UP Health System - Portage

10/31/2026

👻 Here’s to a Halloween filled with plenty of treats and lots of fun!

As you get ready for trick-or-treating, don’t forget to make safety part of the plan. Check out these quick reminders to help keep you and your family safe throughout the night.

Happy Halloween from all of us at UP Health System – Portage! 🎃 And if the night brings an unexpected bump, bruise or scare, know that we’re here when you need us. Visit UPHealthSystem.com

10/30/2026

We recently recognized Jill Daavettila, RN, with the DAISY Award for exceptional nurses. Jill is a registered nurse in the medical-surgical department. Known for her compassionate care and ability to connect with patients, Jill recently made an impact with a patient that was felt by her accompanying family members.

Here's what a family member had to say:

"Jill took such great care of my grandma every day. She always stopped in to make sure she was comfortable. She would always make sure her pillows were fluffed, her feet were warm and she had her ginger ale. Jill even soaked my grandma’s feet one morning. It made her so happy; she mentioned it all day. Thank you, Jill, for taking such good care of my grandma and my family as well. We were so blessed to have you as her nurse."

Thank you, Jill, for your compassion and dedication to patient care.

https://www.uphealthsystem.com/news/2026/10/29/up-health-system---portage-honors-jill-daavettila--rn--with-the-daisy-award?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAEwAAEfV5fNZl-dsQfRCGif6HwCVuFSNvR4ePRZnC_9ct_dOqB8cHveCyQOlCowgwI_aem_Z3ktVdU22QPCQDnJbKITvA

UP Health System – Portage Honors Jill Daavettila, RN, with the DAISY Award

10/29/2026

Costumes ready? Candy bowl full? Add a quick safety check before the festivities begin! A few simple steps can help keep the night focused on the fun.

10/28/2026

A Medicare Advantage update for our community

We want to make sure our patients have the information they need as they consider their Medicare coverage for 2027.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, UP Health System may no longer be in Humana’s Medicare Advantage network. This does not mean we will stop caring for patients with Humana Medicare Advantage. We will continue to provide care; however, UP Health System may be considered out of network, which could affect your out-of-pocket costs.

With Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period underway through Dec. 7, now is a good time to review your coverage and make sure the plan you choose gives you access to the doctors, hospitals and services that are important to you.

Need help understanding your options? UP Health System patients can receive no-cost Medicare guidance through Chapter at 906.422.6447. You can also compare plans through Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

Learn more, explore FAQs and see the Medicare Advantage plans currently expected to be in network with UP Health System in 2027: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/ma

10/27/2026

We recently celebrated our 500th robotic-assisted surgical procedure, a milestone from our 100th back in March of 2025.

Robotic-assisted surgery allows surgeons to perform complex procedures through small incisions with enhanced precision and control. For patients, that often means less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times and a reduced risk of complications.

We're proud of the team at UPHS - Portage for their commitment and dedication to surgical care in our community.

https://www.uphealthsystem.com/news/2026/10/26/up-health-system---portage-celebrates-500th-robotic-assisted-surgery

UP Health System – Portage is celebrating a major milestone in advancing surgical care close to home, recently completing its 500th robotic-assisted surgical procedure.

10/27/2026

A lump isn’t the only change to watch for when it comes to breast health. Changes such as swelling, skin dimpling, ni**le discharge, redness, pain or a change in the size or shape of your breast are also worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

The key is knowing what’s normal for you. Pay attention to how your breasts normally look and feel so you’re more likely to notice when something is different. And remember, noticing a change doesn’t necessarily mean it’s cancer, but it’s still important to have it checked.

Notice something different? Start the conversation with your healthcare provider. Need a provider? Visit https://www.uphealthsystem.com/ to find one.

10/23/2026

Meet Harry, a retired electrician who was faced with a challenging journey.

Harry came to UPHS - Portage Rehab after developing hip pain that caused him to need a wheelchair. He had just completed heart surgery, so a second major surgery was not an option during recovery. He chose rehab instead.

Working with Natalie Hupp, physical therapist at UPHS - Portage Rehab, Harry began to slowly rebuild his range of motion.

"It was painful at first. I just kept doing it, going through it," Harry said of those early therapy sessions. "After I was done exercising, I felt better, and better, and better."

Through patience, planning and determination, Harry is back on his feet doing the things he loves.

Read about Harry's journey to recovery: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/news/2026/10/23/harry-hermann-s-journey-back-to-mobility

We recently caught up with a former patient of UP Health System - Portage Rehabilitation Services to learn about his journey to recovery.

10/22/2026

There’s more to getting your flu shot than simply checking it off your list. Timing matters. 💉

Your body needs about two weeks after vaccination to build full protection, which is why getting your flu shot before flu activity picks up can make a difference. But if you haven’t gotten yours yet, you haven’t missed your chance.

Our latest blog breaks down the best time to get vaccinated, special considerations for different age groups, where to get your shot and what to expect afterward.

👉 Read the full blog and learn more: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/health-resources/posts/2026/09/22/when-should-you-get-your-flu-shot

🔎 Need a provider? Visit: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/

10/20/2026

⏰ That appointment you’ve been meaning to make? Consider this your reminder.

As the end of the year gets closer, now is a good time to check in on both your health and your health insurance benefits. If you’ve met your deductible, talk with your provider about whether there are appointments, screenings or procedures that make sense to schedule before the year ends.

Maybe it’s your annual physical. A mammogram or colonoscopy you’ve been meaning to schedule. Or a procedure or surgery you and your provider have already discussed.

Your health doesn’t need to wait until next year. Take a look at your health care to-do list and make time for the care you need.

👩‍⚕️ Need a provider? Find one at www.uphealthsystem.com/find-a-doctor.