Stress Relievers That Really Work

Stress shows up in our lives in more ways than we realize—including lots of little things that pile on the pressure.

This Stress Awareness Month, we’re sharing the first of a two‑part series on stress reduction. Learn about the most common hidden sources of stress and how these everyday habits and distractions may be contributing to your mental health.

Hands-On Experience, Heartfelt Growth. One Nurse’s Early Lessons in Care

Before she ever stepped into the Post-Anesthesia Unit (PACU) as a nurse, Sierra was already learning what care truly meant, one blood draw at a time. What began as a health challenge with her grandfather became the foundation for the exceptional RN she is today. Click below to read Sierra's journey from curious teenager to determined nursing student and phlebotomist—turned PACU nurse. 

Parkinson's Disease: Awareness Starts Early

Each year, about 90,000 people will be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease: a progressive brain disorder that leads to tremors, stiffness, impaired movement, cognitive changes, and more. What might be overlooked as normal aging, including shaking, slowed movement, stooped posture, and more, could be early warning signs of this neurodegenerative disease.

The Munson Neurosciences team diagnoses and treats a full spectrum of neurological disorders, including Parkinson's, with board-certified expertise and hands-on care.

Celebrating One of Our Everyday Heroes

Munson employee Ashley Ochoa, Coordinator of Coding Operations at the Cowell Family Cancer Center, was recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for creating Fuel for Recovery, a program that ensures patients facing long treatment days have access to nutritious meals and personalized support. We are incredibly proud of Ashley for carrying this legacy forward and for strengthening the culture of kindness, innovation, and service that defines Munson Healthcare.

Art That Gives Back

 Winning artists from our 2026 Voices for Food Access contest earned the opportunity to direct $1,000 donations to local food pantries serving our region. This year’s artists selected the following organizations:

Eloise Kaiser: ACTS Food Pantry (Williamsburg)
Emily Buchanan: Fresh Wind Food Pantry (Thompsonville)
Laurel Heuser: Women’s Resource Center Pantry (Traverse City)

We’re proud to support these essential community partners and grateful to our Voices winners for helping turn creativity into meaningful impact.

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In Case You Missed It...

A Simple Way to Eat Well—Without Counting Calories

Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital’s ER Earns National Excellence Award

Munson Healthcare Provides $10,000 Contribution to Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing

Munson Healthcare Foundations Celebrates $1M Gift to Heart Services

Three Munson Healthcare Surgeons Achieve Master Surgeon Accreditation

Now Open: Elk Rapids Specialty Care Clinic