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

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.

Patient Story

Knees worthy of a dance

Lou Ann Weber did the work to earn her new joints, and she's now preparing to boogie at her grandson's wedding.

When periods become problematic

A gynecologist shares solutions to the pain and discomfort of abnormal menstruation.

Patient Story

Taking the next step

Spinal problems and an infection threatened Ralph Logerwell's ability to walk. Surgery, rehab and some high-tech gadgetry helped him get back on his feet.

Patient Story

‘Don’t suffer in silence’

Susan Cloutier ignored the bleeding, the pain and the incontinence—until her body insisted, no more.

Patient Story

Lightening a heavy load

After undergoing a rare double-surgery to eliminate a blockage and restore blood flow, Marvin Lafountain is eager to resume his old life—minus the smoking habit.

Patient Story

A new resolution: ‘Running again’

When swelling and pain sidelined his marathon runs, Wallace Isaac Gaunichaux turned to specialists to uncover and treat a potentially dangerous vein syndrome.

Want better health? Shun fad diets and supplements

Whole foods and a Mediterranean-style diet are the ideal nutritional strategies to combat disease and achieve optimum health.

Patient Story

The right pace

Joint replacement surgery meant Tom Tellier had to give up running—but he ultimately gained a pain-free life with plenty of activity.

Patient Story

The vestiges of war

Vietnam veteran Patrick Wilson, a former smoker, underwent surgery for lung cancer—only to learn he had an enlarged aorta, too.

Patient Story

A red flag

Chris Groenheide knew she couldn't dismiss an irregular cycle as the beginning stage of menopause. A series of tests led to a troubling diagnosis: cancer.

Patient Story

Losing the old you

The result of Phill Carr's bariatric surgery has been so dramatic, old friends greet him with one question: "Who are you again?"