Meet Samuel - Employee of the Month

Click image to learn more about Samuel

At McLaren Macomb we believe in recognizing outstanding employees who consistently exceed expectations to ensure the highest degree of patient satisfaction. The Employee of the Month award is presented to an employee whose exemplary performance, professionalism and leadership contributes to McLaren Macomb’s mission and core values.

Meet Samuel

By maintaining a positive attitude Sam believes he can always turn a bad situation around and make it good - for patients in particular. He also believes that it’s the little things he can do that shows patients and others he cares and takes pride in his job. Sam has three rules he practices daily and would tell new employees that besides showing up on time every day, they should 1. Remember our patients come first, 2. Be flexible and willing to do things that may not be part of your job requirement and 3. Stay committed to the tasks at hand, making sure they are done completely and on time.

What is "Blackout" Wednesday?

From the McLaren Macomb ER and Trauma Team, we remind you not to drink and drive. 

We extend a special thanks to Ragan's Healthcare Communication News for sharing the facts

Dr. Polyak, Anesthesiologist, joins McLaren Macomb medical staff

Dr. Paul Polyak
Anesthesiologist
(click for physician info)

Paul Polyak, M.D., an anesthesiologist, has joined the medical staff of McLaren Macomb.

Dr. Polyak received his medical degree from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey. He completed residencies in general surgery at Temple University Hospital and in anesthesiology at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. His residencies were followed by a fellowship in cardiothoracic anesthesiology at the Cleveland Clinic.

He is board certified in anesthesiology and echocardiography.

Dr. Polyak practices at McLaren Macomb in Mount Clemens.

November is National Diabetes Month

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. If it’s not controlled, diabetes can cause blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, and other health problems.

One in 12 Americans has diabetes – that’s more than 25 million people. And another 79 million adults in the United States are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The good news?  People who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes can lower their risk by more than half if they make healthy changes. These changes include: eating healthy, increasing physical activity, and losing weight. Here are just a few ideas:

• Make small changes, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator
• Get regular checkups
• Get blood pressure and cholesterol checked, and ask the doctor about diabetes risk

2015 FREE Pre-diabetes Seminars 

All begin at 3:30pm
Wednesday, January 21 
Wednesday, April 22
Wednesday, July 22 
Wednesday, October 21
To register, call (586) 493-2069

For additional information about ways to prevent type 2 diabetes or to take a diabetes risk assessment, open the links below.

Choose More than 50 Ways to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Are You at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes - Diabetes Risk Test

Meet Lindsay - Employee of the Month

Click image to learn more about Lindsay

At McLaren Macomb we believe in recognizing outstanding employees who consistently exceed expectations to ensure the highest degree of patient satisfaction. The Employee of the Month award is presented to an employee whose exemplary performance, professionalism and leadership contributes to McLaren Macomb’s mission and core values.

Meet Lindsay 

Lindsay was nominated for Employee of the Month by Julia Gron, assistant clinical manager on 3 West, for extending the highest level of compassionate care to a patient. The patient was alone with no friends or family to rely on for support. Upon discharge the patient expressed their sincere gratitude for the comfort and kindness Lindsay provided by helping them cope during their stay. 

Dr. Ghumman, Gastroenterologist, joins McLaren Macomb medical staff

Dr. Jasprett K. Ghumman
Gastroenterology
(click for physician info)

Jaspreet K. Ghumman, D.O., has joined the medical staff of McLaren Macomb.

Dr. Ghumman earned her medical degree from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in internal medicine at Botsford Hospital, followed by a fellowship in gastroenterology at St. John Providence Hospital.

She is board certified in internal medicine.

Dr. Ghumman practices with 
Tri County Gastroenterology
37399 Garfield, Suite 104
Clinton Township, Mi 48036
telephone: (586) 286-5400
fax: (586) 263-4831

What's going around? An emergency room report.

Each week we ask our ER team what they are seeing a lot of in the Emergency Room.

This week Dr. Glenn DeLong, an emergency physician at McLaren Macomb, reports:

*Upper Respiratory Infections - During the past week, emergency physicians have seen an increase in children and adults with upper respiratory infections with symptoms of sore throat, cough and sneezing. Dr. DeLong recommends  common-sense measures to help prevent the spread of germs, including frequent hand washing with soap and water, and avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.  

*Gastroenteritis - Emergency physicians have seen an increase in children and adults with gastroenteritis with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea.

*Sports-related injuries - In the past week, emergency physicians have also treated more sports-related injuries in high school football players. Most were head and orthopedic injuries. 

*Asthma and allergies - With the change of seasons, ER physicians have had an increase in patients coming in for allergies and asthma complications.

McLaren Macomb employees attend emergency preparedness training

Emergency Preparedness Training

As part of McLaren Macomb’s commitment to emergency preparedness, five hospital employees recently completed a week-long training offered by the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston, Alabama.

McLaren Macomb employees Charles Peck, security supervisor, and Jennifer Dixon, RN, injury prevention coordinator, completed health care leadership training. Michael Marsiglio, RN; Michael Wadman, EMT-P I/C, emergency services liaison; and Hristijan Kontrin, security officer, completed hospital emergency response training.

“I am very fortunate to have been a part of this state-of-the-art training,” said Dixon. “The knowledge and experience I have obtained cannot be duplicated anywhere else."

Health care personnel from more than 25 Michigan hospitals, long-term care facilities, EMS agencies and fire departments attended the training.

McLaren Macomb has named Thomas M. Brisse, FACHE, as president and CEO

Thomas M. Brisse, FACHE
McLaren Macomb President and CEO

McLaren Macomb has named Thomas M. Brisse, FACHE, as president and CEO, effective September 18, 2014.  Brisse replaces Mark O’Halla, who was promoted to executive vice president/chief operating officer of McLaren Health Care.
  
Brisse brings 27 years of hospital operations experience to his new role. Most recently, he served as executive vice president of operations for the Beaumont Health System. Prior to that, he held administrative positions at Beaumont Troy, including senior vice president/hospital president and vice president of operations.

“We are very pleased to have selected Tom to serve as president and CEO at McLaren Macomb, said O’Halla. “His leadership and extensive administrative experience will be a great asset in providing quality health care services to the community.”

In his new role, Brisse will have oversight of all medical center operations and will lead McLaren Macomb’s executive team with a focus on continued organizational growth.  He will also be responsible for operating within an approved budget on a sound financial basis.

Brisse earned a master’s degree in health service administration and a bachelor’s degree in sociology at the University of Michigan. This year, he received the American College of Healthcare Executives Service Award.  He is also a fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives (FACHE). In addition, he is a trustee of the University of Michigan Club of Greater Detroit. Brisse has also served on numerous committees and boards.

Brisse and his wife reside in Oakland Township, Mich. 

Avoiding the enterovirus virus

Kids are back in school and so are the “bugs” that can cause colds and other illnesses.

With reports of a rare respiratory virus suspected in nearby states, it’s a good idea to remind your children about some important steps they can take to stay healthy.

Doctors say hand washing is one of the best ways to fight the spread of viruses, including the one that has left hundreds of children hospitalized in 10 states recently. A rare form of enterovirus has been confirmed in some of the cases in Missouri, and suspected in others, including some cases in Ohio.

The virus has no vaccine and it can cause serious illness in children with asthma or weakened immune systems.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge parents to start good habits now to avoid colds and flu later on.

Practice these steps to protect yourself and your children:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers
• Avoid close contact, such as touching and shaking hands, with people who are sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, including toys, backpacks and lunchboxes
• Avoid sharing food, cups or utensils
• Keep your children at home when they are sick if possible

McLaren Macomb expands neurology program

As part of McLaren Macomb’s expansion of its neurology program, two neurologists have joined the hospital’s medical staff.

Alex M. Steinbock, D.O., and Eric Zimmerman, D.O., are both board certified in neurology.

Dr. Alex M. Steinbock
Neurology
(click image for physician info)

Dr. Eric Zimmerman
Neurology
(click image for physician info)

Dr. Steinbock earned his medical degree from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his internship and a residency in neurology at Botsford Hospital.

Dr. Zimmerman received his medical degree from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his internship at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital and a residency in neurology at St. John Macomb–Oakland Hospital in Madison Heights.

Tara Grant Walk & Run

McLaren Macomb is one of the proud sponsors for the Tara Grant Run/Walk to be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 13. Hosted by Turning Point, the Run/Walk will begin at the Rec Bowl, 40 Crocker Blvd. in downtown Mount Clemens.

With a theme of "Moving Toward a Future Without Domestic Violence,” participants will walk or run to support Turning Point followed by a brief program. The event kicks off National Domestic Violence Month in October.

The entry fee is $25 for ages 13 and up and $20 for students with ID. Children under 12 are free.

Turning Point provides programs and resources to victims/survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. Services include an emergency shelter, individual and group counseling.

To register, visit www.turningpointmacomb.org. For more information, 
call (586) 463-4430.

Have you ever noticed our FREE Seminars tab?

Our "FREE Seminars - Learn More" tab in the grey bar at the top of our page has current seminar information ready for you to check out. 

Brain injuries and young athletes

Doctors recommend a baseline test before hitting the field.

Summer is in full gear and school sport tryouts are fast approaching. As more research and information comes in about the dangers of concussion, experts are advising athletes of all ages to take greater precaution against head injuries.

A concussion is a brain injury caused by a bump or blow to the head. Every concussion is serious. It can change the way the brain normally functions and it takes time to heal.

Survive, don’t drive

Think it might be a heart attack?

If you think you’re having heart attack symptoms, don’t reach for the keys, reach for the phone instead. “We want people to call 9-1-1 and get emergency treatment immediately,” said Loraine Cusumano, director of Cardiovascular Services at McLaren Macomb in Mount Clemens.

“The EMS experts will come to you with the most advanced equipment to start treatment immediately if you are having a heart attack.”

EMS units in Macomb County are equipped with technology to perform electrocardiography (ECG) testing in the ambulance units, she said. These readings are transmitted directly to the hospital’s emergency department and the Mat Gaberty Heart Center.

Fireworks are a common way to celebrate during the holiday season. The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends the following tips for staying safe:

• Always purchase fireworks from a reliable source.
• Use fireworks as directed on consumer product safety label; never alter products.
• Observe local laws and use good COMMON SENSE.
• Have a designated shooter to organize and shoot your family show.
•  A responsible ADULT should supervise all firework activities.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; AWAY from buildings and vehicles.
• NEVER carry fireworks in your POCKET.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor trash can.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

McLaren Macomb receives Primary Stroke Certification

McLaren Macomb has been awarded Primary Stroke Certification from the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP).

Primary Stroke Certification demonstrates that McLaren Macomb has the capacity to stabilize and treat stroke patients, provide acute care and therapies safely and efficiently.

“We are very proud to achieve HFAP’s prestigious Primary Stroke Certification,” said Dr. David Pinelli, vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer at McLaren Macomb. “Our staff has worked tirelessly to achieve this certification and it reflects our dedication to excellent patient care and service. HFAP has recognized our commitment to provide the best care possible to our patients and the community.”

McLaren Macomb Cancer Program Earns National Accreditation with Commendation

The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons has granted a three-year accreditation with Gold Commendation to the cancer program at McLaren Macomb’s Ted B. Wahby Cancer Center. The cancer program was first accredited in 2008 and again in 2011.

To earn voluntary CoC accreditation, a cancer program must meet or exceed 34 CoC quality care standards, be evaluated every three years through a survey process, and maintain levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered care. Three-year accreditation with commendation is only awarded to a facility that exceeds standard requirements at the time of its triennial survey.

What’s in your brown bag?

Packing your own lunch is a great way to eat healthier – and to save money. But sometimes the daily routine can get as stale as the crusts in the bottom of the bread bag.

So we’d love to hear from you. Have a favorite sandwich or healthy lunch tip to share? Tell us your great ideas in the comments section.

In the meantime, if you need a little help with healthy lunch ideas, read on.

Exercise can ease arthritis pain

The pain of arthritis can make it difficult to get around, but it’s important to keep moving as much as possible.

In fact, recent studies show that people with arthritis who have a regular exercise routine can increase their strength, boost their activity levels and even improve balance.

In addition, moderate exercise can help those with arthritis feel better overall. Regular exercise not only relieves arthritis pain, it can boost mood levels and help people to avoid depression, according to experts at the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Top reasons to explore weight loss surgery

Joslin Monk, October 2013

You’ve struggled with diets for years, but the weight keeps coming back.

You have a thyroid condition or other genetic issues that make it difficult to lose weight.

You are seriously overweight and feel your life is at risk from other related conditions, such as diabetes or heart problems.

Your weight is causing feelings of isolation, depression or hopelessness.

Excess weight is putting a serious strain on your joints and making arthritis symptoms more severe.

Click through to see Joslin's After photo!

McLaren Health Care names Mark O'Halla as Chief Operating Officer

Mark O’Halla has been promoted to executive vice president/chief operating officer of McLaren Health Care from president and CEO of McLaren Macomb.

In his new role, O’Halla will oversee all hospital and related subsidiary operations across the organization, including McLaren Medical Group, the employed physician network. He will work to establish systemwide goals with regard to quality outcomes, patient experience initiatives and financial performance. Additionally, he will develop and implement plans and policies in collaboration with McLaren leadership and serve as a liaison between McLaren Health Care and various community, public and governmental organizations.

Gallbladder surgery: Now possible with only a one-inch incision

Minimally invasive surgery continues to evolve and specialists at McLaren Macomb are leading the way.

A surgical team at McLaren Macomb was the first in Macomb County to offer a new type of laparoscopic procedure for gallbladder removal.

While the surgery once required up to four incisions, it can now be done using Single-Site™ instruments on a da Vinci® System. With this advanced robotic equipment, surgeons are able to remove a patient’s gallbladder through one tiny incision in the belly button, leaving virtually no scar.

That’s good news, since More than 1 million people in the U.S. have their gallbladder removed each year. Most are performed with traditional laparoscopy requiring several incisions.

Smart Snacking

Go ahead and eat between meals, just think healthy.

Dinner is hours away. Can you kill the hunger pains without filling up on empty calories?

A healthy snack is actually a good idea, said Yvonne Thigpen, a Registered Dietitian and manager of Integrated Health at McLaren Macomb.

“It can give you the energy you need, plus it can keep you from eating too much at dinner because you’re starved.”

In honor of National Nutrition Month®, McLaren Macomb wants to offer a few helpful ideas.

Constant headache and congestion?

It could be sinusitis.

Other symptoms of this condition include:

• Severe sinus pressure that causes your face, head and even your teeth to hurt
• Thick mucus that irritates the back of the throat
• Losing your sense of smell and taste
• Irritability and fatigue

In the past, this was a tough condition to treat, with up to 60 percent of chronic sinusitis patients showing no relief from medications.

Do you sleep with a snorer?

It could be a sign that something’s wrong.

Heavy snoring is one of the most common symptoms of a sleep disorder, including a condition called sleep apnea.

People with sleep apnea actually stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. Often, the sleeper will wake up abruptly and draw breath, perhaps with a gasp.

Is acetaminophen safe for your family?

Most likely you’ve heard the health reports: taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage. The message isn’t new, but federal officials are stepping up the reminders to go easy on the painkillers.

The Trouble with Tanning

We know. It’s been a long, gray winter and you’d love to “perk up” your color a little. It may be tempting to head to an indoor tanning salon, or maybe you’re lucky enough to be flying off somewhere on spring break.

Just keep in mind what cancer experts see first-hand. People who get too much sun – either naturally or from tanning beds – have more wrinkles and skin damage and are more likely to be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer.

Does your teen have the right doctor?

If you have a teenager, you’re likely well-acquainted with the changes and challenges he or she faces from day to day—be they related to physical, psychological or social factors.

Along with the long list of physical changes they experience, teens often seek more independence and responsibility, including taking more ownership of their own health. Because the teenage years are so important (and often volatile), finding your teen the right primary health care provider is critical.

What’s the number one type of cancer treated in Macomb County?

It’s lung cancer, which remains the top cancer killer in the United States and worldwide.

There is some good news, however. Federal officials report that lung cancer rates continue to drop nationwide, thanks to continuing anti-smoking efforts.

Oncologists at McLaren Macomb and the Ted B. Wahby Cancer Center have noticed similar results.

The cancer team, based in Mount Clemens, diagnosed and treated 72 cases of Stage IV lung cancer (the most advanced stage) in 2010, but those numbers dropped to 39 cases in 2012 (the year for which complete data is available). The numbers also show that patients with all stages of lung cancer have dropped each year, as well.

5 things you should know about 3-D Mammography

There’s a new weapon in the arsenal against breast cancer.

It’s 3-D mammography, the next generation of technology for detecting breast cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.

The McLaren Macomb Breast Center was one of the first in the area to offer this type of mammography, which is used in combination with conventional 2-D mammography.

Weight management just got easier

Trying to manage your weight? Don’t eat less, eat better.

Sounds simple, but we don’t always understand the basics of overeating and weight loss. Sometimes we just need a little help.

McLaren Macomb offers a Weight Loss Management Program designed for people who don’t necessarily have the time for a set schedule of meetings and weigh-ins.

We’re seeing red!

It’s National Wear Red Day® and McLaren Macomb is marking the day by encouraging employees to wear red – part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the importance of good heart health for women.

In the United States, heart disease is the number one killer of women. For more than 10 years, the American Heart Association has sponsored National Wear Red Day® to increase efforts in the fight against heart disease in women.

So grab something red to wear and remember these healthy heart tips: Try to exercise more and eat a wide variety of healthy foods. These should include:

• Fruits and vegetables: At least 4.5 cups a day
• Fish (preferably oily fish): At least two 3.5-ounce servings a week
• Fiber-rich whole grains: At least three 1-ounce-equivalent servings a day
• Sodium: Less than 1,500 mg a day
• Sugar-sweetened beverages: No more than 450 calories (36 ounces) a week

Want to learn more?

To learn more about women and heart disease, attend a free seminar at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, in the auditorium of McLaren Macomb in Mount Clemens.

Dr. Beth Bowling, a board-certified interventional cardiologist with the Macomb Cardiovascular Institute, will discuss women and heart health.

To register for the free seminar, please call toll-free (855) 362-5273 or visit mclarenwomensheart.eventbrite.com. The program is part of the Mat Gaberty Heart Center’s Healthy

Have you thought about cancer prevention today?

It’s something to think about every day, but today is World Cancer Day.

It’s a global event organized by the Union for International Cancer Control and promoted in the United States by the American Cancer Association.

With events, festivals and information going out worldwide, this special day is designed to get people talking about cancer and the importance of early detection in beating it.

Is it a stroke?

See if you can spot one F.A.S.T.

Ask someone if they know the warning signs of a heart attack. Chances are, that person may be able to name at least one. The symptoms of a stroke, however, are less familiar.

The American Heart Association (AHA) offers an easy reminder to help us determine if someone is having a stroke. Using letters for the word “FAST” can help us remember what to look for:

• F. Face Drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or is it numb?
• A. Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S. Speech Difficulty: Is the person’s speech slurred? Are they unable to speak? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, such as “the sky is blue.” Is it repeated correctly?
• T. Time for help: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 immediately to get them to the hospital.

Knee pain. Is it just stiffness or could it be osteoarthritis?

People are living longer these days and staying more active. That’s good news, but it also means more people will need help with joint replacement surgery.

If you’re wondering about the type of pain you’re feeling, here are some things to consider. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that leads to the breakdown and eventual loss of joint cartilage. That allows bones under the cartilage to rub together and cause pain.

Weight loss surgery: Could it be right for you?

If you’ve always wondered about weight loss surgery, this could be the year to check it out.

Bariatric surgery can help people live longer, healthier lives, especially those who have struggled with weight loss for years.

Studies show that bariatric surgery can improve many weight-related health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and sleep apnea.

In addition, weight problems can lead to many life-threatening illnesses, such as heart disease, joint disease, infertility, or even feelings of isolation or depression.

Welcome: Praveena Basetty, M.D.

Praveena Basetty, M.D.,
a specialist in nephrology 

Dr. Praveena Basetty

Dr. Basetty received her medical degree from the Ranagaraya Medical College in Andhra Pradesh, India. She completed her residency in internal medicine at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak and a fellowship in nephrology at St. John Hospital in Detroit. She practices with:

St. Clair Specialty Physicians
22201 Moross, Suite 150
Professional Building 2
Detroit, MI 48226

telephone: (313) 886-8787
fax: (313) 886-8084


St. Clair Specialty Physicians
45640 Schoenherr
Shelby Township, MI 48315

telephone: (586) 247-4300
fax: (586) 247-8904.

Welcome: Chirag Popat, M.D.

Chirag Popat, M.D.,
a specialist in internal medicine

Dr. Chirag Popat

Dr. Popat received his medical degree from the M.S. University of Baroda in India. He completed a residency in internal medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey and a fellowship in sleep medicine at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He is board certified in internal medicine. Dr. Popat practices at:

McLaren Macomb Internal Medicine & Health
37399 Garfield, Suite 106
Clinton Township, Michigan 48036

telephone: (586) 226-3500
fax: (586) 226-3600

Welcome: Erin M. Baker, D.O.

Erin M. Baker, D.O.,
a family medicine specialist 

Dr. Erin Baker

Dr. Baker received her medical degree from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her internship and residency in family practice medicine at McLaren Oakland. She practices at:

McLaren Macomb Sterling Heights
Pediatrics and Family Medicine
35111 Dodge Park
Sterling Heights, MI 48312

telephone: (586) 978-8010
fax (586) 978-9075

Start the New Year off heart-smart

Resolutions. We make them and break them all too quickly.

But here’s one that’s worth trying: This year, start slowly and aim for a few healthy choices that will improve your health in 2014.

Learn more about weight management here.

Physicians and nutrition experts remind us – steer clear of the quick diet fads. They’re too easily abandoned. Instead, focus on healthier eating and finding the time for more exercise.