McLaren Flint

01/16/2026

Do you love avocados? Eating more of them can help lower LDL, or bad, cholesterol. A typical serving is a fourth of an avocado.
“They are delicious served on top of a steaming bowl of chili, or any kind taco you can think of,” said McLaren Flint clinical dietitian Elexia Sylvester. “Avocados may also help with brain function because they contain lutein, a cognitive supporting nutrient.”

01/14/2026

Happy New Year from McLarenNow!

As we welcome a fresh start, your health remains our top priority. McLarenNow gives you easy access to care through your phone, tablet, or computer any time you need it.

If the new year begins with a cough, a fever, or any minor unexpected ailment or illness, our trusted providers are here to help around the clock.

To learn more, visit https://mclarenhealthcare.org/3YShthE.

01/13/2026

McLaren Flint has enhanced the cancer care options at Memorial Healthcare Cancer Center with an almost $6 million investment. This funding adds a new medical linear accelerator (LINAC) to the Owosso-based facility, an advanced technology commonly used in radiation therapy for treating cancer. Read more about this technology at the link below.

McLaren Flint has enhanced the cancer care options at Memorial Healthcare Cancer Center with an almost $6 million investment. This funding adds a new medical linear accelerator (LINAC) to the Owosso-based facility, an advanced technology commonly used in radiation therapy for treating cancer. The th...

01/12/2026

After 21 years in the Air Force, Herb Simpson retired. He also started putting on weight. Over the next ten years, Herb’s weight inched up from 228 pounds at retirement to 314 pounds. It was taking a huge toll on him. Dieting wasn't working, so the Veteran's Administration suggested Herb try a GLP-1 agonist shot for weight loss. But Herb decided bariatric surgery was the best bet for him. Find out why at the link below.

After 21 years in the Air Force, Herb Simpson retired.  He also started putting on weight. “I have always been a big, athletic guy,” Herb said. “I was accustomed to eating large quantities of food quickly when I was in the service- hurry up and get back to your job. When I retired, I kept...

01/10/2026

WHAT'S GOING AROUND?— Each week, we ask our ER physicians what ailments and conditions are commonly being seen in our Emergency Room.

THIS WEEK, Dr. Andrew Awabdeh, an emergency physician with McLaren, reports:

Influenza
Following weeks of rising volumes, the prevalence of influenza (both A and B) continues to increase, becoming the most common reason patients are seeking treatment in the emergency department with symptoms of fever, persistent cough, muscles aches, fatigue, and, in some, gastrointestinal distress.

Flu complications
For those patients with an underlying health condition, especially those affecting the lungs and upper respiratory tract, a flu diagnosis has often led to them experiencing more severe symptoms, with many resulting in hospitalization.

Injuries
Wintery conditions continue to cause orthopedic and soft tissue injuries resulting from a slip and fall.

01/09/2026

If chasing dots and dodging ghosts was your weekend thrill, you’ve been in the game a while. But high blood pressure isn’t something to play with. Healthy habits, a quick screening, and guidance from your primary care provider can help keep the score in your favor. Don't have a primary care provider? Find one at https://mclarenhealthcare.org/3LgCpvM

01/06/2026

More than 70,000 people will be diagnosed with head and neck cancer this year, according to National Cancer Institute data. McLaren Proton Therapy Center radiation oncologist Dr. Brooke Spencer spoke with WNEM TV5 about a key risk factor for the disease that is preventable.

01/02/2026

McLaren Flint Celebrates New Year's Baby!

Welcome to the world, Yusariah, who was born at 9:24 a.m. on New Year's Day 2026. She measured in at 19 inches long and weighed 7 1/2 pounds. The Labor and Delivery staff gave mom and dad a special basket to honor this extra special delivery. Congratulations!

12/29/2025

For 61 years, there has been one constant in Jim Stillwell’s life- his wife. When she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, there was no question that he would take care of her. His commitment never wavered, even when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Learn about the treatment that has fewer side effects and made it possible for Jim to continue to be his wife's caregiver at the link below.

12/26/2025

If you want to slow down your alcohol intake this holiday season, or any time of the year, try a mocktail. There are so many fun and enjoyable mocktails to sip at home or bring to a gathering.
"Mixing a fruit juice -like tart cherry- with a lemon-lime soda or squeeze a little lime in with a fiber drink- like Olipop- and grenadine will give you a more grown up version of a Shirley Temple," said McLaren Flint clinical dietitian Elexia Sylvester. "Everyone will love these mocktails! You can even find non-alcoholic (NA) versions of classy cocktails like a negroni- made with vermouth and aperitivo to really impress the people at your get-together."

12/26/2025

WHAT'S GOING AROUND?— Each week, we ask our ER physicians what ailments and conditions are commonly being seen in our Emergency Room.

THIS WEEK, Craig Keinath, an emergency physician assistant with McLaren, reports:

Influenza
More and more patients have been testing positive for influenza A, making it the most common reason patients are seeking care in the ED for symptoms of fever, cough, muscle aches, and vomiting.

RSV
Though not yet trending, there have been several patients who have tested positive for RSV, presenting with symptoms of fever and persistent cough.

Strep throat
There has been a growing trend of pediatric patients testing positive for strep throat after experiencing symptoms of a sudden sore throat and fever.

Slip and falls
Continuing icy and wintery conditions continue to send patients to the emergency and trauma center with orthopedic and soft tissue injuries.