4005 orchard drive midland, mi 48670 ]c`...4005 orchard drive midland, mi 48670 nonprofit org. u.s....

InSide 2 STRESS Do your heart a favor 4 communiTy calEndaR Join us for these classes anD events

6 STaRS in ThE gaRdEnS honor your loveD ones www.MidMichigan.org

4005 Orchard DriveMidland, MI 48670

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPlatteville, WIPermit No. 7

REACHING RESIDENTS THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE OF MICHIGAN n o v e m b e r / d e c e m b e r / J a n u a r y 2 0 0 7 – 2 0 0 8




—Continued on page 2

I“I cheated and jumped to the head of the line.” That’s how Jack Randall, 65, of Mills, explained receiving the first-ever open heart surgery at MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland on

August 8. But Jack didn’t cheat. He was just in the right place at the right time.

The retired bricklayer and his wife of 23 years, Christine, were about to continue a yearly tradition he started in 1954: camping at the Midland County Fair. After the fair, Jack would return to their house in the country and finish putting in a tri-level backyard water garden, start building a chicken coop, then split and stack enough wood to heat his home this winter. “I thought about going back to work just to get a rest,” he says.

Not Chest PaiN, Just FeeliNgs oF PaNiC For about two weeks, Jack had been experiencing unusual symptoms. “I had unexplained feelings of panic,” he says.

“No pain—no chest pain, no leg pain, just an uncomfort-able feeling. I never suspected a heart problem.”

Jack was active, ate right and didn’t smoke, but his fa-ther had died from a heart condition at age 66, so Jack had a significant risk factor for heart disease. Jack’s primary care physician, Rebecca Phillips, M.D., referred him to cardiovascular services at the Medical Center in Midland for a stress test and a portable event recorder.

The small recorder was attached by wires to electrodes taped onto Jack’s chest. Whenever he had symptoms, he could push a button and record his heart rhythms. Over-night on August 6, Jack recorded four “events,” but woke up feeling normal. After breakfast, he started to work in the yard and almost didn’t bother downloading the data by phone to MidMichigan. Fortunately, he made the call.

Cardiovascular services technician Kelli Pitts was watching the data download on a monitor when she saw a somewhat irregular heartbeat pattern suddenly be-come that of a life-threatening arrhythmia. She alerted

right place

MidMichigan team performs its first open heart surgery

Jack Randall, 65, of Mills, received the first-ever open heart surgery at MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland on August 8.

at the right time

the


gamma KnifE PERfExion

the ‘cutting edge’ of brain surgery It wAsn’t the slice of a scalpel, but the swoop of an 80-foot crane that propelled Midland, Michi-gan, to the global forefront of brain surgery this fall. That crane was used to lower a 20-ton Gamma Knife® Perfexion™ machine into a specially de-signed suite at Mid-Michigan Medical Center–Midland.

The most precise option available for treating brain tumors and other abnormali-ties in the brain, Per-fexion offers new hope for patients with conditions that are otherwise inoperable. MidMichigan is one of the first 10 hospitals in the world and the only one in Michigan to have this technology, which is globally recognized as the gold standard in minimally invasive neurosurgery.

The biggest challenge of treating a tumor or other abnormality in the brain has always been reaching it without damaging other tissues or vital structures. The Gamma Knife Perfexion solves that problem by com-ing at it from a different angle—192 different angles, to be exact.

That’s how many individual beams of cobalt radia-tion are targeted at the lesion. Because each low-dose beam emanates from a different angle, it travels harm-lessly through healthy tissue. Yet the beams converge precisely and in high doses to destroy or deactivate the lesion.

how does it ComPare with alterNatives? Less risk and recovery time. With no incision, there is no scar, no need to shave the head and virtually no risk

used the Novadaq® SPY™ Intra-operative Imaging System, a recent technology advance, to confirm perfect graft function and blood flow and take pictures of the grafts. He shared the images with Christine when he reported the excellent results of the surgery.

“This was the Medical Center’s first open heart

Christine, Jack Randall’s wife, is grateful her husband’s heart monitor alerted MidMichigan’s cardiovascular department of his life-threatening arrhythmia.

H e a r t C a r e

right place—Continued from page 1

the department’s on-site cardiologist, Marshall Spencer, M.D. He confirmed the problem and called Dr. Phillips, who reached Christine. Jack needed to go straight to the hospital and, it turned out, receive MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland’s first open heart surgery.

PreveNtiNg a serious heart attaCk Testing confirmed that four major vessels supplying blood to Jack’s heart were all at least 75 percent blocked, with the left main artery at 90 percent. “Jack had a 40 percent chance of a serious heart attack during the next year if he didn’t have surgery,” says Robert N. Jones, M.D., the open heart program’s director and primary surgeon.

MidMichigan had been preparing for its first open heart patient for months. The expert surgical team, new facilities and new equipment were all ready. Several pa-tients were being considered, but Jack’s condition bumped him to the top of the list.

“I was not nervous about being first,” Jack reports. “I’m not the kind of person who gets all shook up about things.” In addition, the Randalls already knew Dr. Jones. The Michigan CardioVascular Institute phy-sician performed heart bypass surgery on Christine’s mother 14 years ago. “He is a very caring, talented man,” Christine says.

exPertise, teamwork aNd teChNology With Jack on a heart-lung bypass machine, Dr. Jones performed a four-hour quadruple bypass operation to improve the blood supply to the heart.

While Jack was still on the operating table, Dr. Jones

procedure,” Dr. Jones says, “but an outside consultant observing the surgery said the team performed as though we had done the operation together many times.

“That made everyone feel good, but it does stand to reason,” he continues. “Not only had we practiced together many times, but about three-quarters of us have been performing open heart surgery for a number of years, and the others have extensive training and qualifications. Since Jack’s surgery, the heart team has performed more than 60 open heart surgeries, and all of them also went extremely smoothly.”

After surgery, Jack returned to the One-Stop Post Op unit. In the same private room, the postoperative care team guided Jack through the stages of recovery, from intensive care through intermediate care and prepara-tion for his release.

old traditioN, New start Jack left the hospital on Saturday following his Wednesday surgery, with recovery and follow-up plans in place. “Dr. Jones said I’d be on ‘low power’ for about six months,” Jack says. Jack is now in cardiac rehab, where he is exercising three days a week while being monitored on a telemetry unit. That way, his exercise physiologist is able to moni-tor his blood pressure, heart rate and heart rhythms during exercise.

With a promise to obey Dr. Jones’ instructions, Jack continued his family tradition. This year’s camp at the fairgrounds included an air-conditioned recreational vehicle where Jack could rest. One afternoon, he care-fully made his way over to the 4-H pig judging to watch his granddaughter show the pig he helped her raise. She took second place in the pee-wee class.

This winter, Jack will find another way to get the wood split and stacked. But now that his heart is getting what it needs, he’s counting on being around to finish the water garden and help his grandkids raise more prize piglets.

stRess, good And bAd, will always be part of life. Some stress—a vacation, a wedding, a new home—adds color and joy to life. A little stress can keep us on our toes and help us perform at the top of our game. In fact, the way you react to stress can save your life. If your mind perceives a threat, such as a speeding car approach-ing your path, your body reacts by releasing hormones that give you a burst of extra strength so that you can escape the threat.

However, if you’re dodging speeding cars all day long, your body doesn’t get a chance to recover. “When stress is persistent, or chronic, it can have a negative impact on your overall health and can contribute to heart disease,” says William R. Felten, M.D., an interventional cardiolo-gist with Michigan CardioVascular Institute.

PushiNg your heart “Stress raises your blood pressure, makes your heart work harder, and releases hormones that help you cope,” Dr. Felten says. “Chronic stress, whether it is work stress, worrying about your children or just general anxiety, keeps your body in that stressed state. You don’t get a chance to recover.”

Dr. Felten says that how people cope with stress has more

impact on their health than the initial incident that triggers the stress. Too often, people use unhealthy habits.

“Chronic stress can be physically exhausting, too, so instead of being active, they may escape by sitting and watching a movie,” Dr. Felten says.

“A poor diet, too much alcohol, tobacco use, inactiv-ity—these are all risk factors for heart disease,” Dr. Felten says. “In our uncertain world, with so many stress pro-ducers out of our control, we need to work on controlling what we can and learning better ways to cope with what we can’t change.”

a Positive oPtioN “Start by eating a healthy diet and building a strong body. You will be better able to cope with stressful situations,” Dr. Felten says. He adds that physical activity is one of the best ways to deal with stress. “The body’s stress response sets you up to ‘fight or flee,’ so if you go for a power walk or a bike ride, you’re doing what nature intended. Plus, aerobic exercise is great for the heart.” Dr. Felten says that people who are not nor-mally active should talk with their doctors before starting formal exercise programs. “Get some expert advice. If you start slowly and build up your strength over time, you

Free seminar: Get the Beat on Controlling StressIn today’s fast-paced world, it is hard to maintain a healthy life balance. From the ongoing demands of our jobs to daily life commitments, it is hard to find time out of our busy schedules to relax and unwind. the pres-sures around us can be consuming and lead to stress. when ignored consistently, stress can escalate and make us vulnerable to physical and emotional ailments, which may include an increased risk for heart attacks.

Join us to learn the physical effects that stress can produce and a variety of coping strategies designed to help you regain a healthier balance in your life.

For class dates and times, or for more information, call MidMichigan health Line at (800) 999-3199.

will be more likely to stick with it for a lifetime.”MidMichigan Medical Center–Clare is partnering

with Michigan CardioVascular Institute to ensure that you have local access to the latest techniques in heart care and heart disease management. Through the spe-cialty clinic at MidMichigan Medical Offices–Clare, this nationally recognized team of cardiologists and surgeons offers specialized care for patients with cardiac-related health problems.

To learn more about how MidMichigan cares for your heart, visit www.midmichigan.org/heart.

N o v . / d e c . / j a N . 2 0 0 7 – 2 0 0 8 � t o y o u r h e a l t h

learn to cope with stress

Thanks to the generosity from MidMichi-gan Medical Center–Midland family and friends, more than $132,000 was raised for the Medical Center to acquire new technology that assists in the diagnosis and treatment of heart attacks. Donations were designated for the purchase of an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), which is the most advanced technology available for viewing the anatomy and composition of a patient’s arteries. This equipment is an important part of MidMichigan’s expanded cardiovascular program that now includes open heart surgery.

seeing inside arteries This device threads a tiny camera into the coronary arteries, giving physicians a view of the arteries from the inside. This high-tech view helps doctors determine the amount of disease present in the arteries. It can also aid in the selection and expan-sion of balloons and stents used during angioplasty.

of bleeding or infection. While crani-otomy requires three to five days in the hospital followed by two to four weeks of recovery, Gamma Knife patients go home the same day and typically resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.

Unmatched precision. Other devices may require multiple treatment sessions over a period of weeks to safely achieve the same results that Gamma Knife can achieve in a single outpatient visit.

New cardiac technology made possible through donor support

With the additional donations received beyond the campaign goal of $95,000, MidMichigan was able to help purchase another technology for the cardiovascular expansion—the Novadaq® SPY™ Intra- operative Imaging System. Only five other hospitals in the state have this technology. The SPY system allows cardiac surgeons to capture, review, print and archive high-quality, real-time image sequences of coronary arteries during an open heart procedure. Use of SPY enables the sur-geons to visually assess coronary circu-lation and confirm the quality of bypass grafts performed during surgery, helping to reduce postoperative complications and the need for additional surgeries.

The appeal was led by Mary M. Neely, member of the development committee of the Medical Center’s board of directors.

“We are overwhelmed by the tremen-dous support of the community and our MidMichigan family,” Neely says. “Being in the right place with the right physicians when one has heart problems is critical, and having a program with the most ad-vanced technology takes the level of care one step further. We are very grateful for the generous response that has helped make all this possible.”

donate Donations to MidMichigan’s Heart Fund can be made by visiting www .midmichigan.org/donations, or by con-

tacting the Medical Center’s Fund Development Depart-ment at (989) 839-3342.

Faster, safer, more comfortable. The Perfexion benefits patients through faster treatment times and 10 times the radiation protection of other methods. An open configuration accommodates larger people and those with claustrophobia.

greater reach. The Gamma Knife Perfexion can reach anywhere inside the head, and as low as C7 on the cervical spine, expanding the number of patients who can benefit.

To find out whether Gamma Knife treat-ment is appropriate for you, contact the Gamma Knife Coordinator at MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland toll-free at 1-866-MI-GAMMA (1-866-644-2662) or visit www.midmichigan.org/gammaknife.

Gamma Knife Perfexion can treat…benign and cancerous tumorsArteriovenous malformation, a tangle

of blood vessels that disrupts blood flow in the brain

Acoustic neuroma, also called vestibu-lar schwannoma, a benign (noncancer-ous) tumor that affects a cranial nerve running from the brain to the inner ear. It can interfere with hearing and balance.

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trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, a disorder of a cranial nerve resulting in stabbing pain that radiates to the mouth, cheek, forehead, nose or other areas of the face. the exact cause is not fully understood.

Research that may enable treatment of epilepsy and other conditions using the Perfexion machine is also under way.

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Gamma Knife—Continued from page 1

As a leader in providing health care and increasing the health and well-being of the communities it serves, MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland will become a tobacco-free environment effective Janu-ary 1, 2008.

The tobacco-free policy is in accord with the Michigan Hospital Association’s cam-

paign for smoke-free hospitals, which recommends that hospitals voluntarily implement a smoke-free policy by Janu-ary 1, 2008.

The approved policy defines to-bacco products as chewing tobacco, cigarettes, cigars,

pipes or other lighted smoking devices. Use of these tobacco products will not be permitted on the Medical Center campus. This includes medical office buildings, buildings being constructed or renovated, leased offices, other temporary structures and Medical Center vehicles. Employees and visitors who must smoke will only be allowed to do so in their own closed, private vehicle. Smoking cessation sup-port, including lozenges and gum, will be available to all.

Medical Center in Midland goes tobacco-free in 2008

why we’re doing it According to the American Lung Association, smoking- related diseases claim an estimated 438,000 American lives each year, including those affected indirectly, such as babies born pre-maturely due to prenatal maternal smoking and victims of “secondhand” exposure to tobacco’s carcinogens. Smoking puts people at risk for cancers of the lung, mouth, voice box (larynx), throat (pharynx), esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, cervix and stom-ach, and also can result in some forms of leukemia. Smoking also puts people at risk for heart attack, peripheral artery disease, and cerebrovascular disease, which can cause strokes.

Need help? To help smokers kick the habit, MidMichigan offers a number of smoking cessation options. Our tobacco cessation facilitators are available to an-swer questions, explain treatment options, and provide assistance to match the needs of each person with available resources and services. One-on-one counseling also is available.

For more information about how to contact a tobacco cessation facilitator in your area, call MidMichigan Health Line toll-free at (800) 999-3199. To learn more about additional smoking cessation pro-grams, visit www.midmichigan.org/quit.

Judy haynes, tobacco cessation facilitator

According to the 10th annual Health-Grades Hospital Quality in America study, MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland has received five-star ratings for clinical quality excellence in multiple areas. The study, the largest of its kind, analyzed patient outcomes at virtually all of the nation’s 5,000 hospitals over the years 2004, 2005 and 2006.

MidMichigan was ranked among the top 5 percent in the nation for joint re-placement surgery, and also received five-star ratings for treatment of heart attack for the second consecutive year.

The study also found that MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland is:

A recipient of the HealthGrades Joint Replacement Excellence Award™

Five-star rated for joint replacementFive-star rated for tota l knee

replacementF i ve - s t a r r at e d f or t ot a l h i p

replacementFive-star rated for back and neck sur-

gery (spinal fusion)Five-star rated for treatment of sepsis

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MidMichigan is a current and three-time recipient of the HealthGrades Dis-tinguished Hospital Awards for Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety, ranking among the top 5 percent of hospitals na-tionwide in both categories.

“We’re pleased to be recognized with these outstanding HealthGrades quality ratings, as it continues to dem-onstrate our commitment to clinical excellence,” says Richard M. Reynolds, president of MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland.

“To make these top ratings possible, it takes the unending dedication and qual-ity care that our physicians, nurses, staff and volunteers deliver to the patients and families in our region every day.”

To learn more about MidMichigan Health’s leadership in measurable qual-ity through details on MidMichigan’s accreditations, physician and nurse

credentials, advanced tech-nology, patient satisfaction and other awards, visit www .midmichigan.org/quality.

Among the nation’s best Multiple services cited in HealthGrades quality study


Don’t Wait: Get the Beat on Controlling StressIn today’s fast-paced world, it is hard

to maintain a healthy life balance.

From the ongoing demands of our

jobs to daily life commitments, it

is hard to find time out of our busy

schedules to relax and unwind. The

pressures around us can be consum-

ing and lead to stress. When ignored

consistently, stress can escalate and

make us vulnerable to physical and

emotional ailments, which may include

an increased risk for heart attacks.

Join us to learn the physical effects

that stress can produce and a variety

of coping strategies designed to help

regain a healthier balance in your life.

Learn how to:

n Handle pressure and crises without

losing your cool.

n Manage self-induced stress triggers.

n Overcome the physical symptoms

of stress.

n Regain a healthy life balance.

Classes are held in November and

December. Call MidMichigan Health

Line at (800) 999-3199, for dates,

times and more information.

Living Well With ArthritisMidMichigan physical therapist Jaren

Gebhard and occupational therapist

Lucynda Killian will discuss arthritis,

one of the oldest diseases known and

the world’s leading health complaint. They

will share information on joint protection

and proper exercise. They will also demon-

strate assistive devices that make living

with arthritis easier.

n Wednesday, Dec. 5, 6–7 p.m.

MidMichigan Health Park–Mt. Pleasant,

Community Education Room

Look Good...Feel Better® A cosmetologist specially trained in skin

and hair changes caused by cancer treat-

ment leads these free sessions, spon-

sored by the American Cancer Society

(ACS). Participants learn how to manage

skin changes or hair loss. Registration is

required.

Mondays, Dec. 10, Feb. 11, 2–4 p.m.

n Jeppesen Radiation Oncology Center,

Bay City

n MidMichigan Medical Offices–Gladwin,


n MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland,

Center for Women’s Health, Community

Education Room

Cancer Survivorship: Facing Forward SeriesThis is a series of programs that will

benefit all cancer survivors. You will

learn practical tips to deal with common

problems and guidelines for managing your

physical, social, financial and emotional

health.

You can attend any or all of the

sessions in this series.

MidMichigan Medical Offices–Midland,

Towsley Conference Room

6–8 p.m.

n Jan. 8—Financial Issues

Financial issues and options for survivors

will be discussed, along with many of the

available financial resources.

n Feb. 12—Relationship Changes

Helpful guidelines for needed adjustments

in social, family, work and intimate

relationships will be discussed.

n March 11—Your Feelings

Discussion will center on the many

feelings, anxieties and fears of survivors,

and how to cope with emotional changes

and ways of thinking.

n April 8—Physical Changes

Discussion will center on how to deal with

physical changes and how to individualize

a wellness plan to address pain and

nutritional and activity needs.

n May 13—Giving Back

Opportunities to give back to the

community as a cancer survivor will be

presented.

diabetes education

Pre-Diabetes Class: Reduce Your Diabetes RiskBeing overweight or inactive, or having a

family history of diabetes, increases your

risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which

now affects 21 million Americans. This is a

three-week weight management and activity

program for people who want to decrease

this risk. Participants will work each week

with a certified diabetes educator to help

them make lifestyle changes. The final

week includes taste-testing new foods and

grocery shopping tips.

n Tuesdays, Jan. 8, 15 and 22, or Feb. 5,

12 and 19, 3:30–5 p.m.

MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland,


$35 per person or $50 per couple

community HealtH and education

Bariatric Surgery: Is It for Me?Learn about laparoscopic weight-loss

surgery and how it can improve your health

and your life. General surgeons Ernest

Cudjoe, M.D., and Jeffrey Smith, M.D., will

highlight laparoscopic Roux-en-Y and Lap-

Band surgical options.

Thursdays, 6–8 p.m.

n Nov. 29, MidMichigan Health Park–

Mt. Pleasant, Community Room

n Dec. 13, St. Johns, Clinton County

RESA

n Dec. 27, Alma Public Library, 351 N.

Court St.

n Jan. 17, Bay City, Alice and Jack

Wirt Public Library, 500 Center Ave.,

Community Room

n Jan. 31, MidMichigan Medical Center–

Midland, Towsley Auditorium

to register for any program or to learn more:

call midmichigan Health line at (989) 837-9090 or toll-free at (800) 999-3199.

Visit our Web site at www.midmichigan.org/classes.

unless otherwise noted, all programs are free.

Nov.Dec.Jan.HealtH

Paths to good

Advance notice is needed to make arrangements for people with disabilities. Call MidMichigan Health Line for a physician referral, directions to any MidMichigan affiliate or to report duplicate mailings of To Your Health.

Facing the Holidays After the Loss of a Loved OneCelebrating the holidays after the loss

of a special person can be stressful

and emotionally painful. In a program

designed to help you prepare for the

holidays, MidMichigan Home Care

professionals will provide you and your

family with information to help you

handle the holidays this year.

n Tuesday, Nov. 27, 6–8 p.m.

MidMichigan Home Care

3007 N. Saginaw Road, Midland


Family HealtH education

Infant and Child CPRThis course teaches lay rescuers skills in

CPR and relief of foreign body airway

obstruction for infants (birth to 1 year) and

children (1 to 8 years). Taught by certi-

fied instructors, the course also provides

information about the American Heart As-

sociation Pediatric Chain of Survival, signs

of choking in infants and children, preven-

tion of the most common fatal pediatric

injuries, and reduction in the risk of sudden

infant death syndrome. Demonstrations

and practice on manikins are included.

n Monday, Nov. 19, Wednesday, Jan. 16, or

Wednesday, Feb. 27

6:30–8:30 p.m.


Orchard Auditorium

$20 per person (includes book)

Breastfeeding: Healthy BeginningsTopics discussed include breast changes,

milk production, positioning, feeding fre-

quency and problem-solving. Participants

will also learn hints for adjusting to time

away from the baby, returning to work and

weaning options.

Diabetes Self-Management Classes (Held at the Medical Centers

in Alma, Clare, Gladwin and Midland) People with diabetes are invited to learn

how to better manage their care during

an upcoming diabetes class. The program

series is offered monthly. Choose the loca-

tion closest to you.

The program includes three sessions.

A diabetes nurse educator and a dietitian

teach the classes. Participants learn about

nutrition, exercise, blood sugar testing,

medications and how to support healthy

lifestyle habits, thus avoiding long-term

complications.

MidMichigan’s diabetes programs

are recognized by the American Diabetes

Association and certified by the Michigan

Department of Community Health.

Cost of the classes may be covered

by insurance with a referral from a physi-

cian. For more information about insurance

coverage, please contact your insurance

carrier for specific information.

Paths to good

n Mondays, Nov. 26 or Jan. 21,

6:30–8:30 p.m.



Education Room

$25 per couple

Older Brother/Older SisterThe goal of this class is to prepare children

to welcome a new baby into the family. Ac-

tivities concerning feelings and the expect-

ed newcomer and a tour of the maternity

unit are included. All children attending this

class must be accompanied by an adult.

Recommended ages are 2½ to 8 years.

Class size is limited. Please call to register.

n Saturdays, Jan. 12 or Feb. 9,

9:30–11:30 a.m.


Orchard Auditorium

Preparation for Childbirth (Alma, Clare and Midland)

This class series prepares the expectant

mother and her labor partner for active

participation in the birth experience. Classes

cover relaxation, breathing awareness,

hospital practices, and the most up-to-

date techniques and options for labor and

delivery, including the unexpected and

cesarean birth. Please call Health Line for

dates, times and prices.

Stretch and StrollStart a lifetime of fitness for you

and your baby. Your body has

special needs after delivery, and

since your time and attention

is spent caring for your baby,

you may be struggling to fit in

regular workouts. MidMichigan

has a solution for you! Bring

your baby to Midland Mall and

have fun connecting with other

moms while interacting with your

baby and becoming “mommy fit”

for the stroller years. Taught by exercise specialists, classes are held from 9:30 to

10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. You can bring your own stroller,

or borrow one of ours! Classes are free.

Fitness and exercise

Osteoporosis Exercise Class: Level 1This is a first-level osteoporosis prevention

program. Our physical therapy staff will

lead you through exercises known to

build bone mass, reduce fracture risk and

improve balance.

n Mondays, Jan. 7 to Feb. 4, 2–3 p.m.

MidMichigan’s Physical Therapy and

Fitness Center at Hangtime Sports

$40 per person

Aquatic ExerciseMidMichigan physical therapy certified

instructor Sarah Corr teaches participants

how to stretch and exercise in this Arthri-

tis Foundation-certified program. Classes

meet twice a week for four weeks.

n Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 8 to

Jan. 31, 2:15–3 p.m.

Aquatic therapy pool, MidMichigan Health

Park–Mt. Pleasant

$40 per person

Mat PilatesMat Pilates strengthens and stretches

abdominal, back and leg muscles.

Developed by Joseph Pilates, and used

effectively for dancers, Pilates is adaptable

to any age and fitness level.

n Thursdays, Jan. 10 to Feb. 28

5–5:45 p.m., MidMichigan Rehabilitation

Services, Freeland

$64 per person

Health Education on the Road—Speakers BureauLet us share our health care expertise with you—our community! MidMichigan Health

is committed to helping people identify their risk factors for various diseases, and

encouraging lifestyle changes and early detection methods that can ensure contin-

ued good health. We have experts in many areas of health care who are available

to provide programs for your club, organization or worksite on a wide range of health

issues such as diabetes, cancer prevention, cardiac health, Alzheimer’s disease and

osteoporosis. Our Speakers Bureau can assist you in choosing a topic.

Call MidMichigan Health Line at (989) 837-9090 in Midland or (800) 999-3199

for assistance in planning your upcoming event.

To register for the classes listed above or throughout these calendar pages,

call MidMichigan Health Line at (800) 999-3199.


hundreds of beautiful luminarias illuminate dow gardens during the Christmas and silent night walks, allowing visitors to reflect during the peaceful event.

even FoR those who are not grieving, the holidays can be stressful and filled with questions and conflict. For those who face the holidays for the first time with-out that special person, stress may seem greater with few if any answers to the questions that a loss triggers. It is important to remember there is no one right way

to handle the holidays at a time of loss.

The demands of holiday preparations may seem overwhelming and expec-tations impossible. The following steps can help keep those burdens in perspective. be patient and real-istic. Redefine expecta-tions this year. Leave the word “ought” out of plans. Friends and family mem-bers will understand why they did not receive a greet-ing card. Plan ahead. Making lists and prioritizing may make dealing with details of the season more toler-able. Decide what is more important and what can be left out this year. Divide larger chores into smaller, more manageable tasks. Acknowledge personal limits. Become aware of personal needs and share

them with family members and friends. Recognize that it is perfectly acceptable to say “no” to social functions this year. turn to others for support. Ask for help and accept it when needed. Family members and friends work out their feelings when their offers are accepted. Allow tears to come, yet look for joy amidst the pain. Acknowledge feelings and find an outlet for them. Sharing feelings with an understanding listener can be helpful. Accept the flow of tears as you remember pre-cious holidays past and try to remember, as well, times of holiday joy. Adapt cherished traditions. Remember there is no rule stating all traditions must remain the same. In fact, creating new traditions, such as donating to a charity in memory of a loved one or honoring him or her in a meaningful way can provide some comfort.

Create a New traditioN by giviNg hosPiCe orNameNts MidMichigan Home Care recognizes the importance of creating new holiday traditions that allow you to pay tribute to friends and relatives. Stars in the Gardens, a candlelit walk and ceremony, allows people to honor friends and family, living and deceased. With a contribution to Mid-Michigan Home Care, donors may choose to participate in Stars in the Gardens. Star and butterfly ornaments may be selected in honor or in memory of a loved one. All honorees named before Monday, December 3, are listed with donors’ names on placards during the Dow Gardens Christmas Walk on December 6, 7 and 8, and during the Dow Gardens Silent Night Walk on December 14 and 15.

For more information regarding the Stars in the Gar-dens, contact Christie Kanitz, community outreach direc-tor, at (989) 633-1400 or toll-free at (800) 852-9350, or visit www.midmichigan.org/homecare.

Stars and Butterflies Are Unique GiftsA gift to MidMichigan Home Careis a gift of caring any time of theyear. During the holidays you canmake a contribution to hospiceand at the same time rememberyour family and friends with aunique gift. Stars in the Gardensare white porcelain ornamentsspecially boxed for gift giving.Each is handmade to hang on atree or in a window. A donationof $20 to hospice entitles you to

a star or butterfly and to name someone to be honored or remem-bered in a tribute during the Dow Gardens Christmas Walk in Midlandon Dec. 6, 7 and 8. Fill in this form, enclose your check and we willmail a star or butterfly to the recipient of your holiday gift, with aletter explaining the special program.

Person Ordering____________________________ Phone _______________

Address _________________________________________________________

City ____________________________ State_________ Zip _______________

Honoree_________________________________________________________

Shipping Name___________________________________________________

Shipping Address _________________________________________________

OrderButterfly Star $20 per ornament $___________Shipping & Handling (if applicable) $3 per shipment $__________

TOTAL $___________

All recipients of a star or butterfly ornament will receive an enclosed letter explaining theStars in the Gardens program and the name of the donor who has recognized them.

To order by mail send this form with check or money order to:

3007 N. Saginaw RoadMidland, Michigan 48640Phone (989) 633-1400Toll Free (800) 852-9350

Office use only

Order filled Date____________Amt. Rec’d_________Filled by___________ Recognition mailed

Stars in the Gardens

you can find ways to manage grief in the season of joy

MidMichigan Home Care hosts

‘An Evening of Remembrance’In conjunction with the dow gardens silent night walk, MidMichigan home Care will offer “An eve-ning of Remembrance” on Friday, december 14, and saturday, december 15, at 5 p.m. the cer-emony is for family members of former hospice patients and community members who have expe-rienced a recent loss.

MidMichigan home Care bereavement coordina-tors will lead a commemoration program to honor hospice patients and others who have passed away in 2007. the ceremony will include musical selections, recitations and readings of the names of the deceased.

the ceremony will be held in the barn of dow gardens, a short walk from the dow gardens visitor Center, located at 1809 eastman Ave. in Midland. wheelchairs are available for those requesting assistance.

C o m m u n i t y


Lab services, neurologist now at AuburnMidMichigan Medical Offices–Auburn opened this summer in the offices of A. Frederick Youn, M.D., who has joined MidMichigan Physicians Group. Dr. Youn remains in practice in MidMichigan Medical Offices–Auburn, located at 939 W. Midland Road.

Neurologist Greg J. Dardas, M.D., also now sees patients at MidMichigan Medi-cal Offices in Auburn, where laboratory

To Kelly Wirsing, M.D., the most satisfying aspect of being a general surgeon is seeing patients postoperatively and knowing that they are returning to good health. Dr. Wirsing, who recently joined Mid-Michigan Physicians Group Surgery Specialists, says that good surgeons must

have a broad fund of knowledge. In addition to having technical skills in the operating room, they must provide excellent pre- and postoperative care. Above all, they must listen carefully to

their patients, edu-cate them about their

medical conditions and their treatment options, and really care about them, Dr. Wirsing says.

While performing surgery, Dr. Wirsing says, “You encounter things that you don’t expect. There is not time to research the unexpected. You must think on your feet, remain calm and focused, and make criti-cal decisions.”

She attended Indiana University for medical school and completed a residency at the Grand Rapids Michigan State Uni-versity General Surgery Residency pro-gram. Through this residency program, Dr. Wirsing says that she had a top-notch experience that provided “vast operating opportunities with excellent surgeons and teaching staff.”

Choosing medicine Following in the footsteps of her father and brothers, Dr. Wirsing first became an electrical

neurologist greg J. dardas, M.d.

engineer before becoming a physician. Although she knew in high school that she wanted to be a doctor, she was motivated to become an engineer because of the strong family pride in engineering.

After receiving an engineering degree from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in engineering from Purdue University, Dr. Wirsing worked 12 years as a professional engineer. That’s when she real-ized that the desk work no longer appealed to her. “I asked myself if it was too late to do what I really wanted to do,” she says. As a Bay City native, she is happy to be returning to the middle of Michigan.

Finding her niche Dr. Wirsing chose gen-eral surgery because it allows her to manage a variety of medical problems, to perform many types of procedures and to save lives. “I am fascinated by human anatomy and enjoy the challenges of this career,” she explains. “I really care about my patients and want to make them better.”

While Dr. Wirsing gave up engineering herself, her husband, Douglas, is an engi-neer. They are not sure if their children, ages 15 and 16, will become engineers or physicians.

Part of the team Dr. Wirsing practices with surgeons George Zainea, M.D., and Melwyn Sequeira, M.D. She sees patients at her main office in Mid-Michigan Medical Offices–Midland and also at MidMichigan Medical Offices–Auburn.

Dr. Wirsing sees patients by referral— call (989) 839-1795 or toll-free (866) 494-8934, or visit www.midmichigan.org/doctors.

Fascination with anatomy and love of patient care inspire Dr. Wirsing’s surgical career

general surgeon Kelly wirsing, M.d.

services also have been added.

Dr. Dardas has been in practice in Essexville since 1995. He is board-certified in neurology. His medical degree is from Wayne State University College of Medicine, and he

completed a residency at Ohio State Uni-versity Department of Neurology, where he was the chief resident.

i f you need lab work Laboratory services now available at the Auburn location are provided by MidMichigan

Medical Center–Midland. Full laboratory services, including blood draws and other laboratory tests, may be completed on a walk-in basis at MidMichigan Medical Offices–Auburn. Orders for laboratory services from any physician are accepted at this site.

Lab work is collected by a full-time phlebotomist on site. Processing and re-porting are completed by technologists in MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland laboratories under the direction of Mid-land Pathology Associates, P.C. Tests that require more specified analysis are per-formed by the Mayo Medical Laboratories. These are drawn at the Auburn site and transported to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Laboratory services at MidMichigan Medical Offices–Auburn are available from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m., Mon-days, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. For questions about hours and procedures, please call (989) 662-2749.

to make an appointment The addi-tion of office hours by Dr. Dardas and laboratory services, complements the full-time family medicine practice of A. Frederic Youn, M.D., within MidMichi-gan Medical Offices–Auburn. For more information or an appointment with Dr. Dardas, call (989) 662-2755, for Dr. Youn, call (989) 662-2740 or visit www.midmichigan.org/doctors.

Gratiot Bariatric Treatment Center, a pro-gram of Gratiot Medical Center and Great Lakes Surgical Associates in Alma, has been named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). The Center of Excellence designa-tion recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of positive patient outcomes.

The benefits of being a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence include: Patient safety and advocacy promo-tion. By providing comprehensive services to its patients, and by performing data tracking and analysis, the Center of Excel-lence program promotes patient safety. Recognition as a top-performing cen-ter. In becoming a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, the program has held itself

G r at i o t M e d i c a l c e n t e r

High-quality bariatric careup to the highest standards in the industry. The designation is indicative of the Center’s comprehensive commitment to a high level of bariatric care.

Great Lakes Surgical Associates has performed many bariatric surgeries— 98 percent of them laparoscopically. This includes Roux-en-Y gastric bypass sur-geries, as well as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery (Lap-Band).

The surgeons are supported by a skilled team of professionals, including primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and other physician specialists, nurses, registered dietitians, psychologists, exercise special-ists and a bariatric coordinator. This team approach provides each patient with the comprehensive pre- and postsurgical sup-port needed for success.

not all surgeons at Gratiot Medical center are members of the Bariatric surgery center of excellence.

MidMichigan Health has once again been named one of America’s best employers for mature workers, according to the AARP’s annual survey of “Best Employ-ers for Workers Over 50.” MidMichigan, which ranked 11th among the 50 com-panies listed, first received this award in 2006, ranking 35th out of 50.

The eighth annual “Best Employers for Workers Over 50” award recognizes companies and organizations for their practices and policies that value the ma-ture worker and demonstrate workplace innovation.

Companies were evaluated for a wide range of workplace practices, including

recruitment, continuing opportunities for advancement, flexible work sched-ules, and benefits for current and retired employees.

“We are pleased to have received this national distinction from AARP on our dedication to mature workers for the sec-ond year in a row,” says Terence F. Moore, president of MidMichigan Health. “We recognize that our mature workers and retirees bring a knowledge base that is valuable to not only our own organiza-tion but all of the communities we serve. It is our goal to continue to bring mutu-ally beneficial opportunities to create and retain this workforce.”

a M e r i c a’ s b e s t e M p l oy e r s

MidMichigan ranks 11th for workers over 50


TO YOUR HEALTH is published as a community service by MIDMICHIGAN HEALTH, 4005 Orchard Drive, Midland, MI 48670, (989) 839-3000.

Information in TO YOUR HEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. Copyright © 2007 Coffey Communications, Inc. HST20990h

2007 MIDMICHIGAN HEALTH BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert Stafford, Chair • W. Lynn Weimer, Vice Chair • Gregory Bercher, M.D. • Jerry Brandt • Nancy Gallagher • Lori Gwizdala • William Heinze • William Henderson • J. Christopher Hough, M.D. • Karen Langeland • Peg Mier • Terence F. Moore, President • Mary Neely • Ed Rogers • William Schmidt • Jerry Skocelas • Daniel Sorenson, M.D.

EDITORIAL BOARD Donna Rapp, Senior Vice President • Millie Jezior, Editor • Angela Nader, Production Assistant • Penny Daniels • Warren Johnson • Christie Kanitz • Stephanie Leibfritz, R.N. • Megan McHenry • Cal McIntosh • Carlene Skorczewski • Bernadette Stocking • Matt Streitmatter • Caroline Kramer, M.D., Ph.D., Physician Advisor

the MAgIC oF the holidays brings out the giving spirit in all of us. One example is the generous support the community has shown for MidMichigan’s holiday giving programs. If you are looking for a unique gift this holiday season, consider a donation to the Love Light Trees or Lights of Love programs at one of MidMichigan’s four Medical Centers.

These programs not only provide much-needed equip-ment and support services to enhance patient care in your community, but they can also enable you to honor family and friends or to commemorate a special occasion. Recipients are notified of your tribute, and donors play a special role in the holiday celebrations associated with these programs. Following is more information about this year’s events.

midmiChigaN mediCal CeNter–midlaNd This year the Medical Center will be celebrating the 26th an-niversary of its Love Light Trees with donations directed toward technology not found anywhere else in the region. The GeneXpert® system is a molecular testing system that gives quick, accurate results, enabling physicians to make a diagnosis within hours instead of weeks.

Anne DeBoer and Jo Ann Waltz will serve as co-chairs. The lighting ceremony is set for Thursday, December 6, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Medical Center’s Plane Tree Café.

gratiot mediCal CeNter The Gratiot Medical Center Auxiliary is pleased to announce that the Lights of Love celebration will continue even during the build-ing construction. This year’s celebration is Thursday, December 13, at the Medical Center.

Lights of Love will begin with a gathering in the main lobby and then move outside for the annual tree- lighting ceremony at 7 p.m., followed by a slide show in the cafeteria of those for whom tributes were made. Money raised from the event will go toward the Medical Center’s current building project.

midmiChigaN mediCal CeNter–gladwiN Under the guidance of program chairs Patricia Allen and Mary

love light trees, lights of love support patient care

Ann Sherwood, proceeds from this year’s Love Light Trees program will support the purchase of a bariatric transfer chair. Monday, December 3, will mark the tree-lighting ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. in the dining room of the Gladwin Pines Nursing Home.

midmiChigaN mediCal CeNter–Clare Co- chairing this year’s Love Light Trees are Elmer Shurlow, D.O., and Wendy Bicknell. Money raised from the program will be applied toward a nurse call system for the new operating room expansion. The call system allows staff members to reach each other and attend to their patients from anywhere in the operating room. Clare’s Love Light Trees campaign will culminate with a lighting ceremony on Tuesday, December 4, at 7 p.m. at the entrance of the Medical Center.

To make a tax-deductible donation, please complete the form and send it to the program of your choice, or go online to www.midmichigan .org/donations.

G i v i n G

I wish to make a contribution of:

$25 $50 $100 $250

Other

to love light trees/lights of love at: MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland

4005 Orchard Drive, Midland, MI 48670

GeneXpert® system for lab

Gratiot Medical Center

300 E. Warwick Drive, Alma, MI 48801

Building project

MidMichigan Medical Center–Gladwin

515 Quarter St., Gladwin, MI 48624

Bariatric transfer chairMidMichigan Medical Center–Clare

703 N. McEwan St., Clare, MI 48617

Nurse call system

Please record this as a gift from:Name __________________________________

Address ________________________________

_______________________________________

City ___________________________________

State __________ ZIP ___________________

Telephone ______________________________

E-mail _________________________________

In honor of _____________________________

In memory of ___________________________

Please notify the following of my tribute:Name __________________________________

Address ________________________________

_______________________________________

City ___________________________________

State __________ ZIP ___________________

Your donation can support the Love Light Trees/Lights of Love program of your choice.

method of payment:Check/money order enclosed for

$ _________________________________________

(Please make check payable to MidMichigan

Medical Center–Clare, Gladwin or Midland, or

Gratiot Medical Center Auxiliary)

Credit card (circle one):

VISA MasterCard Discover

Acct. number ___________________________

Expiration date _________________________

Signature ______________________________

Dollar amount to be charged: $ ______________

Please send this form to the Love Light Trees/

Lights of Love program of your choice, or go

online to www.midmichigan.org/donations.

InSide 2 STRESS DO YOUR HEART A FAVOR 4 COMMUNITYCALENDAR JOIN US FOR THESE CLASSES AND EVENTS

6 STARSINTHEGARDENS HONOR A LOVED ONE WWW.MIDMICHIGAN.ORG





l N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R / J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 7 – 2 0 0 8




HONOR A LOVED ONE

—Continued on page

AAndy Wilamowski and Nancy, his wife of 23 years, moved to Lake nine years ago, aft er Andy had retired from his job as a union electrician in Detroit. The 68-year-old settled into retirement, golfi ng twice a week and enjoy-ing woodworking. “I’m slowing down, but still staying relatively active,” he says.

Th en, over the summer, Andy’s family physician, internist Brenda Harshman, D.O., of Clare, decided that the results of a routine stress test deserved a second look. “Th e test indicated a relatively small problem,” Andy recalls, “but because I’m diabetic and have other health issues, Dr. Harshman decided I should see a cardiologist.”

Andy consulted Gregory G. Pellizzon, M.D., an inter-ventional cardiologist who sees patients in Clare as well

as in Mt. Pleasant and Midland. Dr. Pellizzon recom-mended diagnostic imaging of the blood vessels, called angiography, which would allow him to view the inside of Andy’s arteries.

Andy chose MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland for the surgery. If his arteries were seriously ob-structed by plaque, he could receive elective angioplasty immediately.

MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland was approved to off er emergency angioplasty in 2005. Now that open heart surgery is available in case of complications, the Medical Center can perform this operation on an elective basis and begin to off er other interventional cardiology procedures. Dr. Pellizzon and his colleague, William R. Felten, M.D., both of Michigan CardioVascular Institute, perform the majority of these procedures at the Medical Center in Midland.

savedLake man’s arteries opened before heart attack strikes

A woodworking enthusiast, Andy Wilamowski, of Lake, was the first patient to receive elective angioplasty at MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland as part of MidMichigan’s expanded heart program.

his life

a second look

HEALTH NEWS FROM MIDMICHIGAN MEDICAL CENTER–CLARE

hospitalists Imad Ayyar, M.D. (left), and Gregory Endres-Bercher, M.D., are two of seven hospitalists now treating patients in MidMichigan Medical Center–Clare.


Clare beginshospitalistprogramMIDMIChIGAN MEDICAL CENTER–CLARE has added seven physicians to staff its newly established hospitalist program.

Hospitalists specialize in caring for patients while they are in the hospital. Internal medicine hospitalists work closely with patients, family members, primary care physicians, specialists and other departments of the hospital.

Th e hospitalist is very familiar with the medical center’s departments and is readily available to see the patient whenever needed. Hospitalists can oft en anticipate com-plications, further improving a patient’s hospital stay.

Th e MidMichigan hospitalists are all board-certifi ed in internal medicine. Th ey include:

Jawad Yousef-Agha, M.D. Dr. Yousef-Agha completed medical school at Damascus University in Syria in 1998. He completed a residency at Michigan State University and is board-certifi ed in internal medicine.

Imad S. Ayyar, M.D. Dr. Ayyar earned a medical de-gree in 1979 and a diploma in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery in 1989 from the University of Baghdad Medical

in Midland, was carried out by the same experienced team that has performed many emergency angioplas-ties. Dr. Pellizzon says it went very smoothly. “An elective procedure is less stressful than an emergency procedure for the patient as well as the entire cath lab team,” he says.

Andy survived a heart attack 15 years ago. At that time, doctors in Detroit performed a balloon angioplasty aft er the fact. Th is time, the problem was caught early enough to prevent a second heart attack.

“I was in and out of the Medical Center in a day,” Andy says. And a month later, he was able to go to Clare for his follow-up appointment with Dr. Pellizzon. “Everything worked out fi ne,” Andy says.

second look—Continued from page 1

severe bLoCKage CaLLs For immediate aCtioN Angiography showed a 95 percent blockage of one of Andy’s arteries, so Dr. Pellizzon immediately performed a balloon angioplasty and positioned a tiny metal mesh tube—called a stent—inside the vessel, over the plaque deposit, to keep the vessel open so that blood could fl ow freely to Andy’s heart. Andy’s operation, the fi rst elective angioplasty performed at the Medical Center

STRESS, GOOD AND BAD, will always be part of life. Some stress—a vacation, a wedding, a new home—adds color and joy to life. A little stress can keep us on our toes and help us perform at the top of our game. In fact, the way you react to stress can save your life. If your mind perceives a threat, such as a speeding car approaching your path, your body reacts by releasing hormones that give you a burst of extra strength so that you can escape the threat.

However, if you’re dodging speeding cars all day long, your body doesn’t get a chance to recover. “When stress is persistent, or chronic, it can have a negative impact on your overall health and can contribute to heart disease,” says Gregory G. Pellizzon, M.D., an interventional cardiologist with Michigan CardioVas-cular Institute.

pUshiNg yoUr heart “Stress raises your blood pres-sure, makes your heart work harder, and releases hor-mones that help you cope,” says Dr. Pellizzon. “Chronic stress, whether it is work stress, worrying about your children or just general anxiety, keeps your body in that stressed state. You don’t get a chance to recover.”

Dr. Pellizzon says that how people cope with stress has more eff ect on their health than the initial incident that triggers the stress. Too oft en, people use unhealthy habits.

“Chronic stress can be physically exhausting, too, so instead of being active, they may escape by sitting and

watching a movie,” Dr. Pellizzon says. “A poor diet, too much alcohol, tobacco use, inactivity—

these are all risk factors for heart disease,” Dr. Pellizzon says. “In our uncertain world, with so many stress pro-ducers out of our control, we need to work on controlling what we can and learning better ways to cope with what we can’t change.”

Dr. Pellizzon says that physical activity is one of the best ways to deal with stress. “Th e body’s stress response sets you up to ‘fi ght or fl ee,’ so if you go for a power walk or a bike ride, you’re doing what nature intended. Plus, aerobic exercise is great for the heart.”

Dr. Pellizzon says that people who are not normally ac-tive should talk with their doctors before starting formal exercise programs. “Get some expert advice. If you start slowly and build up your strength over time, you will be more likely to stick with it for a lifetime.”

“Eat a healthy diet, but don’t equate being thin with being healthy,” Dr. Pellizzon says. “Resolve to build a strong, healthy body. You will be better able to cope with stressful situations.”

MidMichigan Medical Center–Clare is partnering with Michigan CardioVascular Institute to ensure that you have local access to the latest techniques in heart care and heart disease management. Th rough the spe-cialty clinic at MidMichigan Medical Offi ces–Clare, this nationally recognized team of cardiologists and surgeons off ers specialized care for patients with cardiac-related health problems.

Free seminar: Get the Beat on Controlling Stress

In today’s fast-paced world, it is hard to maintain a healthy life balance. From the ongoing demands of our jobs to daily life commitments, it is hard to fi nd time out of our busy schedules to relax and unwind. The pres-sures around us can be consuming and lead to stress. When ignored consistently, stress can escalate and make us vulnerable to physical and emotional ailments, which may include an increased risk for heart attacks.

Join us to learn the physical effects that stress can produce and a variety of coping strategies designed to help you regain a healthier balance in your life.

For class dates, times and more information, call MidMichigan health Line at (800)999-3199.

In balloon angioplasty, a catheter only 1/14,000 of an inch in diameter (slightly larger than a human hair) is in-serted into the femoral artery at the inside of the thigh and directed through the artery up toward the heart. At the tip of the catheter is a small balloon that can be quickly infl ated and defl ated to enlarge the space in a blocked vessel, enabling blood to fl ow more freely.

X-ray imaging enables the interventional cardiolo-gist who performs the procedure to see the wire and steer it to the blocked vessel. “We are able to see and

control the wire from outside the body,” says Gregory Pellizzon, M.D., of Michigan CardioVascular Institute. “The X-ray is used not to look at the vessel, but to look at the blood fl ow, the cause of the obstruction, and whether it is severe or mild.”

A stent that is pre-sized and custom-shaped to the patient’s artery is inserted along the same wire and carefully positioned over the plaque deposit. In time, tissue from the artery encapsulates the stent, making it part of the blood vessel.

Balloon angioplasty: An overview of the procedure

H E A R t H E A L t H

If you do not have a physician, call MidMichigan Health Line toll-free at (800) 999-3199. Or, to learn more about how MidMichigan cares for your heart, visit www.midmichigan.org/heart.

will always be part

Learn to cope with stress

n o v . / d e c . / j a n . 2 0 0 7 – 2 0 0 8 2 t o y o u r h e a l t h

Construction continues on the expansion and renovation at MidMichigan Medical Center–Clare. The expansion will add 12,000 square feet to the west side of the main facility, located at 703 N. McEwan in downtown Clare. In addition, 2,500 square feet of existing space will be renovated. The area will house new operating rooms, a patient waiting area and technology to support surgery. Construction began in August and is scheduled for completion by next fall.

As a leader in providing health care and increasing the health and well-being of the communities it serves, MidMichigan Medi-cal Center–Clare will become a tobacco-free environment effective January 1, 2008.

The tobacco-free policy is in accord with the Michigan Hospital Association’s cam-paign for smoke-free hospitals, which recom-mends that hospitals voluntarily implement a smoke-free policy by January 1, 2008.

The approved policy defines tobacco products as chewing tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, pipes or other lighted smoking de-vices. Use of these tobacco products will not be permit-ted on the Medi-cal Center campus. This includes medi-cal office buildings, buildings being con-

structed or renovated, leased offices, other temporary structures and Medical Center vehicles. Employees and visitors who must smoke will only be allowed to do so in their own closed, private vehicle. Smoking cessation support, including lozenges and gum, will be available to all.

Why we’re doing it Cigarette smoking has been identified as the most impor-tant source of preventable morbidity and premature mortality worldwide. What’s more, smoking costs the U.S. more than $167 billion each year in health care, in-cluding $92 billion in mortality-related productivity losses and $75.5 billion in excess medical expenditures.

According to the American Lung Asso-ciation, smoking-related diseases claim an estimated 438,000 American lives each year,

Expanded surgery suite to open fall 2008

“The addition to the Medical Center is important to the future of health care in our community,” says Lawrence F. Barco, president of the Medical Center. He says the new facilities, designed to enhance the technology of operating room equipment and add much-needed space in the surgical suites, will help attract and retain high-caliber surgical specialists.

The project was made possible by support from community members and generous grants from area founda-tions, including: The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation, the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, The Dow Chemi-cal Company Foundation and the Clare County Community Foundation.

Medical Center in Clare goes tobacco-free in 2008

including those affected indirectly, such as babies born prematurely due to prenatal maternal smoking and victims of “second-hand” exposure to tobacco’s carcinogens. Smoking puts people at risk for cancers of the lung, mouth, voice box (larynx), throat (pharynx), esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, cervix and stomach, and also can result in some forms of leukemia.

In addition to their risk of several can-cers, smokers are twice as likely to die from heart attacks as are nonsmokers. Smok-ing is a major risk factor for peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of the blood vessels that carry blood to the leg and arm muscles) as well as cerebrovascular disease, which can cause strokes. Regard-less of age or smoking history, quitting has immediate health benefits.

Need help? To help smokers kick the habit, MidMichigan offers a number of smoking cessation options. Our tobacco cessation facilitators are available to an-swer questions, explain treatment options, and provide assistance to match the needs of each person with available resources and services. One-on-one counseling also is available.

For more information about how to contact a tobacco cessation facilitator in your area, call MidMichigan Health Line toll-free at (800) 999-3199. To learn more about additional smoking cessation pro-grams, visit www.midmichigan.org/quit.

College in Baghdad, Iraq. He completed a residency in internal medicine at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan.

Vikas Bajpai, M.D. Dr. Bajpai received his medical degree from Gorakhpur Uni-versity in India in 1980. He completed a res-idency in internal medicine at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. He is board-certified in internal medicine.

V. Tahki Campbell, D.O. Dr. Campbell earned a medical degree from Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, Illinois. She completed a residency in internal medicine at Mount Clemens General Hospital in Mount Clemens,

Michigan.Gregory J. Endres-Bercher, M.D.

Dr. Endres-Bercher earned a medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans in 1982. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Ochsner Foundation Hospital in New Orleans.

Alvin Riley Sr., D.O., F.A.C.O.I. Dr. Riley earned a medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1992. He completed a primary care internal medicine residency at Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecti-cut, and also served as chief resident for the Internal Medicine Residency program at Michigan State University.

Majid M. Taj, M.D. Dr. Taj earned a medical degree from Gandhi Medical College in Hyderabad, A.P., India, in 1990. He completed a residency in 1999 through Michigan State University and served as chief resident from 1998 to 1999.

Katie Groulx, tobacco cessation facilitator

Glenn King, M.S.N., M.B.A., vice president and chief nursing officer, reviews plans for the new 14,000-square-foot surgical suites expansion of MidMichigan Medical Center–Clare as the first corner is set for the addition west of the Medical Center.


The benefits of being a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence include:l Patient safety and advocacy promotion. The Center of Excellence program provides comprehensive services to its patients and performs data tracking and analysis.


High-quality bariatric care

Hospitalist program—Continued from page 1

l Recognition as a top-performing cen-ter. The program has held itself up to the highest standards in the industry. The designation is indicative of the Center’s comprehensive commitment to a high level of bariatric care.

Great Lakes Surgical Associates has per-formed many bariatric surgeries—98 per-cent of them laparoscopically. This includes Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgeries, as well as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery (Lap-Band).


Not all surgeons at Gratiot Medical Center are members of the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.

n o v . / d e c . / j a n . 2 0 0 7 – 2 0 0 8 � t o y o u r h e a l t h





is hard to fi nd time out of our busy




consistently, stress can escalate

and make us vulnerable to physical

and emotional ailments, which may

include an increased risk for heart

attacks. Join us to learn the physical

effects that stress can produce and a

variety of coping strategies designed

to help regain a healthier balance in

your life.

Learn how to:


losing your cool

n Manage self-induced stress triggers

n Overcome the physical symptoms of

stress

n Regain a healthy life balance



Line at (800) 999-3199 for dates,





designed to help individuals to pre-

pare for the holidays, MidMichigan

Home Care professionals will provide

families and individuals with informa-

tion to help them handle the holidays

this year.






Lucynda Killian will discuss arthritis, one

of the oldest diseases known and the

world’s leading health complaint. They

will share information on joint protec-

tion and proper exercise. They will also

demonstrate assistive devices that make

living with arthritis easier.




Babysitting Seminar MidMichigan Medical Center–Gladwin

offers a babysitting class for youth 11

through 16 years of age. Topics covered

include: responsible child care, safe play,

feeding and bathing a child, nutrition,

safety and emergency tips, basic fi rst aid,

and CPR. Please call to register, as space

is limited.

n Saturday, Dec. 8, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

MidMichigan Medical Offi ces–Gladwin,


$20 per person






skin changes or hair loss. Registration is

required.

Mondays, Dec. 10 or Feb. 11, 2–4 p.m.


Bay City

n MidMichigan Medical Offi ces–Gladwin,




Education Room


benefi t all cancer survivors. You will



physical, social, fi nancial and emotional

health.



MidMichigan Medical Offi ces–Midland,


6–8 p.m.




available fi nancial resources.


















presented.






highlight laparoscopic Roux-en-Y and Lap-

Band surgical options.




n Dec. 13, St. Johns, Clinton County RESA


Court St.



Community Room







www.midmichigan.org/classes

unless otherwise noted,

Nov.Dec.Jan.HealtH

Paths to good

Advance notice is needed to make ar range ments for people with disabilities. Call MidMichigan Health Line for a phy si cian referral, directions to any Mid Mich i gan affiliate or to report duplicate mailings of To Your Health.













complications.

The MidMichigan diabetes programs























Wednesday, Feb. 27

6:30–8:30 p.m.


Orchard Auditorium



milk production, positioning, feeding fre-

quency and problem-solving. Participants



weaning options.


6:30–8:30 p.m.



Education Room

$25 per couple











Heartsaver® CPRTeaches recognition and emergency ac-

tion techniques for heart attack, stroke

and choking in adults, and recognition

and treatment of choking in infants and

children.

Note: This class is designed for people

16 years and older who want to learn CPR

and need proof of completion. Space is

limited to 20 participants. Fees charged

for these courses do not represent in-

come to the American Heart Association.

n Tuesday, Feb. 19, 6–9 p.m.

MidMichigan Medical Offices–Gladwin,


$30 per person

diabetes education








with a certified diabetes educator to help

them make lifestyle changes. The third

week includes grocery shopping tips and

taste-testing of new foods.


12 and 19, 3:30–5 p.m.




Diabetes Self-Management Classes (Held at the Medical Centers in Alma, Clare, Gladwin and Midland)

People with diabetes are invited to learn









Paths to good


Osteoporosis Exercise Class: Level 1This is a first-level osteoporosis prevention




improve balance.




n Thursdays, Jan. 3 to Jan. 31, 1–2 p.m.

MidMichigan Medical Center–Gladwin,


$40 per person

Osteoporosis Exercise Class:Level 2This advanced osteoporosis exercise class

adds walking and strengthening programs

to further assist with improving bone

health, muscle tone and balance. People

who have already attended a level 1 class

or participated in physical therapy for

osteoporosis prevention are encouraged

to register.

n Thursdays, Feb. 7 to March 6, 1–2 p.m.

MidMichigan Medical Offices–Gladwin,


$40 per person




family practice physician at MidMichigan Medical Offices–Clare. “Light therapy has been used successfully for the last 25 years. It’s simple, easy to use and relieves symp-toms of SAD for most people.”

Light therapy uses special fluorescent bulbs that mimic sunlight. With light ther-apy, the person sits a few feet from the light box or lamp, face exposed and eyes open but not looking directly at the light, for 30 to 60 minutes a day. “Light therapy should be done early in the morning, and needs to continue all winter, even after symptoms subside,” Dr. Delgado says. “If light therapy alone does not help, people should talk to their doctor about medication and perhaps counseling. The important thing is to seek treatment. Life is too good to feel sad.”

Light boxes for seasonal affective dis-order therapy can be purchased over the counter. However, talk to your doctor first to make sure you know how to use the equipment, and to make sure it is an appropriate therapy for you.

For a referral to Dr. Mallick, Dr. Delgado or other physicians on staff at MidMichigan Medical Center–Clare, call MidMichigan Health Line at (800) 999-3199 or visit www.midmichigan.org/doctors.

SAD—more than just the winter bluesFor many Americans, especially those living in the northern part of the country, the winter months bring more than cooler temperatures and holidays. They may usher in a particular type of depression called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

Symptoms of SAD may include a marked lack of energy, decreased interest in work, hobbies and social interaction, in-creased appetite with a particular craving for carbohydrates, and weight gain.

Timing is what sets SAD apart from other types of depression. “If a person’s symptoms follow the seasons—if they begin feeling depressed in late fall and winter and see the symptoms disappear when spring arrives, they may be suffer-ing from seasonal affective disorder,” says family practitioner Rajani Mallick, M.D., of MidMichigan Physicians Group in Clare.

treatment can help “SAD is not just a bad case of the winter blues. It is a treatable illness,” Dr. Mallick says. “If symptoms are affecting a person’s work or relationships, they need to talk to their doctor about treatment.”

No one knows exactly what causes SAD. Some think that reduced sunlight disrupts the circadian rhythms that regu-late sleep/wake cycles. Some researchers think light-sensitive hormones may be the culprit.

“Regardless of the cause, SAD can be treated,” says Reden Delgado, M.D., a

Maria-Eloisa Bernas, M.D., recently joined MidMichigan Physicians Group and has established a new practice in MidMichigan Medical Offices–Clare. A pediatrician, Dr. Bernas has also had training in pediatric hematology (blood disorders) and oncology (cancer). In addition to her special expertise and knowledge, Dr. Bernas brings to the community a commitment to helping the parents of her young patients.

“Being a pediatrician is a special privi-lege and responsibility,” Dr. Bernas says. “My goal is to give the best medical care for children—and the assurance and support that their parents need—including good follow-up care.”

Dr. Bernas finds pediatrics rewarding because she gets to take care of babies, children and teenagers. She provides well-ness check-ups, preventive medicine and care when her patients are ill.

“Children today are wiser than their age,” Dr. Bernas says. “They’re more independent and active than previous generations.

“I find teenagers especially amazing. Being in between childhood and adult-hood, they have a unique set of health challenges.”

Medicine is a family tradition for Dr. Bernas; both her parents are retired physicians. Dr. Bernas earned her medi-cal degree from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines, and com-pleted pediatric training at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center in Manila.

Dr. Bernas completed a residency in pediatrics at Elmhurst Hospital Center– Mount Sinai Services in Elmhurst, New York, and a pediatric hematology-

oncology fellowship at the University of Chicago Children’s Hospital. Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, Dr. Bernas is on the active medical staff of MidMichigan Medical Center–Clare.

Dr. Bernas welcomes children to her practice. To make an appointment, call (989) 802-8830.

New pediatrician in Clare

Maria-Eloisa Bernas, M.D., is seeing new patients at her practice in MidMichigan Medical Offices–Clare. “Being a pediatrician is a special privilege and responsibility,” says Dr. Bernas. “I consider all my patients my kids and appreciate each and every one of them.”

It wasn’t the slice of a scalpel, but the swoop of an 80-foot crane that propelled Midland, Michigan, to the global forefront of brain surgery this fall. That crane was used to lower a 20-ton Gamma Knife® Perfexion™ machine into its suite at Mid-Michigan Medical Center–Midland.

The most precise option available for

Gamma Knife Perfexion puts MidMichigan Health on the ‘cutting edge’ of brain surgery

treating brain tumors and other abnor-malities in the brain, Perfexion offers new hope for patients with conditions that are otherwise inoperable. MidMichigan is one of the first 10 hospitals in the world and the only one in Michigan to have this technology.

The biggest challenge of treating a

tumor or other abnormality in the brain has always been reaching it without dam-aging other tissues or vital structures. The Gamma Knife Perfexion solves that problem by coming at it from a different angle—192 different angles, to be exact.

That’s how many individual beams of cobalt radiation are targeted at the lesion. Because each low-dose beam emanates from a different angle, it travels harm-lessly through healthy tissue. Yet the beams converge precisely and with high doses to destroy or deactivate the lesion.

how does it compare with alternatives? Less risk and recovery time. With no in-cision, there is no scar, no need to shave the head and virtually no risk of bleeding or infection. While craniotomy requires

three to five days in the hospital followed by two to four weeks of recovery, Gamma Knife patients go home the same day and typically resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.



Greater reach. The Gamma Knife Perfex-ion can reach anywhere inside the head, and as low as C7 on the cervical spine, expanding the number of patients who can benefit.

To find out whether Gamma Knife treat-ment is appropriate for you, call toll-free 1-866-MI-GAMMA (1-866-644-2662) or visit www.midmichigan.org/gammaknife.

Gamma Knife Perfexion can treat…Benign and cancerous tumorsArteriovenous malformation, a tangle


Acoustic neuroma, a benign (noncan-cerous) tumor that affects a cranial nerve running from the brain to the inner ear. It can interfere with hearing and balance.

■

■

■

Trigeminal neuralgia, a disorder of a cranial nerve resulting in stabbing pain that radiates to the mouth, cheek, fore-head, nose or other areas of the face. The exact cause is not fully understood.


■


ThE MAGIC OF the holidays brings out the giving spirit in all of us. One example is the generous support the community has shown for MidMichigan’s holiday giving programs. If you are looking for a unique gift this holiday season, consider a donation to the Love Light Trees or Lights of Love programs at one of MidMichigan’s four Medical Centers.

Th ese programs not only provide much-needed equip-ment and support services to enhance patient care in your community, but they can also enable you to honor family and friends or to commemorate a special occasion. Recipients are notifi ed of your tribute, and donors play a special role in the holiday celebrations associated with these programs. Following is more information about this year’s events.

midmiChigaN mediCaL CeNter–CLare Co-chairing this year’s Love Light Trees are Elmer Shurlow, D.O., and Wendy Bicknell. Money raised from the pro-gram will be applied toward a nurse call system for the new operating room expansion. Th e call system allows staff members to reach each other and attend to their patients from anywhere in the operating room. Clare’s Love Light Trees campaign will culminate with a light-ing ceremony on Tuesday, December 4, at 7 p.m. at the entrance of the Medical Center.

midmiChigaN mediCaL CeNter–gLadWiN Under the guidance of program chairs Patricia Allen and Mary Ann Sherwood, proceeds from this year’s Love Light Trees program will support the purchase of a bariatric transfer chair. Monday, December 3, will mark the tree-lighting ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. in the dining room of the Gladwin Pines Nursing Home.

gratiot mediCaL CeNter Th e Gratiot Medical Center Auxiliary is pleased to announce that the Lights of Love celebration will continue even during the building construction. Th is year’s celebration is Th ursday, Decem-ber 13, at the Medical Center. Lights of Love will begin with a gathering in the main lobby and then move outside

Love Light trees, Lights of Love support patient care

for the annual tree-lighting ceremony at 7 p.m., followed by a slide show in the cafeteria of those for whom tributes were made. Money raised from the event will go toward the Medical Center’s current building project.

midmiChigaN mediCaL CeNter–midLaNd Th is year the Medical Center will be celebrating the 26th an-niversary of its Love Light Trees, with donations directed toward technology not found anywhere else in the region. Th e GeneXpert® System is a molecular testing system that gives quick, accurate results, enabling physicians to make a diagnosis within hours instead of weeks.

Anne DeBoer and Jo Ann Waltz will serve as co-chairs. Th e lighting ceremony is set for Th ursday, December 6, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Medical Center’s Plane Tree Café.

To make a tax-deductible donation, please complete the form and send it to the program of your choice, or go online to www.midmichigan.org/donations.

G i V i n G


Information in TO YOUR HEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specifi c content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. Copyright © 2007 Coffey Communications, Inc. HST20991h




$25 $50 $100 $250

Other

to love light trees/lights of love at: MidMichigan Medical Center–Clare


Nurse call system



Bariatric transfer chair



Building project MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland




Address ________________________________

_______________________________________

City ___________________________________

State __________ ZIP ___________________

Telephone ______________________________

E-mail _________________________________

In hon or of _____________________________

In mem o ry of ___________________________


Address ________________________________

_______________________________________

City ___________________________________

State __________ ZIP ___________________


method of pay ment:Check/mon ey order enclosed for

$ _________________________________________

(Please make check payable to Mid Mich i gan

Med i cal Center–Clare, Gladwin or Midland, or



VISA Mas ter Card Dis cov er

Acct. number ___________________________

Expiration date _________________________

Signature ______________________________



Lights of Love pro gram of your choice, or go


✃

Jack Randall, 65, of Mills, received the first-ever open heart sur-gery at MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland on August 8.

InSide 2 stress do your heart a favor 4 community calendar Join us for these classes and events

6 stars in the gardens honor your loved ones www.MidMichigan.org

n o v e m b e r / d e c e m b e r / J a n u a r y 2 0 0 7 – 2 0 0 8







HEALTH NEWS FOR RESIDENTS OF GLADWIN COUNTY











governor’s award

Four years of excellenceMidMiChigAn MediCAl CenteR–glAdwin recently received the 2006 Governor’s Award for Improv-ing Patient Safety and Quality of Care in the Critical Access Hospital Setting for Clinical Performance and Reporting.

This is the fourth consecutive year the Medical Center has earned the Governor’s Award, sponsored jointly by Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm and MPRO, Mich-igan’s Medicare Quality Improvement Organization.

The Governor’s Award of Excellence honors Michigan hospitals that are performing quality initiatives aimed at improving patient care. “Award recipients are committed to providing Michigan citizens with high-quality health care,” says Gov. Granholm.

“Participating in the Governor’s Award program and earning this honor demonstrate our dedication to outstanding patient care,” says Janet Foor, R.N., M.S.N., director of nursing at MidMichigan Medical Center–Gladwin. “Systems and improvements developed to meet these award-winning standards will remain in place and continue to ensure that our patients are receiv-ing this high quality of care,” she says.

The clinical topics measured for the awards have been designated as national health care priorities by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Human Services. As a result, the Medical Centers have established multidisciplinary teams to spearhead improvement measures using proven, evidence-based practices.

MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland and Gratiot Medical Center also received awards. MidMichigan Medi-cal Center–Midland received the Governor’s Award for health information technology for computerized physician order entry (CPOE), and Gratiot Medical Center received recognition in the clinical area of arteriovenous fistula.

To learn more about MidMichigan Health’s leadership in measurable quality such as accreditations, physician and nurse credentials, advanced technology, patient satisfaction and other awards, visit www.midmichigan .org/quality.

right place

at the right time

the

gladwin enhances customer service A variety of patient room renovations are cur-rently under way to increase patient comfort and create a more homelike atmosphere. Room updates include painting, decor, lighting fixtures and bathroom renovations. In addition to the overall aesthetic enhance-ments, these renovations are anticipated to improve the caregiving environment.

To assist patients and visitors with navi-gating throughout the Medical Center, a

C o n s t ru C t i o n u p dat e s

We’re building for the futurenew visual way-finding system has been installed. “We are very excited about this new customer service enhancement,” says Amanda Taylor, admitting coordinator. “The color-coded stripe system makes it significantly easier for patients to find their way between departments.”

Construction is also under way to ex-pand the existing laboratory department by approximately 30 percent. This in-creased space is being utilized to improve

Gratiot Bariatric Treatment Center, a pro-gram of Gratiot Medical Center and Great Lakes Surgical Associates in Alma, has been named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC).

The benefits of being a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence include: Patient safety and advocacy promo-tion. By providing comprehensive services to its patients, and by performing data tracking and analysis, the Center of Excel-lence program promotes patient safety. Recognition as a top-performing center. In becoming a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, the program has held itself up to the highest standards in the industry.



G r at i o t M e d i C a l C e n t e r


Gladwin Diabetes Center offers training, supportSome things are just better to know up front—especially when your health is concerned. Yet of the more than 18 million Americans who have diabetes, nearly a third of them don’t know it, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

should you be tested? Diabetes is most commonly found in people older than 45. Therefore, the ADA suggests that all adults 45 and older be tested at least once every three years, and you may want to be tested more often or at a younger age if you answer

yes to any of the following questions:Are you 20 percent or more above your

ideal body weight?Do you have a parent or sibling with

diabetes?Are you part of a high-risk ethnic

group, such as African American, His-panic, Native American or Asian?

Have you delivered a baby weighing more than 9 pounds or were you diagnosed with gestational diabetes?

Do you have high blood pressure (at or above 130/80)?

●

●

●

●

●

Do you have cholesterol concerns (HDL or “good” cholesterol reading of 35 milligrams per deciliter [mg/dL] of blood or lower and/or a triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL or higher)?

Detecting and treating diabetes at an early stage is important to help prevent and delay any possible complications from the disease.

A blood sugar test can reveal diabetes. This test measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood; a high level of glucose can help pinpoint diabetes. Often called a “silent killer,” diabetes can be symptomless. Many people unknowingly live with the disease for years, and when diabetes finally makes itself known, it is often after heart, kidney or vision damage has already occurred.

For those d iagnosed The Diabe-tes Center at MidMichigan Medical Center–Gladwin sponsors a diabetes support group and offers diabetes self- management training. The training op-tions include either individual or group sessions and are for people who are either newly diagnosed or have had diabetes for many years. Cost of the class may be cov-ered by insurance with a referral from a physician. If you’re interested in attending classes, contact your insurance carrier for specific coverage information.

For more information about support groups or diabetes training, contact dia-betes educators Marlene Smalley, R.N., at (989) 246-6232 or Katy Kulick, M.A., R.D., C.D.E., at (989) 246-6292.

●

overall department flow and provide ad-ditional storage.

Following the completion of the labo-ratory expansion, construction will begin on a new multiphase project that includes consolidating medical imaging services into one area, creating a new centralized outpatient waiting area and expanding the laboratory drawing area. These additional customer service enhancements are de-signed to improve patient flow and shorten wait times for outpatient testing.

Clare surgical suite expansion on track Construction continues on the

expansion and renovation at MidMichigan Medical Center–Clare. The expansion will add 12,000 square feet to the west side of the main facility, located at 703 N. McEwan in downtown Clare. In addition, 2,500 square feet of existing space will be renovated. The area will house new oper-ating rooms, a patient waiting area and technology to support surgery. Construc-tion began in August and is scheduled for completion by next fall.

For the latest updates on our construc-tion projects under way at MidMichi-gan facilities, visit www.midmichigan .org/construction.

MidMichigan Health has once again been named one of America’s best employers for mature workers, according to the AARP’s annual survey of “Best Employers for Workers Over 50.” MidMichigan, which ranked 11th among the 50 companies listed, first received this award in 2006, ranking 35th out of 50.

The eighth annual “Best Employers for Workers Over 50” award recognizes companies and organizations for their practices and policies that value the ma-ture worker and demonstrate workplace innovation. Companies were evaluated for a wide range of workplace prac-tices, including recruitment, continuing

opportunities for advancement, flexible work schedules, and benefits for current and retired employees.

In the area of professional development, MidMichigan provides opportunities for career development and advancement at all levels and ages, including promotions, scholarships and tuition reimbursement.

“We are pleased to have received this national distinction from AARP on our dedication to mature workers for the sec-ond year in a row,” says Terence F. Moore, president of MidMichigan Health. “We recognize that our mature workers and retirees bring a knowledge base that is valuable to not only our own organiza-tion but all of the communities we serve. It is our goal to continue to bring mutu-ally beneficial opportunities to create and retain this workforce.”

a M e r i C a’ s b e s t e M p l oy e r s



Because each low-dose beam emanates from a different angle, it travels harmlessly through healthy tissue. Yet the beams con-verge precisely and in high doses to destroy or deactivate the lesion.

how does it compare with alternatives? less risk and recovery time. With no incision, there is no scar, no need to shave the head and virtually no risk of bleeding or infection.


The Perfexion has 10 times the radia-tion protection of other methods. Its open configuration accommodates larger people and those with claustrophobia.

You can contact the Gamma Knife Coordinator at MidMichigan Medi-cal Center–Midland toll-free at 1-866- MI-GAMMA (1-866-644-2662) or visit www.midmichigan.org/gammaknife.

It wasn’t the slice of a scalpel, but the swoop of an 80-foot crane that pro-pelled Midland, Michigan, to the global forefront of brain surgery this fall. That crane was used to lower a 20-ton Gamma Knife® Perfexion™ machine into its suite at MidMichigan Medical Center– Midland.

The most precise option available for treating brain tumors and other abnor-malities in the brain, Perfexion offers new hope for patients with conditions that are otherwise inoperable. MidMichigan is one of the first 10 hospitals in the world and the only one in Michigan to have this technology.

The biggest challenge of treating a tumor or other abnormality in the brain has always been reaching it without damaging other tissues or vital struc-tures. The Gamma Knife Perfexion solves that problem by coming at it from192 different angles.

That’s how many individual beams of cobalt radiation are targeted at the lesion.

Gamma Knife Perfexion can treat...Benign and cancerous tumorsArteriovenous malformation, a tangle


Acoustic neuroma, also called vestibu-lar schwannoma, a benign (noncancer-ous) tumor that affects a cranial nerve running from the brain to the inner ear. it can interfere with hearing and balance.

■

■

■

trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, a disorder of a cranial nerve resulting in stabbing pain that radiates to the mouth, cheek, forehead, nose or other areas of the face. the exact cause is not fully understood.


■


Heart disease is a serious problem, but cardiac rehabilitation allows patients to work toward the goals they would like to achieve. Cardiac rehabilitation often begins in the hospital soon after a patient’s medical or surgical treatment is over. Dur-ing cardiac rehabilitation, patients learn about their heart problem and how to manage it by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Patients are encouraged to:

exercise. Exercise can tone your muscles and improve your energy level, allowing you to return to work and other activities faster.

eat a healthy diet. This is especially important if you need to lower your choles-terol, lose some weight, control your blood pressure and manage other problems, such as diabetes.

Quit smoking (if you smoke). Kicking the habit reduces your risk for a future heart attack or stroke.

deal with stress. You can learn to manage stress instead of letting it man-age you.

For more information on the cardiac rehabilitation program at MidMichigan Medical Center–Gladwin, call (989) 246-9416.

Rehabilitation helps restore strength to heart, lungs, body

Pulmonary rehab also available in gladwin MidMichigan Medical Center– Gladwin now offers a pulmonary reha-bilitation program for patients living with pulmonary disease.

what is pulmonary rehabilitation? Pulmonary rehabilitation utilizes a phy-sician-directed multidisciplinary team approach with one common goal—to improve the lifestyle of people with chronic lung diseases. This program consists of eight to twelve weeks of one-on-one per-sonalized therapy and combines exercise and endurance training with educational programs.

how does it help? Pulmonary rehabili-tation cannot cure lung disease, but it can help reduce the physical and emotional effects of the disease and has been shown to reduce the number and length of hos-pitalizations. Patients also enjoy socializa-tion and gain support from other people having similar lung conditions.

If you would like to learn more about this program available at MidMichigan Medical–Center Gladwin, please call (989) 246-9421.

Prevent colon cancer with regular screeningsWhile the exact cause of colon cancer remains unknown, the disease appears to be influenced by both inherited and lifestyle factors.

The first factor is age. Although colon cancer can strike at any age, 90 percent of new cases are seen in people older than 50. Those who have a personal or family history of bowel disease have a higher risk for developing the disease.

your lifestyle, your risk People who have diets high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables may increase their risk for colon cancer. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, sedentary lifestyle and obesity can also increase the risk.

While genetic factors may contribute

to a person’s risk for colon cancer, dietary and other lifestyle factors may determine who actually develops the disease. Still, 75 percent of all colon cancer cases oc-cur in people with no known medical risk factors.

Colon cancer is one of the most fre-quently diagnosed cancers in the U.S., but it is unique because it is preventable with early detection. Colon cancer usu-ally grows slowly, and the first develop-ment is often a tiny precancerous polyp or lesion. A person with a lesion or polyp may not feel it, but these polyps can grow with time and develop into cancer. Once polyps become cancerous, a person may begin to experience symptoms. Symptoms of colon cancer may vary from person to

person, or there may be no signs at all, which is why it’s so important to have routine colon cancer screenings if you are older than 50.

the symptoms If you experience these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that you have colon cancer; they are simply the most common. ● Pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen ● Anemia ● Blood in the stool ● Change in bowel habits ● Obstructive symptoms ● Rectal bleeding ● Weakness ● Weight loss

If you experience any of these signs, discuss them with your physician.

Since polyps in the colon can develop into cancer, it is essential that they are de-tected early and removed. This can happen

with routine examination.A colonoscopy is a routine, safe, and

effective outpatient procedure done using a flexible scope to examine the full lining of the colon and rectum to see if there are any problems.

other screening methods Currently, a colonoscopy is one of the most com-prehensive and reliable screening methods for colon cancer. While no method replaces another, the follow-ing screening procedures are all tools your health care provider could use to detect the early signs of colon cancer: ● Sigmoidoscopy ● Fecal occult blood test ● Double contrast barium enema

If you are over 50, talk to your health care provider about colon cancer. He or she knows you and your health well enough to answer your questions.


the MAgiC oF the holidays brings out the giving spirit in all of us. One example is the generous support the community has shown for MidMichigan’s holiday giving programs. If you are looking for a unique gift this holiday season, consider a donation to the Love Light Trees or Lights of Love programs at one of MidMichigan’s four Medical Centers.


midmiChigaN mediCal CeNter–gladwiN Under the guidance of program chairs Patricia Allen and Mary Ann Sherwood, proceeds from this year’s Love Light Trees program will support the purchase of a bariatric transfer chair. Monday, December 3, will mark the tree-lighting ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. in the dining room of the Gladwin Pines Nursing Home.

midmiChigaN mediCal CeNter–Clare Co- chairing this year’s Love Light Trees are Elmer Shurlow, D.O., and Wendy Bicknell. Money raised from the program will be applied toward a nurse call system for the new operating room expansion. The call system allows staff members to reach each other and attend to their patients from anywhere in the operating room. Clare’s Love Light Trees campaign will culminate with a lighting ceremony on Tuesday, December 4, at 7 p.m. at the entrance of the Medical Center.

midmiChigaN mediCal CeNter–midlaNd This year the Medical Center will be celebrating the 26th an-niversary of its Love Light Trees with donations directed toward technology not found anywhere else in the region. The GeneXpert® system is a molecular testing system that gives quick, accurate results, enabling physicians to make a diagnosis within hours instead of weeks.



gratiot mediCal CeNter The Gratiot Medical Center Auxiliary is pleased to announce that the Lights of Love celebration will continue even during the build-ing construction. This year’s celebration is Thursday, December 13, at the Medical Center.

Lights of Love will begin with a gathering in the main lobby and then move outside for the annual tree-light-ing ceremony at 7 p.m., followed by a slide show in the cafeteria of those for whom tributes were made. Money raised from the event will go toward the Medical Center’s current building project.


G i v i n G



2007 MIdMICHIGan HEaLTH boaRd oF dIRECToRS Robert Stafford, Chair • W. Lynn Weimer, Vice Chair • Gregory Bercher, M.D. • Jerry Brandt • Nancy Gallagher • Lori Gwizdala • William Heinze • William Henderson • J. Christopher Hough, M.D. • Karen Langeland • Peg Mier • Terence F. Moore, President • Mary Neely • Ed Rogers • William Schmidt • Jerry Skocelas • Daniel Sorenson, M.D.

EdIToRIaL boaRd Donna Rapp, Senior Vice President • Millie Jezior, Editor • Angela Nader, Production Assistant • Penny Daniels • Warren Johnson • Christie Kanitz • Stephanie Leibfritz, R.N. • Megan McHenry • Cal McIntosh • Carlene Skorczewski • Bernadette Stocking • Matt Streitmatter • Caroline Kramer, M.D., Ph.D., Physician Advisor


$25 $50 $100 $250

other

to love light trees/lights of love at: MidMichigan Medical Center–Gladwin


bariatric transfer chair MidMichigan Medical Center–Clare

703 n. McEwan St., Clare, MI 48617

nurse call system

MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland

4005 orchard drive, Midland, MI 48670



300 E. Warwick drive, alma, MI 48801

building project

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address ________________________________

_______________________________________

City ___________________________________

State __________ ZIP ___________________

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E-mail _________________________________

In honor of _____________________________

In memory of ___________________________

Please notify the following of my tribute:name __________________________________

address ________________________________

_______________________________________

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$ _________________________________________



Gratiot Medical Center auxiliary)


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Expiration date _________________________

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dollar amount to be charged: $ ______________




Jack Randall, 65, of Mills, received the first-ever open heart surgery at MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland on August 8.


6 STARSINTHEGARDENS HONOR YOUR LOVED ONES WWW.MIDMICHIGAN.ORG


HONOR YOUR LOVED ONES







HEALTH NEWS FOR RESIDENTS OF GRATIOT AND MONTCALM COUNTIES


I“I cheated and jumped to the head of the line.” Th at’s how Jack Randall, 65, of Mills, explained receiving the fi rst-ever open heart surgery at MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland on August 8. But Jack didn’t cheat. He was just in the right place at the right time.

The retired bricklayer and his wife of 23 years, Christine, were about to continue a yearly tradition he started in 1954: camping at the Midland County Fair. Aft er the fair, Jack would return to their house in the country and fi nish putting in a tri-level backyard water garden, start building a chicken coop, then split and stack enough wood to heat his home this winter. “I thought about going back to work just to get a rest,” he says.

not CHest pAin, JUst FeeLings oF pAniC For about two weeks, Jack had been experiencing unusual symptoms. “I had unexplained feelings of panic,” he says.


Jack was active, ate right and didn’t smoke, but his fa-ther had died from a heart condition at age 66, so Jack had a signifi cant risk factor for heart disease. Jack’s primary care physician, Rebecca Phillips, M.D., referred him to cardiovascular services at the Medical Center in Midland for a stress test and a portable event recorder.

Th e small recorder was attached by wires to electrodes taped onto Jack’s chest. Whenever he had symptoms, he could push a button and record his heart rhythms. Over-night on August 6, Jack recorded four “events,” but woke up feeling normal. Aft er breakfast, he started to work in the yard and almost didn’t bother downloading the data by phone to MidMichigan. Fortunately, he made the call.


MidMichigan team performs its � rst open heart surgery

GRATIoT BARIATRIC TREATMENT Center, a program of Gratiot Medical Center and Great Lakes Surgical Associates in Alma, has been named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the Surgi-cal Review Corporation (SRC). Th e Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demon-strated track record of positive patient outcomes.

Th e benefi ts of being a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence include:l Patient safety and advocacy promotion. By providing comprehensive services to its patients, and by perform-ing data tracking and analysis, the Center of Excellence program promotes patient safety.l Recognition as a top-performing center. In becoming a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, the program has held itself up to the highest standards in the industry. Th e designation is indicative of the Center’s comprehensive commitment to a high level of bariatric care.

Great Lakes Surgical Associates has performed many bariatric surgeries—98 percent of them laparoscopically. Th is includes Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgeries, as well as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery (Lap-Band).

Th e surgeons are supported by a skilled team of profes-sionals, including primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and other physician specialists, nurses, registered dieti-tians, psychologists, exercise specialists and a bariatric coordinator. Th is team approach provides each patient with the comprehensive pre- and postsurgical support needed for success. Not all surgeons at Gratiot Medical Center are members of the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.

GRATIOTMEDICALCENTER

High-quality bariatric careright

place at the right time

the

Physical balance is a key to leading a healthy life. Balance problems disrupt daily tasks, cause an increased risk for falls, shorten attention spans, disrupt normal sleep patterns and cause excessive fatigue.

About one third of people age 65 and older report difficulty with dizziness or balance at one time or another. Balance problems that result in a fall are the lead-ing cause of injuries for this age group.

When balance problems or dizzy spells begin to affect your daily life, you may need help. Advanced treatment is now available at Gratiot Medical Center in Alma.

The Balance Center is staffed by medical

There are many departments in a hospital laboratory. One of these departments is histology, which is the study of the micro-scopic structure of tissues.

In histology, a pathologist attempts to identify the cause and consequences of disease by examining surgically collected tissue samples with a powerful microscope to identify changes in tissue and organs. It is the best way to diagnose the type of disease, to provide a prognosis on the likely progression of the disease and to determine

The four-story patient care tower is on schedule to open in the summer of 2008. The brick and mortar is finished, and the interior work will continue throughout the fall and winter months.

Upon completion of the tower, patients’ experiences will be greatly enhanced by a facility that promotes privacy through private rooms with a family visiting area.

For more than half a century, Gratiot Medical Center has consistently tailored its health care services to meet the specific needs of the communities it serves. The story of Gratiot Medical Center is the story of true community—people committing their time, talent and resources to build a wonderful community asset that ensures a healthy future for our families.

Kresge challenge grant received Gra-tiot Medical Center received a $100,000 challenge grant from The Kresge Foun-dation after raising more than $3.5 mil-lion in their Yours for Life, Building on

Regain balance in your lifeprofessionals trained in the evaluation and treatment of balance disorders. The Center has recently purchased SMART EquiTest® from NeuroCom. With this specialized equipment, you receive a complete and thorough evaluation. The multidisciplinary team—a board-certified neurologist, a physical therapist and an occupational therapist—works together to determine treatment plans focused on improving your function level while decreasing the symptoms of the balance disorder.

How it works The SMART EquiTest® uses dynamic test conditions to reflect the

challenges of daily life.The interactive technology of the

SMART EquiTest® equipment allows the therapists and physician to manipulate sensory and visual information. The pre-cise test data accurately identifies sensory


Growing to meet the needs of our community

Tradition fund drive. This is the broadest community outreach in the history of the Medical Center.

“We have had extraordinary support from our board of trustees, medical staff, employees, volunteers, area foundations and the community,” says Scott Currie, interim president and CEO of Gratiot Medical Center. “Our community met this challenge with enthusiasm and sup-port of the Medical Center. Gifts from our community have always played an essential role in making sure we have state-of-the-art, quality medical care close to home.”

Gratiot Medical Center offers latest in breast cancer detectionwhat is likely to be the most effective treat-ment regimen.

A cancer breakthrough One of the latest technological advancements in histology is in the examination of breast tissue for the treatment of cancer. “Abnormal proteins are present in cancerous breast tissue,” says Maged Hanna, M.D., pathologist at Gratiot Medical Center. “Not all cancers respond to treatment in the same way. A chemo-therapy agent that may be very effective

in the treatment of one type of cancer may not be effective in another type.”

To aid in the development of a treat-ment regimen most likely to be effective for the patient, specific antibodies have been developed for many types of abnormal proteins found in cancerous tissues. If the antigen in the abnormal protein and the antibody developed for that protein match, the antibody will become attached.

Following some further chemical reac-tions and upon microscopic examination,

the pathologist will provide the oncologist with valuable information concerning treatment of the patient’s specific cancer.

The histology department at Gratiot Medical Center currently has nine regular histochemical stains and 27 immunohisto-chemical stains available. These stains are used in developing treatment regimens to provide the best possible outcome for our patients with cancer.

You can read more about the Gratiot Medical Center pathology team on page 7.

and motor impairments, and enhances the ability to diagnose problems, especially for patients who previously proved difficult to diagnose.

For more information about the SMART EquiTest®, call (989) 466-3275.

Could you have a balance disorder?Are you headed for a fall? If you answer yes to one or more of the following questions, you may be at risk. 1 Do you feel dizzy or unsteady if you make sudden changes in movement?2 Do you have difficulty sitting down or rising from a seated or lying position?

3 Have you fallen in the past year?4 Have you tried other programs and treatments for balance problems with-out success?5 Have you experienced a stroke or other neurological problem that may have affected your balance?


The eighth annual “Best Employers for Workers Over 50” award recognizes companies and organizations for their practices and policies that value the ma-ture worker and demonstrate workplace innovation. Companies were evaluated for a wide range of workplace practices, including recruitment, continuing op-portunities for advancement, flexible work schedules, and benefits for current and retired employees.

“We recognize that our mature workers and retirees bring a knowledge base that is valuable to not only our own organization but all of the communities we serve,” says Terence F. Moore, president of MidMichi-gan Health. “It is our goal to continue to bring mutually beneficial opportunities to create and retain this workforce.”

In earning this award, MidMichigan has

been recognized for its recruitment, work-place culture, flexible schedule, continued opportunities, benefits and opportunities for retirees.

MidMichigan provides a number of opportunities for career development and advancement, including promotions, scholarships and tuition reimbursement. Also recognized is MidMichigan’s retiree/rehire program, which allows all MidMich-igan retirees to leave the health system for six months and then return to work for an 800-hour annual (maximum) schedule while still collecting retirement.

“Our retiree/rehire initiative allows re-tirees the chance to return to the workplace on a flexible schedule. The program has proven successful and is quite popular,” says Lynn Bruchhof, vice president of hu-man resources for MidMichigan Health. “In fact, 21 percent of our 2006 retirees have returned to work in 2007 as a result of this program. This is in addition to the number of employees who have returned as volunteers within the health system. Of MidMichigan’s nearly 4,754 employees throughout the 15 affiliate systems, 29 per-cent are age 50 or older.”









health.





6–8 p.m.






















presented.




sored by the American Cancer Society.

Participants learn how to manage skin

changes or hair loss by using cosmetics

and skin care products donated by the

cosmetic industry.

n Wednesday, March 12

2–4 p.m.

MidMichigan Gratiot Cancer Center

diaBetes education








with a certifi ed diabetes educator to help



taste-testing of new foods.


12 and 19, 3:30–5 p.m.









highlight laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric

bypass and Lap-Band surgical options.






Court St.



Community Room





Lucynda Killian will discuss arthritis,

one of the oldest diseases known and

the world’s leading health complaint. They

will share information on joint protection

and proper exercise. They will also demon-

strate assistive devices that make living

with arthritis easier.










Nov.Dec.Jan.HealtH

Paths to good










consistently, stress can escalate

and make us vulnerable to physical

and emotional ailments, which may

include an increased risk for heart

attacks. Join us to learn the physical

effects that stress can produce and a

variety of coping strategies designed

to help regain a healthier balance in

your life.

Learn how to:


losing your cool

n Manage self-induced stress triggers

n Overcome the physical symptoms

of stress
















Childbirth RefresherHaving a baby is challenging work. Our

special, two-hour refresher course and

tour for couples reviews the childbirth

experience and offers some practice with

breathing techniques.

n Wednesdays, Dec. 5 or Jan. 23

7–9 p.m.

Gratiot Medical Center, OB Conference

Room

$10 per couple














Wednesday, Feb. 27

6:30–8:30 p.m.


Orchard Auditorium


Breastfeeding: Healthy Beginnings Topics discussed include breast changes,

milk production, positioning and feeding

frequency, and problem solving. Partici-

pants will also learn hints for adjusting to

time away from the baby, returning to work

and weaning options.

n Wednesdays, Jan. 16 or Feb. 20

7–9 p.m.


Room

CPRThree types of American Heart Associa-

tion CPR classes will be offered: BLS for

Healthcare Providers (CPR and choking

for adults, children and infants), Heart-

saver CPR for Adults (CPR and choking for

adults), and CPR for Family and Friends

(noncertified adult CPR; no completion card

issued). Fees charged for these courses

do not represent income to the American

Heart Association.

n Thursday, Jan. 24, 6:30–10:30 p.m.

Gratiot Medical Center, Conference

Room F-8

Lactation SupportBreastfeeding is a learned art. It gener-

ally takes you and your infant about two

weeks to become a breastfeeding team.

For help with successful breastfeeding,

call (989) 466-3204 for a brochure or to

talk with our certified lactation specialist.













complications.












to welcome a new baby into the family. Ac-

tivities concerning feelings and the expect-





n Tuesdays, Dec. 4 or Jan. 22, 6–7 p.m.


Room


9:30–11:30 a.m.


Orchard Auditorium

Paths to good
















how to stretch and exercise in this Arthri-

tis Foundation-certified program. Classes


n Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 8 to 31,

2:15–3 p.m.


Park–Mt. Pleasant

$40 per person


Center laboratories off er excellent service that extends beyond the face-to-face con-tact with our staff .

Th e service begins with an order from your physician and continues as your specimen comes into the laboratory and is tested by a registered medical laboratory technologist or technician. Th e goal of each laboratory team member is to maintain

Laboratory testing is an important part of health care, with lab results oft en being the largest part of a patient’s medical record.

What is laboratory testing? A labora-tory test is a medical procedure in which a sample of blood, urine or other tissues or substances in the body are checked for certain features.

Why are lab tests done? Lab tests are generally done for one of the following reasons:

To fi nd the cause of symptomsTo help establish a diagnosisTo screen for disease or risk for

diseaseTo help rule out a disease or conditionTo identify the severity of a diseaseTo monitor the progression of disease,

organ function or response to treatmentWhat factors may affect test results?

Many factors (including the patient’s sex, age, race, medical history and general health) can aff ect test results. Your health care professional will discuss any signifi -cant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and medical history.

the laboratory process Whether your laboratory need is for a monthly blood test, an annual cholesterol check or other specifi c type of testing, Gratiot Medical

●●●

●●●

gabriel Almeida, m.d., completed his pathology residency at Hurley Hospital in Flint. He is board-certified by the American Board of Pathology, Anatomic and Clinical Pathology.

maged Hanna, m.d., completed his pathology residencies at Conemaugh Memorial Hospital in Johnston, Pennsyl-vania, and Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. He completed his hematopa-thology fellowship at Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Hanna is board-certifi ed by the American Board of Pathology and board eligible in hematopathology.

Maged Hanna, M.D.

Meet the pathologists at Gratiot

Gabriel Almeida, M.D.

high quality, minimize errors and handle all specimens with care.

If laboratory tests may diagnose a dis-ease or otherwise aff ect your life, most people want to know the results right away. “Th e vast majority of our laboratory work is processed by our own technologists in our Gratiot Medical Center laboratory under the direction of the physician pathologists on our medical staff ,” says Larry Lashuay, labo-ratory manager. “However, there are some tests that—due to their complexity—we choose to send out to a lab that specializes in this type of analysis and reporting.”

Results for the majority of tests ordered by your physician are available to your physician within 24 hours. Some tests (such as cultures) may take up to 72 hours before fi nal results are sent to your physi-cian. For example, a positive culture may be reported as soon as growth is observed; however, a negative culture can only be re-ported if no growth is seen aft er 72 hours of incubation. For specimens requiring reference laboratory testing, the fi nal re-sults may take a week or longer.

For information on laboratory sites off ered through Gratiot Medical Cen-

ter, contact MidMichigan Health Line toll-free at (800) 999-3199.

Welcome, Dr. Slominismary slominis, m.d., a family practice

physician, has re-cently joined the active medical staff at Gratiot Medical Center. She com-pleted her residency at Sparrow/Michi-gan State Univer-sity Department of Family Medicine.

Dr. Slominis is welcoming new patients in Mt. Pleasant. To schedule an appointment, call (989) 775-7641.

It wasn’t the slice of a scalpel, but the swoop of an 80-foot crane that propelled Midland, Michigan, to the global forefront of brain surgery this fall. Th at crane was used to lower a 20-ton Gamma Knife® Perfexion™ machine into its suite at Mid-Michigan Medical Center–Midland.

Th e most precise option available for treating brain tumors and other abnor-malities in the brain, Perfexion off ers new hope for patients with conditions that are otherwise inoperable. MidMichigan is one of the fi rst 10 hospitals in the world and the only one in Michigan to have this technology.

Th e biggest challenge of treating a tu-mor or other abnormality in the brain has


always been reaching it without damaging other tissues or vital structures. Th e Gamma Knife Perfexion solves that problem by coming at it from a diff erent angle—192 diff erent angles, to be exact.

Th at’s how many individual beams of cobalt radiation are targeted at the lesion. Because each low-dose beam emanates from a diff erent angle, it travels harmlessly through healthy tissue. Yet the beams con-verge precisely and in high doses to destroy or deactivate the lesion.

How does it compare with alternatives? Less risk and recovery time. With no in-cision, there is no scar, no need to shave the head and virtually no risk of bleeding

or infection. While craniotomy requires three to fi ve days in the hospital followed by two to four weeks of recovery, Gamma Knife patients go home the same day and typically resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.


Faster, safer, more comfortable. Th e Perfexion benefi ts patients through faster treatment times and 10 times the radiation protection of other methods. An open confi guration accommodates larger people and those with claustrophobia.

Greater reach. The Gamma Knife Perfexion can reach anywhere inside the head, and as low as C7 on the cervical spine, expanding the number of patients who can benefi t.

To fi nd out whether Gamma Knife treatment is appropriate for you, call the Gamma Knife coordinator at MidMichi-gan Medical Center–Midland toll-free at 1-866-MI-GAMMA (1-866-644-2662) or visit www.midmichigan.org/gammaknife.

Gamma Knife Perfexion can treat...Benign and cancerous tumorsArteriovenous malformation, a tangle

of blood vessels that disrupts blood fl ow in the brain


■

■

■

Trigeminal neuralgia, a disorder of a cranial nerve resulting in stabbing pain that radiates to the mouth, cheek, fore-head, nose or other areas of the face. The exact cause is not fully understood.


■

Mary Slominis, M.D.

l a b o r at o ry t e s t i n G

Service excellence at Gratiot Medical Center

off ered through Gratiot Medical Cen-


THE MAGIC oF the holidays brings out the giving spirit in all of us. One example is the generous support the community has shown for MidMichigan’s holiday giving programs. If you are looking for a unique gift this holiday season, consider a donation to the Love Light Trees or Lights of Love programs at one of MidMichigan’s four Medical Centers.

Th ese programs not only provide much-needed equip-ment and support services to enhance patient care in your community, but they can also enable you to honor family and friends or to commemorate a special occasion. Recipients are notifi ed of your tribute, and donors play a special role in the holiday celebrations associated with these programs. Following is more information about this year’s events.

grAtiot mediCAL Center Th e Gratiot Medical Center Auxiliary is pleased to announce that the Lights of Love celebration will continue even during the building construction. Th is year’s celebration is Th ursday, Decem-ber 13, at the Medical Center. Lights of Love will begin with a gathering in the main lobby and then move outside for the annual tree-lighting ceremony at 7 p.m., followed by a slide show in the cafeteria of those for whom tributes were made. Money raised from the event will go toward the Medical Center’s current building project.

midmiCHigAn mediCAL Center–midLAnd Th is year the Medical Center will be celebrating the 26th an-niversary of its Love Light Trees with donations directed toward technology not found anywhere else in the region. Th e GeneXpert® System is a molecular testing system that gives quick, accurate results, enabling physicians to make a diagnosis within hours instead of weeks.


midmiCHigAn mediCAL Center–gLAdwin Under the guidance of program chairs Patricia Allen and Mary


Ann Sherwood, proceeds from this year’s Love Light Trees program will support the purchase of a bariatric transfer chair. Monday, December 3, will mark the tree-lighting ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. in the dining room of the Gladwin Pines Nursing Home.

midmiCHigAn mediCAL Center–CLAre Co-chairing this year’s Love Light Trees are Elmer Shurlow, D.O., and Wendy Bicknell. Money raised from the pro-gram will be applied toward a nurse call system for the new operating room expansion. Th e call system allows staff members to reach each other and attend to their patients from anywhere in the operating room. Clare’s Love Light Trees campaign will culminate with a light-ing ceremony on Tuesday, December 4, at 7 p.m. at the entrance of the Medical Center.


G i V i n G






$25 $50 $100 $250

Other

to love light trees/lights of love at: Gratiot Medical Center


Building project MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland





Bariatric transfer chairMidMichigan Medical Center–Clare


Nurse call system


Address ________________________________

_______________________________________

City ___________________________________

State __________ ZIP ___________________

Telephone ______________________________

E-mail _________________________________

In hon or of _____________________________

In mem o ry of ___________________________


Address ________________________________

_______________________________________

City ___________________________________

State __________ ZIP ___________________



$ _________________________________________






Acct. number ___________________________

Expiration date _________________________

Signature ______________________________





✃

Jack randall, 65, of Mills, received the first-ever open heart sur-gery at MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland on August 8.


6 STARSINTHEGARDEN HONOR YOUR LOVED ONES WWW.MIDMICHIGAN.ORG


HONOR YOUR LOVED ONES







HEALTH NEWS FOR RESIDENTS OF ISABELLA COUNTY


I“I cheated and jumped to the head of the line.” Th at’s how Jack Randall, 65, of Mills, explained receiving the fi rst-ever open heart surgery at MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland on August 8. But Jack didn’t cheat. He was just in the right place at the right time.

The retired bricklayer and his wife of 23 years, Christine, were about to continue a yearly tradition he started in 1954: camping at the Midland County Fair. Aft er the fair, Jack would return to their house in the country and fi nish putting in a tri-level backyard water garden, start building a chicken coop, then split and stack enough wood to heat his home this winter. “I thought about going back to work just to get a rest,” he says.

not Chest pain, JUst FeeLings oF paniC For about two weeks, Jack had been experiencing unusual symptoms. “I had unexplained feelings of panic,” he says.


Jack was active, ate right and didn’t smoke, but his fa-ther had died from a heart condition at age 66, so Jack had a signifi cant risk factor for heart disease. Jack’s primary care physician, Rebecca Phillips, M.D., referred him to cardiovascular services at the Medical Center in Midland for a stress test and a portable event recorder.

Th e small recorder was attached by wires to electrodes taped onto Jack’s chest. Whenever he had symptoms, he could push a button and record his heart rhythms. Over-night on August 6, Jack recorded four “events,” but woke up feeling normal. Aft er breakfast, he started to work in the yard and almost didn’t bother downloading the data by phone to MidMichigan. Fortunately, he made the call.


MidMichigan team performs its � rst open heart surgery

thorACIC AnD CArDIovAsCULAr surgeon Robert N. Jones, M.D., is now available to see patients in Mt. Pleasant.

Dr. Jones is board-certifi ed in surgery and thoracic surgery. He is director and primary surgeon for the open heart surgery program at MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland, as well as chief surgical offi cer at Michigan CardioVascular Institute. During the past 22 years, he has

performed more than 7,000 open heart operations and 3,000 other thoracic surgeries, with excellent outcome statistics.

Dr. Jones earned a medical de-gree from Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, in 1976. At Duke University Medical Center, Dur-ham, North Carolina, he completed an internship in general/thoracic surgery, a research fellowship in cardiac physiology and a fellowship

in cardiac surgery, and held several positions including chief resident in general/thoracic surgery. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Society of Th oracic Surgeons.

“For over 30 years, I have focused on thoracic and cardiovascular diseases and their surgical management. Th e problems with which people present in this fi eld of medicine are important to their well-being and are oft en emergent and sometimes life threatening,” says Dr. Jones. “I feel to bring such patients through these troubling problems requires not only certain medical and technical skills, but also an understanding of their spiritual well-being.”

Patients need a referral to see Dr. Jones. He also sees patients in Midland. Offi ce visits may be scheduled by calling (989) 54-3000 or toll-free (8) 25-6284 any-time between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

robert n. Jones, M.D.

CARDIOVASCULARSURGEON

now seeing patients in mt. pleasantright

place at the right time

the

Physical balance is a key to leading a healthy life. Balance problems disrupt daily tasks, cause an increased risk for falls, shorten attention spans, disrupt normal sleep patterns and cause exces-sive fatigue. Th ey may even aff ect quality of life. In fact, about a third of people age 65 and older report diffi culty with dizzi-ness or balance at one time or another. In addition, balance problems that result in a fall are the leading cause of injuries for this age group.

Many people will experience balance problems or dizzy spells, but when they be-gin to aff ect your daily life, you may need help. Advanced treatment is now available at Gratiot Medical Center in Alma.

Th e Balance Center is staff ed by medical professionals specially trained in the evalu-ation and treatment of balance disorders. Th e Center has recently purchased state-of-the-art equipment—SMART EquiTest®

gratiot growing to meet the needs of the community Th e four-story pa-tient care tower is on schedule to open in the summer of 2008. Th e brick and mortar is fi nished, and the interior work will continue throughout the fall and winter months.

Upon completion of the tower, patients’ experiences will be greatly enhanced by a facility that promotes privacy through private rooms with a family visiting area.

Clare surgical suite expansion on track Th e expansion and renovation at MidMichigan Medical Center–Clare will add 12,000 square feet to the west side of the main facility, located at 703 N. McEwan in downtown Clare. In addition, 2,500 square

For many Americans, especially those living in the northern part of the coun-try, the winter months bring more than cooler temperatures and holidays. Th ey may usher in a particular type of depres-sion called seasonal aff ective disorder, or SAD.

Symptoms of SAD may include a marked lack of energy, decreased interest in work, hobbies and social interaction, in-creased appetite with a particular craving for carbohydrates, and weight gain.

Timing is what sets SAD apart from other types of depression. “If a person’s symptoms follow the seasons—if they begin feeling depressed in late fall and winter and see the symptoms disappear when spring arrives, they may be suff ering from seasonal aff ective disorder,” says fam-ily practice physician Jeff Striebel, D.O., of MidMichigan Health Park–Mt. Pleasant.

treatment can help “SAD is not just a bad case of the winter blues. It is a treatable illness,” says Dr. Striebel. “If symptoms are aff ecting a person’s work or relationships, they need to talk to their doctor about treatment.”

No one knows exactly what causes SAD. Some think that reduced sunlight disrupts the circadian rhythms that regu-late sleep/wake cycles. Some researchers think light-sensitive hormones may be the culprit.

“Regardless of the cause, SAD can be treated,” says family practitioner Terry Ball, D.O., of Gratiot Health Partners.

Regain balance in your lifefrom NeuroCom. With this specialized equipment, you receive a complete and thorough evaluation. Th e multidisciplinary team—a board-certifi ed neurologist, a physical therapist and an occupational therapist—work together to determine treatment plans focused on improving your function level while decreasing the symptoms of the balance disorder.

how it works Th e SMART EquiTest® provides an objective assessment of balance control and postural stability under dynamic test conditions to refl ect the challenges of daily life. Th e SMART EquiTest® includes a full battery of tests and utilizes moveable visual surround-ings and a dynamic 18-by-18-inch dual force plate with rotation and translation capabilities to measure the vertical forces exerted by the patient’s feet.

The interactive technology of the

SMART EquiTest® equipment allows the therapists and physician to objectively and systematically manipulate sensory and visual information. Th e precise test data accurately identifi es and diff erentiates un-derlying sensory and motor impairments, and enhances the ability to diagnose and treat problems of imbalance and instabil-ity, especially for those patients who previ-ously proved diffi cult to diagnose.

“I have been working with patients ex-periencing balance problems for more than 12 years,” says Dawn Wiley, occupational

feet of existing space will be renovated. Th e area will house new operating rooms, a pa-tient waiting area and technology to support surgery. Construction began in August and is scheduled for completion by next fall.

For construction updates at MidMichi-gan facilities, visit www.midmichigan.org/construction.

SAD—when it’s more than just the winter blues

“Light therapy has been used success-fully for the last 25 years. It’s simple, easy to use and relieves symptoms of SAD for most people.”

Light therapy uses special fl uorescent bulbs that mimic sunlight. With light therapy, the person sits a few feet from the light box or lamp, face exposed and eyes open but not looking directly at the light, for 30 to 60 minutes a day. “Light therapy should be done early in the morning, and needs to continue all winter, even aft er symptoms subside,” Dr. Ball says. “If light therapy alone does not help, people should talk to their doctor about medication and perhaps counseling. Th e important thing is to seek treatment. Life is too good to feel sad.”

Light boxes for seasonal aff ective dis-order therapy can be purchased over the counter. However, talk to your doctor fi rst to make sure you know how to use the equipment, and to make sure it is an appropriate therapy for you.

c o n S t rU c t i o n U P dat e S

We’re building for the future

therapist at Gratiot Medical Center. “Th e SMART EquiTest® equipment at Gratiot Medical Center is restoring quality of life to patients who have been suff ering with balance and/or dizziness problems for years.”

If you would like more information about MidMichigan’s rehabilitation services for people who have fallen or who have balance diffi culties, contact

MidMichigan Health Line at (989) 5-1650 or toll-free (800) 999-3199.

Could you have a balance disorder?Are you headed for a fall? If you answer yes to one or more of the following questions, you may be at risk.1 Do you feel dizzy or unsteady if you make sudden changes in movement?

__ Yes __ no2 Do you have diffi culty sitting down or rising from a seated or lying position?

__ Yes __ no

3 have you fallen in the past year?__ Yes __ no

4 have you tried other programs and treatments for balance problems with-out success? __ Yes __ no 5 have you experienced a stroke or other neurological problem that may have affected your balance?

__ Yes __ no

who have balance diffi culties, contact

MidMichigan Health has once again been named one of America’s best employers for mature workers, according to the AARP’s annual survey of “Best Employers for Workers Over 50.” MidMichigan ranked 11th among the 50 companies listed.

Th e eighth annual “Best Employers for Workers Over 50” award recognizes companies and organizations for a wide range of workplace practices, including recruitment, continuing opportunities

for advancement, fl exible work sched-ules, and benefi ts for current and retired employees.

“We recognize that our mature workers and retirees bring a knowledge base that is valuable to not only our own organization but all of the communities we serve,” says Terence F. Moore, president of MidMichi-gan Health. “It is our goal to continue to bring mutually benefi cial opportunities to create and retain this workforce.”

a M e r i c a’ S B e S t e M P l oY e r S

MidMichigan ranks th for workers over





designed to help individuals prepare

for the holidays, MidMichigan Home

Care professionals will provide fami

lies and individuals with information

to help them handle the holidays

this year.




Don’t Wait: Get the Beat on Controlling StressIn today’s fastpaced world, it is hard






pressures around us can be consum


consistently, stress can escalate and

make us vulnerable to physical and

emotional ailments, which may include

an increased risk for heart attacks.

Join us to learn the physical effects

that stress can produce and a variety

of coping strategies designed to help

regain a healthier balance in your life.

Learn how to:


losing your cool

n Manage selfinduced stress triggers

n Overcome the physical symptoms of

stress



















presented.

diaBetes education

Pre-Diabetes Class:Reduce Your Diabetes RiskBeing overweight or inactive, or having a




threeweek weight management and activity



with a certifi ed diabetes educator to help



tastetesting of new foods.


12 and 19, 3:30–5 p.m.






Lucynda Killian will discuss arthritis, one

of the oldest diseases known and the

world’s leading health complaint. They

will share information on joint protec

tion and proper exercise. They will also

demonstrate assistive devices that make

living with arthritis easier.





and hair changes caused by cancer treat

ment leads these free sessions, spon



skin changes or hair loss by using cosmet

ics and skin care products. Registration is

required.

Mondays, Dec. 10 or Feb. 11, 2–4 p.m.


Bay City

n MidMichigan Medical Offi ces–Gladwin,




Education Room






health.





6–8 p.m.










Bariatric Surgery: Is It for Me?Learn about laparoscopic weightloss




highlight laparoscopic RouxenY gastric

bypass and LapBand surgical options.






Court St.



Community Room









Nov.Dec.Jan.HealtH

Paths to good





encouraging lifestyle changes and early detection methods that can ensure contin











children (1 to 8 years). Taught by certi


information about the American Heart As


of choking in infants and children, preven






Wednesday, Feb. 27

6:30–8:30 p.m.


Orchard Auditorium



milk production, positioning, feeding fre

quency and problemsolving. Participants





series is offered monthly. Choose the loca







lifestyle habits, thus avoiding longterm

complications.






by insurance with a referral from a physi




Paths to good



weaning options.


6:30–8:30 p.m.



Education Room

$25 per couple

n Wednesdays, Jan. 16 or Feb. 20

7–9 p.m.


Room


to welcome a new baby into the family. Ac

tivities concerning feelings and the expect





Class size is limited. Please call to register.

n Tuesdays, Dec. 4 or Jan. 22, 6–7 p.m.,


Room


9:30–11:30 a.m., MidMichigan Medical

Center–Midland, Orchard Auditorium





Stretch and StrollStart a lifetime of fitness for you

and your baby. Your body has special

needs after delivery, and since your

time and attention is spent caring for

your baby you may be struggling to fit

in regular workouts. MidMichigan has

a solution for you! Bring your baby to

Midland Mall and have fun connecting

with other moms while interacting with

your baby and becoming “mommy

fit” for the stroller years. Taught

by exercise specialists, classes are held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays,

Thursdays and Saturdays. You can bring your own stroller, or borrow one of ours!

Classes are free.


hospital practices, and the most upto






Osteoporosis Exercise Class: Level 1This is a firstlevel osteoporosis prevention




improve balance.




$40 per person



how to stretch and exercise in this Arthri

tis Foundationcertified program. Classes


n Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 8 to 31,

2:15–3 p.m.


Park–Mt. Pleasant

$40 per person




Welcome, Dr. Slominis!Mary Slominis, M.D., a family practice

physician, has re-cently joined the active medical staff at Gratiot Medi-cal Center. She c o m p l e t e d h e r residency at Spar-row/Michigan State University Depart-ment of Family Medicine. Dr. Slo-

minis is welcoming new patients in Mt. Pleasant.

Laboratory testing continues to be an important part of health care, with lab results often being the largest part of a patient’s medical record.

What is laboratory testing? A labora-tory test is a medical procedure in which a sample of blood, urine or other tissues or substances in the body are checked for certain features.

Lab tests are generally done for one of the following reasons:

To find the cause of symptomsTo help establish a diagnosisTo screen for disease or risk for diseaseTo help rule out a disease or condition

●●●●

Mary slominis, M.D.

Get excellent service at MidMichigan laboratories

To identify the severity of a diseaseTo monitor the progression of disease,

organ function or response to treatmentWhat factors may affect test results?

Many factors (including the patient’s sex, age, race, medical history and general health) can affect test results. Your health care professional will discuss any signifi-cant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and medical history.

the laboratory process Whether your laboratory need is for a monthly blood test, an annual cholesterol check or other specific type of testing, the laboratories of

●●

It wasn’t the slice of a scalpel, but the swoop of an 80-foot crane that propelled Midland, Michigan, to the global forefront of brain surgery this fall. That crane was used to lower a 20-ton Gamma Knife® Perfexion™ machine into its suite at Mid-Michigan Medical Center–Midland.

The most precise option available for


treating brain tumors and other abnormali-ties in the brain, Perfexion offers new hope for patients with conditions that are other-wise inoperable. MidMichigan is one of the first 10 hospitals in the world and the only one in Michigan to have this technology, which is globally recognized as the gold stan-dard in minimally invasive neurosurgery.

The biggest challenge of treating a tu-mor or other abnormality in the brain has always been reaching it without damaging other tissues or vital structures. The Gamma Knife Perfexion solves that problem by coming at it from a different angle—192 different angles, to be exact.

That’s how many individual beams of cobalt radiation are targeted at the lesion. Because each low-dose beam emanates from a different angle, it travels harmlessly through healthy tissue. Yet the beams con-verge precisely and in high doses to destroy or deactivate the lesion.

how does it compare with alternatives? Less risk and recovery time. With no incision, there is no scar, no need to shave the head and virtually no risk of bleeding or infection. While craniotomy requires

three to five days in the hospital followed by two to four weeks of recovery, Gamma Knife patients go home the same day and typically resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.

Unmatched precision. Other devices may require multiple treatment sessions over a period of weeks to achieve the same results that Gamma Knife can achieve in a single outpatient visit.


Greater reach. The Gamma Knife Perfexion can reach anywhere inside the head, and as low as C7 on the cervical spine, expanding the number of patients who can benefit.

To find out whether Gamma Knife treat-ment is appropriate for you, call toll-free 1-866-MI-GAMMA (1-866-644-2662) or visit www.midmichigan.org/gammaknife.

Benign and cancerous tumorsArteriovenous malformation, a tangle



■

■

■

trigeminal neuralgia, a disorder of a cranial nerve resulting in stabbing pain that radiates to the mouth, cheek, fore-head, nose or other areas of the face. the exact cause is not fully understood.

research that may enable treatment of epilepsy and other conditions using the Perfexion machine is also under way.

■

Gratiot Medical Center and MidMichigan Health Park–Mt. Pleasant offer excellent service that extends beyond the face-to-face contact with our staff.

The service begins with an order from your physician and continues as your specimen comes into the laboratory and is tested by a registered medical laboratory technologist or technician. The goal of each laboratory team member is to maintain high quality, minimize errors and handle all specimens with care.

Results for the majority of tests ordered by your physician are available to your phy-sician within 24 hours. Some tests (such as cultures) may take up to 72 hours before final results are sent to your physician. For specimens requiring reference laboratory testing, the final results may take a week or longer.

Lab servicesServicesinMt.Pleasant:n MidMichigan health Park– Mt. Pleasant, 4851 E. Pickard st. Monday–friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (989)775-1641

ServicesinAlma:n Crapo Professional Building, 211 s. Crapo st., suite n, Mt. Pleasant (989)772-7660n Gratiot Medical Center, Annex Building, 300 E. Warwick Drive, Alma (989)466-7233n Gratiot Medical Center outpatient Laboratory, 300 E. Warwick Drive, Alma(989)463-1101,ext.4414n Montcalm health services, 1021 E. Main st., Edmore(989)427-0109

Gamma Knife Perfexion can treat…

GrAtIot BArIAtrIC trEAtMEnt Center, a program of Gratiot Medical Cen-ter and Great Lakes Surgical Associates in Alma, has been named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American So-ciety for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the Surgical Review Cor-poration (SRC). The Center of Excellence


High-quality bariatric caredesignation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of posi-tive patient outcomes.

The benefits of being a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence include:l Patient safety and advocacy promotion. By providing comprehensive services to its patients, and by performing data tracking

and analysis, the Center of Excellence program promotes patient safety.l recognition as a top-performing center. In becoming a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, the program has held itself up to the highest standards in the industry. The designation is indica-

tive of the Center’s comprehensive commit-ment to a high level of bariatric care.

Great Lakes Surgical Associates has performed many bariatric surgeries—98 percent of them laparoscopically. This in-cludes Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgeries, as well as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery (Lap-Band).


Not all surgeons at Gratiot Medical Center are members of the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.


thE MAGIC of the holidays brings out the giving spirit in all of us. One example is the generous support the community has shown for MidMichigan’s holiday giving programs. If you are looking for a unique gift this holiday season, consider a donation to the Love Light Trees or Lights of Love programs at one of MidMichigan’s four Medical Centers.

Th ese programs not only provide much-needed equip-ment and support services to enhance patient care in your community, but they can also enable you to honor family and friends or to commemorate a special occasion. Recipients are notifi ed of your tribute and donors play a special role in the holiday celebrations associated with these programs. Following is more information about this year’s events.

gratiot mediCaL Center Th e Gratiot Medical Center Auxiliary is pleased to announce that the Lights of Love celebration will continue even during the building construction. Th is year’s celebration is Th ursday, Decem-ber 13, at the Medical Center. Lights of Love will begin with a gathering in the main lobby and then move outside for the annual tree-lighting ceremony at 7 p.m., followed by a slide show in the cafeteria of those for whom tributes were made. Money raised from the event will go toward the Medical Center’s current building project.

midmiChigan mediCaL Center–CLare Co-chairing this year’s Love Light Trees are Elmer Shurlow, D.O., and Wendy Bicknell. Money raised from the pro-gram will be applied toward a nurse call system for the new operating room expansion. Th e call system allows staff members to reach each other and attend to their patients from anywhere in the operating room. Clare’s Love Light Trees campaign will culminate with a light-ing ceremony on Tuesday, December 4, at 7 p.m. at the entrance of the Medical Center.

midmiChigan mediCaL Center–gLadwin Under the guidance of program chairs Patricia Allen and Mary Ann Sherwood, proceeds from this year’s Love Light


Trees program will support the purchase of a bariatric transfer chair. Monday, December 3, will mark the tree-lighting ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. in the dining room of the Gladwin Pines Nursing Home.

midmiChigan mediCaL Center–midLand Th is year the Medical Center will be celebrating the 26th an-niversary of its Love Light Trees with donations directed toward technology not found anywhere else in the region. Th e GeneXpert® System is a molecular testing system that gives quick, accurate results, enabling physicians to make a diagnosis within hours instead of weeks.



G i V i n G

TO YOUR HEALTH is published as a community service by MIDMICHIGAN HEALTH, 4005 Orchard Drive, Midland, MI 48670, (989) 8393000.





$25 $50 $100 $250

Other

to love light trees/lights of love at: Gratiot Medical Center


Building project MidMichigan Medical Center–Clare


Nurse call system



Bariatric transfer chair MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland




Address ________________________________

_______________________________________

City ___________________________________

State __________ ZIP ___________________

Telephone ______________________________

E-mail _________________________________

In hon or of _____________________________

In mem o ry of ___________________________


Address ________________________________

_______________________________________

City ___________________________________

State __________ ZIP ___________________



$ _________________________________________






Acct. number ___________________________

Expiration date _________________________

Signature ______________________________





✃

Jack Randall, 65, of Mills, received the first-ever open heart sur-gery at MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland on August 8.

InSide 2 stress do your heart a favor 4 community calendar Join us for these classes and events

6 stars in the gardens honor your loved ones www.MidMichigan.org

n o v e m b e r / d e c e m b e r / J a n u a r y 2 0 0 7 – 2 0 0 8







HEALTH NEWS FOR RESIDENTS OF ROSCOMMON COUNTY











Renovations complete at houghton lakePAtients who ARRive at the newly renovated MidMichigan Health Park–Houghton Lake to visit a specialist or urgent care provider will meet friendly, expert staff when they are welcomed into a warm, invit-ing lobby. Once inside they will receive care in one of the many areas that have been expertly decorated and redesigned.

To better accommodate the needs of laboratory cus-tomers, registration is located near the draw stations and conveniently close to the main entrance. State-of-the-art phlebotomy chairs, renovated bathrooms and new design features make a visit to the lab more pleasant.

An additional service, an on-site pharmacy, is now open as well. Patients can enjoy the convenience of filling a prescription while visiting one of the various high-quality services available at MidMichigan Health Park–Houghton Lake.

See the list of our specialists on page 3.

Urgent Care staff members Amber Karol, Rn (left), and Dana Dennis, receptionist (right), show off the renovated Urgent Care/specialty Clinic lobby at MidMichigan health Park–houghton Lake.

right place

at the right time

the

MidMichigan Medical Center–Clare has added seven physicians to staff its newly established hospitalist program.

Hospitalists specialize in caring for patients while they are in the hospital. Internal medicine hospitalists work closely with patients, family members, primary care physicians, specialists and other de-partments of the hospital.

The hospitalist is very familiar with the medical center’s departments and is readily available to see the patient when-ever needed. Hospitalists can often antici-pate complications, further improving a patient’s hospital stay.

The MidMichigan hospitalists are all board-certified in internal medicine. They include:

Jawad Yousef-Agha, M.D. Dr. Yousef-Agha completed medical school at Da-mascus University in Syria in 1998. He completed a residency at Michigan State

University and is board-certified in inter-nal medicine.

imad s. Ayyar, M.D. Dr. Ayyar earned a medical degree in 1979 and a diploma in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery in 1989 from the University of Baghdad

Medical College in Baghdad, Iraq. He completed a residency in internal medicine at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan.

vikas Bajpai, M.D. Dr. Bajpai received his medical degree from Gorakhpur Uni-versity in India in 1980. He completed a residency in internal medicine at George-town University Hospital in Washington, D.C. He is board-certified in internal medicine.

v. tahki Campbell, D.o. Dr. Campbell earned a medical degree from Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, Illinois. She completed a residency in internal medicine at Mount Clemens General Hospital in Mount Clemens, Michigan.

gregory J. endres-Bercher, M.D. Dr. Endres-Bercher earned a medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans in

1982. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Ochsner Foundation Hospital in New Orleans.

Alvin Riley sr., D.o., F.A.C.o. i . Dr. Riley earned a medical de-gree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1992. He completed a primary care internal medicine residency at Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, and also served as chief resident for the Internal Medicine Residency pro-gram at Michigan State University.

Majid M. taj, M.D. Dr. Taj earned a medical degree from Gandhi Medical College in Hyderabad, A.P., India, in 1990. He completed a residency in 1999 through Michigan State University and served as chief resident from 1998 to 1999.

general surgery Rafael A. Quiñones, M.D.

urology Douglas M. Cummings, M.D.

internal medicine/cardiology tanveer A. Malik, M.D.

neurology Meihui Ma, M.D.

ophthalmology thomas v. Claringbold, D.o.

orthopaedics Joseph R. Yacisen, D.o.James e. ware, D.o. Brad Binsfeld, D.o.

hoursurgent caren Monday through saturday9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Find great doctors at Houghton Lake Specialty Clinic

n sunday10 a.m. to 6 p.m.(Closed thanksgiving, Christmas and new Year’s Day)

laboratoryMonday through Friday8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

PharmacyMonday through Friday9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about the training or credentials of these physicians, call MidMichigan health Line at (800) 999-3199 or visit www.midmichigan.org/doctors.

hospitalists imad Ayyar, M.D. (left), and gregory endres-Bercher, M.D., are two of seven hospitalists now treating patients in MidMichigan Medical Center–Clare.

Seven physicians begin Clare hospitalist program


The benefits of being a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence include: Patient safety and advocacy promotion. The Center of Excellence program provides comprehensive services to its patients and performs data tracking and analysis.



Recognition as a top-performing cen-ter. The program has held itself up to the highest standards in the industry. The designation is indicative of the Center’s comprehensive commitment to a high level of bariatric care.

Great Lakes Surgical Associates has performed many bariatric surgeries—98 percent of them laparoscopically. This in-cludes Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgeries, as well as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery (Lap-Band).




The eighth annual “Best Employers for Workers Over 50” award recognizes companies and organizations for their practices and policies that value the ma-ture worker and demonstrate workplace innovation. Companies were evaluated for a wide range of workplace practices, including recruitment, continuing op-portunities for advancement, flexible work schedules, and benefits for current and retired employees.

“We are pleased to have received this national distinction from AARP on our dedication to mature workers for the sec-ond year in a row,” says Terence F. Moore, president of MidMichigan Health. “We

recognize that our mature workers and retirees bring a knowledge base that is valuable to not only our own organiza-tion but all of the communities we serve. It is our goal to continue to bring mutu-ally beneficial opportunities to create and retain this workforce.”

Also recognized is MidMichigan’s retiree/rehire program, which allows all MidMichigan retirees to leave the health system for six months and then return to work for an 800-hour annual schedule while still collecting retirement.

“We have received a lot of positive feed-back from our retirees,” says Lynn Bruch-hof, vice president of human resources for MidMichigan Health. “In fact, 21 percent of our 2006 retirees have returned to work in 2007 as a result of this program. This is in addition to the number of employees who have returned as volunteers within the health system. Of MidMichigan’s nearly 4,754 employees throughout the 15 affiliate systems, 29 percent are age 50 or older.”




the MAgiC oF the holidays brings out the giving spirit in all of us. One example is the generous support the community has shown for MidMichigan’s holiday giving programs. If you are looking for a unique gift this holiday season, consider a donation to the Love Light Trees or Lights of Love programs at one of MidMichigan’s four Medical Centers.


midmiChigaN mediCal CeNteR–ClaRe Co- chairing this year’s Love Light Trees are Elmer Shurlow, D.O., and Wendy Bicknell. Money raised from the program will be applied toward a nurse call system for the new operating room expansion. The call system allows staff members to reach each other and attend to their patients from anywhere in the operating room. Clare’s Love Light Trees campaign will culminate with a lighting ceremony on Tuesday, December 4, at 7 p.m. at the entrance of the Medical Center.

midmiChigaN mediCal CeNteR–midlaNd This year the Medical Center will be celebrating the 26th an-niversary of its Love Light Trees with donations directed toward technology not found anywhere else in the region. The GeneXpert® system is a molecular testing system that gives quick, accurate results, enabling physicians to make a diagnosis within hours instead of weeks.


midmiChigaN mediCal CeNteR–gladwiN Under the guidance of program chairs Patricia Allen and Mary Ann Sherwood, proceeds from this year’s Love Light


Trees program will support the purchase of a bariatric transfer chair. Monday, December 3, will mark the tree-lighting ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. in the dining room of the Gladwin Pines Nursing Home.

gRatiot mediCal CeNteR The Gratiot Medical Center Auxiliary is pleased to announce that the Lights of Love celebration will continue even during the build-ing construction. This year’s celebration is Thursday, December 13, at the Medical Center.

Lights of Love will begin with a gathering in the main lobby and then move outside for the annual tree-light-ing ceremony at 7 p.m., followed by a slide show in the cafeteria of those for whom tributes were made. Money raised from the event will go toward the Medical Center’s current building project.


G i v i n G



2007 MIdMICHIGan HEaLTH boaRd oF dIRECToRS Robert Stafford, Chair • W. Lynn Weimer, Vice Chair • Gregory Bercher, M.D. • Jerry Brandt • Nancy Gallagher • Lori Gwizdala • William Heinze • William Henderson • J. Christopher Hough, M.D. • Karen Langeland • Peg Mier • Terence F. Moore, President • Mary Neely • Ed Rogers • William Schmidt • Jerry Skocelas • Daniel Sorenson, M.D.

EdIToRIaL boaRd Donna Rapp, Senior Vice President • Millie Jezior, Editor • Angela Nader, Production Assistant • Penny Daniels • Warren Johnson • Christie Kanitz • Stephanie Leibfritz, R.N. • Megan McHenry • Cal McIntosh • Carlene Skorczewski • Bernadette Stocking • Matt Streitmatter • Caroline Kramer, M.D., Ph.D., Physician Advisor


$25 $50 $100 $250

other

to love light trees/lights of love at: MidMichigan Medical Center–Clare

703 n. McEwan St., Clare, MI 48617

nurse call system

MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland

4005 orchard drive, Midland, MI 48670




bariatric transfer chair


300 E. Warwick drive, alma, MI 48801

building project

Please record this as a gift from:name __________________________________

address ________________________________

_______________________________________

City ___________________________________

State __________ ZIP ___________________

Telephone ______________________________

E-mail _________________________________

In honor of _____________________________

In memory of ___________________________

Please notify the following of my tribute:name __________________________________

address ________________________________

_______________________________________

City ___________________________________

State __________ ZIP ___________________



$ _________________________________________



Gratiot Medical Center auxiliary)


VISa MasterCard discover

acct. number ___________________________

Expiration date _________________________

Signature ______________________________

dollar amount to be charged: $ ______________




4005 orchard drive midland, mi 48670 ]c`...4005 orchard drive midland, mi 48670 nonprofit org. u.s....

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