Porter Regional Hospital Hosts 2015 Spring Wellness Fair for Community Members

 Porter Regional Hospital opened its doors to the public on the morning of April 11 for its annual Spring Wellness Fair.

The Spring Wellness Fair offered members of our community the opportunity to receive free health screenings and wellness assessments. These included tests/assessments for bone density, grip strength, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), varicose vein, stroke risk, valvular disease, and sleep apnea. Other than these general health screenings, women had the opportunity to receive their annual mammogram at the event.

"The purpose of the event is to spread awareness about potential medical issues our patients might face. One way we're doing this is by providing free screenings; this way we can ensure that the treatment we implement is effective" Karen Keltner, Porter Marketing and Communications Director, stated.

To see more photos from the event, click here!

Peggy Banks, Cancer Care Patient Navigator, said, “Screenings are very important because if we catch cancers early, they are much more treatable. Often times people begin experiencing symptoms during later stages of the cancer.”

Porter physicians and staff were available throughout the morning to answer questions and provide guidance on these different health concerns. Additionally, a pharmacist answered patients' questions about medications and potential food and drug interactions. After the patients received results, the staff assisted them by setting them up with appointments with physicians.

Heart Valve Center Patient Navigator Bonnie Turman said, “I’m the middleman between the cardiologists and the patients. I gather medical data on the patients and set them up with a doctor if they don’t already have one. This is why it’s very important for patients to come in and get screened.”

The different areas of the hospital are committed to providing patients with personalized health care. The hospital constantly has different educational and interactive events going on, which provide patients with the opportunity to further their understanding about symptoms and treatments. For example, Brandy Mills, Porter’s Orthopedic Patient Navigator, will be conducting a presentation in which she discusses the importance of proper diagnosis and the range of treatment options available for arthritis.

“The orthopedic program at the hospital is being upgraded and is making a lot of positive changes. Our goal is to heighten our patient’s experience and increase patient outcome,” Mills said. “One of my main responsibilities is to educate patients before and after surgery to ensure that they will be successful.”

Porter Health Care System has two hospital campuses and seven outpatient facilities serving Porter, Lake, LaPorte, Starke, Newton, Marshall and Jasper counties. With more than 350 physicians representing 50 medical specialties, Porter Health Care System is a leader in technology, innovation, and overall patient care.

The Spring Wellness Fair is another one of Porter’s events that spread awareness to clear up any common misconceptions about health issues. Through this positive interaction and communication, Porter continues to deliver first-class treatment to its patients.