McLaren Flint

03/10/2026

Congratulations to those who made this achievement possible!

The McLaren Stroke Network team, while attending the International Stroke Conference 2026 in New Orleans, were recognized and honored by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Providing 24/7/365 stroke care throughout the state, hospitals part of the McLaren Stroke Network had p...

03/09/2026

The McLaren Proton Therapy Center has treated our 1,500th patient! After a suspicious area showed up on Cindy Gancarz’s routine mammogram, she was called back in for a breast ultrasound. Her doctor kept an eye on Cindy for another six months before ordering a biopsy. Cindy had breast cancer, and she was anxious about her diagnosis and treatment. Find out how she became a McLaren Proton Therapy Center milestone at the link.

After a suspicious area showed up on Cindy Gancarz’s routine mammogram, she was called back in for a breast ultrasound. “They seemed to be okay with the results, but they did want to see me again in six months,” Cindy said.  “When I went to the McLaren Imaging Center in Flint for my nex...

03/08/2026

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

THIS WEEK, Dr. Emily Orille, an emergency physician, reports:

Flu
After a couple of weeks of decreasing volumes, there has been a noticeable uptick in flu diagnosis.

RSV
There has also been an increase in cases of RSV, particularly in pediatric patients, and symptoms of a persistent cough and fever.

Gastro
Viral activity has caused gastrointestinal distress in some, with symptoms of nausea and vomiting, which are made worse by a lack of hydration in many.

Injuries
There continues to be a steady volume of patients seeking care for orthopedic and soft tissue injuries, though those incidents have tapered off slightly following the change in weather.

03/07/2026

⏰ Your heart health "wake-up call" is here.

With daylight saving time approaching this Sunday, research shows a 24 percent increase in heart attacks on the following Monday. Our friends at the American Heart Association shared some vital tips to help your body adjust:

✅ Start getting natural light now to adjust your rhythm.
✅ Wind down earlier in the evenings.
✅ Avoid extra caffeine to combat the slump.

Read the full article: https://mclarenhealthcare.org/4rRQ0tu

03/06/2026

Stepping up your nutrition game can feel difficult in the cold winter months when all we want is comfort food. Why not try whipping up a warm salad?
“Warm salads can be cozy and an easy way to get more nutrients in the winter,” said McLaren Flint clinical dietitian Elexia Sylvester. “Roast parsnips, butternut squash, carrots, and potatoes; then add them to a bed of your favorite lettuce, top with a salty cheese (like feta), minced shallots, and a vinegar-based dressing of your choice."

03/05/2026

Cancer survivors in Genesee County can finally take part in CrossFit® and Physical Activity: A Better Life Experience (CAPABLE). Created in 2019, CAPABLE is a program developed by researchers at Karmanos Cancer Institute and Wayne State University (WSU) to help adult cancer survivors meet the American Cancer Society (ACS) exercise and strength-training recommendations. Tailored to evaluate and promote the benefits of exercise for survivors' well-being, this program runs for 12 weeks and is free to qualifying cancer survivors. Exercises include interval training, strength training, and conditioning workouts of simple movements performed at scalable levels for each participant.
CAPABLE classes will be held at 810 CrossFit in Grand Blanc, starting Monday, March 16. Find more information and register at the link.

The CAPABLE session at 810 CrossFit in Grand Blanc will start on March 16 and conclude in June. CrossFit® and Physical Activity: A Better Life Experience is a program developed by researchers at Karmanos Cancer Institute and Wayne State University (WSU) to help adult cancer survivors meet exercise ...

03/05/2026

A cancer diagnosis affects more than just the body — it impacts the mind and spirit, too. 💚

At Karmanos, we believe in caring for the whole person. From counseling and support groups to integrative therapies like art therapy and yoga, we’re here to ensure you never have to walk this journey alone.

Read our latest article to learn about the free mental health resources available to patients, survivors, and caregivers

Hearing the words “you have cancer” can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. Even before treatment begins, many people experience fear, worry, sadness, or a sense of being overwhelmed. Appointments, test results, side effects, and changes to daily life can take an emotional toll. While ...

03/04/2026

On Black Friday, 2024, 35-year-old Rachel Gustafson woke up with an aching right armpit. When the pain didn’t go away, Rachel, who works in the medical field, went to her doctor, who ordered a mammogram and an ultrasound. A biopsy ultimately revealed Rachel had breast cancer. Read about how she fought cancer head-on with the help of proton therapy at the link below.

On Black Friday, 2024, 35-year-old Rachel Gustafson woke up with an aching right armpit. “I thought it was because of how I was sleeping,” Rachel said. “But the pain didn’t go away, so I started feeling around and noticed a lump that felt like a Tic Tac in my underarm.” Rachel, who works i...

03/04/2026

McLaren Flint’s joint replacement and spine surgery patients now have an educational space to call their own. Michele Troxtel, RN, is the coordinator for both programs and recently invited us to visit. Michele has over three decades of nursing experience, including work with these patient groups. She loves the education aspect of her role, helping patients before and after their procedures. She’s looking forward to adding more educational items to the classroom soon and welcoming new “students". Visit the links below to learn more about our joint and spine programs.
https://www.mclaren.org/main/spine-neck-and-back
https://www.mclaren.org/care/health/mclaren-flint-ortho-campaign-578

03/03/2026

Colorectal cancer is on the rise among people younger than 50. Why is this happening, and who should be screened before 45, the age recommended for people at average risk? McLaren Flint surgeon Dr. Mark Mattingly shared answers with WNEM TV5 this week, in honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

03/02/2026

Congratulations to McLaren Flint’s February Outstanding Employee of the Month, Christy Wykes, RN. Coworkers say Christy gives her all for the patients in the neuro intensive care unit. Her wonderful disposition also makes her a joy to work beside.
"Christy is loved by everyone who works with her and is requested by patients," said one of her many nominators. "She is kind, compassionate, and has all of the qualities a nurse should possess. She has proven time and again that she can be trusted to always do the right thing. She's consistently put in the charge nurse role because she makes the unit flow smoothly and helps other nurses."

02/28/2026

These twin Internal Medicine residents at McLaren Flint are navigating residency together, challenging each other, supporting each other, and growing through our GME program side by side. Two perspectives. One purpose. Watch their story.