ThedaCare

01/29/2026

When Mike Olinger needed a hernia repair, he was excited and surprised to learn he could have robotic-assisted surgery in his hometown of Waupaca. ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca recently celebrated one year of offering robotic surgery. This technology allows area residents to receive innovative care close to home.

See the impact robotic surgery is bringing to patients, or read about it here:

Access to robotic surgery helped Waupaca man keep his care close to home.

01/28/2026

When your child is sick, it can be hard to know what’s normal and when to seek help.

Respiratory illnesses like colds, flu and RSV are common in kids, especially during fall and winter, and most will improve with rest, fluids and comfort care.

Dr. Kevin Gentile, ThedaCare pediatrician, shares guidance on symptoms to watch for, when to manage illness at home and when it’s time to call a provider, plus steps families can take to help prevent infection. shares guidance on symptoms to watch for, when to manage illness at home and when it’s time to call a provider, plus steps families can take to help prevent infection.

Read more and feel supported as you care for your child: https://thedacare.org/news-and-events/thedacare-shares-tips-for-managing-respiratory-illnesses-in-children/

01/27/2026

Even as the news of the world feels heavy, it can feel tempting to keep checking your phone for updates. Taking a break and setting boundaries around technology use can help you reclaim a little more peace and calm. Get practical tips for stepping away from your device and toward improved well-being.

ThedaCare Nurse Practitioner Offers Tips for Positive Technology Use

01/27/2026

Winter can be hard on your joints, especially if you’re living with osteoarthritis. Dr. Andrew Leung from ThedaCare Orthopedic Care explains why cold weather can trigger OA flare-ups and shares practical steps to reduce pain, improve mobility and stay active all season long.

Learn more about how to protect your joints and feel your best this season:

Learn why cold weather can worsen osteoarthritis symptoms, and discover expert tips from Dr. Andrew Leung on preventing winter flare-ups and easing joint pain.

01/26/2026

“As a new grad, I was extremely nervous beginning my first job out of school. This therapy department has been so collaborative and completely essential to making me feel comfortable and confident in my skills over the past two years I have been employed here. If I ever have a question or am second-guessing myself, someone is available and willing to assist.

I have seen such a variety of patient populations, all thanks to working in a critical access hospital. I really feel like I am making a difference in the lives of the people I treat. I highly recommend pursuing a career at ThedaCare, especially in Shawano or New London, as these have been my home bases.”
-Maria Wedig, Occupational Therapist

If you’re looking for a place to learn, grow and make a difference, explore careers at ThedaCare: https://careers.thedacare.org/ (link in bio)

01/26/2026

One moment. One realization. One year of transformation. In January 2025, Phil Langohr embarked on a path of transforming his health. With determination and the help of his primary care provider, Phil reset his diet, recommitted to physical fitness and dramatically improved his health along the way. It all started with one small step. Phil's story is the inspiration you need to begin working on your own health goals.

Watch his story or read it here: https://thedacare.org/wake-up-call-to-wellness-phils-year-of-transformation/

01/23/2026

Sniffles. Fevers. Repeat. ❄️

Winter can feel like one long sick season when you’re a parent, and knowing when to worry isn’t always clear.

We’re here to help you navigate it. Learn how to spot symptoms that need medical care, when it’s okay to stay home and simple ways to keep your child healthier all winter long.

Read on:

Learn how to identify respiratory illnesses in kids, when to seek care, and prevention tips for cold and flu season. Expert advice from ThedaCare Pediatrics.

01/23/2026

It’s already cold outside, but tomorrow’s temperatures with wind chill will be dangerously low. 🥶

Emergency Medicine Physician Dr. Nathan Larsen shares practical tips to help you stay safe while driving, shoveling snow and spending time outdoors (if you can’t avoid it):

Follow safety steps to avoid winter hazards.

01/22/2026

Caring for a loved one who’s sick can take a lot out of you, and protecting your own health matters, too.

A ThedaCare family medicine physician shares practical guidance on how caregivers can reduce the risk of getting sick themselves, from vaccines and hand hygiene to isolation tips and knowing when to stay home.

Read what Dr. Karly Johannsen recommends to help you stay well while caring for others:

Vaccination is Best Protection Against Flu, Other Serious Illnesses

01/21/2026

Ice or heat? Knowing what your body needs can make a real difference in how you heal.

Before you reach for the ice pack or heating pad, ask yourself two key questions:
1️⃣ How long have you had the pain?
2️⃣ What caused it?

Those answers help guide the right choice.

❄️ Ice for inflammation and new injuries
Ice can help reduce swelling and pain from recent injuries, sprains, bruises, tendonitis flare-ups, headaches and migraines. Use ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day if needed. Always place a cloth between the ice and your skin.

🔥 Heat for tension and tight muscles
Heat helps relax muscles and improve blood flow. It can be helpful for muscle stiffness, arthritis pain, stress-related tension and menstrual cramps. Use heat for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing at least two hours between sessions.

✌️ Sometimes both can help
For lingering aches, alternating ice and heat may help reduce swelling while improving mobility.

If pain is not improving with ice, heat or home care, it may be time to get checked out.

Do not let pain limit your life. Schedule an appointment or visit ThedaCare Orthopedic Walk-in Care in Appleton, open seven days a week: thedacare.org/services/orthopedics

Thank you to our Dr. Brian Lohrbach and our Orthopedics team for sharing their expertise to support this content.

-

01/21/2026

Dealing with soreness, swelling or a muscle knot? Before you grab an ice pack or heating pad, make sure you’re using the right one for your symptoms. ThedaCare Orthopedic Care Sports Medicine Physician David Hirschi discusses when to choose ice vs. heat: https://thedacare.org/ice-or-heat-for-pain-how-to-choose/

01/20/2026

ThedaCare Medical Center-Oshkosh is officially open! Our newest hospital offers emergency and inpatient care, along with labs, imaging, retail pharmacy, outpatient surgery, and primary, pediatric and specialty care. Take an in-depth look at the facility in our new episode of “Health Inspired Talk.” We look forward to seeing you in Oshkosh!

Visit thedacare.org/oshkosh to see how we’re committed to providing the greater Oshkosh area with outstanding health care.