Heart fact: Do you know one of the most common reasons that older people end up in the hospital?

It’s heart failure, a condition in which the person’s heart loses some of its ability to pump blood throughout the body. As a result, not enough oxygen is able to reach the body’s cells.

Though the name may sound alarming – like it’s happening immediately – heart failure is typically something that the person has been managing for a while.

In fact, it’s sometimes called “the silent epidemic” because it develops slowly and a person may go along for years without having any symptoms.

However, heart failure tends to get progressively worse as a person ages. That’s because typically, the person’s heart has to work hard over time to deal with the problem. The heart tries to make up for its own weakening by getting larger and forcing itself to pump faster to move more blood through the body.

Rapid response for heart attack.

It’s what makes McLaren Macomb a fully accredited Chest Pain Center.

It means the most advanced procedures are in place for cardiac emergencies – and a skilled cardiology team is available immediately to open up arteries and stop a heart attack in progress.

Can stress cause a heart attack?

Health experts aren’t completely certain, but research shows that uncontrolled stress can have long-term effects on your health – and your heart.

Chronic stress forces the body to remain in “high gear” for too long. That takes a toll on your energy level and your immune system, which needs rest and relaxation to recharge and keep your body healthy.

Facebook page likes = $$

For every new like on its Facebook page,

McLaren Macomb will donate $1 to a local food pantry

McLaren Macomb is pleased to support a local charity during the month of December. For every new like McLaren Macomb’s Facebook page (http://www.Facebook.com/McLarenMacomb) receives during December, the hospital will donate $1 to the Hope Center in Macomb County.

The Hope Center is a non-profit organization that helps those in need through its no-cost, client-choice food pantry. The pantry is available to all residents of Macomb County. The charity’s services also include helping individuals and families in crisis connect to community resources.

For more information about the Hope Center, visit: http://www.hopecentermacomb.org.

Test detects heart muscle damage

If you’re a high-risk cardiac patient,
is it safe to have surgery, and will it help?

McLaren Macomb offers a special PET/CT scan that can give doctors the answers they need before recommending certain cardiac procedures.

In fact, McLaren Macomb is the only hospital in Macomb County to offer the procedure, called myocardial viability testing. This state-of-the-art procedure determines heart muscle health.

The holidays are coming; can you still manage a heart-healthy lifestyle?

I ate how many holiday cookies?

The potluck luncheons. The fast-food bites after shopping. The family gatherings with cookies for the kids and cocktails for the adults.

There’s no way around it. The holidays are a challenge for anyone trying to stick to a heart-healthy lifestyle – or just about anyone trying to manage weight gain.

The goal for a heart-healthy lifestyle is to eat more vegetables, fruits, beans and foods with whole grains. It also means eating less meat and trying to avoid foods that are high in salt and fat.

But of course, the holidays are about celebrating and getting to enjoy some special foods and treats. So don’t beat yourself up if you stray off the healthy path a little.

McLaren Macomb Facilities Accepting McLaren Medicaid

If you have any questions regarding the participation status of any health care provider please click here, or contact Member Service at McLaren Health Plan toll free, at (888) 327-0671.

Watch out for hypertension

Is it time for a blood pressure check?

It only takes a few minutes and it could save your life. Unfortunately, it’s something many Americans tend to ignore.

That’s not a good idea. Doctors tell us that the majority of their patients with high blood pressure, or hypertension, were walking around with it for a while and didn’t know they had it.

Bradycardia: Controlling a slow heart rate

Irregular heart rhythm. It’s a common cardiac condition, but most people with this problem experience a heart beating too fast. A less common type of arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) is known as bradycardia. This condition happens when the heart rate is too slow. Bradycardia is a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute. It can be caused by various problems, including problems with the heart's sinus node, which acts as a kind of natural pacemaker.

It may also be caused by problems in the conduction pathways of the heart. This means that electrical impulses are not being conducted from the atria to the ventricles, so the heart’s regular rhythm is disrupted. Other causes include metabolic problems such as hypothermia, or damage from a heart attack or heart disease.

Is it a heart attack?

Warning signs vary for men and women

It doesn’t always happen like you may think. A heart attack can sneak up without the classic symptoms.

While people often expect pain in the left arm or crushing tightness in the chest, there are other warning signs that something may be wrong.

Considering weight loss surgery?

For anyone considering weight loss surgery, education is an important first step. McLaren Macomb’s Bariatric Surgery Institute offers free seminars about surgical weight loss options. Board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Carl Pesta will provide information and answer questions regarding bariatric surgery and life after surgery.

Do you know about atrial fibrillation?

That strange, fluttery feeling in your chest could be serious.

It could be atrial fibrillation (A-fib), a type of abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that causes the heart to pump blood ineffectively. A-fib is the most common type of persistent heart arrhythmia and it affects almost 5 million Americans.

FREE Seminar Advanced Wound Care Treatment

Heal better, feel better.

If you have a non-healing wound for 30 days or more, you may benefit from the McLaren Macomb Wound Treatment Center.

Every year chronic wounds caused by poor circulation, diabetes, or other
medical conditions keep five million people from functioning at normal
capacity. Such wounds include:

• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Pressure ulcers
• Non-healing surgical wounds
• Arterial ulcers
• Collagen vascular related wounds
• Venous stasis ulcers

Chronic wounds require specialized care and treatment.

Learn more about advanced wound care treatment at this FREE seminar.

Advanced Wound Treatment Seminar

Thursday, December 12, 2013
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
McLaren Macomb Medical Auditorium
Enter at Outpatient Entrance
(east parking lot and proceed to lower level of east tower)

This is a FREE community event but registration is required.
To register, call (855) 362-5273, or visit mclaren-woundcare.eventbrite.com

What is a heart arrhythmia?

 Did you think about your heartbeat today?

If you’re like most Americans, you probably didn’t give it much thought, even though your heart was beating constantly, anywhere from 60 to 100 beats a minute.

Normally, the heart’s electrical system causes the heart muscle to contract in a regular, controlled pattern. However, a problem anywhere along the electrical pathway causes a disturbance in the heart rhythm. This could lead to an irregular heart rhythm or a heart rate that’s too fast or too slow.

When it’s your heart, do you know where to go?

Tick, tick, tick…

A few minutes can make a big difference during a heart attack.

So it’s a good idea to know where to go for the best cardiac care. In Macomb County, you’ll want to choose McLaren Macomb and the MatGaberty Heart Center.

With decades of experience and continuous advancement, McLaren Macomb offers the most comprehensive cardiovascular program in Macomb County. It’s also the place for personalized attention from top heart specialists, along with advanced technology, including stress tests offered seven days a week for more immediate diagnosis of potential heart problems.

Looking for a few more reasons to choose McLaren Macomb for cardiac care?  Click through for a few:

Dirty Picture Friday: How does the flu spread?

Everyday preventive actions can help slow the spread of germs that can cause many different illnesses and may offer some protection against the flu. Do you know how the flu spreads?

Click through for the answer and more information on how to prevent germs from spreading.

Welcoming orthopedic oncologist Dr. Brian Walczak

Expert subspecialist is one of only a few in Michigan

Though orthopedic oncology is a highly specialized area of medicine, McLaren Macomb has—for years—offered a comprehensive range of these services close to home.

At this time, we’re pleased to announce that Brian Walczak, DO, will oversee the orthopedic oncology program at the Ted B. Wahby Cancer Center.

Dirty Picture Friday: Kitchen

What is the dirtiest part of this photo? Comment and share with your friends, the answer may surprise you. With flu season just around the corner, this is one thing you don't want to miss.

Click through for the answer!

Dirty Picture Friday!

What is the dirtiest part of this photo? Comment and share with your friends, the answer may surprise you.

Click through for the answer!

Open Your Heart & Share Your Story...You could win a $100 gift card!

Heart disease is the number one killer of women.

Each year, thousands of women die from heart disease in the U.S. Healthier living and lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce this figure.  The first step is education.

McLaren Macomb is a proud sponsor of Go Red for Women. This American Heart Association program is designed to educate women on heart disease and the importance of healthy lifestyle choices. As part of this initiative, McLaren Macomb invites women to share their heart health stories.

 

See below for a chance to win a $100 gift card!

Another McLaren First: 3D technology advances mammography

As part of our commitment to bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors in Macomb County, McLaren Macomb is the first in Southeast Michigan to offer next generation technology for mammography.

The McLaren Macomb Breast Center now offers tomosynthesis 3D imaging mammograms. This low-dose imaging technology produces a revolutionary type of mammogram, providing images of tissue at only one millimeter thick. This enables our radiologists to view mammograms with a greater clarity than ever before and can help detect breast cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.

When the diagnosis is diabetes, what’s next? FREE expo with panel of experts

The Diabetes Center at McLaren Macomb will host a free diabetes education event offering the latest information on preventing and managing diabetes to reduce complications. The annual Diabetes Expo will be held Wednesday, October 2, 2013,1 p.m. to 3 p.m., in McLaren Macomb’s medical education auditorium (on the hospital’s lower level, east tower).

A panel of physicians will discuss the latest information on how diabetes relates to other medical conditions, especially heart disease, the nervous system and the digestive tract.

Five common ways germs are spread:

It's back to school time and we all know what that means. Shopping, getting back into a night time routines and runny noses.

One of the most common ways children get colds is by rubbing their nose or eyes after cold virus germs have gotten on their hands.

Here are five common ways germs are spread between people.

McLaren Macomb has openings for volunteers

At McLaren Macomb, volunteers are important team members who help in a variety of ways. The hospital has openings for volunteers who are interested in assisting others in a caring, pleasant, friendly environment.

The hospital’s Volunteer Services Department provides training and placement for new volunteers.

Volunteers help out in more than 50 different positions at the hospital and its off-site offices and clinics. McLaren Macomb’s more than 350 volunteers provide support throughout the hospital. Members of the volunteer team assist in many areas, including Java General (coffee shop), surgical waiting rooms, the emergency department, transportation, the gift shop, cancer center and welcome desks. Volunteers also assist in the spiritual care department and on nursing units. Many of the hospital’s volunteers also help at community events.

For more information, please call McLaren Macomb’s Volunteer Services Department at (586) 493-8174. Volunteer applications can also be downloaded here.

BRAvo fundraiser fights breast cancer

Kicking Cancer with Style

MOUNT CLEMENS, MI – To help build breast cancer awareness, the McLaren Macomb Healthcare Foundation is planning BRAvo 2013.  As a community fundraising event, BRAvo features a competition for the tasteful decoration of bras and an auction of celebrity-autographed, decorated bras.

In partnership with the McLaren Macomb Breast Center and the Ted B. Wahby Cancer Center, the McLaren Macomb Healthcare Foundation will host BRAvo 2013 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at Penna’s ofSterling, 38400 Van Dyke in Sterling Heights. Last year’s event was attended by more than 800 people.

Roop Raj, FOX2 Detroit television reporter and anchor, will serve as emcee, with special guest Linda Lee, an on air radio personality with WYCD.

This fun-filled evening will feature a gourmet plated dinner, raffles, live and silent auctions of decorated and celebrity-autographed bras, along with the winners of a bra decorating challenge. This year’s theme is “Kicking Cancer with Style.” A portion of the proceeds will support the BRAvo for Women free mammogram program for uninsured women in Macomb County.

Heads Up!

CONCUSSION IN HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
A FACT SHEET FOR ATHLETES

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury that:

• Is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body.
• Can change the way your brain normally works.
• Can occur during practices or games in any sport or recreational activity.
• Can happen even if you haven’t been knocked out.
• Can be serious even if you’ve just been “dinged” or “had your bell rung.”

All concussions are serious. A concussion can affect your ability to do schoolwork and other activities (such as playing video games, working on a computer, studying, driving, or exercising). Most people with a concussion get better, but it is important to give your brain time to heal

3D Mammography Video

The McLaren Macomb Breast Center is proud to offer women who undergo routine mammograms the latest screening and diagnostic technology available to them with 3D digital tomosynthesis for breast cancer screening.

This three dimensional imaging technology produces a revolutionary type of mammogram that provides a 3D view of the breast.  When combined with conventional 2D mammography, breast cancer screening with tomosynthesis has a higher cancer detection rate than conventional 2D mammography alone.   

With the Selenia® Dimensions® breast tomosynthesis system made by Hologic, exceptionally sharp breast images are produced. Radiologists are reporting that tomosynthesis technology gives them increased confidence with a significant reduction in recall rates.  For more information about 3D tomosynthesis breast screening, please visit www.mclaren.org/MacombBreastCenter or call the McLaren Macomb Breast Center (586) 493-3790

McLaren Macomb first in Southeast Michigan to offer Tomosynthesis 3D Breast Screening Technology

MOUNT CLEMENS, MI – McLaren Macomb is the first and only hospital in Southeast Michigan to offer women who undergo routine mammograms the latest screening and diagnostic technology available to them.

The McLaren Macomb Breast Center now offers 3D digital tomosynthesis for breast cancer screening. This three dimensional imaging technology produces a revolutionary type of mammogram by reconstructing a series of one-millimeter thick breast image slices into a 3D view of the breast.

This helps radiologists identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue. 

McLaren Macomb's trauma team saves a life

The importance of a verified trauma center becomes very apparent as a near fatal car accident victim must be transferred to McLaren Macomb.

To become a verified trauma center, hospitals must meet rigorous national standards—like having trauma surgeons evaluate patients within 15 minutes of arrival. At McLaren Macomb, that's not good enough. We understand that minutes make a difference. That's why our trauma surgeons are in-house 24/7 to evaluate each trauma patient immediately upon arrival.

McLaren Macomb Recognized for Quality in Cardiac Care

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has recognized McLaren Macomb  as one of the first hospitals in the nation to receive a Blue Distinction Center^SM designation in the area of cardiac care, as part of the Blue Distinction Centers for Specialty Care® program.

Blue Distinction Centers are hospitals shown to deliver quality specialty care based on objective, transparent measures for patient safety and health outcomes that were developed with input from the medical community. This year, the national program has added a new designation level, Blue Distinction Centers, to recognize hospitals that deliver both quality and cost-efficient specialty care.
In 2006, the Blue Distinction Centers for Specialty Care program was developed to help patients find quality providers for their specialty care needs while encouraging healthcare professionals to improve the care they deliver.

U.S. News & World Report names McLaren Macomb among the best hospitals in Michigan

McLaren Macomb has been ranked as one of the best hospitals for 2013-14 in the Detroit metro area and in Michigan. Now in its 24^th year, the annual U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings recognize hospitals that excel in treating the most challenging patients.

Does your child suffer from sinusitis?

One of the most important — and sometimes confusing — roles of a parent is the “early diagnosis” of your child’s illness. Is it a sprain, or something more serious? Should we head to the emergency department or can it wait for our doctor’s appointment? Parents frequently face these questions and search for answers, as they focus on keeping their children healthy.

Sports physicals are just the first step

Each year, parents of student athletes schedule the required sports physicals in time for their student to get in the game. But what if follow-up is needed? What if there’s a sports-related injury?

At McLaren Macomb’s Athletic Medicine Institute, our team is prepared to provide sports physicals as well as ongoing physician care to help ensure your student athlete stays healthy and active. McLaren Macomb’s Athletic Medicine Institute includes orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, cardiologists, rehabilitation physicians and primary care doctors. And as Macomb County’s first verified trauma center, we also offer expert trauma and emergency care for any sports-related injury or condition.

For summer fun, attend the Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise

Since 2003, the Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise has been held on the first Sunday in August. This year’s cruise will be held on Sunday, August 4th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Featuring a cruise of classic vehicles, McLaren Macomb is one of the sponsors of the event. In 2012, nearly 200,000 people attended the cruise.

The cruise route is Gratiot Avenue from 14 Mile Road, north of Metropolitan Parkway to Wellington Crescent and back, through Clinton Township. The free event is open to
the public.

A highlight of the day is the cruise parade, which starts at noon. The parade will begin from just south of cruise headquarters, loop around the cruise route and come back. Cruise headquarters is in the parking lot of the McLaren Macomb building on Metropolitan Parkway at Gratiot Avenue.

Cruise headquarters will also include a Kids Zone with fun activities for children. In addition, the event will include live entertainment, with many local bands performing from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. along the cruise route.

Another area of activity will be the Dorian Ford Midway in the Lowe’s north parking lot on Gratiot Avenue at 15 Mile Road. For more information, including car show registration forms, visit the official cruise website at www.ctgratiotcruise.com.

How to choose a primary care physician

For individuals and families, it is important to have a primary care physician. Primary care physicians include family practitioners, pediatricians and internists. These physicians diagnose and treat patients for common medical conditions that aren’t emergencies.

Enjoy the water, but focus on safety

For many Macomb County residents, boating is a favorite pastime. According to current data, Macomb County has more than 53,000 registered pleasure craft owners, ranking it among the top boating counties in the nation. With various lakes and rivers easily accessible in Southeast Michigan, some enthusiastic area residents spend hundreds of hours on the water each summer. Boating can be great fun, but the emergency team at McLaren Macomb reminds you that safety is the key to a good time.

ER vs Urgent Care: Which is right for you?

 It’s 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, your doctor’s office is closed, and you need medical care. Where do you go – an emergency department or an urgent care center? The answer is: It depend

The first step should be to contact your primary care physician, who may advise you to come to the office, go to an urgent care center or visit the emergency department, depending on the symptoms you are experiencing. If your physician’s office is not open, an urgent care center or emergency department can provide the care you need. Less serious symptoms can usually be treated effectively at an urgent care center. For more serious symptoms, or sudden severe injuries or illnesses, a hospital emergency department will likely be the best option, providing the necessary level of care.

Staying cool when summer sizzles

When you have 90 degree weeks like this in Macomb County it can be hard to keep it cool in your home. Having an air conditioned home is one of the best ways to keep cool, but can be quite costly.  There are many ways you can stay cool, remain comfortable and still save energy when it’s hot outside.

• Use a fan to cool your home.  A fan costs a penny an hour to use, compared to an air conditioner that can cost approximately 50 cents an hour
• Set your thermostat at 80 degrees while using an air conditioner.
• Use the fan portion of the air conditioner system to circulate air.
• Keep air-conditioning vents clear inside and outside your house.
• Open windows at night and during the cooler part of the day.
• Close blinds and drapes during the day to keep out the sun’s warm rays.
• Install a programmable thermostat. Change the temperature setting during the day and night.

There are other ways to keep your house cool, even if you do not have air conditioning, such as:

• Install more efficient windows.
• Shading through awnings, louvers, shutters and natural landscaping.
• Install insulation in your home.
• Paint your home a lighter color, to reduce the amount of heat absorbed into the house.
• Install reflective film or solar screens on windows.

Stroke Awareness: Think F.A.S.T.

When the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off due to a ruptured blood vessel or greatly reduced due to a vessel blockage, it affects and can potentially damage the functionality of brain cells. This event is called a stroke and it is a medical emergency. Seek medical attention immediately. A loss of blood supply lasting several hours or more will permanently damage or kill brain cells.

Considering hysterectomy?

 Recover faster with robotics

When retired school teacher Martha Meagher was told she needed a hysterectomy,
Dr. Carol Fischer, her gynecologist, recommended a minimally invasive robotic surgery
available at McLaren Macomb.

Free yourself from knee pain

For patients considering knee replacement surgery, major concerns are recovery time and pain during recovery. As a result, many individuals live with joint pain for months or years so they can avoid joint replacement surgery.

Childhood injury prevention

 Quick Tips

According to statistics, more than 4.5 million children are injured at home each year. Here are some common sense safety tips to help keep your child safe.

Trauma excellence requires collaboration

 What does it take to become a verified Trauma Center?

For the staff at McLaren Macomb, it has meant many years of hard work and diligence in meeting and exceeding the standards set forth by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

Well before the first verification was earned in 2010, the hospital was planning and preparing for the first review process, conducted by a team of trauma experts from outside the county.

Study examines the relationship between sleep disorders and Alzheimer’s disease

Since sleep disorders affect the quality of life for many people, there is increasing research on the relationship between poor sleep quality and other medical conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 50 to 70 million adults in the United States suffer from some sort of sleep disorder.