Dr. Justine Pearl, Neurosurgery Trailblazer

At Munson, we are proud to recognize the invaluable contributions of women in healthcare who work tirelessly to deliver exceptional care and lead with passion – like Munson neurosurgeon Justine Pearl, MD, a true trailblazer in her field.

Dr. Pearl is among the mere 8% of female neurosurgeons practicing in the U.S. and the only one in Northern Michigan. Click below to read her incredible story.

Colorectal Cancer: Are You at Risk?

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In Northern Michigan, people are 15 to 20% more likely to be impacted by colorectal cancer. The majority of cases in our region aren't detected until later stages, which increases risk of death.

 If you’re age 45+ or have a family history of colorectal cancer, talk to your family provider about screening. 

Living With Diabetes? Our NEW Text for Tips Can Help!

If you have Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, here’s your chance to get weekly tips to guide you on your journey. Our free new program sends you inspiration, information, tips, tricks, and more right to your phone each week. Topics include: managing stress and mental health, monitoring blood sugar, incorporating more movement and exercise, nutritional tips and recipes, care schedule reminders, and more.

Sign up today and take the first step towards a healthier, more empowered life.

Pictured: Charlevoix Hospital's Chris Good, Director of Nursing Surgical Services (Left); Joanne Schroeder, President (Right).

Munson Gives $5,000 to The Manna Food Project

We're proud to announce our commitment as a $5,000 Platinum Harvest Partner with The Manna Food Project, a local nonprofit food bank that serves our neighbors in need across Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet counties. This new partnership highlights our dedication to supporting local communities and addressing food insecurity.

Recently, leaders from Charlevoix Hospital helped bag rice and assemble backpack bags filled with meals and snacks for school-aged children. Together, we are making a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need. 

Roman Barraza, MD, Is Committed to Every Stage of Life

"Hospice care and palliative medicine are my calling. I specialize in helping both the sickest of the sick (palliative care) and those in their last chapters in life (hospice), and I am deeply committed to caring for these patients in ways that they can live as well as they can for as long as they can, on their terms.

Working with patients and their families at the bedside to address their needs and helping to relieve suffering and provide guidance is the most rewarding part of my profession. I am continuously learning from my patients each day, and they inspire a sense of reward and gratitude that is inherently and perpetually motivating."

Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls

If you're an older adult ready to improve your quality of life and remain independent as long as possible, this series is for you! Join us for a free 8-week program designed to 1) Help you build strength and mobility by increasing your activity levels and 2) Reduce your fear of falling. In this mostly lecture-based series, you will learn:

*How to increase your activity based on realistic goals
*How to greatly reduce fall risk factors in your home
*Simple exercises to increase strength and balance

Thursdays, Apr. 3 - May 22 | 10 am - Noon | Grand Traverse Bay YMCA 

Spots Are Limited! Register Now to Reserve Yours

Hamstrings and Hip Flexors

Munson Healthcare is teaming up with the Traverse City Track Club to bring you a series of fun and informative lectures designed to help you achieve your running and wellness goals. Join us for our next event! Learn techniques to stretch and strengthen your hamstrings and hip flexors to maximize running performance, led by certified running coach Tracey Allers, PT, DPT, a physical therapist with Mary Free Bed at Munson Healthcare. No registration required.

Wednesday Apr. 9 | 6 - 6:25 pm | Silver Spruce Brewing Company

In Case You Missed It...

Munson Highlights the Need to Protect Medicaid Funding to Safeguard Northern Michigan Patients, Communities

Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Receives Press Ganey Human Experience Guardian of Excellence Award

Cadillac Hospital Earns Level II Maternal Care Verification

Munson Opens State-of-the-Art Advanced Wound Care Center in Cadillac

Rising Stars: A Look at Five of Munson Healthcare's Young Leaders, Pioneering in Their Own Ways