UP Health System - Bell

02/24/2026

Did you know many heart attacks start slowly with mild pain or discomfort? Pay close attention to your body and know the warning signs. Don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 if you experience any of these symptoms.

Early detection saves lives, and timely care means you can stay focused on the things most special to you. You can get the heart care you need right here at home. Because when it comes to your heart, we’re not just checking the numbers. We’re specializing in you.

02/23/2026

🏥 Know Where to Go for Care
Choosing the right level of care can save you time and help ensure you receive the treatment you need. Not every illness or injury requires a trip to the Emergency Department.

Here’s a quick guide:
🩺 Primary Care Provider – Routine checkups, preventive care, chronic condition management and ongoing health concerns
🩹 Express Care – Minor injuries, sprains, cold and flu symptoms, minor infections and non-life-threatening issues
🚨 Emergency Department – Chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe injuries, difficulty breathing or other life-threatening conditions

If you are experiencing severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department immediately. When in doubt, don’t delay care — the UP Health System – Bell Emergency Department is here for you 24/7.

Learn more: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/emergency-room

02/20/2026

Meet Jill Dix — one of our UP Health System – Bell Heroes! 💙

Jill is a registered nurse case manager at UP Health System – Bell, where she plays a key role in coordinating hospital discharges and post-acute services for patients and their families.

She values the relationships she’s built with both her coworkers and the patients she meets along the way. Thank you, Jill, for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to supporting our patients and community!

Learn more about Jill’s journey 👉 https://www.uphealthsystem.com/news/2026/02/20/uphs---bell-heroes---jill-dix

What is your role at UPHS – Bell? I am the hospital’s RN Case Manager

02/18/2026

Stuck inside with a box of tissues and a heavy cough? When does a common cold become bronchitis?

Bronchitis, often called a “chest cold,” occurs when the airways swell and produce mucus in the lungs, causing a deep, persistent cough.

Symptoms of bronchitis may include:

• Chest soreness
• Fatigue
• Mild headache
• Mild body aches

The line between a head cold and a chest cold can be unclear. Seek medical care if you experience:

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Coughing up bloody mucus
• Shortness of breath
• Symptoms lasting longer than three weeks

Our Express Care clinics can evaluate and treat many respiratory illnesses, which are common this time of year. Find care now: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/get-care-now

If you are experiencing severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

02/17/2026

Think you might have the flu? Here’s what to do to take care of yourself and protect others:

- Stay home and rest. Avoid work, school or public places. Rest helps your body fight the infection and prevents it from spreading to others.

- Monitor your symptoms. Keep track of severity, duration and any changes in symptoms like fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, headache, runny or stuffy nose.

- Hydrate and manage symptoms. Drink plenty of water or herbal tea. Over-the-counter medications can help with symptoms. Avoid alcohol and smoking.

- Seek medical care if needed. Call your healthcare provider if you experience trouble breathing, chest pain, severe weakness, confusion, persistent high fever or worsening symptoms, especially if you are pregnant, older or have chronic conditions. Early treatment can help reduce complications.

- Protect your community. Cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands frequently and stay home until you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.

02/14/2026

What makes YOUR heart skip a beat? February is Heart Month and this Valentine's Day we want to encourage you stay heart healthy for the things in life that matter most. Happy Valentine's Day!

02/13/2026

Colds, coughs, and flu-like symptoms have been all over the place. They can develop quickly, but take a while to fully shake.

If you're looking for some tips for managing your symptoms from home, here are some things you can do in addition to seeking medical help.

- Drink fluids: Water is critical for all aspects of recovery, so getting your necessary fluids will help thin out mucus. Tea with honey is especially helpful for easing the strain on your throat.
- Use a humidifier: A light mist inside your home will help alleviate lung irritation, as well as loosen up congestion.
- Sleep elevated: Propping yourself up overnight helps direct mucus to drain outwards.
- Gargle with salt water: Warm, slightly salty water can help with managing the dryness you feel, as getting rid of excess mucus.
- Inhale steam: A hot shower, or breathing deeply over some hot water, will help loosen up the tightness you feel from the congestion.

If you're experiencing further discomfort, or symptoms that don't seem to go away, feel free to visit our express care clinic for a consultation.



https://www.uphealthsystem.com/express-care

02/11/2026

Think heart disease is mainly a men’s issue? Think again.

Nearly half of women age 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease — often without symptoms. From pregnancy-related complications to high blood pressure and stroke risk, heart health impacts women at every stage of life.

At UP Health System, we’re specializing in you by focusing on prevention, education and helping you understand your personal risk.

❤️ Awareness saves lives. Prevention is powerful.

Read what every woman should know about protecting her heart: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/news/2026/02/11/women-and-heart-health--the-conversation-we-need-to-be-having

When people think about the biggest health risks facing women, heart disease often does not top the list. Cancer, breast health or reproductive concerns are usually the first things that come to mind.

02/10/2026

Heart health starts by paying attention before symptoms start. That's why we provide heart care that specializes in you. This American Heart Month, we're right here, with screenings, check-ups and diagnostic tools that help keep you healthy and deliver peace of mind. Learn more on our website today.

02/09/2026

Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your heart health. The Centers for Disease Control recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity a week.

When looking at a busy schedule, finding two and a half hours can seem like a lot. However, you can get your movement in if you get creative.

Here are three things you can do to help reach your activity goals.

- Park at the back of the parking lot, instead of closer to the store entrance. This means you can get a few more steps in while running errands.

- Take the stairs instead of an elevator. If you're able to climb stairs, the exercise can help move your heart, as well as wake up other muscle groups through the change in stride.

- Set exercise challenges during sedentary activities. Have a favorite show you watch after a long day? Challenge yourself to some bodyweight exercises while you're getting caught up. Or you can do things like calf raises while waiting for the food to finish heating in the microwave.

If you only think of exercise as something you do while in gym clothes, then it's easy to write it out of a schedule. However, pursuing a more active lifestyle in the day-to-day movement can get you closer to those 150 minutes.

Your heart will thank you.

02/05/2026

We proudly celebrate Black History Month and honor the extraordinary contributions Black Americans have made to U.S. culture, business and advancement. We also want to recognize and sincerely thank our team members of Black heritage. Thank you for bringing your unique perspective and talents to our hospital and for all you do to advance our mission of making communities healthier.

02/04/2026

Breathing; we do it involuntarily, but taking a moment for deep breathing triggers healthful responses in your heart.

The American Heart Association recommends a technique called "4-7-8 breathing", when you want to take a moment to slow down.

Here's how it works:

- Inhale through your nose for four counts
- Hold your breath for seven counts
- Exhale for eight counts.

By taking a moment for deep breathing, you can help manage stress and anxiety, as well as lower or stabilize your blood pressure.

Breathing deep is free, easy to do, and a way to relax yourself in the middle of the day. Your heart will thank you.