Author:

Sue Thoms

Sue Thoms is a writer and storyteller who joined Health Beat after a 30-year career at The Grand Rapids Press. She loves writing stories that shine a light on the resilience and beauty of the human spirit. In addition to medical features, she writes fiction and has published six picture books for children. Michigan born and raised, Sue enjoys exploring the state with her family―especially the lakes, sand dunes and ski hills. Contact her at susan.thoms@spectrumhealth.org.

Posts from Sue Thoms

What to do if you’re exposed to COVID-19

Infectious disease specialists offer tips on how to monitor your health and protect others from exposure to the virus.

COVID-19 and traveling

Learn what precautions to take as you seek to stay healthy and well while away from home.

COVID-19: What’s next? What can we do?

Infectious disease experts answer your questions.

COVID-19: What you need to know

The best ways to protect yourself from it and other viruses: Wash your hands and avoid touching your face.

Patient Story

A stroke at 14—and a remarkable recovery

Zosia Wasylewski was “as healthy as they get” until a blood clot suddenly blocked an artery in her brain.

Patient Story

‘On death’s doorstep’

Vietnam veteran Charlie Bell thanks God and his medical team for a lung transplant that gave him a new lease on life.

Patient Story

Holding her heart in her hands

After transplant surgery, a woman plans to have her diseased organ plastinated so it can serve as a teaching specimen to help others.

Patient Story

Crushing cancer

A teenager celebrates remission by smashing a replica of his tumor into a thousand tiny pieces.

Las diez razones principales por las que debe hacer ejercicio 30 minutos al día

¿Desea romper su rutina sedentaria? Écheles un vistazo a las recomendaciones del cardiólogo-prevencionista.

Top 10 reasons to exercise 30 minutes today

Want to break out of your sedentary rut? Check out these tips from a preventive cardiologist.

Patient Story

‘Without that blood, I wouldn’t have made it’

After a 78-year-old deer hunter suffered severe burns, transfusions helped save his life.

The flu is gaining momentum

Sudden fever, body aches, headache, respiratory symptoms? Seek medical care promptly.