Aurora BayCare Medical Center

08/14/2025

Aurora BayCare Medical Center teamed up with the YWCA to host TechGYRLS, a hands-on career exploration event for young girls. From learning how to make a splint to testing out laparoscopic tools, students were able to explore a variety of ways to apply science and math to a medical career. The program aimed to spark confidence and curiosity.

“I hope they found something that they didn’t know they could use math and science and art for. Maybe find something that peaks their interest that they can, later in middle school, high school and thereafter, keep using and learning from,” said Dr. Elizabeth Dickson Michelson, a gynecologic oncologist at Aurora BayCare and one of the organizers of TechGYRLS.

This was the third year of the program and planning is underway for next summer’s event. Stay tuned and learn more about programs and events at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/46Sf3F6.

08/11/2025

Aurora BayCare Registered Dietitian Lindsay Fencl shares nutrition guidance for youth athletes on a FOX 11 Field House Friday. She recommends athletes have four different components in all meals: a protein, a carbohydrate, a fruit or vegetable, and a fat source. Lindsay also explains what’s important to eat right before practice or a game, or for any physical activity lasting longer than 60 minutes.

Learn more about wellness and performance nutrition: https://bit.ly/4mfM2YM

07/22/2025

A few years ago, Peter and his primary care doctor began monitoring a mole on his back that had looked fairly typical. After some changes and symptoms with the mole, they decided in February to have it biopsied. Peter was not expecting the results – stage 3 malignant melanoma. He underwent surgery to remove the cancerous spot and affected lymph nodes and is undergoing immunotherapy treatment to prevent recurrence.

Aurora BayCare oncologist, Dr. Demet Gokalp Yasar, advises regular skin checks looking for “ABCDE” when it comes to watching for skin cancer, which refers to asymmetry, border, color, dimension or evolution of a mole.

Peter and his team followed this protocol, resulting in early detection and a positive prognosis. Wearing sunscreen and avoiding the sun at peak hours can help with prevention.

Visit Aurora BayCare’s website to learn more about cancer care services: https://bit.ly/4kRE6LE

06/17/2025

Haley got into fitness following a car accident when she was 18 to heal her body and mind. After years of intense exercise, social media fitness fads, and a complex relationship with food, she had unknowingly dysregulated her hormones leading to a PCOS diagnosis and pre-diabetes insulin resistance.

Haley worked to get off her medication but was unfortunately still experiencing a lot of inflammation and severe PCOS symptoms. This led her to Aurora BayCare dietitian Lindsay Fencl to take a deeper look at the root cause of her symptoms. They went back to the basics with a combination of whole, nutrient dense foods, quality sleep and intentional supplements according to her menstrual cycle.

This, along with a healthier mindset, has made a dramatic difference and Haley is feeling great for the first time in a long time.

Learn more about services to support women’s health at every stage: https://bit.ly/4kIBNv8

06/11/2025

Kate has struggled with asthma for decades. Despite using a nebulizer and rescue inhaler to treat her symptoms, things like wildfire smoke, exercise and allergies could make symptoms worse.

A friend noticed her struggles and encouraged Kate to visit the Aurora BayCare pulmonology department. The team took a deeper look at her asthma in an effort to address the cause and not just the symptoms. They determined Kate’s asthma would respond well to a biologic treatment, and Kate now receives a twice-monthly injection.

Her life has completely changed. She no longer needs nebulizer treatments, and her rescue inhaler use has been minimal. “I haven’t had pneumonia; I haven’t had to go on any steroids or any antibiotics. I’m able to do more things outside and run around with my grandkids,” said Kate.

A wide range of treatment options for asthma are available. Learn more about lung health at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/3FN5D2y

06/03/2025

The impacts following a stroke vary greatly from person to person, including anything from complete to partial paralysis, issues with balance and dizziness, changes in speech, difficulty with memory and attention, and even emotional changes. These challenges change the lives of not only the stroke survivor, but their caretakers.

Chuck suffered a stroke more than 15 years ago. He lost function in his left hand and had minimal use of his left leg. He and his wife Mary had to change their retirement plans, which included selling their new lake home, but ultimately, they found ways to adapt to their new life.

They started attending Aurora BayCare Medical Center’s stroke support group to adjust to changes and learn about resources that were available. It helped them to know they weren’t alone in their journey. While they are still learning, they also use the group to pay it forward and offer support to others. Mary noted, that since Chuck had his stroke so long ago and is still here, functioning and having a good life, that it gives more recent survivors and new caretakers hope.

The Stroke Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 11 a.m. at Aurora BayCare Medical Center Campus (1160 Building). To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/456mO9I.

05/27/2025

Knowing what to do during sudden cardiac arrest can be the difference between life and death – a fact that Jeff knows well. He suffered a heart attack playing pickleball with friends and thankfully, they leapt into action by calling 911 and administering compressions.

These are two pillars that increase the survivability of a cardiac arrest, along with the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED), which emergency medical professionals later administered to Jeff at the scene. Jeff feels fortunate to be here and is encouraging everyone to know the basics.

Aurora BayCare Medical Center is teaming up with the Compress and Shock Foundation to offer free training to the community.

“Every minute that we delay in getting CPR started, the chance of survival goes down by about 10 percent,” said Dr. Bob Zemple, EMS Medical Director and emergency medicine physician at Aurora BayCare Medical Center.

The free training event is June 8 at 11 a.m. at Aurora BayCare Medical Center. To register, visit https://www.aurorabaycare.com/classes-events/compress-and-shock-foundation-cpr-aed-training-aurora-baycare-medical-center-june-8-2025.

05/19/2025

Children may be referred to speech-language pathologists for a variety of communication difficulties, including problems with articulation, fluency, language comprehension and expression. Konner and Dominic both worked have both been in speech therapy since they were young but had never met another kid who had a fluency disorder.

Mary Jo Veenendall, speech-language pathologist at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, wanted to change that and create a space for kids to be themselves and know they’re not alone. She launched Kids Konnection, a monthly gathering at Aurora BayCare for children ages 8-13 impacted by fluency disorders like stuttering. It’s not a therapy session, just a space where kids can be themselves.

"Meeting other kids is really helpful. Even if they don’t talk about their speech struggles, just knowing other kids who are going through something similar is very helpful,” said Amanda, Dominic’s mom.

Kids Konnection is free and open to children throughout the area who have been diagnosed with a speech disorder. Contact Aurora BayCare to sign up or learn more about speech therapy services at https://bit.ly/43l3gf0.

05/09/2025

Skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer, with more men and women diagnosed each year than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined. The good news is that skin cancer is highly preventable and almost always curable when caught and treated early. Reduce your risk by following these simple tips. Learn more about our skin cancer care: https://bit.ly/4jLnZzx

05/06/2025

05/05/2025

Gary, an active senior, thought he may have pulled a muscle in his chest. But when he visited his primary care doctor, he found he was having a NSTEMI heart attack due to a blockage from coronary artery disease.

He was transported from his primary care office to Aurora BayCare Medical Center. When he arrived, Dr. Aarman Shaikh placed a stent to open his blocked artery. Thanks to Gary's early recognition that something wasn't right, he was able to get treated before symptoms could worsen. This helped him recover quickly and get back to his active lifestyle. Today Gary continues to travel and play pickleball and will soon celebrate his 90th birthday.

Learn more about heart health at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/3SgNBbt

05/02/2025

Daniel Buyarski discovered he had heart troubles following a bout with kidney stones. He had a stenosed valve, meaning his heart valve had narrowed and was no longer opening properly, hindering blood flow. His doctors at Aurora Baycare completed a heart valve replacement to help treat his condition.

Post surgery he unfortunately suffered additional complications due to weakened heart muscles. To help his long-term recovery and prognosis, his team decided on an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), which continuously monitors his heart and can deliver a shock if it gets out of rhythm.

Dan just completed outpatient cardiac rehab and is thankful for the incredible care at Aurora BayCare that saw him through the bumps in the road and gave him a new lease on life.

Take a heart health quiz to estimate your risk and receive guidance: https://bit.ly/415z2N9