Staying strong with your New Year’s resolutions
“Resolutions become real if you’re willing to involve yourself and accept responsibility for your choices as well as the consequences that go with them.” — Dr. John Valusek A personal resolution is a promise to yourself to think, feel or act differently in a way that’s important to you. Research shows more than 80% of resolutions […]
Mary Free Bed is all-in for patient Keith Stone
An accident on a golf cart left Keith Stone with a severe spinal cord injury. Even though Keith lives in Grand Blanc and the accident occurred in Petoskey, he and wife Sarah decided to come to Mary Free Bed for his rehabilitation. Watch the video to learn how Keith’s time at Mary Free Bed had a positive impact […]
An amazing year at Mary Free Bed: 2015 wrap-up
From grand openings to amazing patient and staff stories, 2015 was an eventful year for the Mary Free Bed family. Among this year’s events: opening of the new hospital featuring 167 private rooms, leading-edge technology and outstanding patient amenities (March) opening of the Mary Free Bed YMCA, a global leader in accessible and inclusive design […]
Silas helps inspire ‘SO Awesome’ gift
UPDATED January 19, 2016: Silas Camp, a former patient treated about 4 years ago for plagiocephaly and torticollis, visited Mary Free Bed’s Outpatient Pediatric Therapy team with a special gift for other young patients. During the holiday season, his family’s business, SO Awesome, gives back to the West Michigan community through its “One for One” […]
Fall prevention should be a year-round concern
Falls are a significant public safety concern, no matter the season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of Americans 65 years and older fall each year. Head injuries and hip fractures are among the most common types of injuries sustained in a fall. Here at Mary Free Bed, fall prevention is […]
Festively fit: Tips for avoiding holiday weight gain
Between appetizers, the main attraction and beverages — not to mention those hard-to-resist cookies and sweets — the average holiday meal can clock in at more than 3,000 calories. Unfortunately, this can result in an average holiday weight gain between 2-5 pounds. Some won’t lose that extra weight, adding on year after year. How do you […]
Mary Free Bed YMCA a global first for accessibility
Thursday, December 3, marked the start of an exciting new chapter in accessibility and opportunity. The West Michigan community — including many representatives from Mary Free Bed — came together to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the much-anticipated Mary Free Bed YMCA. This first-of-its-kind Y is the first health and wellness facility in the world to […]
Marcus’ message of determination: ‘Whatever you want to be, you can be it’
Congrats are in order for Marcus Fairfield and Liz Lauer! This week, the new parents welcomed a beautiful baby girl into their family. A rollover accident in April left Marcus with a paralyzing spinal cord injury. He graduated this fall from Mary Free Bed after months of intensive inpatient rehabilitation where he focused on maximizing his strength, […]
Chaffee brothers face challenges, celebrate triumphs together
UPDATE: Good Housekeeping published a story about the Chaffee brothers’ journey on Nov. 20, 2015. Click here to read the story. Brothers Adam and Matt Chaffee stick together through thick and thin. That support system and brotherly bond will be crucial as the two adjust to a new life in the coming months. Twenty-three-year-old Adam […]
Jerrensia & Jen make national splash with message of inclusion
Guest blog by Jen Kroll, whose daughter Jerrensia has sought outpatient therapy at Mary Free Bed. This fall, Jen wrote a Facebook post about Target’s Halloween advertisement that included a little girl with leg braces and arm crutches. The post went viral and drew attention from Mashable, Upworthy and other publications. This is a follow-up […]
The tables turned’: Doctor reflects on patient experience
Guest blog by Dr. Marliee Mead, who has been the Medical Director of the Mary Free Bed East Beltline Hand Clinic As a hand and plastic surgeon, I have had a long professional relationship with Mary Free Bed therapists and physicians. I even participated in the creation of their 2013 Art Prize entry! Recently, the […]
Hunting safety tips for an injury-free season
This weekend marks the beginning of Michigan’s regular firearm season for deer (Nov. 15-30, 2015). Hunting is an important tradition for many Michigan families. With proper safety precautions in place, hunting can be a safe and rewarding recreational activity. Hunting safety is a topic of great concern at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. Each fall and winter, […]
Augmentative Communication provides options for speech
Augmentative and alternative communication can literally help to give a voice to individuals with diagnoses or conditions that can include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), autism, stroke, cerebral palsy, Rett syndrome, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury and Down syndrome. In Mary Free Bed’s Augmentative Communication Program, a speech-language pathologist and occupational therapist work with […]
Healthy cooking during the holidays
The holidays are quickly approaching and there are so many great family recipes to share. Unfortunately, that cookie recipe from great-great-great-grandma that calls for one and a half cups of butter may not align with your weight loss meal plan. It’s OK to splurge on occasion – but only within reason. Healthy cooking is possible […]
I’ll keep going until I can’t go anymore’
Thirty-four-year-old Nate Denofre doesn’t have much use for the term “disabled.” Born without legs below the knee – a result of amniotic band syndrome – Nate prefers to focus on what is possible for him to do, instead of what isn’t. His latest undertaking embodies the odds-defying spirit that’s driven him to live a life […]
Advances in foot drop rehabilitation benefit wide range of patients
There have been tremendous strides in foot drop rehabilitation in the last few decades, and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital therapists have stayed in step with all the latest developments. “Foot drop” is the term commonly used to describe a difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot while walking. Foot drop can mean an […]
Educational opportunities abound at 2015 SCI Symposium
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital was pleased to welcome 160 guests to the 2015 SCI Symposium held Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Prince Conference Center at Calvin College in Grand Rapids. The event, “Living | Loving,” covered a wide range of topics and drew a diverse audience. “As leaders in rehabilitation, it’s important for us […]
Cancer + Wellness series: Episodes 16 & 17 – Yoga for cancer patients and survivors
Need to unwind and relax? Looking for ways to holistically cope with stress and tension? Interested in learning more about yoga for cancer patients and survivors? Michele Fife, an instructor with Mary Free Bed’s Cancer + Wellness program, offers this free, 60-minute yoga practice. You also may benefit from a refresher on breathing techniques, which Michele […]
Mary Free Bed CEO Kent Riddle earns health leadership award
Congratulations to Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital’s chief executive officer Kent Riddle! Kent recently was honored by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association with a 2015 MHA Healthcare Leadership Award. Kent was recognized by the MHA for his role in guiding Mary Free Bed after hospital leaders decided it should remain an independent, community-owned organization. In his […]
Scoliosis treatment uses teamwork and technology
Scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine, affects an estimated 7 million Americans. The spinal condition typically is diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, often discovered during back-to-school “well child” checkups. Mary Free Bed’s Orthotics & Prosthetics (O&P) professionals are well-versed in helping to fit patients of all ages with custom scoliosis braces. These specialized orthotic devices are […]
Bissell’s Howl-O-Ween boosts pediatric & pet therapy programs
Sometimes, a wagging tail is just the motivation a patient needs to push through an intensive therapy session. That’s where “pet recreation professionals” like Walter and Charlie come into play. The two friendly (and hard-working) dogs are part of the animal-assisted therapy program at Mary Free Bed. Penny Richards, an occupational therapist at Mary Free […]
Cancer + Wellness series: Episodes 12-15 – Healthy recipes
Mick Von Doxatater (aka Surfer Mick), an instructor for Mary Free Bed’s Cancer + Wellness program, believes good food can play a key role in a person’s health. On this page, you’ll find 7 healthy recipes that are packed with nutritional powerhouse foods. Some of the recipes are written below, others are presented in video form – all […]
4-year-old Ayden experiences joy of riding his very own bike
Four-year-old Ayden Wilson wanted to ride a bike, just like the rest of the kids in the neighborhood. Born with a form of dwarfism, Ayden experiences pain in his hips and knees. Though he lives in northern Ohio, he earlier this year visited a doctor in Wisconsin. That physician referred him to Dr. Michael Forness at […]
Fast fitness ideas for your busy life
Trying to fit exercise into your busy life can be a challenge. Some days, it feels as if there aren’t enough hours in the day and fitness can fall by the wayside. Creating an exercise routine that works with your day-to-day schedule can help make exercise a habit that sticks. The experts in our Weight Management […]
Cancer + Wellness series: Episodes 10 & 11 – More plants, less sugar
Clean eating is beneficial for everyone, but it may be especially vital for those who have cancer or are in recovery from cancer and its treatment. The Cancer + Wellness Program at Mary Free Bed is focused on helping people work toward a healthier life after cancer. Cancer + Wellness nutrition instructor Wendy Borden encourages individuals to consider following […]
Lylah Gritter battles Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) & defies the odds with help from Mary Free Bed
Guest Blog by Holly Gritter My daughter Lylah was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) at 6 months old. SMA is the No. 1 genetic killer in children two years and younger. Much like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, SMA is an atrophy that will slowly take away Lylah’s ability to talk, smile, swallow, […]
Cancer + Wellness series: Episodes 8 & 9 – Tips for better nutrition after cancer
Maximizing patients’ health and nutrition after cancer is an integral part of the Cancer + Wellness Program at Mary Free Bed. Program instructor Mick Von Doxatater encourages people to consider the steps they take to prepare their food; from washing, to chopping, to the actual method of cooking. In episodes 8 and 9 of our ongoing video series based on the […]
Mary Free Bed celebrates National Rehab Week [Video & Photo Recap]
Rehabilitation is hard work, and we take our mission seriously. But fun and laughter are an important part of the healing process. National Rehabilitation Awareness Week (Sept. 20-26) gave our staff and patients the perfect opportunity to cut loose and enjoy the lighter side of things. The week-long celebration included group activities (a staff cookout, pie-eating contest, […]
Patients create mural art as part of recreational therapy
Just in time for National Rehabilitation Awareness Week — and the opening of the seventh year of ArtPrize — Mary Free Bed recreational therapists put the finishing touches on a new, temporary art project on the first floor of the hospital’s West Addition. The colorful mural features dozens of geometric shapes painted by rehabilitation patients as part of […]
National Rehabilitation Awareness Week 2015
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital is gearing up for National Rehabilitation Awareness Week, celebrated Sunday, Sept. 20, through Saturday, Sept. 26. Staff and volunteers will get festive with activities like a build-a-scarecrow contest, pie-eating contest and a team cookout. Patients and families are invited to join in the fun for events like themed wardrobe days […]