McLaren Central Michigan

05/03/2026

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. Matthew Steck, an emergency physician, reports:

Asthma
There has been a noticeable, sharp increase in asthma complications in both pediatric and adult patients, mainly due to the pollen bloom and other environmental allergens, though some cases have resulted from COPD exacerbation.

Injuries
More inviting weather and the increase in sports and other outdoor activities has resulted in a variety of orthopedic and soft tissue injuries reported to the trauma center.

Lyme disease
We have not yet had any patient test positive for Lyme disease, but the season’s tick forecast is concerning, so please remember to be mindful when in tall grass or near wooded areas.

05/01/2026

04/26/2026

Red dresses are hung around McLaren Central Michigan's campus again to bring attention to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Movement.

Join us Sunday, May 3, for the March for Justice, Awareness, and Remembrance of MMIP Event at Island Park (331 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant) at 3 pm.

04/25/2026

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (Lab Week) concludes today, April 25, 2026. This annual, nationwide celebration honors the behind the scenes laboratory professionals and pathologists who play a critical role in patient care and disease diagnosis.

We appreciate our entire Laboratory Department for their ongoing dedication to our patients and community!

04/24/2026

Tom’s experience with McLaren Central Michigan began in the early 2000s when he relocated to central Michigan from metro Detroit.

“I’ve never been disappointed with services and the dedication of the staff,” he said. “The doctors also.”

So when it came time for Tom to have his hip replaced, he didn’t hesitate. Having already had both knees replaced at the hospital, he made an appointment with McLaren Central Michigan orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Moutsatson.

Tom would ultimately find that his experience this time around would include the same dedication, commitment, and compassion that he felt before from his care team.

“The joint replacement class was invaluable. The class material was super and explained step-by-step what to expect.

The nurse went above and beyond, even being available for follow-up. During recovery, I had no hesitancy to call anyone for anything. I encourage individuals to make a difference in someone’s life.

I’m most thankful for the dedication of everyone involved, and I look forward to having my other hip completed.”

Tom, thank you for trusting us with your care!

04/21/2026

Longer days and warmer weather make spring the perfect time to support your heart. Simple habits like daily movement, balanced meals and preventive care can help reduce your risk of heart disease.

Spring is the perfect time to refocus on your health. With longer days, warmer weather, and more opportunities to get outside, small changes now can make a big difference in your heart health. Even minor adjustments to your daily routine can help reduce the risk of heart disease and support overall....

04/18/2026

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. Stephanie Hernandez, an emergency physician, reports:

URI
There has been a noticeable volume of patients experiencing symptoms of an upper respiratory infection —cough, congestion, runny nose — but testing negative for COVID-19, RSV and the flu.

Asthma
While allergy activity has been relatively low, conditions have led to further breathing complications for asthma sufferers.

Injuries
While the warmer temps have resulted in injuries for many enjoying the outdoors, there has also been a significant increase in the number of car accidents.

04/17/2026

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Yousef Bader to McLaren Central Michigan. Dr. Bader specializes in minimally invasive, catheter-based treatments for structural heart diseases—defects in the heart's valves, walls, or chambers— to treat conditions like aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation without open-heart surgery to improve patient recovery. He is now seeing patients in Mt. Pleasant.

04/15/2026

Head and neck cancer doesn’t always look like what you’d expect. Today, many cases are linked to HPV, affecting people who are healthy, active, and may have never smoked.

Know the signs!
• Lump in the neck
• Sore throat that won’t go away
• Trouble swallowing
• Ear pain
• Voice changes

If symptoms last more than two weeks, contact a health care provider.

Awareness = early detection.
Prevention = protection.

Head and neck cancers used to be closely linked to smoking or heavy alcohol use. Today, a growing number of cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This change means more people, even those who have never smoked, may face a head and neck cancer diagnosis. Understanding the risks, re...

04/10/2026

Are you experiencing nausea, groin pain or a lower abdomen bulge? Surgeons PJ Persson, MD, and Muhammad Usman, MD, are providing free consultations to determine if you have a hernia including a discussion about treatment options.

Thursday, April 16 | 3 – 5pm
Call (989) 779-5606 to schedule your appointment.

McLaren Central Michigan, Medical Arts Building
1201 South Dr., Suite 352, in Mt. Pleasant.

McLaren Central Michigan is a 118-bed acute care hospital located in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

04/09/2026

If you have a foot, ankle, or toe injury, are diabetic, or have concerns about your feet – including poor circulation, limited motion of joints, loss of feeling, lesions, or calluses – this is your chance to have your feet examined by Podiatric Surgeon Vincent Lefler, DPM, FACFAS.

Free Foot Screening
Tuesday, April 21 | 3 - 6 p.m.
Call (989) 779-5606 to schedule your appointment.
McLaren Central Podiatry, 2940 Health Parkway in Mt. Pleasant.

McLaren Central Michigan is a 118-bed acute care hospital located in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

04/04/2026

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. Christopher Shamass, an emergency physician, reports:

Viral infections
The volume of patients seeking treatment for a viral infection has substantially tapered off across all common winter conditions, including the flu, COVID-19, and RSV.

Injuries
There has been a significant increase in orthopedic and ligament injuries sustained in outdoor activities, which have followed the recent warming trend.

Allergies
Also related to the recent warm up have been allergies, with asthma sufferers at risk for breathing complications in severe cases.