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.