Simple meditation, yoga practice can provide calm, clarity, positive health benefits
From our experts: Dr. Colleen Sullivan is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Mary Free Bed. She’s also a registered yoga teacher. The pace of our lives was exponentially increasing. We were on auto pilot, moving full speed ahead from the moment we woke up to the time we tucked ourselves into bed. Finding […]
With a little help from Mary Free Bed, Inkster couple battles back from COVID-19
When Charlunda and David Thompson celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary in June, the Inkster couple will mark “a new beginning.” “Together, we’re stronger,” Charlunda said. The Thompsons are beginning the next phase in their journey of recovery from COVID-19, the novel coronavirus that’s sickened millions of people worldwide and killed thousands. Charlunda, 45, a hospice […]
Mask fabrication added to list of creative skills on Custom Seating and Assistive Tech team
Mary Free Bed’s Custom Seating and Assistive Technology team is a creative bunch that finds solutions to life’s everyday challenges. From customized seating fabrication to tools that help patients complete tasks, there are few needs these therapists and tech experts can’t meet. So when the need arose to protect Mary Free Bed patients, visitors and staff members during the COVID-19 pandemic, they rose to the challenge. “Once we heard of the […]
Cindy marks her recovery a year after crash with video thanking doctors
Cindy Broekhuizen recently celebrated a milestone and wanted to mark the occasion with her doctors and team at Mary Free Bed. But with the COVID-19 pandemic cutting off visitation to the hospital, Cindy created a video to show her appreciation instead. She and her husband, Barry, agreed to let us share it with everyone. Cindy […]
Don Force celebrates his birthday and his recovery from COVID-19 by going home
“Going home on my birthday is the best gift ever,” said Don, who was hospitalized since March 29, battling COVID-19. After a month away, Don discharged from Mary Free Bed’s ReCOVery Unit and headed home to Howard City. He’s the first patient with COVID-19 admitted to the new unit for those who need intensive rehabilitation […]
Mary Free Bed Kids physical therapist donates masks in fight against COVID-19
When Kate Rustem heard area hospitals were accepting donations of homemade masks, she tapped into her crafting skills and a stash of fabric remnants. A physical therapist on the Mary Free Bed Kids outpatient team who’s on temporary leave, Kate created nearly 50 masks while also caring for her young niece and nephew when her […]
Portage woman with COVID-19 is first graduate of Mary Free Bed’s ReCOVery™ Unit
Nancy Blodgett came to Mary Free Bed for rehabilitation after spending nine days on a ventilator, fighting for her life. A week later and much stronger, she became the first graduate of the hospital’s ReCOVery™ Unit for COVID-19 survivors. “It will be a new normal, but I’m OK with that,” the 55-year-old Portage resident said. […]
‘Team Lorraine’ cheers on family matriarch recovering at Mary Free Bed
Lorraine Micketti has been a patient in Mary Free Bed’s Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Unit since April 2. Unable to have visitors because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 91-year-old Rogers City resident was missing her family. So, her care manager, Emily Bialecki, helped arrange a surprise. On a recent afternoon, Emily brought Lorraine from her room on the fifth floor downstairs for a different view outside. When […]
Update: West Michigan responds to call for masks and equipment
West Michigan residents and organizations are opening their hearts to Mary Free Bed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are grateful. Thanks to generous gifts to the Mary Free Bed Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, 30 iPads have been purchased to connect patients with their loved ones, health care providers, spiritual leaders and interpreters for those […]
Mary Free Bed opens ReCOVery Unit for COVID-19 patients
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – There is a new rehabilitation program at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital for patients recovering from COVID-19. The dedicated “ReCOVery Unit” is serving patients who need intensive rehabilitation but still test positive for the virus. Whether COVID-19 is a primary or secondary diagnosis, these patients are focused on one thing: safely […]
Mary Free Bed opens ReCOVery Unit for COVID-19 patients
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – There is a new rehabilitation program at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital for patients recovering from COVID-19. The dedicated “ReCOVery Unit” is serving patients who need intensive rehabilitation but still test positive for the virus. Whether COVID-19 is a primary or secondary diagnosis, these patients are focused on one thing: safely […]
Taking care of ourselves means staying connected with those we love
From our experts: Maggie Travin is a psychologist at Mary Free Bed. In times of confusion, fear or panic, the most natural thing to do may be to lean in — both physically and figuratively — to those you love. There are few things more comforting than a warm embrace from a family member. However, […]
Co-workers who both had strokes reunite during rehabilitation
Mary Free Bed may not seem an obvious choice of location for a reunion of friends, but two co-workers found themselves going through rehabilitation together. Ricky Belton was getting ready for work at Ranir on March 16 when he started having balance issues. He went to work anyway, but his condition grew worse. Co-workers took […]
Give yourself a break: Keep meals simple during COVID-19 stay-at-home mandate
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. I’ve seen so many posts from social media “influencers” dishing out health and nutrition advice, and pushing us to “use our time at home wisely” during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a registered dietitian and health care professional, I’m qualified to provide advice […]
Sub-Acute Rehabilitation patients unable to have visitors share messages of hope
Some are notes to loved ones. “Miss and love you” to David and Ginger. “Love you all” to Patty, Aaron and Jenny. “Hey kids! Love and miss you! Love, Dad.” Others are messages of encouragement for the community. “Keep the faith!” “We rise by lifting others.” “Choose happiness.” They’re all words of hope to anyone […]
COVID-19: Protecting our patients, staff and community
Updated: Nov. 13, 2020 Mary Free Bed’s priority is the safety of our patients, staff and community. Our experts are working diligently to protect everyone’s health through enhanced protocols and added resources. These measures follow national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and State of Michigan mandates due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mary Free […]
Barb learns ‘Progress not Perfection’ on journey to health with Weight Management Program
Barb Baker is a recent graduate of Mary Free Bed’s initial Weight Management program, Foundation, and is continuing her journey with Stride for continued support and education. In this Q&A, Barb shares why she chose to participate in the program and the affect it’s had on her health. Not only has Barb lost more than […]
Mary Free Bed Shares Expertise Nationally With Launch of Advisory Group
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – During the past 129 years, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan has earned a reputation for outstanding clinical outcomes, superior patient satisfaction and reasonable rates. Because there’ve been regular requests for information and advice, hospital officials decided to create the Mary Free Bed Advisory Group. A division of […]
Mary Free Bed Shares Expertise Nationally With Launch of Advisory Group
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – During the past 129 years, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan has earned a reputation for outstanding clinical outcomes, superior patient satisfaction and reasonable rates. Because there’ve been regular requests for information and advice, hospital officials decided to create the Mary Free Bed Advisory Group. A division of […]
Protect yourself against coronavirus and other viruses: Wash your hands, avoid touching your face, stay away from people who are sick
With a surge in cases of COVID-19 and nearly 3,000 deaths worldwide, concerns and questions arise regarding the risks to people around the world. The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global health emergency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is monitoring the rapidly evolving outbreak that emerged in Wuhan City, […]
Education is an important part of pain rehabilitation
From our experts: Nicole DeHaan is a physical therapist and therapeutic pain specialist in Mary Free Bed’s Pain Rehabilitation program. As a member of the program’s team of experts, she works with patients to reduce their chronic pain and improve their ability to function. People with chronic pain recognize the pain they’re experiencing is … […]
Faith, hope fuel ‘Miracle Malachi’s’ recovery from traumatic brain injury
One of life’s greatest lessons is how quickly it can change in a split second. That’s why, when the Griffin family gathers this week to celebrate Thanksgiving, they’ll give thanks for second chances. “We look for every moment we can to celebrate,” said Thomas Griffin, his son, Malachi, sitting by his side. They were visiting […]
Fueled by faith and love, Bonnie focuses on recovery from stroke to attend daughter’s wedding
Bonnie Gordon was slalom skiing on Gull Lake near Hickory Corners, enjoying the company of her family, the water’s cool spray and the warmth of an August morning. Then she began to feel winded. “All of a sudden everything was blurry, and I was in the water,” Bonnie said. Family members got her onto the […]
Recreational power soccer team forming for power wheelchair users
Mary Free Bed’s Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports program is gearing up to add power soccer to its roster of teams for people with disabilities. It will join more than 250 teams from around the world competing in one of the fastest-growing sports on four wheels. Power soccer is the first competitive team sport designed for […]
Love is in the air: Rick’s rehabilitation team helps bring daughter’s wedding to Mary Free Bed
When patients and their loved ones come to Mary Free Bed, they become part of the Mary Free Bed family, and “family’s the most important thing.” That’s why Rick Kitchen’s wife, Beth, and daughter, Jaslyn, united with his Mary Free Bed team to make sure he’d be part of a very special family celebration. Rick […]
Embrace heart health with these nutrition tips for a healthy lifestyle
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. February is American Heart Month, and there’s no better time to discuss heart health. Nutrition is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle and a vital way to fight heart disease. Here are some ways to ramp up your heart health: 1. […]
Mary Free Bed launches Patient and Family Advisory Council
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital recently launched a Patient and Family Advisory Council, a steering committee tasked with creating better experiences for patients, caregivers and team members. The PFAC will meet quarterly, but committees will hold monthly workgroup sessions with specific goals. Members will look at ways to promote patient- and […]
Mary Free Bed launches Patient and Family Advisory Council
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital recently launched a Patient and Family Advisory Council, a steering committee tasked with creating better experiences for patients, caregivers and team members. The PFAC will meet quarterly, but committees will hold monthly workgroup sessions with specific goals. Members will look at ways to promote patient- and […]
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation experts affiliate with Beacon Health System
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Leaders from Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and Beacon Health System are pleased to announce a new collaboration. Under the terms of a professional services agreement, Mary Free Bed will manage the adult inpatient rehabilitation programs at Elkhart General Hospital in Elkhart and Memorial Hospital in South Bend. Beacon is the […]
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation experts affiliate with Beacon Health System
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Leaders from Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and Beacon Health System are pleased to announce a new collaboration. Under the terms of a professional services agreement, Mary Free Bed will manage the adult inpatient rehabilitation programs at Elkhart General Hospital in Elkhart and Memorial Hospital in South Bend. Beacon is the […]