In statewide work that tackles lifelong challenges like tobacco cessation, cardiovascular recovery, and our daily diet, the work can feel heavy and never ending. This year, our partners across Michigan reminded us that joy and connection make the work lighter, and keep us showing up for each other.
The same things that sustain our team’s work can help patients feel better after major medical events, like surgery. That’s why we’re proud to share the launch of our new digital home for perioperative health and wellbeing:
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Recovery after surgery is hard. No one should have to figure it out alone. That is why we built heal-better.org, a new digital home for our Heal Better, Feel Better initiative. This patient-focused site was developed by a team of experts from across the Michigan CQIs, powered by HBOM’s unique approach to collaborative improvement deisgn.
Heal Better, Feel Better supports patient-initiated recovery planning with proven strategies that anyone can start at home. Heal-better.org has the essentials to get you, your loved one, and your patients started on their unique path to healing. The Heal Better Essentials cover:
- Nutrition
- Movement
- Sleep
- Stress Management
- Tobacco cessation
- Alcohol Cessation
Each Essential will teach the What, How, When, and Why? of healthy behaviors, with audio “welcomes” and interactive tools to help guide your learning and success.
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NOURISH Better, Feel Better
- Understand your current nutrition profile.
- Build a custom post-op grocery list.
- Master the fundamentals with quick and easy nutrition tips for better healing.
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MOVE Better, Feel Better
- Prepare your pre-surgery fitness (prehab).
- Build a routine with our interactive movement tracker.
- Get motivated and inspired by our approved movement and stretching videos.
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QUIT Better, Feel Better
- Sign up for support from the Tobacco Quitlink.
- Build and save your tobacco quit plan.
- Explore nicotine replacement therapy and/or medication options to help you quit.
- Understand your drinking habits and its impact on healing.
- Find fun alternatives to alcoholic beverages.
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Join Us in This Work
We’re grateful to our early partners—MSQC, MOQC, BMC2, and MSSIC—for co-creating this program with us. We’re just getting started. Health systems interested in piloting Heal Better, Feel Better or accessing resources can contact us at info@hbomich.org.
Together, we can help every patient heal better and feel better.
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Heart-to-Heart: Patient Stories from Cardiac Rehab
With support from the Frankel Cardiovascular Center and the Michigan Cardiac Rehab Network
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Ms. Marcia (pictured above) is a retired teacher from southeast Michigan. Marcia was on vacation with her husband when sudden chest pains sent her to the hospital. With a 99% blockage in her Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery, Marcia underwent cardiac catheterization. After the procedure, she struggled to come to terms with her newfound cardiac condition. Having no family history of cardiac issues, Marcia was in disbelief. “I didn’t think it was my heart.”
Her husband, meanwhile, had attended cardiac rehab eight years prior. Marcia decided to give it a try. She completed 12 sessions of cardiac rehab before an acute cardiac event sent her back for a second catheterization. The second time around, Marcia decided to bring her beloved pet, Gordy (pictured above) with her to CR sessions.
Marcia (and Gordie) are among the Michiganders featured in our Heart-to-Heart project, a growing collection of patient testimonies, recorded at cardiac rehabilitation sites across the state. Heart-to-Heart is an HBOM collaboration with the Michigan Cardiac Rehab Network (MiCR), and our colleagues at the Michigan Value Collaborative and BMC2. Read more about MiCR’s work during this month’s Cardiac Rehab Week!
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Heal Better Feel Better After Surgery
BCBSM CQI Program Director and Program Manager Monthly Meeting. February 10, 2026, Ann Arbor, MI. Slides here
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Using Storytelling & Patient-Centered Resources to Optimize Post-Discharge Care
MVC Post Discharge Follow-up Workgroup, November 20, 2025.
Recap here
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Workshop: Medication Adherence Card Sort & Journey Mapping Activity.
Michigan Cardiac Rehab Network (MICR) Annual Meeting. November 13, 2025. Troy, MI. See meeting agenda.
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CME Event: Teachable moments in tobacco cessation. BMC2 Vascular Surgery Coordinator Meeting. October 23, 2025. See slides here.
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Want to work with us on a design session for your team?
Reach out at info@hbomich.org.
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