Top 10 Health Articles for Valpo.Life in 2025

While it’s important to have fun with friends and family members, the number one priority to making that happen relies on our health. Everyone goes through difficult times each year, which is what makes our wellbeing so important.

In 2025, we covered health topics such as health fairs, pediatricians, healthcare symposiums, children’s health, and more. We partner with plenty of organizations, businesses, and healthcare groups each year to promote wellness and ensure that the local communities stay healthy.

In no particular order, here are the top 10 health articles on Valpo.Life to recap the good news in 2025!

When care feels like home: How a visit to Associated Pediatrician’s medical home supports the full health journey

With summer break and a new school year on the horizon, it’ll soon be time for children to head in for yearly physicals, check-ups, and other medical assessments before classes resume in the fall. While it may seem like an overwhelming task at first for families to get their child’s appointments under wraps in just a few short months, there is a way to help calm the chaos while keeping the child’s health and well-being the utmost priority – and it all starts with a visit to a medical home.

Porter-Starke Services honors 50 years of service at Annual Living Health, Balance, and Hope Symposium

Porter-Starke Services hosted its annual Living Health, Balance, and Hope Symposium on Thursday, May 8, at the Porter County Expo Center. The event, themed “Reigniting Connection: How to Spark Meaningful Relationships,” brought together social workers, counselors, and professionals of all kinds from around the Region. Notable speaker Zach Brittle, a therapist, writer, and teacher, headlined this year’s symposium, with insights on daily strategies to reinvigorate relationships.

Life Care Center of Valparaiso supports Porter County Triad Annual Health Fair 

On Wednesday, June 4, seniors came to Central Park Plaza to engage in health-related activities and information at the annual Porter County Triad Health Fair under William E. Urschel Pavilion.

Life Care Center of Valparaiso has been a part of the Porter County Triad for 23 years, standing behind the mission of creating a sense of belonging for seniors. Angie Monahan, director of business development at Life Care Center of Valparaiso, admires how this event assists a community that includes people of all ages.

“This is a fundraiser event for Project Lifesaver,” Monahan said. “The Porter County Sheriff’s Department has a group of people who specialize in helping find people that could be cognitively impaired. It doesn’t matter if they’re an older person with dementia or a younger person who wouldn’t be able to answer the questions of ‘Are you safe? Are you okay?’ We use this device to put on your wrist or ankle, and it sends a wave out for you to be found.”

Porter County Health Department promotes health among the Region’s youth at 2nd annual Health and Wellness Family Fair

On the afternoon of Friday, June 13, Porter County Health Department hosted its second annual Health and Wellness Family Fair at the Central Park Plaza in downtown Valparaiso. Over 35 vendors set up tables under the William E. Urschel Pavilion, offering swag and information about their services to the families that stopped by the free-to-attend, open house-style event.

During the health fair, free athletics physicals and vision screenings were made available to young attendees. The Indiana Department of Health offered immunizations for kids, while the Zac Mago Foundation and Northwest Health teamed up to give young attendees preventative heart screenings. Denmark College students assisted with the health screenings, provided free haircuts, and even set up a station for free facepainting. Indiana University Indianapolis School of Dentistry students provided kids with free dental exams. 

Keep your pets cool this summer with these tips from McAfee Animal Hospital’s Dr. Anna Sacco

Anyone who has lived in Northwest Indiana for an extended period of time is no stranger to this area’s unpredictable weather shifts and extreme temperatures. Although we have only just now reached the heart of it, this summer has already proven to be extremely hot. It is important for those participating in outdoor activities to stay hydrated and employ good heat safety practices. People who bring their pets along on their outdoor excursions must remember to keep their furry friends safe from the heat, too.

Dr. Anna Sacco, a veterinarian at McAfee Animal Hospital, specializes in surgery, nutrition, and internal medicine. She has some great tips that pet owners can use to keep their pets happy and healthy during these hot summer months. She believes that owners can keep their pets safe in the heat by providing them with fresh water that is cool, rather than ice cold, and ensuring that they have plenty of shade. She encourages the use of indoor fans to keep the air moving as well.

NorthShore and OGA merge to increase capacity of women’s health services in Valpo

In 2024, Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates (OGA) merged with NorthShore Health Centers to form a new clinic in Valparaiso: NorthShore Health Centers – OGA. Prior to joining forces with NorthShore, OGA operated as a private practice for over 40 years with a strong staff of OB/GYNs, doctors, nurse practitioners, and midwives. 

While OGA thrived over the past 40 years, the staff realized that, with a growing community, it needed to expand its capacity to serve. OGA determined that merging with NorthShore would enable them to reach a higher potential for community impact.

Dr. Rodney Guimont, MD, aspires to create public health excellence for the people of Porter County

Of all the qualities that a person can have, one of the most important is often overlooked: health. While it might be easy for many people to take their health for granted, the Porter County Health Department is constantly working to create the best possible health outcome for its local residents. One person who strives for this result is Dr. Rodney Guimont, MD, who was appointed as the Porter County Health Officer just under a year ago. 

Guimont was selected by the Porter County Board of Commissioners by unanimous vote for this role. In the early months of holding this position, Guimont has been overjoyed to make a difference for the public health of Porter County residents.

Taking the First Step: Beginner 5K Training Program Kicks Off with Courage and Community

This past weekend marked the kickoff of the Beginner 5K Training Program, a free community program led by Coach Misty Walker of Miles with Misty Coaching. The six-week journey is designed to help anyone—no matter their fitness level—prepare for the Valpo Turkey Trot 5K with support, accountability, and encouragement every step of the way. 

The first group run was filled with excitement, nerves, and new beginnings as participants gathered to take their first strides together. For many, it was their first time running in years—or ever. Among them was Torie Surprise, who showed up determined to start something new for herself.

Powers Health educates community on spinal issues at Spine Symposium

Powers Health recently welcomed the community to its popular Spine Symposium at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster.

The event provided attendees with a deep dive into the causes and types of spinal issues that a person can experience.

“About 80% of people in the United States will suffer from some kind of back pain over time,” said Jill Conner, executive director for neuroscience services at Powers Health. “The type of work or activity that you do can increase your prevalence. There are many different treatment options out there, so we want to make sure we’re informing the public about which options are available.”

Midwest Center for Youth & Families staff guides youth recovery through structured therapy

Midwest Center for Youth & Families provides a highly structured environment for children navigating mental health challenges. Daily life blends rigorous therapy with essential childhood skills, led by a dedicated staff, to help children stabilize, catch up on school and learn practical skills to help them thrive at home.  

“Mental health is the same as physical health, and we need to reduce stigma – treating the mind the same way we treat any other organ in the body,” said Kevin Zwiers, director of business development. “This is hard, taxing work, so every person who comes to our door must know their ‘why’—their motivator—to interact with these kids on a daily basis.”