Building a better trail to health during the 2013 Day of Community Service

LAPORTE | Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital along with La Porte County Parks will be expanding and enhancing trails and green spaces during the 2013 Day of Community Service, May 17 at Red Mill County Park from 8 am until noon.

Vinay Tumuluri

Dr. Tumuluri, of IU Health La Porte Physicians, receives national honor for excellence in diabetic care

LAPORTE | The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and the American Diabetes Association announced Vinay Tumuluri, MD, received honors from the Diabetes Physician Recognition Program for providing expert care to patients with diabetes.

LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary wish list

La Porte Hospital Auxiliary gifts $32,000 to improve quality of healthcare for community

LA PORTE | The La Porte Hospital Auxiliary gave a monetary gift totaling $32,000 to Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital to improve the overall quality of healthcare provided to the community.

Open House for cancer rehabilitation program offered April 24

LA PORTE | An Open House for the cancer rehabilitation STAR Program® will be offered to the public Wednesday, April 24 from 3 pm to 5:30 pm (Central time) at Indiana University Health Wellness & Rehabilitation Services at The Crossing, located at 1203 Washington St. in La Porte.

Primary care physician, Dr. Bejes, honored with teaching award

LAPORTE | Indiana University Health La Porte Physicians, Curtis Bejes, MD, recently received recognition for outstanding teaching.

Pictured are: (front row, left to right) Nancy Batten, Robert Burns, Ed Gondeck, Edward Weber, Mary Grott, (back row, left to right) Marcia Morris, Bernita Liberatore, Carol Taylor, Marjorie Weber, Nancy Dipert and Ann McDermott.

Pictured are: (front row, left to right) Nancy Batten, Robert Burns, Ed Gondeck, Edward Weber, Mary Grott, (back row, left to right) Marcia Morris, Bernita Liberatore, Carol Taylor, Marjorie Weber, Nancy Dipert and Ann McDermott.

La Porte Hospital Auxiliary installs 2013 officers

LAPORTE | The La Porte Hospital Auxiliary held a special 2013 Installation of Officers ceremony at an annual meeting held earlier this year.

IU Health La Porte Sleep Services offers in-home test for sleep apnea

LAPORTE | Indiana University Health La Porte Sleep Services now offers in-home testing for sleep apnea.

Educational session on immunization practices offered

LAPORTE | All those administering immunizations, or those interested in learning more about vaccine preventable diseases, are invited to an educational session encompassing all aspects of immunization practices.

Jared Beasley named IU Health Starke Hospital Interim President

KNOX | Jared Beasley has been named Interim President of Indiana University Health Starke Hospital as standing President, David Hyatt, announces his transfer to a new position at Jay County Hospital in Portland, Ind.

Vickie Wipperman, MD, was recently named Medical Director of Indiana University Health Occupational Services of Northern Indiana. Wipperman assumed her new role earlier this month, and will provide further medical oversight to the program as well as assist in business development and client management. Just this January, IU Health Occupational Services acquired Wipperman Occupational Health—an independent occupational health clinic owned and operated by Dr. Wipperman, providing comprehensive occupational health and employee wellness programs to a wide range of employers located in South Bend and surrounding communities. Dr. Wipperman, who is board certified in occupational and environmental medicine, has 30 years of experience in healthcare with more than 24 of those years in occupational medicine. She graduated from the IU School of Medicine and later completed her residency in family practice at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis before moving to South Bend. She worked in emergency medicine, serving as the medical director of a regional urgent care center. Years later, Dr. Wipperman implemented an occupational health program for a local hospital system. “Dr. Wipperman’s recent appointment only accents the consistent success of IU Health Occupational Services as we expand our range of resources for businesses,” said Mark Savage, director of the Northern Indiana region. “Her extensive experience and quality reputation greatly benefit our program and ultimately help make life easier for employers.” The Wipperman clinic is one of four convenient IU Health Occupational Services locations in Northern Indiana dedicated to the well-being of the community’s workforce. Roughly one year prior to the Wipperman acquisition, the Michigan City clinic relocated to a leading edge facility within an IU Health office complex right off of Interstate 94. Previously, IU Health Occupational Services expanded into Porter County with a Valparaiso location. “Recent growth with our clinics and on-site services has allowed IU Health Occupational Services to truly diversify the services we offer to partnering businesses,” Savage said. “The Wipperman clinic has specialized in working with many fire departments to provide annual medical surveillance and respiratory clearance exams in order to assure the continued health and safety of the firefighters. We look forward to Dr. Wipperman bringing this expertise to La Porte and Porter counties.” IU Health Occupational Services is the state’s largest integrated system of independently managed occupational health clinics. Northern Indiana includes four convenient locations: • La Porte–Horizon Center, 311 Boyd Blvd. • Michigan City–IU Health Medical Offices at LifeWorks, 3777 N. Frontage Rd., Ste. 400 • South Bend–19567 Cleveland Rd. • Valparaiso–1251 Eastport Centre Dr., Ste. B Services to foster a safe and healthy work environment include: • Workers’ compensation injury care • DOT services • Drug and alcohol testing • Physicals and essential functions testing • Surveillance testing • X-ray • Physical therapy • Injury prevention/loss control services • Customized corporate wellness packages • On-site employee health clinics For more information or to set up an occupational health account in the Michigan City or South Bend area, contact Brian McKee at 219.561.3224 or bmckee@iuhealth.org. Employers in the remainder of La Porte County as well as all of Porter, Starke and Marshall counties may contact Daryle Keller at 219.405.4294 or dkeller@iuhealth.org. Headshot included. ### Neil Mangus Director of Marketing, La Porte and Starke Indiana University Health 219.325.4602 (office) | 574.514.9109 (cell) nmangus@iuhealth.org Discover the strength at www.iuhealth.org

LA PORTE | Vickie Wipperman, MD, was recently named Medical Director of Indiana University Health Occupational Services of Northern Indiana.

IU Health La Porte Physician receives national honor for excellence in diabetic care

LAPORTE | The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and the American Diabetes Association announced Joseph Arulandu, MD, received honors from the Diabetes Physician Recognition Program for providing expert care to patients with diabetes.

Joseph Arulandu

La Porte, IN–The Heart Cart will visit La Porte, Marshall and Starke counties in the coming months to offer discounted cardiovascular screenings to all interested community members. Upcoming visits include: • Tuesday, April 2 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm (Eastern time) at Indiana University Health Primary Care at LifePlex, 2855 Miller Dr., Ste. 117, in Plymouth • Tuesday, April 16 from 7:30 am to 11:30 am (Central time) at the IU Health La Porte Heart & Vascular Center, 901 Lincolnway, first floor conference room, in La Porte • Friday, April 19 from 7:30 am to 11:30 am (Central time) at IU Health Medical Offices at LifeWorks Business Park, 3777 Frontage Rd. in Michigan City • Tuesday, April 23 from 7:30 am to 11:30 am (Central time) at IU Health Starke Hospital, 102 E. Culver Rd., second floor conference room, in Knox • Friday, May 10 from 7:30 am to 11:30 am (Central time) at IU Health Medical Offices at LifeWorks Business Park, 3777 Frontage Rd. in Michigan City • Saturday, May 18 from 7:30 am to 11:30 am (Central time) at IU Health La Porte Heart & Vascular Center, 901 Lincolnway, first floor conference room, in La Porte • Tuesday, May 21 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm (Eastern time) at IU Health Primary Care at LifePlex, 2855 Miller Dr., Ste. 117, in Plymouth • Tuesday, May 28 from 7:30 am to 11:30 am (Central time) at IU Health Starke Hospital, 102 E. Culver Rd., second floor conference room, in Knox • Tuesday, June 4 from 7:30 am to 11:30 am (Central time) at IU Health La Porte Heart & Vascular Center, 901 Lincolnway, first floor conference room, in La Porte • Friday, June 28 from 7:30 am to 11:30 am (Central time) at IU Health Medical Offices at LifeWorks Business Park, 3777 Frontage Rd. in Michigan City Pre-registration is required. The service is now available at an even lower cost—only $50 for tests normally costing in excess of $1,200. Participants may pay by cash, check, money order or credit card. In order to offer this service at a discount to the community, IU Health does not bill insurance for the services. Participants are responsible for payment in full. Space is limited. For more information or to register, call 219.326.2626 or toll-free 800.235.6204, ext. 2626. The screenings are provided in part by the La Porte Hospital Foundation. All testing is reviewed by a board certified physician. The screening tests for: abnormal heart rhythm, abdominal aortic aneurysm, blood pressure, fasting cholesterol and glucose levels, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, poor leg circulation, stroke and weight. In addition, participants may also schedule a Vertical Auto-Profile (VAP) cholesterol screening for an additional $39. Results will be mailed to participants three to four weeks following the screening. Individuals may take the results to their doctor for follow up. The American Heart Association recommends a baseline screening as early as age 20. Those with a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes could benefit from this screening. In addition, those who are overweight, smoke, lack exercise or lead sedimentary lifestyles are potentially at risk.

LAPORTE | The Heart Cart will visit La Porte, Marshall and Starke counties in the coming months to offer discounted cardiovascular screenings to all interested community members.

Free colorectal cancer screening kits available in March

LAPORTE | Free colorectal cancer take-home screening kits are available for the public to pick up at a variety of locations in La Porte, Marshall and Starke counties throughout March.

IU Health La Porte Hospital offers community emergency skills, first aid training courses

La Porte | In honor of American Heart Month, Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital is offering emergency skills and first aid training classes to the public.

Pass or fail? Does your babysitter make the grade?

LAPORTE | At this time of year, many activities may require you leave the house and your children in the trusted care of a babysitter. A babysitter, often a teenager, is faced with the enormous responsibility of keeping your children safe during your absence.

IU Health La Porte Hospital offers Certified Nursing Assistant course

LAPORTE | Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital, in partnership with Ivy Tech Corporate College, is offering a Certified Nursing Assistant course to the public.

IU Health urges public to take action towards prevention through Heart Cart screening

LAPORTE | In honor of American Heart Month, Indiana University Health La Porte and Starke hospitals are urging community members to listen to their hearts, educate themselves on prevention and take action towards detection.

La Porte Hospital Foundation Healthcare scholarships available

LAPORTE |Since 1983, Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital, the La Porte Hospital Foundation and the La Porte Hospital Auxiliary have sponsored scholarships and awards/loans to provide financial assistance to students pursuing healthcare careers. Through the combined efforts, more than…

IU Health Occupational Services announces acquisition of Wipperman Occupational Health

LAPORTE | Indiana University Health Occupational Services announces the acquisition of Wipperman Occupational Health.

Rick Zastoupil

IU Health La Porte Community Health, Dental centers announce new director

LAPORTE | Indiana University Health La Porte Community Health and Dental centers recently named Rick Zastoupil the new Director.

IU Health La Porte Hospital offers medical interpreters course

LAPORTE | Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital offers a Spanish/Polish/English Medical Interpreters Course to the public.

Patricia Navarro

IU Health La Porte Hospital announces new Executive Director of Critical Care Services

LAPORTE | Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital recently welcomed Patricia Navarro to Executive Director of Critical Care Services.

IU Health La Porte Hospital welcomes new leader for spiritual care department

La Porte, IN – Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital recently welcomed Rev. Dale Wratchford as the new Assistant Director of the Center for Spiritual Care.

Free bereavement support group offered

LAPORTE | Indiana University Health La Porte VNA Services will host a free bereavement support group series for the public.

Kamryn Nevaeh Kantowski first baby birthed at Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital in 2013

LAPORTE | A baby girl born 58 minutes after midnight was the first baby of the New Year for La Porte in 2013.

La Porte Hospital Foundation receives grant from Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust

LAPORTE | The La Porte Hospital Foundation, on behalf of Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital, was awarded a $13,695 grant from the Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust (IBCAT).

Holiday at the POPS

Sold out crowd attends 18th Annual Holiday at the POPS

LAPORTE | There was another sold out crowd at this year’s Holiday at the POPS as event-goers rung in the holidays with song and philanthropy.

My Healthy Habits App

LAPORTE | Indiana University Health is proud to announce the release of a new free smartphone application that makes adding healthier habits to your daily routine easier than ever. The new “My Healthy Habits” smartphone app is an American Heart Association | Listen to Your Heart initiative s…

IU Health La Porte and Starke hospitals Receive STAR ProgramR Certification

LAPORTE / KNOX | Indiana University Health La Porte and Starke hospitals, have announced that they have earned the STAR Program® Certification. The certification qualifies IU Health La Porte and Starke hospitals to offer the STAR Program, a state-of-the-art cancer rehabilitation program that…

Melissa Grcich

Grcich named to new clinical leadership role at IU Health La Porte, Starke hospitals

LAPORTE | Melissa Grcich, RN, has been named the new Transitional Care/Care Management Director for both Indiana University Health La Porte and Starke hospitals.

Sharon Rundle named new Quality, Patient Safety and Satisfaction Director for IU Health La Porte, Starke hospitals

LAPORTE | Sharon Rundle, RN, has been named the new Director of Quality, Patient Safety and Satisfaction for Indiana University Health La Porte and Starke hospitals.

Tickets for Holiday at the POPS concert on sale now

LAPORTE | Tickets for the 18th Annual La Porte Hospital Foundation Holiday at the POPS are on sale.

Tickets for Holiday at the POPS concert on sale now

LAPORTE | Tickets for the 18th Annual La Porte Hospital Foundation Holiday at the POPS are on sale.

Amy Kolb

Ron Knickrehm

IU Health Occupational Services employees receive certifications

LAPORTE | Two colleagues of Indiana University Health Occupational Services recently received additional certifications for the benefit of their clients.

Fitness Fridays continue with indoor activities throughout fall, winter

LAPORTE | Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital, the City of La Porte and La Porte County Family YMCA have again partnered to continue providing Fitness Fridays during the cold weather months.

Operation Stand Down offers qualifying veterans free dental screenings Nov. 10 in La Porte

LAPORTE | Operation Stand Down offers qualifying veterans a free dental screening Nov. 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Central time) at the Indiana University Health La Porte Dental Center, located at 400 Teegarden St.

IU Health to offer $95 mammogram in La Porte, Knox, Michigan City, Plymouth

La Porte | In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, IU Health La Porte and Starke hospitals are offering discounted screening mammograms throughout the entire month of October.

Women's Fair to offer screenings, health education

LAPORTE | Women’s Fair offers the public new exhibits, preventative screenings and wellness information on Tuesday, Oct. 9 from 2 pm to 7 pm (Central time) at the Blue Chip Stardust Event Center in Michigan City.

IU Health La Porte Physicians launches InQuicker: Healthcare’s Online Waiting RoomTM for La Porte, Michigan City and Plymouth areas

LAPORTE | Tired of spending hours in a stuffy, overcrowded urgent care waiting room? Ever wish you could book a doctor’s office appointment online? Indiana University Health La Porte Physicians has the solution—it’s called InQuicker, and it’s reinventing the way the public accesses healthcare.