Dr. Monturar, Podiatrist, joins McLaren Macomb medical staff

Dr. Hengelberth D. Montufar
Podiatry
(click for physician info)

Hengelberth D. Montufar, D.P.M., has joined the medical staff at McLaren Macomb.

Dr. Hengelberth earned his medical degree from the School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia. Upon graduation, he completed a podiatry internship at Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, and residency programs at Veterans Affairs Medical Center (primary podiatric medicine) in Lebanon, Penn., and Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital (podiatric surgery) in Wyandotte, Mich.

He is board certified in podiatric surgery.

Dr. Hengelberth practices out of 

Richmond Foot & Ankle Clinic, P.C.

36640 Heritage Drive 

Richmond, MI, 48062

Phone: (586) 727-7867 

Fax: (586) 727-5598

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.

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.

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.