Aurora BayCare Medical Center

02/17/2026

When Bob couldn’t make it to the top of his stairs without taking a rest, he knew he needed a solution for whatever was causing his shortness of breath. He was referred to Aurora BayCare cardiology and found that a leaky heart valve was causing his heart to work too hard. Shortness of breath and fatigue are common symptoms with heart-related issues, and often the most frustrating ones.

Bob underwent an aortic valve replacement and felt better almost immediately. Thanks to the minimally invasive approach, he was able to go home from the hospital after one night. Thanks to a stronger heart, Bob was able to eliminate a number of medications he was on. Now he’s working to build his leg strength back up so he can get back to downhill skiing with his grandchildren.

Learn more about heart health at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/4s2elfX

02/17/2026

01/23/2026

A routine visit to the dentist unveiled enlarged tonsils for Bree. Her dentist recommended visiting an ENT for consultation. Her mom, Abby, took her to see Dr. Slezak, an ENT at Aurora BayCare, and learned that her enlarged tonsils may be the cause of her restless sleep habits. Bree often tossed and turned at night and was sluggish during the school day. With symptoms in line with pediatric sleep apnea, they decided to remove Bree’s tonsils and adenoids.

Sleep apnea due to enlarged tonsils is very common in children and removal is often all it takes to correct issues. Following the procedure for Bree, she sleeps soundly and wakes up feeling rested.

Learn more about pediatric ENT services at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/49BYiO0

01/20/2026

Nikki’s sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, and further testing indicated a BRCA 2 mutation. Since this is genetic and people with the mutation have a higher risk for several cancers, Nikki’s doctor recommended that she start advanced screening and undergo genetic testing. When Nikki also tested positive for BRCA2, she worked with her doctors at Aurora BayCare to come up with a proactive plan.

After a clean mammogram and MRI, Nikki opted to get a preventative bilateral double mastectomy. During that surgery her doctor discovered breast cancer had developed. After another surgery to ensure clear margins, she was able to take a multidisciplinary treatment approach that included chemo, immunotherapy, and a preventative hysterectomy. Nikki has completed all of her treatments and is so thankful she took the simple step of genetic testing to have information in time to fight back.

Learn more about genetic testing at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/49BYiO0

01/12/2026

Dr. Prabhpreet Singh, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, stopped by the FOX 11 Field House to talk about a groundbreaking procedure called pulsed field ablation (PFA). Pulsed field ablation treats atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder that affects 1 in 4 people. If you are older or have conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea, it is important to monitor for AFib.

Traditional ablation uses heat or cold to treat heart tissue, which can increase the risk of complications. Pulsed field ablation is a precise technology that uses electrical fields to target problem areas of the heart without damaging nearby tissues, which means safer and faster recovery for patients.

If you have irregular heartbeats or experience symptoms like racing heartbeats, fatigue or dizziness, it is important to reach out to your doctor. AFib is very treatable, and with PFA, treatment can be even more effective.

Learn more about AFib and pulsed field ablation at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/43M55U0

01/07/2026

When Mike beat Hodgkin’s lymphoma, he didn’t expect to experience vocal cord paralysis and lose his voice for several months. Not having the ability to speak impacted his life greatly. As a very outgoing person, Mike really struggled with not being able to talk and having to repeat himself regularly.

Thanks to a multidisciplinary team at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, Mike received treatment for his vocal cords, as well as speech therapy to help him regain his voice. In speech therapy, Mike worked on his breathing pattern and how to use his air a little bit differently when speaking. He currently estimates that he has about 95 percent of his voice back.

Learn more about speech therapy at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/43l3gf0

12/17/2025

Dr. Raul Mendoza-Ayala, a pulmonologist at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, stopped by the FOX 11 Field House to talk about the flu and RSV. Both contagious viruses have similar symptoms, such as cough, congestion, sore throat, fatigue, fevers, and can lead to serious illness, especially among high-risk groups.

The two viruses can spread quickly in schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings. It’s important to keep distance from sick individuals and to boost your immune system throughout the flu and RSV season with actions like good sleep and regular exercise.

If you become ill with flu or RSV symptoms, you should see your doctor if they worsen after a few days, or if you have trouble breathing, a persistent fever, or signs of dehydration.

Learn more about the flu and RSV at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/48OZ23b

12/12/2025

Dr. Chad Zehms, an orthopedic surgeon at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, stopped by the FOX 11 Field House to talk about degenerative hip injuries. Hip injuries are typically related to athletic activities, such as playing sports or working out at the gym.

You can help prevent these wear-and-tear injuries by warming up before exercise, wearing proper footwear, and maintaining a healthy weight. If you begin encountering pain that lasts more than a few days, limits mobility, or if there is any swelling, and rest isn’t helping, contact your doctor.

Learn more about degenerative hip injuries at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/44hmCDk

12/10/2025

We’re dedicated in our efforts to keep each other safe and appreciate your partnership when you visit an Aurora Health Care location. During this sick season, stay informed about our visitor policy and patient guidelines. Adult and pediatric patients should utilize virtual primary care options, when appropriate, to reduce spread of infection at ambulatory and hospital sites. Learn more: https://bit.ly/40Ezlvj

12/08/2025

Dr. Brian Klika, an orthopedic surgeon at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, stopped by the FOX 11 Field House to talk about various hand conditions. Hand and arm numbness, as well as wrist pain, is usually caused by repetitive activities such as recreational or occupational duties.

Patients can initially be treated with non-operative treatments such as bracing, physical therapy, rest, and over-the-counter medications. However, some advanced conditions might require minimally invasive surgery. If you are experiencing any of this type of pain, it’s important to see your doctor sooner rather than later. Catching symptoms early can help prevent long-term damage or loss of function.

Learn more about hand numbness, wrist pain, or tennis elbow conditions and treatment at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/3WshVls

12/03/2025

Flu season is upon us and usually lasts until early spring. David, who was born with bronchiectasis, gets his flu vaccine every year to help reduce the likelihood of him getting sick. He knows firsthand how the flu and even the common cold can leave lasting effects on his health. David encourages those around him to get the vaccine to protect those at-risk like him.

The flu vaccine reduces your risk of catching the flu, and it can also make your symptoms easier if you do happen to get sick. Getting the vaccine can also reduce the number of people who are hospitalized with respiratory infections every year.

As we gear up for the holiday season and spend more time indoors, illness can spread more quickly to everyone, but especially those with compromised health. The team at Aurora BayCare encourages you to be prepared to protect yourself and those around you.

Learn more about the flu vaccine at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/48OZ23b