Sedra Ketcham, NP - Beacon Medical Group Hospital Specialties

07/24/2024

Did you know? Type 2 diabetes can often be managed with lifestyle changes. From recognizing symptoms early to exploring treatment options, Dr. Justin Grannell from Beacon Medical Group Bristol shares the information you need to stay healthy in our latest Medical Minute.

Need help finding a primary care provider who fits your lifestyle and at a convenient location? Learn more and schedule today: https://bit.ly/3vg53of

07/23/2024

📢Come join us for a fun-filled family day at the St Joseph County WIC Family Fun day on August 2, 2024 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm!

Let's celebrate Breastfeeding Awareness Month together! Kids can enjoy the Toyota Fun Zone and Splash Pad, and the first 250 people to enter will receive a voucher for a hot dog, chips, and a drink.

Please RSVP at https://linktr.ee/stjosephcountywic

Don't miss out on this exciting event! See you there!

07/23/2024

You might be surprised how some simple lifestyle changes can help you avoid heart disease. You already know that a healthy diet is good for you and your heart. But if you get confused by all the “dos” and don’ts” about what to eat, we are here to help you make sense of it. Start a conversation with your primary care provider on how to take the first step toward good health – like cutting out trans fats, eating more fruits and vegetables, and getting more exercise. Learn more about your heart about how Beacon can help you take care of it https://bit.ly/4bFJQDE

07/22/2024

Meet Troo the Traumaroo between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Beacon Trauma Team booth at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair.

Hop by Heritage Park for an exciting adventure in injury prevention during the "Path to Health" Treasure Hunt on Kids' Day. Troo's mission: making safety fun and unforgettable for everyone.

Learn life-saving skills from this energetic kangaroo mascot, a beloved community educator since 2016. Troo brings safety lessons to life with enthusiasm and charm.

07/22/2024

Did you know Beacon is the largest locally owned and operated nonprofit health care system in the region? Our 500+ providers and 7,000+ associates can be found at 145+ locations across seven counties and two states.

As we build you a healthier tomorrow at our Memorial Hospital of South Bend location, with a state-of-the-art 10-story patient tower, rest assured we continue to provide the same care you have always known and trusted. Embarking on the largest project in Memorial’s 129-year history, includes modernizing not just our facility but also the way we deliver your health care. More adult acute care beds, expanded Intensive Care Unit, enhanced technologies and larger patient rooms will be here for you, as we care for your daily challenges or long-term needs. We’re here for a healthier heart, body, mind, life … you. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3zoo7mh

07/21/2024

We are proud to be nationally recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for our commitment to providing research-based, high-quality stroke care with Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus achievement awards. Congratulations to our Beacon Heart, Vascular & Stroke Care teams for delivering outstanding care, inspiring health and connecting with heart!

07/21/2024

Her interest in medicine began with sciences in grade school. By high school, biology was her favorite subject, came easily and she began considering a career in medicine. Then, a personal experience solidified Laura’s decision. “One summer day I was violently ill and admitted to Memorial Hospital for immediate blood transfusions and other tests. I witnessed firsthand how the nurses and doctors worked urgently to save my life,” she says, adding, “I was overwhelmed with the care I got, and thought I could do the same for someone else someday.”

Laura’s sister, an internal medicine doctor, also influenced her direction. She went to Indiana University South Bend for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and then earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner, Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN.

“I’ve always had an interest in the cardiovascular system and how the heart works. I’m excited for a chance to learn and potentially affect my patients’ lives positively,” she says. “I take care of people during their most vulnerable times and nurse them to health.”

Learn more at https://beacon.health/468wlLG

07/20/2024

In honor of the upcoming National Ice Cream Day, did you know that you can make healthier frozen treats at home for some tasty summer fun? While frozen indulgences found at the grocery store are often filled with artificial sweeteners and colorings, you can make your own. Berries, melon and apple juice are the base of this recipe, but experiment and try different berries and juices. Your biggest challenge will be waiting for the freezer to do its job.

Get the full recipe here https://beacon.health/4bXlTZ5

07/19/2024

Batter up! Braxton, an 11-year-old Goshen boy, is an avid sports lover who is excited to be running the bases tonight at Four Winds Field as part of our Home Run for Life partnership with the South Bend Cubs.

Braxton was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia in October 2022 and was treated at Beacon Children’s Hospital, where he responded to treatment immediately. In fact, the cancer cells died so quickly that the care team had to race to flush the released toxins out of Braxton’s body.

Now that Braxton is one and one-half years into his treatment, there is no sign that the leukemia will return. The South Bends Cub will celebrate this and his resilient spirit during tonight’s game against the Quad Cities River Bandits.
To support the care and work for incredible kids like Braxton: https://bit.ly/4cesJKT

Braxton Miller is set to run the bases at Friday's South Bend Cubs game.

07/19/2024

In our latest Medical Minute video, Dr. Emily Kisor, pediatrician at Beacon Medical Group Pediatrics Bristol, shares essential tips to keep your kids safe in the water. You’ll learn practical tips on pool rules, flotation devices, emergency preparedness and much more.

Need help finding a primary care provider who fits your lifestyle and at a convenient location? Learn more and schedule today: https://bit.ly/4cJ2Mmv

07/19/2024

If heart disease runs in your family, you might be scared about your future. Take control and start now in taking steps to keep your heart healthy. You can make changes that just might help you avoid or prevent serious heart conditions. Start by having an open conversation with you provider and get help in making a plan with actionable steps.

If you do reach a point where you develop a condition that needs treatment, Beacon’s heart team is here to help you. Learn more about how we care for our patients: https://bit.ly/4bFJQDE

07/18/2024

07/17/2024

Your patient portal for all your Beacon Health care is now available in an app! The MyBeacon Health app is easy to access from anywhere and puts the health information you need at your fingertips.
After you’ve installed the app, you can quickly and accurately get answers, communicate with your provider, get test results, request a prescription refill and more! And since the app takes advantage of your phone’s security features, you won’t have to log in every time you use it. Already have a MyBeacon patient portal login? The same login will work for the app, too. Enjoy health care your way with the MyBeacon Health app. https://bit.ly/3Hp4DPd

07/16/2024

Update - As of 2 p.m. today, July 17:

–Power has been restored at our Beacon Medical Group practices at 2120 Rieth Blvd. in Goshen. The offices will be open tomorrow, July 18, for normal operations.

Staff members are currently available to take calls at BMG Goshen Family Medicine Center, BMG Goshen Center for Family Practice and BMG Pediatrics Rieth Boulevard.

Thank you for your patience — our team looks forward to caring for you soon!

*********************
Update – As of 9 a.m. today, July 17:

–Beacon Medical Group practices at 2120 Rieth Blvd. in Goshen remain closed due to a power outage. This includes BMG Goshen Family Medicine Center, BMG Goshen Center for Family Practice and BMG Pediatrics Rieth Boulevard.

We will provide updates as they become available.

07/16/2024

There’s nothing like some sunshine to lift the spirit. But too much exposure to harsh UV rays can cause more than a sunburn. UV ray exposure can cause skin spots, premature skin aging, a weakened immune system and skin cancer. That’s why it’s important for people of all skin colors to know how to protect their skin!

Are you hitting all the items on our sun safety checklist?

Choose the right sunscreen: Use sunscreen that is at least 15 SPF—though opting for 30 or 50 will give you more protection. Make sure it covers UV-A and UV-B rays. Sunscreen does expire, so check the date on the package. And reapply every 60 to 90 minutes.

Wear sunglasses: They don’t just make it easier to see. Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

Cover up: A hat, long sleeve shirts and pants offer protection for exposed skin. Think it’s too hot? Warm-weather clothes with UV protection are designed to keep you cool while covered up.

Seek shade: The sun’s rays are most intense in the middle of the day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spend time in the shade to protect your skin.

If you have any questions about sun safety or concerns about a spot on your skin, talk to your primary care provider. Seek emergency care if you have a severe sunburn with pain, fever, redness, swelling and blisters. https://beacon.health/4bt8doa

07/15/2024

For our Elkhart General Hospital patients and visitors: The City of Elkhart is beginning a road paving project tomorrow, Tuesday, July 16, along Arcade Ave. and S. West Blvd near the hospital’s main entrance and parking garages.

Tuesday, July 16: Arcade Ave. will be closed to all traffic from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Patients and visitors may use the visitor parking lot by entering off of S. West Blvd. only. Drop-off patients may use the Decio Pavilion entrance off of Lawn Ave. The Emergency Department entrance off of East Blvd. remains open.

Please allow extra time to arrive for appointments at the hospital and drive carefully around the campus.

07/15/2024

When Kelly felt something just wasn’t right, she turned to the Beacon's cardiovascular team for answers. Discovery of a leaky valve led to a minimally invasive procedure that let her get back to her routine – by the next day.

Watch her incredible story to see how her heart procedure gave her life a whole new beginning - as well as her very first tattoo.

You can watch her video on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3zLxs7Q

To learn more about the specialists that cared for Kelly and Beacon's entire Heart, Vascular, and Stroke team, visit https://bit.ly/4bFJQDE

07/14/2024

Planning a visit to Memorial Hospital as a patient or visitor? Our latest article has all the tips you need to navigate the main entrance with ease — including a downloadable guide.

Planning to come to Memorial Hospital of South Bend’s main entrance as a patient or visitor? We’re sharing a comprehensive guide that takes you from your doorstep to our lobby so you’ll know how to plan ahead and what to expect the next time you...

07/13/2024

If you love a spicy rub for pork or chicken, this recipe is for you. Fragrant spices combine to create a multi-dimensional burst of flavor that will make your next barbeque more interesting and tastier.

Get the full recipe here https://beacon.health/45rc5EH

07/12/2024

In a heartwarming collaboration between education and healthcare, Penn High School robotics students continue to demonstrate how assisted technology can improve the lives of patients served at Beacon Health System.

Led by coach Kyle Marsh, Penn Robotics students last spring crafted an adaptive video game controller, specifically designed for a patient at our Memorial Children's Therapy Center. It’s not just a gadget, it's a gateway to independence and joy.

Jacynda Lavanture brought her son, Richard, to receive this device from the students themselves. Moments like these remind us of the incredible impact community partnerships have.

Thanks to Beacon physical therapist Jeff Jasinski, who has been fostering this unique collaboration between the students and our families. And thanks to Penn Robotics students and coaches for your time, talents and most of all, your big hearts.

07/11/2024

The human nervous system is amazingly complex. That means it can do great things … and that if there’s a problem, physicians need specialized tools to determine exactly what’s wrong. That’s where Neurological Testing at Beacon Health System comes in. Our testing techniques help physicians diagnose injuries and disorders of the spine, spinal cord and nerves. If you’re searching for answers, it’s simple and easy to make an appointment for neurological testing. All you need is your doctor’s order, and you can go online and make an appointment in just a few clicks. https://bit.ly/3w9CxWt

07/11/2024

Only 75 percent of Elkhart County’s children were fully vaccinated for the 2022-23 school year. To help boost this number, Beacon proudly joined forces with the Northern Indiana Hispanic Health Coalition to hold a Back-to-School Vaccines & Health Fair at Goshen High School.

This recent, well-attended event offered free catch-up immunizations for children, comprehensive family health screenings and expert health education on screening results.

Beacon Community Impact associates Evelyn Diaz-Salinas and Tara Velez represented both our health system and our commitment to community health. Collaborating with other community organizations, we will continue to improve the health and well-being of individuals and families across our region.

07/10/2024

Imagine a world where chronic conditions don’t limit your ability to stay active. Beacon is helping to make this a reality with our “Best Medicine” program.

For 12 years, Beacon Best Medicine has been offering tailored fitness classes for patients with various health challenges, including cancer, heart disease, arthritis and neurological conditions. These classes, which are offered at Beacon Health & Fitness, are not just about staying fit. They’re about reclaiming life.

“We wanted to offer something for those who are coming out of treatment or finishing therapy to continue their exercise in a structured setting,” said Lacie Klopfenstein, clinical integration coordinator and personal trainer at Beacon Health & Fitness.

Battling leukemia, Tom Ramey has faced not only the disease itself but also the side effects of his chemotherapy regimen. He has grappled with weight loss, lower energy levels, compromised balance and increasing fatigue. He signed up for Beacon’s Cancer Fitness class and has never looked back.

In this month’s WSBT Eye on Health, Tom talks about and shows his remarkable progress as his fitness instructor Linda Kolmodin describes the strength and confidence patients like Tom regain. Don’t miss this inspiring story about how Beacon Best Medicine is changing lives one class at a time: https://bit.ly/4ddMrpV

07/09/2024

Nevada Pokorney’s journey from business to nursing at Memorial Hospital is a testament to perseverance and family support.

“The kids sacrificed so much,” Nevada says, reflecting on the past two years. “I wasn’t at every game or school event. We ate a lot of junk meals on the fly, and our house was often messy. I was more of a stressed-out hot mess of a mom than I was before.”

But this determined Beacon Scholar, who had a full-time nursing position waiting for her after graduation from Ivy Tech Community College, turned challenges into valuable life lessons for her son and daughter.

The most important: It’s never too late to chase your dreams. Hear more from Nevada and about the Beacon Scholar program: https://bit.ly/45Ty5bL

07/08/2024

No one gets a mammogram for the fun of it — but there are much better motivators. “My grandchildren are really the reason why I get a mammogram at Beacon every year,” says Finess Smith.
After getting yearly mammograms since age 35, Finess missed her first during 2020. But she was determined to get back on track. Her next mammogram caught breast cancer. “Thanks to mammography, the early detection and the team at Beacon, I’m happy to say I’m cancer-free,” says Finess.
Even if you’ve delayed your mammogram, getting one now could save your life
or give you peace of mind. Online scheduling makes it easy. Simply pick your
location, choose an appointment time and answer a few health questions. https://bit.ly/3RwAxyP

07/07/2024

“I observed my first birth in nursing school and was struck by the magical miracle of birth and I knew that OB was my calling.”

One of the questions she is frequently asked is if she delivers babies at home. “I explain that midwives also work in hospitals and birth centers,” she says. Patricia has worked in hospitals, for an obstetrics and gynecology practice, and at a birth center. She is experienced with providing care at all stages of pregnancy from preconception care, care throughout pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period, as well as conducting childbirth classes and also in providing triage services for an obstetric emergency department.

Learn more at https://beacon.health/3KWBIUk

07/06/2024

Garden-fresh vegetables and herbs make this light, healthy soup a family favorite all season long. This version is packed with juicy tomatoes, carrots, squash and fresh cilantro. It’s naturally gluten-free and just right for a Meatless Monday.

See full recipe here https://beacon.health/4bLHROR

07/05/2024

You know the telltale signs of a sunburn. But did you know there’s more going on under the skin?

Long exposure to harsh UV rays—from the sun or tanning beds—cause most skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell cancers. They also age your skin faster, causing spots, wrinkles and a leathery texture. Too much exposure to UV rays weakens your immune system. This makes it harder for you to fight off sickness. Conditions like herpes can flare up after UV ray exposure.

The best thing you can do? Protect your skin and your eyes from UV rays, even during short periods of time. People of every skin color can protect themselves with sunscreen, sunglasses and UV protective clothing when outside in the sun. Seek shade during the middle of the day, when UV rays are their strongest.

Talk to your primary care provider if you have questions about sun safety or concerns about a spot on your skin. Seek emergency care if you have a severe sunburn with pain, fever, redness, swelling and blisters. Schedule at https://beacon.health/4bt8doa

07/05/2024

When you need care for you or your family, BMG Goshen Family Medicine Center takes a comprehensive approach, caring for the whole person. Our team uses modern medical techniques for Family Medicine, ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat), Dermatology and Gynecology care, to get you well again. Schedule with a provider today.https://beacon.health/3W5rK9E

We deliver outstanding care, inspire health and connect with heart.

07/05/2024

Beacon Children’s Hospital recently took part in a media day hosted by The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and its Four Winds® Casinos ahead of the 2024 Four Winds Invitational. Tournament proceeds this year will allow us to expand our life-saving and maternal care equipment, continuing to improve the quality of care we provide.

During the press conference, we announced plans to purchase 20 new syringe feeding pumps for our NICU. This advanced technology is crucial for delivering precise, tiny feedings to premature or critically ill infants, ensuring their delicate systems receive controlled and consistent amounts of nutrients at a slow, regulated pace.

“Receiving the proceeds from the Four Winds Invitational has helped us better serve children and families in the region and plan for the future in ways we can continue to improve our quality of care,” said Jen Tonkovich, Director of Women and Children’s Services at Beacon.

The Four Winds Invitational -- set to start on Aug. 30 this year -- has generated close to $1 million in proceeds for Beacon and Beacon Children’s Hospital over the last 12 years. Thank you to the Pokagon Band, its Four Winds Casinos, South Bend Country Club and its members, and all the community sponsors and donors.