Tag Archives: University of Michigan Health West

Register Now for Annual Metro Way 5K & YMCA Youth Races July 31 to support community health and wellness

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(Courtesy, University of Michigan Health-West)




By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



University of Michigan Health-West invites you for an evening of running, walking, and philanthropy at the Metro Way 5K & YMCA Youth Races on Wednesday, July 31. This family-friendly event will be
held at 1980 Metro Court, Wyoming, starting at 6 p.m.


Funds raised through the Metro Way 5K support UM Health-West’s community health and wellness programs, which provide vital services to the community, including free and low-cost health screenings, fitness classes and educational sessions.


“This event exemplifies our commitment to West Michigan,” said Greg Meyer, UM Health-West executive vice president and chief community officer. “The Metro Way 5K reflects our legacy of making a lasting difference in the health of our communities. It’s a celebration of our past and a commitment to our future.”


Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome. The event includes a 5K run/walk and YMCA Youth Races, making it an excellent opportunity for families to engage in a healthy and fun activity together. Your participation will directly contribute to community health and wellness programs, helping patients and their families cope with chronic illness, teaching healthy habits, and promoting safety.


For more event details and registration, visit Metro Way 5K

Metro Way 5K

  •     Fee: $35
  •     Start time: 6:30 p.m.
  •     Check-in & late registration: 5 to 6:25 p.m. (Cost: $40)

YMCA Youth Races

  •     Fee: Free
  •     Start time: 6 to 6:25 p.m.
  •     Registration deadline: 6:05 p.m. July 30
  •     Open to ages 17 and younger

YMCA Youth Races

  • Fee: $35

Race Day Overview

5 to 6:25 p.m. – Race check-in & late registration at race headquarters

6 p.m. – YMCA Youth Races (warm-up at 5:45 p.m.)

5 to 8 p.m. – Photo opportunity, sponsors and food tent

6:30 p.m. – Metro Way 5K race start

7:15 p.m. – Awards Ceremony


Awards will be presented to the top male and female finishers in both open and masters categories. Age group prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each group. All registered 5K finishers receive a finisher’s medal.

University of Michigan Health-West adds new 3D technology

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By Maggie Carey
WKTV Contributor

Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope (Courtesy Aesculap, Inc.)

University of Michigan Health-West (UMH-W) recently announced that the medical facility have obtained an Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope to aid its neurosurgery team and further UM Health-West as an Innovative Healthcare Destination. University of Michigan Health-West serves the Grand Rapids metropolitan area with 18 outpatient centers and more than 500 physicians on staff.

 

Funding for this new microscope came from The University of Michigan Health-West Foundation. This foundation strives to make care more accessible, support professional development, improve patient experiences, and serve the people of West Michigan. 

What is an Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope?

An Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope is a next generation, high resolution microscope  that will be used in the operating room to assist doctors. It will aid with robotic-guided positioning of surgical tools, 3D imaging, and provide doctors with a microscopic view of the body during surgery. Another feature of this microscope is the fluorescence capabilities will help guide doctors by lighting up tumors, aneurysms, and tissues. 

Aid for those in the operating room

The Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope will provide ergonomic relief in the operating room for doctors. Due to the positioning of the microscope, surgeons will no longer have to hunch over microscopes for hours on end while twisting their bodies in uncomfortable positions in order to reach the brain, spinal cord, and nerves of patients during surgery. Procedures can last from six to eight hours long and having technology to help relieve some of the physical pain for doctors is a great advancement for the hospital and patient outcomes.

Dr. Ronald Grifka, Chief Medical Officer, said that this microscope will be a huge support for the surgical team.

“In traditional microsurgery, the surgeon might have to keep their head tilted at a 60-degree angle for hours at a time,” Grifka said. “We know they can perform better for their patients – and have greater job satisfaction – if they are comfortable and relaxed when performing these intricate neurosurgeries.”

Another advantage of the Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope is its application in education. University of Michigan Health-West is a teaching hospital with eight residency programs. Residents now have the opportunity to view exactly what the surgeon sees and learn from them during surgeries. 

Looking towards the future 

The Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope has future applications in the world of microsurgeries.

“This is really the next generation of microsurgery,” Neurosurgeon Bryan Figueroa, MD said. “When we all can anticipate what needs to happen next, response time is faster, and we can stay perfectly in sync to optimize patient care.”

There is hope for its application in other surgeries in the future as well. Plastic surgery, ophthalmology (eye surgery), and even reconstructive surgery are areas where this kind of technology has potential.

If you are still interested in this new technology, you can view a video demonstration here!

UofM Health West Farmer’s Market set to open tomorrow

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

About 35 vendors will be on hand tomorrow selling fruit, meat, cheeses, and other handmade items. (Supplied)

The University of Michigan Health-West Farmer’s Market is set to open for the season tomorrow, continuing to serve the community with fresh produce and products, while supporting local farms and small business owners.

When the market opens for the season, 35 vendors will be on-site at the hospital’s Wyoming campus selling local fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, baked goods, plants and more. Artisan vendors will be selling handmade items including clothing and home décor.

“We are looking forward to another great season at the market,” said the hospital’s Head of Community Outreach Michelle Rademacher. “A fun new addition we have this year are local musicians who will be performing over the lunch hour.”

Another addition to this year’s market is the return of Kids Day. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID- 19, Kids Day is back on June 16. The first 250 kids to arrive at the information table will receive a free gift. There will also be activities including a scavenger hunt, crafts, yard games, a traveling zoo and more.

On average, the University of Michigan Health-West Farmer’s Market sees nearly 1,300 people daily during the peak season. As in past years, the market will continue to accept EBT, P-EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC, Senior Project Fresh coupons as well as cash and most major credit cards.

The market opens Thursday, May 12 and runs each Thursday through early October. Hours are 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information visit www.umhealthwest.org.

University of Michigan Health-West shows support for people of Ukraine

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Last night, the University of Michigan Health-West changed its beacon lights from white to blue and yellow, showing its support for the people of Ukraine.

“As an organization dedicated to health and the well-being of all people, University of Michigan Health-West stands against violence in all of its forms,” in a released statement from the hospital.

The beacon lights will be blue and yellow 24 hours a day going forward with the hospital stating “with this symbolic gesture, we add our light to others around the world, showing support for the people of Ukraine.”