Genesys Conducts Diabetes Care seminar

Grand Blanc, MI – “Achieving excellence in diabetes care,” a one day seminar offered by Genesys on Wednesday, Nov. 10, is designed for nurses, physicians and other health care providers who manage patients with diabetes.

This full day of lectures by specialists in the field of diabetes takes place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Genesys Conference and Banquet Center in Grand Blanc Township.

Goal of the seminar is to provide clinicians with additional tools to manage patients with diabetes by using safe practice strategies, incorporating microvascular and macrovascular prevention and treatment strategies, and implementing strategies that support patient adherence to medical recommendations.

A total of 6.25 CME credits are available.

The course schedule includes the following:

Inpatient management: RIP sliding scale insulin
Jamal Hammoud, MD, chief of Endocrinology at Genesys

Outpatient insulin management
Lowell Schmeltz, MD, chief of Endocrinology at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in West Bloomfield

Special management conditions
Michael Valitutto, DO, internist and diabetes specialist at Borgess Center for Diabetes Care in Kalamazoo

Preventing macrovascular and microvascular complications

Speakers TBA.

Cost of the seminar is $75 for physicians; and $50 for retired physicians, nurses and other health care providers.

To sign up for “Achieving excellence in diabetes care,” call Genesys at 810-606-6527 or register online at www.genesys.org/CME.

Genesys Conference and Banquet Center is located on the Genesys Regional Medical Center – Health Park campus in Grand Blanc Township (Holly Road at Baldwin).

Henry Ford Hospital Performs First Intestine Transplant in Michigan

Detroit, MI – The first intestine (bowel) transplant in Michigan was performed on a 50-year-old patient from Port Austin by physicians at Henry Ford Hospital.

The 11-hour surgery was performed on August 21 and 22. The composite multivisceral transplant procedure included transplant of the patient’s small bowel, stomach and pancreas.

Only a few centers in the United States offer intestine transplants and Henry Ford is the only one in Michigan with a program.

The patient, Brent Patterson, who suffered from short bowel syndrome as well as insulin-dependent diabetes, had been waiting for a transplant since April.

Patterson previously had six bowel procedures in a year to treat his intestines, damaged from Crohn’s disease and poor blood supply, and was no longer able to absorb the nutrients his body needed.

“I got so tired, my immune system was low and I would have to eat nonstop just to get enough nutrients,” says Patterson.

Every night by 8 p.m., Patterson had to hook himself up intravenously for fluids to prevent dehydration. He was constantly at high risk for intravenous infection and multiple hospital admissions. He was also on an insulin pump for his diabetes. Five years earlier, he had a kidney transplant; his wife, Elizabeth, donated her kidney.

Since his intestine transplant, he is off of intravenous nutrition and on a combination of tube feedings and his own nutritional intake by mouth.

“I can’t believe it – it is a whole new world,” says Patterson. “I am not even a diabetic anymore.”

The Henry Ford transplant surgical team included Marwan Kazimi, M.D., director, Small Bowel and Multivisceral Program, and Marwan Abouljoud, M.D., director, Henry Ford Transplant Institute

Dr. Kazimi explains that Patterson should have very few physical limitations: He will have to be careful with his dietary choices, especially for first few months, and make sure he stays well hydrated. Risk of rejection or infection with certain viruses is highest in first few months, and he will be monitored closely for these.

“It is our hope that he will return to fully functional status, including work and hobbies, if he so desires, and that he will never need intravenous nutrition or insulin again,” says Dr. Kazimi.

The electrician/journeyman loves to rebuild race motors and is looking forward to getting back to work on his ’74 red Nova and spending time with his wife and son.

“While still rare, intestine transplant is much more successful than in the past, partly due to improvements in technique and patient selection, and partly due to refinements in our understanding of immunosuppression and opportunistic infections,” says Dr. Kazimi. “It is now a viable option, and anyone with short gut syndrome, chronic intravenous nutrition or fluid needs, or certain gastrointestinal disorders such as poor motility may be a candidate.”

“It is an option many weren’t even aware of because it wasn’t available in Michigan until now,” says Dr. Kazimi.

Dr. Kazimi explains patients with intestinal failure are considered candidates for transplant when other treatments, such as parenteral nutrition (intravenous replacement of nutrients) are unsuccessful. He says the most common causes of intestinal failure are short bowel syndrome that results from extensive bowel surgeries due to inflammatory bowel diseases, a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, blood clots in the major veins that lead to the intestine, or major abdominal trauma.

Many people with short bowel syndrome, like Patterson, are dependent on total parenteral nutrition to supply their daily nutrition. Administered in the hospital or at home, intravenous nutrition usually requires a central venous catheter, which can lead to chronic infection. Over time, the intravenous nutrition solution also carries risk of complications such as venous thrombosis and liver conditions like hepatotoxicity, steatohepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis.

There are three types of intestine transplants including:

• Isolated Intestine Transplant for patients with short bowel syndrome and no liver disease.
• Combined Liver-Intestine Transplant for patients with short bowel syndrome and irreversible intravenous nutrition-induced liver disease.
• Composite Multivisceral Transplant for patients with short bowel syndrome requiring intestine, stomach, pancreas and/or liver transplantation; patients with portomesenteric thrombosis and liver disease; or patients with neuroendocrine tumors metastatic to the liver.

“Implementation of new techniques and technology requires several levels of preparation of such a program for patient safety and better outcomes,” says Dr. Marwan Abouljoud, director of Henry Ford Transplant Institute, which has had a liver transplant program since 1989.

“The field of transplantation has been progressing rapidly with many technical innovations that help people in need of such new procedures.”

Nationally, 180 intestine transplants were performed last year in the U.S. and there are currently 249 people waiting for a transplant, according to the Gift of Life Michigan. The first successful intestine transplant was performed in 1987 in Kiel, Germany.

Three other patients in Michigan are waiting for intestine transplants at Henry Ford.

St. Joe Fundraiser to Benefit Cancer Resource and Support Center

Pontiac, MI – St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO) announces that tickets are still available for “An Evening with Tracy Reese,” a benefit for the hospital’s Cancer Resource and Support Center, to be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, 2010, at The Townsend Hotel, 100 Townsend St., Birmingham.

The intimate event will feature a reception, simple supper, program and informal modeling of the Detroit-born, New York designer’s fashions by local community members.

Among the models will be Patricia Nolf, who is the founder of the Pink Ribbon Trailblazers, a grassroots organization that raises funds to provide free mammograms for uninsured and underserved women who reside in Oakland County. Judie Goodman, DO, Medical Director of SJMO Oncology Services and a member of the Benefit Committee, also will model.

Ticket are $75 for patrons, $150 each for benefactors (includes a special reception and the opportunity to meet Tracy Reese). To purchase tickets, call SJMO Manager of Donor Relations Joyce Russell, 248-858-6146.

Reese’s clothing lines, Tracy Reese, Plenty by Tracy Reese and Frock! by Tracy Reese, are available in the Detroit area at such top retailers as Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Anthropologie.

SJMO’s planned Cancer Resource and Support Center will be located in the Alice Gustafson Center on the hospital campus in Pontiac.  It will serve as a comfortable, “one-stop shop” for information and education on cancer topics, social support and counseling, complementary therapies and classes, and provide access to cancer experts and community resources.  The focus will be on helping to improve the knowledge and quality of life of patients with cancer, along with addressing patients’ and family members’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Cancer Care at SJMO offers a continuum of advanced cancer treatment, from acute inpatient care to outpatient services, cutting-edge diagnostics and surgical options, access to the latest clinical trials and award-winning palliative care. SJMO is a member of the Mercy Cancer Network, one of Michigan’s largest cancer networks offering the latest in cancer diagnosis, clinical research trials and therapeutic technology.

Members of the Benefit Committee are: Nancy Smith, Malti Patel, Susie Mansoor, Dr. Goodman and Erin Reese-Burks, sister of Tracy Reese and Administrative Director of SJMO’s Oncology program.

SJMO to Host Free Orthopedic Seminar

Pontiac, MI—St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO) orthopedic surgeon Christopher Tisdel, MD, will address a free, community seminar on “Understanding Foot and Ankle Conditions” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010, in the hospital’s Franco Communications Center, 44405 Woodward Ave., Pontiac.

The seminar is part of the hospital’s free, monthly, series of orthopedic community seminars. SJMO orthopedic specialists conduct the seminars, speaking on a wide range of orthopedic procedures and joint replacement.  The final seminar in the series will be held on Nov. 16 when Safa Kassab, MD, will speak on “What Is Total Joint Replacement?”

“SJMO has won numerous awards for orthopedic and joint replacement excellence,” said Jack Weiner, SJMO President and CEO.  “Every day, our skilled physicians, surgeons and medical staff provide exemplary care and outstanding outcomes for the patients they treat.”

The hospital’s board-certified orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating spine, hand, shoulder, hip and knee disorders.  They provide comprehensive care before, during and after surgery.  Among the orthopedic services SJMO offers are:

• Award-winning, nationally recognized Joint Care Center,
• Artificial ankle replacement,
• Correcting and treating postural and post-traumatic deformities, diabetic conditions and arthritis,
• Cutting edge procedures such as kyphoplasty and minimally invasive, patient-specific surgery,
• MRI and custom-fit technology for total knee replacements, the first in Michigan do to so,

Around-the-clock acute trauma care at the SJMO Emergency Center.

SJMO recently was named a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement® and a Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery® by Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Michigan and Blue Care Network.

The seminars are free and open to the public.  Light refreshments will be served. Free parking is available on the north side of the hospital, adjacent to the Franco Communications Center and Medical Office Building.

Registration is required.  To register, call St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, 800-372-6094 

SJMO recently was named a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement® and a Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery® by Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Michigan and Blue Care Network.

 

The seminars are free and open to the public.  Light refreshments will be served. Free parking is available on the north side of the hospital, adjacent to the Franco Communications Center and Medical Office Building.

 

Registration is required.  To register, call St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, 800-372-6094.

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland to Honor Ex-Lions Coach Forzano

Pontiac, MI—St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO) will honor former Detroit Lions head coach Rick Forzano, Sr., at its annual Fall Spectacular fund raiser 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, at The Townsend Hotel, 100 Townsend St., Birmingham. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the hospital’s cutting edge technology in its new Surgical Pavilion.

Founder of Rick Forzano Associates, Rick Forzano, Sr., will receive the hospital’s Mercy Legacy Award at the Fall Spectacular.  The award is presented to individuals who support the SJMO mission and charitable causes and volunteer their time in the community.

For many years, Forzano has been an advocate of SJMO and its mission.  He also is the past president of SJMO’s McAuley Club and has recruited many other individuals to provide support to the hospital.

Forzano coached for more than 25 years, prior to starting his agency in 1978.  His coaching career began at the elementary and high school levels and continued at the College of Wooster and Kent State University, both in Ohio; at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and at the University of Connecticut.  He also coached the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Bengals.  During his career, Forzano was a football color analyst with ABC-TV and NBC radio.

Celebrity Chair is Mike Tirico, Monday Night Football play-by-play commentator and ESPN radio and TV announcer.  Guy Gordon, WDIV-Local 4 news anchor is the celebrity emcee.

Honorary Co-Chairs are Richard and Connie Dauch and Dr. Kirit and Malti Patel.  Benefit Chairs are Pam Boutrous, Lynne Portnoy and Nancy Smith.

The 50,000-square-foot Surgical Pavilion opened in fall 2009 with eight state-of-the-art surgical suites and a cystoscopy room.  Hallmarks of the new pavilion are patient care and safety, advanced technology and the incorporation of green processes to reduce waste and water and energy usage.  The Pavilion, which has space to accommodate 12 surgical suites, also will have an enhanced family waiting area scheduled to open this fall.

SJMO has raised more than $2.6 million for its signature community programs and the Surgical Pavilion from the past four Fall Spectaculars.

Dinner will be served, and there will be a dessert afterglow.  The public is invited.  For details and reservations, contact SJMO Donor Relations Manager Joyce Russell at 248-858-6146.

Cancer Connection sponsors free breast cancer screenings

Genesee County, MI – During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Genesee County Cancer Connection is sponsoring free breast cancer screenings for women in the county.

Here are the dates and times of the screenings:

Monday, Oct. 11
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Great Lakes Cancer Institute – McLaren
4100 Beecher Road, Flint

Tuesday, Oct. 19
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute
302 Kensington Avenue, Flint

Screenings are on a walk-in basis only. No appointments are accepted. A physician will conduct the free breast exam. If women need a mammogram, arrangements will be made to obtain one for free at a later date.

For more information on the free breast cancer screenings, call the Genesee County Cancer Connection at 810-766-8898.

Early detection of breast cancer, through monthly breast self-exams, and yearly mammograms after age 40, offers the best chance for survival. Ninety six percent of women who are identified in the early stages of breast cancer and
treated promptly will be cancer-free after five years.

The Genesee County Cancer Connection also sponsors free prostate cancer screenings every year. This year’s screenings will take place Tuesday, Sept. 14 and Wednesday, Sept. 29 at Great Lakes Cancer Institute on Beecher Road in Flint; and Thursday, Sept. 16 and Tuesday, Sept. 21 at Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute on Kensington Avenue in Flint. Walk-in times are 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. No appointments are accepted. If you have questions about the prostate cancer screenings, call the Genesee County Cancer Connection at 810-766-8898.

The Genesee County Cancer Connection is comprised of Genesys Health System, Hurley Medical Center, McLaren Regional Medical Center and other community organizations who work together to conduct cancer screenings, research and educational programs to help fight cancer.

AAA 1-B Hosts Caregiver Expo

Southfield, MI – At least one in every four families in the United States is caring for an older relative and more than one million caregivers across Michigan devote 10 million hours to caregiving for a loved one each year.  Caregiving can be overwhelming and exhausting and continues to grow every day as our population ages – but help is available. 

 The Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B) is hosting its 11^th Annual Solutions for Family Caregiver Expo on Saturday, October 16, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Best Western Sterling Inn Banquet and Conference Center (34911 Van Dyke Avenue at 15 Mile Road) in Sterling Heights.  This free event provides information and resources to people who care for elderly or disabled family members or friends.

This year’s Expo program includes 12 expert presentations on topics such as managing caregiver stress, ensuring health, fitness and home safety for elders, legal tips for caregivers, responding to the special needs of senior patients, end of life decisions, Veteran’s benefits, the impact of national health reform on Medicare, what you need to know about Alzheimer’s Disease, understanding Medicare and Medicaid, and much more.

More than 85 exhibitors will be on hand to provide information on products and services for caregivers.  The event is sponsored by Generations Home Care Group, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Henry Ford Health System, American House, Guardian Medical Monitoring, Home Instead Senior Care, Oakwood Home Care Services, Presbyterian Villages of Michigan, Quality Home Health Care Services of Michigan, Sunrise Senior Living, Trinity Senior Living Communities, and Visiting Physicians Association.  Media sponsors are the Macomb Daily and the Senior Living News.

“Caregivers often find themselves facing enormous responsibilities and are not aware of the services available to assist them or where to turn for help,” said Tina Abbate Marzolf, chief executive officer, AAA 1-B.  “The Solutions for Family Caregiver Expo provides access to experts, information, and resources under one roof, and the opportunity for caregivers to give and receive support from other caregivers.”

Caring for someone with a chronic disease, dementia or a physical disability can be rewarding, as well as stressful and overwhelming for the caregiver and their family members.  Duties often include preparing meals, arranging and driving to doctor appointments, housekeeping, doing laundry, helping with bathing and personal care, managing finances, assisting with legal planning and insuring that prescription medications are filled and taken appropriately.  All caregivers – from those who provide minimal support to those who are heavily invested in time, money and energy – will benefit from attending the free 2010 Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo.                   

Parking is free and morning refreshments will be provided courtesy of Jim Schuster, Certified Elder Law Attorney; and Mall Malisow & Cooney, P.C.  Snacks will be available in the afternoon on a cash and carry basis.  

Respite Care Provided On-Site

For caregivers who think attending a special event is out of the question because they cannot leave their loved one, AAA 1-B is offering on-site “Respite Care at the Expo.”  While caregivers are obtaining valuable information, free professional care, along with refreshments and interactive activities like singing, games, crafts, and social interaction will be provided by the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Michigan Chapter and Macomb County Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers.  Respite Care is sponsored by Comfort Keepers, Hospice of Michigan, and Mt. Elliott Cemetery Association.

Due to limited space, reservations for “Respite Care at the Expo” must be made by October 8, 2010.  Respite care is strictly for adults.  For more information or to make a reservation, caregivers can visit www.aaa1b.com or contact the AAA 1-B at 1-800-852-7795.

“We understand that caregivers have a difficult time leaving their loved ones in the care of a stranger and in an unfamiliar setting,” Abbate Marzolf said.  “Respite Care at the Expo means caregivers can check in on loved ones while they are learning about the resources available to them.”

About the Area Agency on Aging 1-B

The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is a nonprofit agency responsible for services to more than 500,000 persons age 60 and older residing in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties. Through the provision of home care and community-based services, older adults are provided with options that can help maintain their health and independence in their homes and communities.

The national Older Americans Act created a network of local Area Agencies on Aging across the United States to provide supportive services that enable older adults to live with independence and dignity in a setting of their choice.  The AAA 1-B, established in 1974, is a part of the national Area Agency on Aging network.

For more information on the Area Agency on Aging 1-B or the free 2010 Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo, visit www.michigancaregiverexpo.com or call 1-800-852-7795.

SJMO To Present Free Orthopedic Seminars in May

Pontiac, MI—St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO) will continue its series of free, monthly, orthopedic community seminars throughout 2010.  The one-hour seminars are held at 6 p.m. in the hospital’s Franco Communications Center, 44405 Woodward Ave., Pontiac.

SJMO orthopedic specialists will conduct the seminars, speaking on a wide range of orthopedic procedures and joint replacement.  Dates, speakers and topics include:

• May 25:           Shivajee Nallamothu, DO, “Total Joint Replacement”
• June 22:           Matt Bahu, MD,  “Shoulder”
• July 27:            Bill Kohen, MD, “Birmingham/Total Hip Replacement”
• Aug. 24:          Jignesh Patel, DO, “Knee”
• Sept. 28:          Richard Bartholomew, DO, “Minimally Invasive Shoulder”
• Oct. 26:           Christopher Tisdel, MD, “Foot and Ankle”
• Nov. 16:          Safa Kassab, MD, “Total Joint Replacement”.

“SJMO has won numerous awards for orthopedic and joint replacement excellence,” said Jack Weiner, SJMO President and CEO.  “Every day, our skilled physicians, surgeons and medical staff provide exemplary care and outstanding outcomes for the patients they treat.”

The hospital’s board-certified orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating spine, hand, shoulder, hip and knee disorders.  They provide comprehensive care before, during and after surgery.  Among the orthopedic services SJMO offers are:

• Award-winning, nationally recognized Joint Care Center,

• Artificial ankle replacement and correcting and treating postural and post-traumatic deformities, diabetic conditions and arthritis,
• Cutting edge procedures such as kyphoplasty and minimally invasive, patient-specific surgery,
• MRI and custom-fit technology for total knee replacements, the first in Michigan do to so,
• Around-the-clock acute trauma care at the SJMO Emergency Center.

The seminars are free and open to the public.  Light refreshments will be served. Free parking is available on the north side of the hospital, adjacent to the Franco Center and Medical Office Building.

Registration is required.  To register, call St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, 800-372-6094.

Dispensary of Hope Provides Medications to the Needy

Genessee County, MI – Dispensary of Hope, in partnership with Genesys Health System and Genesee Health Plan, offers medications to Genesee County residents without prescription drug coverage who otherwise would not be able to afford needed medications.

Those who qualify for assistance through Dispensary of Hope must meet the following criteria:

o Patient’s total gross household income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
o Patients are between the age of 18 and 64.
o Patients are not enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid.
o Patients do no have any third party prescription insurance.

The Dispensary of Hope dispensing site is stocked with unused, brand-name-only sample medications. Some safety net drugs – high demand generic drugs – also are available. A complete list of medications can be found by going to the Genesys Health System website: http://www.genesys.org/dispensaryofhope.

If the medicine is not available through the dispensary, a Dispensary of Hope representative will investigate other prescription assistance programs to help individuals obtain needed medications.

Dispensary of Hope medications are dispensed at no charge. Once qualification for the program is confirmed, individuals can obtain their medication at the Genesys Pharmacy (located inside the hospital on the Genesys Regional Medical Center – Health Park campus.)

Dispensary of Hope, a not-for-profit network of dispensing sites, sourcing partners and financial partners, is administered through Genesee Health Plan in partnership with Genesys. Genesee County Community Mental Health also has helped to support this service for area residents. To find out if you qualify for the program, call the Dispensary of Hope coordinator at Genesee Health Plan at 810-232-7740, ext. 207.

Henry Ford Offers Free Hearing Tests in May

Detroit, MI – Henry Ford Hospital’s Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery – Division of Audiology is hosting two days of free events in May, including hearing screenings, to raise awareness about the importance of hearing health and the challenges of living with hearing loss.

Thursday, May 13: 9 – 10:30 a.m. Living with Hearing Loss Seminar
Presented by hearing loss advocate and Henry Ford hearing aid technician Liz Kobylak, this talk will focus on the everyday challenges of living with hearing loss and the devices that can assist in better hearing.

• 12:30 – 2 p.m. Free Hearing Screenings

Friday, May 14: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Free Hearing Screenings; 2:30 – 4 p.m. Living with Hearing Loss Seminar
Presented by hearing loss advocate and Henry Ford hearing aid technician Liz Kobylak, this talk will focus on the everyday challenges of living with hearing loss and the devices that can assist in better hearing.

All of the events will be held at Henry Ford Hospital in private dining room 2 near the hospital cafeteria. Henry Ford Hospital is located at 2799 W. Grand Blvd. in Detroit.

To register for the free events, visit www.henryford.com/Classes or call 1-800-HENRYFORD.

About Hearing Loss
Hearing loss affects more than 36 million Americans. While most are the result of the normal aging process, the number of people younger than 65 with hearing loss is growing due in part to the popularity of MP3 players and earbuds.

Hearing loss can affect people of all ages. According the American Academy of Audiology, the most common causes of hearing loss are genetic predispositions, ear diseases, noise exposure (music, industrial and military), ototoxic medicines and head trauma.

Hearing loss can make it difficult to hear a conversation in a noisy environment such as a restaurant, or cause constant ringing or pain in the ears.

Although most hearing loss is permanent, an audiologist can determine the best treatment to improve hearing, including hearing aids, assistive listening devices and hearing rehabilitation.

To learn more about the services and treatments offered at Henry Ford’s Division of Audiology, visit www.henryford.com.

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