New Study Links Secondhand Smoke to Sinus Conditions
May 7, 2010 by Heather Ashare, MPH
Filed under Featured Article
By now, most of us realize the dangers of smoking, including the damaging effects associated with being exposed to secondhand smoke. But in a new study undertaken by researchers at the Henry Ford Health System, the list of health risks connected to secondhand smoke continues to grow.
The study is believed to be the first time researchers evaluated the association between secondhand smoke and chronic rhinosinusitis, one of the most common health conditions in the United States affecting more than 39 million people, or one in seven adults, every year. Chronic rhinosinusitis, or CRS, is a form of sinusitis in which the moist tissues of the nose and paranasal sinuses become inflamed resulting in headaches, congestion, sneezing and a runny nose.
And the results of this landmark study couldn’t be timelier: On May 1, Michigan became the 38th state to limit smoking in public places, government buildings, workplaces, bars and restaurants.
Researchers found that people are at an increased risk for developing rhinosinusitis from exposure to secondhand smoke at home and public places like bars and restaurants, but that the risk is even higher at work and at private social settings.
“The smoking ban has the power to have an enormous impact on sinus and nasal conditions because the air will be much cleaner in work places and at social functions. This can lead to significantly less symptoms for those affected by sinus conditions,” says Amanda Holm, MPH, a co-author on the study and project manager in Henry Ford Health System’s Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.
In fact, given the results of this study, nearly 40 percent of chronic rhinosinusitis diagnoses are estimated to be prevented if individuals are no longer exposed to secondhand smoke.
According to Holm, the poisons in secondhand smoke are known irritants to the nasal passages and sinuses. It exacerbates the sinus conditions that people have and it is a major contributor to the development of rhinosinusitis.
According to Henry Ford Health Systems, secondhand smoke accounts for an estimated 3,000 lung cancer deaths and 30,000 heart disease deaths annually. Moreover, secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in Michigan, which results in about 2,500 deaths a year.
States that have banned smoking from public places have seen tremendous boons in health outcomes. For instance, a study conducted by the state Department of Public Health and the Harvard School of Public Health, showed a steep decline in heart attack deaths since the ban was implemented in 2004. Heart attack deaths in Massachusetts plummeted 30 percent, a benefit that cannot just be attributed to improvements in medical treatments and access to care.
While sinus problems may not carry the fatal risk as lung cancer, heart attacks or strokes, conditions that are strongly linked to smoking, they do pose uncomfortable and chronic symptoms.
“Eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to a lot less headaches and nasal congestion,” says Holms. Factor in the cost of sinus medications and the overall discomfort of being plagued by constant sneezing and a running nose and the case for smoking bans is making it a little bit easier to breathe.
Henry Ford Offers Experts to Discuss Autism
April 13, 2010 by Contributor
Filed under Healthy Happenings
Detroit, MI – What is autism? Is there a connection between autism and childhood vaccinations? How do I know if my child is at risk?
Autism has been in the news a lot lately, leaving some parents with more questions than answers about this often puzzling condition.
To help, several medical experts with the Henry Ford Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD) are available to discuss autism and autism spectrum disorder as part of National Autism Awareness Month in April:
Colleen M. Allen, Ph.D., is the director of CADD and a certified Speech/Language Pathologist with Henry Ford. Dr. Allen is the author of the Michigan Autism Support blog (http://michiganautismsupport.com/). She can discuss how autism is diagnosed (and often misdiagnosed), intervention services to children with developmental communication disorders, including autism.
Tisa M. Johnson-Hooper, M.D., is a pediatrician at Henry Ford. She is an advocate for children with disabilities and has focused her practice on providing comprehensive primary care for children and youth with special health care needs. Dr. Johnson-Hooper can discuss comprehensive management of autism as well as alternate vaccination schedules for children.
Barry Wolf, M.D., Ph.D., is a geneticist and pediatrician with Henry Ford. Dr. Wolfs expertise is in the diagnosis and treatment of children with genetic and inherited metabolic diseases, which includes those with developmental disability and autistic-like behavior. He can discuss the role of genetics in autism.
UPCOMING AUTISM EVENT
Experts from the Henry Ford Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities will lead several educational sessions at the third annual “Living with Autism Workshop” on April 29 at the Troy Hilton, located at 5500 Crooks Rd. in Troy.
Presented by Metro Parent Publishing Group and Henry Ford Health System, the workshop is designed to educate parents, health professionals, educators and counselors about autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities.
The event also will feature special guest speaker Temple Grandin, Ph.D., who is recognized as the most successful autistic person in the world and the subject of a recent HBO movie.
For more event information or to purchase tickets, visit MetroParentEvents.com or call (248) 398-3400.
FACEBOOK CLICKCAST SESSIONS
Dr. Colleen Allen will hold two ClickCast sessions a social media platform hosted on Facebook that combines live video conference with interactive text chat where viewers can learn about the complexity of Autism Spectrum Disorders and the difficulties faced by parents and professionals alike to diagnose a child with this disorder. The ClickCast sessions will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 30 and Friday, May 14.
To learn more about the Henry Ford Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, visit www.henryford.com/autism.
Free Head and Neck Cancer Screenings at Henry Ford Locations
March 25, 2010 by Contributor
Filed under Healthy Happenings
Detroit, MI - Head and neck cancers account for approximately three percent of all cancer cases in this country. Since early detection not only saves lives, but also reduces the debilitating side-effects associated with this highly preventable type of cancer, Henry Ford Health System is holding free screenings on Thursday, April 15.
Henry Ford has traditionally been the only local health provider to offer free head and neck cancer screenings during Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week.
The free screenings in the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic will be held from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 15 at the following locations:
– Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit
– Henry Ford Medical Center – Lakeside, 14500 Hall Road, Sterling Heights
– Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, 6777 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield — Screenings at this site will be held 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
– Henry Ford Medical Center – Fairlane, 19401 Hubbard Drive, Dearborn
Head and neck cancer can occur in the mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), swallowing passages, salivary glands, thyroid gland and nasal passages. People who use tobacco or drink alcohol heavily are at higher risk than others to develop the disease. Most cases are found in people over the age of 40, and the disease is more common in African Americans than Caucasians.
People who use tobacco or drink heavily should be screened for head and neck cancer at least once a year. Cancer warning signs also include hoarseness, persistent throat and ear pain, mouth sores that won’t heal or a lump in the neck.
To register for a free screening or for more information, call (313) 916-3275. Because space is limited, you must have an appointment for screenings.
Henry Ford’s GolFitness Program Offers Pre-Season Strength Training
January 21, 2010 by Contributor
Filed under Healthy Happenings
Detroit, MI – Golfers can get ready for a great season with a GolFitness group pre-season training session, sponsored by Henry Ford Hospital’s Center for Athletic Medicine.
Stretching routines designed specifically for golfers are known to have positively impacted the games of many professionals and can play a major role in helping GolFitness participants achieve consistent results on the course.
Henry Ford’s team of sports medicine professionals will perform a brief biomechanical assessment of each golfer’s swing and provide a customized program to help increase strength and flexibility.
Through GolFitness, participants learn pre-game warm-up, core strengthening and home flexibility exercises to help develop an effective swing.
Spring 2010 sessions will be held from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at five Henry Ford locations including:
• Feb. 10: Wyandotte Rehabilitation Orthopedic Center, 3rd floor, 3200 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte
• Feb. 24: Henry Ford’s Columbus Center Athletic Medicine & Physical Therapy, 39450 12 Mile Rd, Novi
• March 10: Henry Ford Cottage Hospital Athletic Medicine & Physical Therapy, 159 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe
• March 24: Lowell Park Athletic Medicine & Physical Therapy, 44800 Delco Boulevard, Sterling Heights
• April 7: William Clay Ford Center for Athletic Medicine, P.T., 6525 Second Ave., Detroit
Each participant will receive a GolFitness exercise booklet. Sessions cost $40. Call (313) 972-4167 to register.
Henry Ford Launches ‘Doc in the D’ Medical Blog
January 21, 2010 by Contributor
Filed under Healthy Happenings
Detroit, MI – Henry Ford Medical Group has launched a medical news Web site, ‘Doc in the D’ (www.docinthed.com), devoted to the unique research and expertise of its 1,000-member physician group.
‘Doc in the D’ showcases medical research at Henry Ford that goes beyond the typical corporate press release.
The blog covers edgy topics like “Baby Blunders” or the myths of fertility, the dangers of dietary supplements, Viagra used in stroke research, using saliva to detect cancer and ultrasound from Mt. Everest.
The site includes scientific images as well as video commentary and demonstration.
‘Doc in the D’ is the latest social media tool used by Henry Ford to communicate with the general public, patients, physicians, journalists, online editors and traditional media. Early in 2009, Henry Ford was the first hospital to use Twitter to tweet a live surgery.
Henry Ford Health System also maintains multiple Facebook pages, blogs and a YouTube channel.
SandCastles Receives Grant From Ronald McDonald House Charities
January 21, 2010 by Contributor
Filed under Healthy Happenings
Detroit, MI – SandCastles Grief Support Program, part of Henry Ford Hospice, has received a grant for $6,000 from Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Southeastern Michigan.
“SandCastles provides a supportive environment for children and teens and their families who have lost a loved one,” says Peggy Nielsen, manager of SandCastles. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to grieve in a nurturing environment. We provide a safe place to interact with those who have also experienced loss, learn coping skills and begin a healthy, healing process.”
The grant will be used for funding program materials, including art and craft supplies, activities, books, and upgrades to the Volcano Room, where children can express their grief in healthy ways.
There is no charge for the services provided by SandCastles, which is open to everyone.
Ronald McDonald House Charities is dedicated to improving the quality of children’s lives worldwide. The organization helps young people lead healthier, happier and more productive lives by funding programs in the areas of health care and medical research; education and the arts; and social and civic concerns.
SandCastles program sites are located in Detroit, Clinton Township, Livonia, Rochester, St. Clair Shores, Southfield and Downriver.
For more information on SandCastles Grief Support Program, call (313) 874-6881.
How to Keep Prescription Drugs Away From Your Kids
November 1, 2008 by Contributor
Filed under Featured Article
How many prescriptions do you have in your home? Because they’re free and easy to find, they may be what your child uses to get high.
Prescription drugs such as sedatives, pain relievers, stimulants and allergy medications provide many benefits but when taken by anyone other than for whom the drugs were prescribed, they can be addictive and even deadly.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse Web site, more than 20 percent of high school seniors reported non-medical use of at least one prescription medication.
Robin Walsh, MA, LLP, a therapist at Henry Ford Health System’s Maplegrove Center, says there are six simple ways to help keep prescription drugs out of the hands of your children:
• Properly dispose of all prescription drugs from your home if they are no longer in use. Non-prescription medications with dextromethorphan, dimenhydrinate and diphenhydramine hydrochloride should also be removed.
• Lock up all prescription and non-prescription medications. Don’t let your guard down and leave them unlocked or out in the open.
• Educate yourselves about the latest trends in drug use — including inhalants, ‘pharming’ parties and non-prescription cough medicine — and the dangers involved. Call community youth coalitions or treatment centers for information, assistance or guidance. They often offer helpful lectures or workshops. Also, the NIDA Web site is a great source of accurate information. Visit www.nida.nih.gov.
• Talk to your kids. Explain the dangers of prescription drugs. Once you have information, share it with your kids to replace the misinformation they may have. You can debunk the myth that prescription drugs are a ‘safer’ high than illegal drugs.
• Get to know your kids! Keep the lines of communication open and listen to them. Look up info on the NIDA Web site for warning signs of drug use.
• Know your kids’ friends and their parents. Look for any changes in the behavior of your children’s friends. You may be safe-guarding your home and watching your children but are other parents doing the same?
“Keeping communication channels open is important because kids can feel safe talking to their parents about drugs if something does occur,” says Walsh. “They will be more open to asking questions of parents, especially if parents are willing to listen and have exhibited some knowledge on the topic.
“Remember, the best way to communicate to your child is through the example you set, meaning actions speak louder than words,” says Walsh.
Henry Ford Health System’s Maplegrove Center provides a full spectrum of substance abuse treatment and support services for people of all ages. Maplegrove is located at 6773 W. Maple Rd., West Bloomfield. Call (248) 661-6100 for a Maplegrove evaluation.
Provided by Henry Ford Health System
Making a Healthy Back-to-School Transition
August 1, 2008 by Contributor
Filed under Featured Article
By Stacy Leatherwood-Cannon, M.D.
As a new school year approaches, it’s important for parents to make sure their child makes a healthy transition from the swimming pool to the classroom. Taking proactive measures with your child’s health before classes began can help reduce their risk of illness throughout the year.
Immunize
Taking your child in for a check up before school begins may prevent, identify and treat health problems before they appear. Vaccinations will also help eliminate the chances of your child getting an illness throughout the school year. Check with your doctor to make sure your child has had all of the necessary immunizations according to the state of Michigan’s vaccination requirements.
The eyes have it
An eye exam may mean the difference between your child getting an A on a test and a C. How well a child can see will have a great impact on how much and how quickly they will learn.
Some school systems give annual vision tests to students. Unfortunately, this test doesn’t always detect all problems. If left undetected, vision problems can lead to difficulties in learning, as well as behavioral, physical and emotional problems.
Get a good night’s sleep
Getting your child into a sleep schedule can be a struggle when they go from later evenings to earlier mornings. Good-quality sleep can help your child learn more easily and reduce many behavioral problems; it will also boost their energy and enthusiasm. Start a week early getting your child into a sleep routine and keep the following sleeping tips in mind:
• Set a regular time for bed each night and stick to it;
• Avoid feeding children large meals close to bedtime;
• Avoid caffeine less then six hours before bedtime;
• Establish a calming bedtime routine.
Start the day with breakfast
As with any person, a nutritious breakfast is always recommended for children to start the day off right. Studies have shown that children who skip breakfast may be at a disadvantage as it interferes with cognition and learning skills. Eating breakfast improves school attendance and enhances their diet.
A nutritious breakfast, though, isn’t a donut on the way to the bus stop. Instead, offer your child a variety of healthy choices; such as yogurt, fruit, hot or dry cereals, or smoothies. Try non-traditional foods, too. Spark their interest by serving leftover spaghetti or chicken.
Preventing back injuries
An important safety concern for parents to watch is their child’s backpack. A heavy backpack can cause back pain. Keep these tips in mind when shopping for one:
• Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
• Organize the backpack to make sure that it does not weigh more then 10 to 20 percent of your child’s body weight. Place heavier items closest to the center of the backpack.
• Remind your child to always use both shoulder straps. Using just one shoulder strap may cause strain on the back muscles.
• Ideally, a backpack with rollers should be used to avoid any unnecessary strain.
By taking a proactive approach to getting your kids prepared for the school year, you can make the transition from summer vacation much easier.
Dr. Leatherwood-Cannon is a board certified pediatrician for Henry Ford Health System. She obtained her medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, and received advanced training at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. She sees patients at the Henry Ford Medical Center-New Center One in Detroit.
Play it Cool…
July 2, 2008 by Heather Ashare, MPH
Filed under Health
With Jayant Sanghvi, MD
Beaches, barbeques, bike rides, and sno-cones are some of our most revered activities of summer. But all of this fun can also come with danger, if you’re not careful. When the sun heats up and you are outside cutting the lawn or your children are playing in the yard or a game of beach volleyball, the blazing effects of the heat can be a dangerous and sometimes fatal consequence of this beloved time of year.
Fortunately, there are a number of preventive measures you can take to ensure that your time in the sun is all fun. The medical experts at Henry Ford Hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine see and treat hundreds of heat-induced illnesses as soon as the warm weather hits. With the help of Dr. Jayant Sanghvi, the division head of Emergency Services for Henry Ford Medical Center in Sterling Heights, the threats of the summer heat can be kept to a minimum with a little knowledge and preparation.
He and his team at Henry Ford have compiled a list of three most common heat-induced illnesses and the ways to treat and prevent them. If you have little ones around the house or if you care for the elderly, pay special attention to these warning signs, says Dr. Sanghvi, since the young and the old are at particular risk for heat-induced trauma. Also, athletes should be acutely aware of their time spent training in the sun. Even though conditioned athletes may feel that they are in too good of shape to be overcome by the heat, they often fall victim to this serious condition, says Dr. Sanghvi.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are the least serious of all heat-induced conditions but they still need to be treated before the cramping further incapacitates the individual. Heat cramps typically occur following rigorous exercise or activity performed outside. The individual did not drink enough fluids but has perspired therefore creating an imbalance between the fluids in the body to fluids out of the body. The body’s levels of the electrolytes, potassium and sodium become thrown off and create the grounds for muscle cramping, usually occurring in the legs or abdomen.
The best thing to do is to place the individual in a cool area and hydrate with a beverage containing electrolytes like Gatorade or Pedialyte for children. With some rest and proper hydration, the cramping will subside but the individual should not over exert him or herself for the next few hours.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is one step up on the danger ladder from heat cramps. Caused by dehydration, heat exhaustion takes the form of dizziness, weakness, rapid heart rate, clammy and cold skin, headache, thirst, faintness or nausea. Dr. Sanghvi typically sees cases of heat exhaustion in the late to midday after someone has clocked some time out in the sun.
“If you are thirsty, your body is telling you that you are already about one liter behind your optimal fluid intake,” says Dr. Sanghvi.
In order to treat this common but serious heat condition, immediately place the individual in a well-ventilated location and slightly elevate their feet. Next, place cool but not cold towels on their body and give them chilled but not iced fluids with one teaspoon of salt per quart of liquid. Have the person lie until the symptoms have dissipated and the individual has restored his or her strength.
Heat Stroke
By far the most dangerous of the heat-induced conditions, heat stroke requires immediate medical attention. Those who are at most risk for heat stroke are the elderly, the obese, infants and athletes. If you spend your summer with any of these at-risk groups, be very mindful of any of the early signs of heat stroke and employ the necessary preventive measures to avoid a heat stroke episode.
Other risk factors include dehydration, alcohol use, cardiovascular disease and certain medications. Blood pressure medicine in the form of diuretics increase the susceptibility to having a heat-induced condition, says Dr. Sanghvi, because they remove fluids from the body making the individual at risk for further dehydration.
Heat stroke occurs when there is prolonged exposure to hot and humid weather or when the person has been active outside without proper fluid intake. The body normally manages heat stress by evaporating sweat and controlling core body temperature. When these cooling mechanisms are interrupted as they are in the case of heat stroke, these vital processes cease to function and the individual becomes prone to one of summer’s most lethal maladies.
But knowing the warning signs can prevent further injury. “Headaches, thirst and dizziness are some of the first signs a person will experience,” says Dr. Sanghvi. “It is important to act quickly before the brain gets exposed to these high body temperatures and becomes damaged.”
One of the hallmark signs of heat stroke is having an extremely elevated body temperature, greater than 104 F (40 C). Given the high body temperature, the individual’s personality will change drastically often becoming disoriented and confused. Other symptoms include hot, dry or moist skin, rapid heartbeat, quick breathing, cessation of sweating, headache, nausea, and dizziness.
“Heat stroke can be so serious because it’s a Catch-22. Your body is trying to get rid of the heat by breathing rapidly and opening up the pores of the skin but in doing so, you lose vital fluids which further places the person in a dangerous position,” says Dr. Sanghvi.
If you suspect that a person is suffering from heat stroke, place the individual in a cool and shaded area with their legs slightly elevated. Next, call 911 and cover the person in damp towels, spray them water or fan them with cool air. If the person is lucid, have him or her drink cool water.
In cases like these, once they arrive at the hospital, intravenous fluids become necessary in order to prevent additional downward spiraling.
Prevention
Just as we protect ourselves during the frigid temperatures of winter by wearing the appropriate clothing and staying indoors, the same sort of preparation is required during the hot summer months. The threat of the perils of summer should not keep you or your loved ones from enjoying the sun and warm temperatures.
In order to keep your summer a safe and healthy one, Dr Sanghvi and the Henry Ford Emergency Medical unit offer a few simple measures to take during the next few months:
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid exertion in the sun, especially during the day’s hottest hours.
• Acclimate yourself to the heat.
• Stay in air conditioning or use fans as much as possible.
• Wear a hat and loose, lightweight clothing.
• Put cool but not cold wet towels on your body.
• Take frequent cool or tepid showers or baths.
• Avoid alcohol because it acts as a diuretic and will cause dehydration.
Dr. Jayant Sanghvi is board certified in Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine at Henry Ford Hospital. He received his medical degree from the University of Bombay with post graduate training in medicine at Griffin Hospital in Connecticut, psychiatry at Kings Park Psychiatric Hospital in New York, and family practice at Creighton University in Nebraska.
Acupuncture & Mainstream Medicine
June 2, 2008 by Clark Young
Filed under Health
With Beth Kohn, LAc
For thousands of years, the ancient practice of acupuncture has been a mainstay of traditional Chinese medicine. It is one of the oldest healing techniques in the world, and until recently has been niched for those practicing holistic medicine.
However, over the past several years, it has found its way into modern day medicine. Once taboo with many medical physicians, acupuncture is now being used as complementary treatment in areas such as cancer pain, infertility, dentistry and other areas.
The theory behind acupuncture is that the fields of energy within the body can be manipulated using solid, metallic needles, to stimulate healing within the body. This is based on the principle that the body has two opposing and inseparable forces, the yin and yang, that when appropriately balanced can lead to a healthy being. The needles used help connect the disrupted energies within the body and helps them reconnect along the meridians, which are lines between the points within the body.
Several large studies have been carried out over the past decade to understand the effects of acupuncture. The NIH (National Institute of Health) determined that many physicians were beginning to incorporate acupuncture as complementary treatment to certain conditions.
With the increased use of acupuncture, the FDA now regulates the production of acupuncture needles to certified, trained practitioners to ensure safety, sterility and quality of the needles.
“I find that most of my patients are looking for alternatives to pharmaceutical medicines,” says Beth Kohn, is a certified acupuncturist at the Henry Ford Center of Integrated Medicine, in Northville. “They want to find options with fewer side effects.”
The goal for both traditional western medicine and eastern medicine is the same; to help heal a patient’s ailment. Therefore, combining these two differing philosophies can see successful outcomes for many patients. By working in concert, the practitioners can provide quality outcomes for some of the most difficult of patient conditions.
“We try to figure out how we can use these therapies (acupuncture and herbal medicine) wen traditional western medicine and pharmaceuticals don’t work, or people can’t tolerate them,” says Kohn. “We have used traditional eastern medicine on people with neck pain, headaches, menopause and premenstrual syndromes. We work with the (physicians) to determine if it is okay to incorporate this into the patient’s treatment.”
Although there are still some skeptics to using acupuncture as complementary treatment, they are becoming fewer and fewer. In fact, many physicians are learning about these alternative therapies based on the demand from patients.
“Patients are more educated and do more research today. It used to be you would go to the doctor and ask what to do, and the doctor would take care of you. Today, people are doing research and coming to the doctor with alternatives and questions about herbs and other treatments,” says Kohn.
This patient-driven force is part of the reason that many hospitals within metro Detroit are now incorporating this integrative treatment plan in certain disease states.
One example of how the Center for Integrated Medicine worked with a physician involved a patient diagnosed with Hepatitis C, says Kohn. The patient had researched the disease and did not want to receive interferon treatment.
“I talked with the physician and found out where the patient was in the stage of his illness and discussed the patient’s desire to use alternative therapies. We made sure it wouldn’t be dangerous to the patient and the doctor said it was okay. Baseline blood work was done and we set up a three month treatment plan to see where the patient was after that time,” says Kohn. “We made it clear to the patient that if we didn’t see the results we wanted, then he was to move forward with the medical plan.”
Another large area of use of acupuncture and herbal medicine is in patients with cancer or those who have completed treatment, says Kohn. In particular, patients who survived breast cancer or ovarian cancer who can no longer receive estrogenic medications. “These patients want to try alternative therapies so we have the physicians review the herbs and move forward with the treatment,” says Kohn.
Although acupuncture is commonly thought to be used for those who are already sick, there are many people who receive treatments to stave off illness and keep healthy.
“Acupuncture is tapping into our natural ability to relax and heal,” says Kohn. “There is a natural release of endorphins and nerve stimulation. People who get acupuncture consistently report getting sick less and have immune systems that respond well to illness.”
Acupuncture is not covered by all insurances and it is important to consult with your insurance company to see what their policy is on treatment. You should also do your research to make sure that your therapist is certified by a nationally recognized organization before seeking treatment.
Although side effects are rare with acupuncture, there can still be serious consequences if you are not treated by someone who is well-trained.
Beth Kohn, Acupuncturist, L.Ac (CA), MTOM, Dipl. Ac., Dipl. CH is a Staff Acupuncturist at the Henry Ford Center for Integrative Medicine in Novi. She received her Masters Degree Oriental Medicine (MTOM)-Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, in San Diego, and her Bachelors of Science from the University of Maryland. She is California Board Certified in Licensed Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbalist and received her NCCAOM Certification in Acupuncture therapy (Dipl.Ac.), Certification in Chinese Herbal Medicine (Dipl.CH). She is a current member of the Michigan Association for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.


