Heidi Prescott-Wieneke, Author at Beacon Health System

22 Jan

Did you slip on the ice? Beacon clinicians explain when to seek care for ice-related falls, how to stay safe

The best way to protect yourself and stay out of the emergency room or urgent care center from a painful fall on the ice? Take it slow if you are walking outside, our Beacon clinicians recommend, and assume there could be ice beneath your feet. But even then, accidents happen. Our Beacon...

18 Jan

Physical therapy patient finds relief after learning the brain’s role in chronic pain

Twelve years ago, Elizabeth Gangloff had surgery to remove part of her colon, and she had endured pain every day after that. But just weeks ago, she began to see relief for the first time, thanks to an innovative approach that addresses biological, psychological and social or “biopsychosocial” factors that...

17 Jan

Christmas Miracle: I-94 crash victim shares special message with community upon discharge from Memorial Hospital

People around the world have been following the inspiring story of Matt Reum, the Mishawaka man who survived six days trapped in his wrecked truck Christmas week beneath an I-94 bridge in Portage, Ind. Following his harrowing rescue, Matt was flown to Memorial Hospital of South Bend, where he has...

12 Jan

Medical Minute: Understanding, treating and preventing frostbite in dangerously cold weather

Bone-chilling temperatures are headed for our region, which increases the chances of frostbite if we are outside for too long. Young children and infants, as well as older adults and seniors, should be especially careful when heading outdoors. Frostbite leads to a loss of feeling and color in the areas it...

12 Jan

Patient given new hope, relief for chronic back pain from Beacon outpatient physical therapy team

Stefain Holmes had nearly given up hope of getting relief from the back pain that had plagued her since 1996, when her car was violently struck by a drunk driver. She sought care many times, but doctors told her they couldn’t find a physical reason for her lingering pain. Meanwhile, it...

10 Jan

Eye on Health: How to set achievable health and fitness goals to keep year round

Beacon Health & Fitness is seeing an influx in the number of new members this month. But how do you make sure your health and fitness journey doesn’t come to a screeching halt in the weeks and months ahead? In our new WSBT Eye on Health story, Katie Budzius and Lacie...

01 Jan

Memorial Hospital, Elkhart General welcome our first Beacon babies of 2024

“It is a huge blessing and feels like my whole world has been completed with her.” That’s how Kayla Enyeart describes becoming not only a first-time mom at 6:29 a.m. today, but also delivering the first baby of 2024 at Elkhart General Hospital. Addison Diane Milonopoulos weighs 8 pounds, 1 ounce and...

29 Dec

Christmas kindness inspired by Elkhart General nurse brings joy and warmth to patients

“May the warmth of this blanket keep you safe and well, We hope this year you will find special peace, May you keep the season’s warmth with you now and all year through, We thank you for your kindness and allowing us to care for you! From the Family of Elkhart General Hospital” Every year...

26 Dec

Beacon patient quickly returns to active lifestyle after minimally invasive vascular procedure

Jean Hill enjoys walking, gardening and working as a box office clerk at the Morris Performing Arts Center. Not being able to stay active would mean having to make dramatic changes in her life. So it was concerning when some mild leg cramps Jean had been experiencing began to hurt more and...