A tick lays on a leaf, waiting for an animal to brush against it, so that it can crawl onto its new blood host. (For Spectrum Health Beat) They wait in the tall grass, hoping to jump on unsuspecting passers-by. They’re just tiny ticks, but these black-bodied leeches can deliver a powerful and potentially serious…
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6-year-old Marley Berthoud suffered a severe brain hemorrhage while still in utero. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat) Extensive genetic testing has revealed a mutation in Marley’s ODC1 gene, which is involved in the processing of polyamine, compounds important for development and growth. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat) There was no known genetic condition…
They may look colorful, fun, and harmless, but flip flops are anything but. (For Spectrum Health Beat) Warm weather activities seem tailor-made for flip flops. But even Jimmy buffett sings about how he blew up his thong when he stepped on a pop top and cut his heel, then came home. John Harris, DPM, FACFAS,…
Read More “Reasons why you should flip and flop | Health beat” »
Small, simple things like a belly massage can sometimes help reduce symptoms of bloating. (For Spectrum Health Beat) Bloating is common, especially in women. Constipation or menstruation are the most common causes, but for many women there can be an underlying condition as well. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which affects up to 24% of women, can…
Read More “Are you feeling bloated and uncomfortable? | Health beat” »
Don’t worry about counting the steps when you go out for a walk, just enjoy the improved mood. (For Spectrum Health Beat) Where’s the one place everyone wanted to be last year? Outside. Whether for exercise, recreation or socializing, the pandemic has pushed more and more people into the fresh air. It’s not only good…
Michigan mother of two Kendra Bossardet finally hit 238 pounds after having her children. The weight has climbed on her over the years. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat) At 53, she decided she needed a change. In March 2017, she underwent weight loss surgery. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat) Bossardet lost 100 pounds….
Axle Lensky spent the first eight months of his life at the Gerber Foundation Neonatal Center at Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat) Axle’s parents, North and Kara Lensky, have been by his side every day and their commitment to him has inspired the care team at Axle’s NICU….
Kim Delo had her first two open heart surgeries, one at age 5 to correct a heart murmur from an abnormal congenital aortic valve, and the other in 2009, to replace that valve. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat) Her third was in September 2020. Doctors used an innovative, minimally invasive procedure called the Transcatheter…
Jacquelyn Ritsema had never had back problems. Giving birth to her daughter changed that. “Even bending over the baby to change his diaper was painful,” Jacquelyn said. (Chris Clark | Spectrum Health Beat) Jacquelyn and Seth welcomed their baby, Kinsley, last July via an emergency Caesarean. “It was my first time to have surgery,” she…
