Author:

Zinta Aistars

Zinta Aistars is a bilingual writer in English and Latvian. She has three books published in the Latvian language and is currently at work on a fourth, this time in English. Zinta is a regularly contributing writer for many local and regional publications. She is the host and producer of the weekly radio show, Art Beat, at WMUK 102.1 FM, the NPR affiliate station in Southwest Michigan. Zinta is a former employee of Spectrum Health, working in marketing and communications as a writer and editor, and she is pleased to continue writing health care stories since becoming a full-time freelance writer.

Posts from Zinta Aistars

General Health & Wellness

‘We can do this’

As COVID-19 cases rise, experts share their best recommendations to help your family stay healthy and well.

Cardiovascular Care
Patient Story

Mending a heart

Born with a complex heart defect, Andrew Christensen grew up wondering what kind of future awaited him. Thirty years later, he has plans.

Aging Well
Patient Story

‘Easy breathing’

Following a grim diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, George Welte's age didn't keep him from getting a life-saving lung transplant.

Orthopedics
Patient Story

Cross-train for joint health

Patty Hager's road to fitness hit a speed bump when she twisted her knee. With surgery in the rearview, she's on the mend—and wiser for it.

Digestive Health & Disorders
Patient Story

‘The experience of a lifetime’

Bariatric surgery helped Maria Palomares tackle longstanding weight problems—but she found real change comes from within.

Cancer Care
Patient Story

From patient to nurse technician

Christopher Love forged an indomitable spirit in his teenage fight against a rare type of cancer. The experience changed his life—and it's now shaping his career.

Women's Health
Patient Story

‘I needed someone on my team’

When Jacqueline Weeber felt menopause overtaking her life, she tried to tackle it alone. Success came only when she sought help.

Digestive Health & Disorders
Patient Story

‘I wish I’d done this years ago’

James Root overcame his longstanding aversion to weight-loss surgery and regains the active life he'd missed out on for nearly two decades.

Men's Health
Patient Story

Randy’s game plan

A powerful team approach—patient, doctor, dietitian—helped Randy Remenap get his diabetes and weight gain under control.

Living with Chronic Conditions
Patient Story

Back in control

Joetta Harris felt helpless battling her worsening health amid the rigors of life. A pair of specialists from a free community health program helped her find a new path.

Women's Health
Patient Story

‘I feel like me again’

Having a women's health specialist look at the whole picture made all the difference for this 46-year-old.

Cardiovascular Care
Patient Story

‘God was watching over me’

Greg Ikiebe hoped for a new start in the U.S. after fleeing the violence of Nigeria. After landing a job, his next step became clear—he'd need a revamped heart.