SJMO to Host Nutrition Classes

Pontiac, MI—St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO) will hold a series of nutrition classes at 7:15 p.m. on the first and third Mondays in February and  March 2010 in the hospital’s Franco Communications Center, 44405 Woodward Ave., Pontiac.  Hosted by the SJMO Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management Program, the classes will be held Feb. 1 and 15 and March 1 and 15.

 Class topics include:

• · “The Essentials on Carbs:  How Do Veggies, Fruits, Legumes, Dairy and Whole Grains Compare?” Feb. 1
• · “Salt (aka Sodium): Pressure, Bones and Stones…Maybe Cancer Too?” Feb. 15
• · “The Facts About Fats: ‘Mediterranean Style,’” March 1
• · “Protein Power…and Risks,” March 15.

Tom Rifai, MD, Medical Director of the Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management Program at SJMO, will conduct the classes.  Dr. Rifai is Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Wayne State University School of Medicine and chief medical advisor to the Pritikin Longevity Center in Avenutra, Fla.

He is board certified by the American Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists, which recently named him to a three-year, at-large position on its board of directors, and the American Board of Internal Medicine.  His specialties are nutrition, prevention of chronic disease, weight management, nutritional and medical management of insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia and obesity.

“With the increase in obesity in our country and community, it is extremely important that we educate individuals how to take better care of their health,” said Jack Weiner, SJMO President and CEO.  “These classes will guide people toward that end by telling them how to eat healthier and manage their weight.”

The fee is $75 per class.  Each registered person may bring a guest at no charge.  Free parking is available at the Franco Center.  The public is invited.

To register or for more information, call the SJMO Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management Program, 248-858-2475.

The Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management Program at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland is an integrated, educational medical program for those looking to control their metabolic issues related to insulin resistance and obesity through dedication to nutrition, physical activity and overall lifestyle change.

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Holds Free Seminar on Bariatric Surgery

Pontiac, MI—St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO), in partnership with the Michigan Bariatric Institute (MBI), will host a free educational seminar focusing on bariatric surgery options at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, in the SJMO Franco Communications Center Auditorium, 44405 Woodward Ave., Pontiac.

Entitled, “A Minimal Surgical Approach to Treating Obesity,” the seminar will feature an overview of the bariatric surgery program and the types of procedures it offers, as well as a question and answer session.

Speakers include Tallal Zeni, MD; Jacob Roberts, DO and Paula Magid, MBI program director and former bariatric patient. 

Surgeons at MBI are experienced in advanced laparoscopic surgical techniques, including laparoscopic gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding.  Laparoscopic bariatric surgery results in minimal pain, less scarring, shorter hospital stay and recovery time.  Weight loss of about 70 percent of excess body weight can be anticipated within the first year and maintained.

 Dr. Roberts recently joined the SJMO medical staff as a general and minimally invasive bariatric surgeon.  He will perform surgeries at SJMO and at St. Mary Mercy Livonia, both Saint Joseph Mercy Health System member hospitals. 

Dr. Roberts received his medical degree at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and was chief resident at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Oakland Center in Madison Heights, Mich.  He completed his fellowship training at the Chicago Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery at Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, Ill.  Dr. Roberts also is board certified in General Surgery.

Dr. Zeni, director of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia and MBI medical director, received his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he completed his residency in General Surgery.  He completed his fellowship in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, Evanston, Ill.  He is board certified in General Surgery.

 Since the program’s inception in 2005 at St. Mary Mercy Hospital, MBI has performed more than 500 bariatric surgeries to date. 

The MBI program provides a comprehensive approach to the bariatric surgery experience, including

• Medical director
• Program director
• Team of specially trained registered nurses, registered dieticians, behavioral specialists and exercise physiologists to assist the patient through the process
• Free educational seminars
• Comprehensive pre-surgical classes
• Post-surgical follow-up visits
• Monthly support group

 To register for the educational seminar or for more information, call 877-Why-Weight.

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Promotes Healthy Living for Seniors

Pontiac, MI—St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO) will offer Senior Fit, a free exercise program for older adults, at The Apostolic Church in Auburn Hills, at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac and at St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church in Troy.

Sponsored by SJMO’s Community Programs department, Senior Fit encourages seniors to exercise their way to a healthier lifestyle, and emphasizes physical health benefits and social interaction.  Among the areas to be covered are body strengthening and teaching the seniors how to guard against osteoporosis, maintain strong bones, control body fat, reduce stress and improve their sense of well-being.

The sessions will include floor and chair exercises, strength and flexibility training and balance techniques.  Cardiovascular fitness also will be emphasized. Thera-Bands will be used as part of the exercise regimen. A certified exercise professional will conduct the sessions.

 In addition to a team approach, the program includes supervision by an SJMO Faith Community Nurse (RN) to monitor the blood pressure of the attendees as well as give them health goals and health instruction. 

Adults age 55 and up are encouraged to attend. The sessions run through May 14. A physician’s approval is required for participation.  Physician forms will be available at registration and can be mailed to seniors who pre-register by phone.  Seniors must be able to walk on their own. 

Sessions at all three churches will begin on Jan. 11, 2010. 

• The Apostolic Church, 3655 Squirrel Rd., Auburn Hills, will begin its one-hour sessions at 9:30 a.m.  Remaining sessions will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 
• St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church, 69 S. Astor, Pontiac, will have Senior Fit sessions from 11 a.m. to 12 noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 
• St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church, 4571 John R Rd., Troy, will have sessions from 1 to 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 

The first meeting for each program will include registration and a fitness assessment.

The public is invited free of charge.  For information or to register for Senior Fit, call SJMO Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management, 248-858-2545.

SJMO Offers Free H1N1 Vaccination for Pregnant Women

Pontiac, MI—St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO) will have an H1N1 vaccination fair for pregnant women and provide the vaccine for the general community.

 A vaccination fair for pregnant women will be held at the Alice Gustafson Center on the St. Joseph Mercy Oakland campus, 115 Fulton St., Pontiac, from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Dec. 14, 2009.  All pregnant women, regardless of physician or hospital affiliation, are welcome.  Pregnant women will receive the injectable vaccine free of charge as directed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

 The general public may receive the vaccine free of charge at the two SJMO urgent care centers:

 St Joseph Mercy Oakland Lake Orion Urgent Care, 1375 S. Lapeer Rd, Suite 106, Lake Orion 248-693-9040.

Hours:  24/7 (Ongoing) and St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Waterford Urgent Care, 5800 Highland Rd., Waterford 248-673-2474. Hours:  5-10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

 “Our mission is to improve the health of the community by providing vital health services and ensuring access to all,” said Jack Weiner, SJMO President and CEO. “The vaccines are being offered to prevent the spread of H1N1 flu and to protect the health of the community.”

 SJMO and its affiliates adhere to the CDC guidelines for H1N1 vaccination.

 Free parking is available at the Gustafson Center and at the urgent care locations.  For further details, call Deborah Drolshagen, SJMO Manager of Employee Health and Wellness, 248-858-3021.

Super Bowl MVP Phil Simms to Chair SJMO Hospital Fundraiser

Pontiac, MI—St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO) will hold its annual fund-raising Fall Spectacular at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009, at The Townsend Hotel, 100 Townsend St., Birmingham. 

 The benefit will raise funds for technology for the hospital’s newly completed 50,000-square-foot Surgical Pavilion.  The pavilion will open this fall 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, will have an enhanced family waiting area scheduled to open in 2010.

 Phil Simms, former New York Giants quarterback, 1987 Super Bowl MVP and National Football League (NFL) analyst for CBS Sports, is the evening’s celebrity chair.  Simms was the first quarterback selected in the 1979 NFL draft.  He spent his 15-year football career with the New York Giants, who he led to a 39-20 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI and was named the game’s MVP.

 Following his retirement from football, Simms went into broadcasting first with ESPN, then NBC prior to becoming the lead analyst for CBS Sports.  He is the co-author with Vic Carucci of Sunday Morning Quarterback:  Going Deep on the Strategies, Myths and Mayhem of Football (2004).

 The Fall Spectacular will be the occasion to present prominent Detroit-area business leader Martin J. “Hoot” McInerney with the Mercy Legacy Award.

 Honorary Chairs are Charles “Chip” and Sarah McClure and Dr. Harold and Lynne Portnoy.  Nancy Smith is the Benefit Chair.  Guy Gordon, WDIV-Local 4 news anchor is the celebrity emcee.

Among the sponsors are:  Ford Motor Co., Greenfield Health Systems, AECOM, Skanska, Sodexo and ArvinMeritor.

 Dinner will be followed by an afterglow featuring music by The C Notes.

 Business attire is requested, and a complimentary valet will be available.

 Reservations are required by Friday, Sept. 25.  For more information, call Joyce Russell at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, 248-858-6146.

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland to Hold Free Seminar on Bariatric Surgery

Pontiac, MI—St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO), in partnership with the Michigan Bariatric Institute (MBI), will host a free educational seminar focusing on bariatric surgery options at

6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, at the SJMO Franco Communications Center Auditorium, 44405 Woodward Ave., Pontiac.

 Entitled, “A Minimal Surgical Approach to Treating Obesity,” the seminar will feature an overview of the bariatric surgery program and the types of procedures it offers, as well as a question and answer session.

 Speakers include Tallal Zeni, MD; Jacob Roberts, DO and Paula Magid, MBI program director and former bariatric patient. 

 Surgeons at MBI are experienced in advanced laparoscopic surgical techniques, including laparoscopic gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding.  Laparoscopic bariatric surgery results in minimal pain, less scarring, shorter hospital stay and recovery time.  Weight loss of about 70 percent of excess body weight can be anticipated within the first year and maintained.

 Dr. Roberts recently joined the SJMO medical staff as a general and minimally invasive bariatric surgeon.  He will perform surgeries at SJMO and at St. Mary Mercy Livonia, both Saint Joseph Mercy Health System member hospitals. 

 Dr. Roberts received his medical degree at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and was chief resident at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Oakland Center in Madison Heights, Mich.  He completed his fellowship training at the Chicago Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery at Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, Ill.  Dr. Roberts also is board certified in General Surgery.

 Dr. Zeni, director of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia and MBI medical director, received his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he completed his residency in General Surgery.  He completed his fellowship in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, Evanston, Ill.  He is board certified in General Surgery.

 Since the program’s inception in 2005 at St. Mary Mercy Hospital, MBI has performed more than 500 bariatric surgeries to date. 

 The MBI program provides a comprehensive approach to the bariatric surgery experience, including

• Medical director
• Program director
• Team of specially trained registered nurses, registered dieticians, behavioral specialists and exercise physiologists to assist the patient through the process
• Free educational seminars
• Comprehensive pre-surgical classes
• Post-surgical follow-up visits
• Monthly support group

 To register for the educational seminar or for more information, call 877.Why.Weight.

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Offers Free Prostate Cancer Screenings

Pontiac, Mich.—St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO) will offer free prostate cancer screenings from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, in the Robin L. and James E. Henderson Medical Clinic, located on the first floor of the hospital.  SJMO is located at 44405 Woodward Ave., Pontiac.

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer, other than skin cancer, found in American men.  It also is the second leading cause of cancer death in men.  The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in 2009, there will be about 192,280 cases in the U.S., with 27,360 deaths from the disease. One in six men will get prostate cancer in his lifetime.

 But there’s hope.  Early detection has been found to save lives.  Two tests are available to determine if prostate cancer is present.  A Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test involves drawing a small amount of blood from the arm, which is examined for high levels of PSA—a protein produced by prostate cells that is released in very small amounts in the bloodstream.  A Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) checks for abnormalities in the prostate.

 Many health experts encourage men age 50 and up get annual PSA and DRE tests. Men under 50 should get screened if they have a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors.  Prostate risk factors are:

            · Family history:  The risk is higher if a man’s father, brother or son has prostate cancer.

• · Ethnic group:  Prostate cancer is more common in African American men, but the reason why is unknown.
• · Diet:  Some studies suggest a diet rich in red meat or high-fat dairy products can cause an increased risk.

 “In our continuing effort to improve the health of the people of our community, we are pleased to make this screening available,” said Jack Weiner, SJMO president and CEO.  “We hope that men will take advantage of this vitally important, life-saving screening.”

 Men who are interested in having the screening should register by calling St. Joseph Mercy Oakland’s referral line at 1-800-372-6094.  Walk-ins also are welcome.

Running: Knowing the Risks and Benefits!

As the warm weather approaches, runners who’ve been using indoor tracks and treadmills during the winter will be coming outdoors to exercise.  Here’s what you need to know before you begin an outdoor running regimen.

PREPARATION

Before you hit the pavement—cement, asphalt or track— see your primary care physician, says St. Joseph Mercy Oakland family medicine specialist Ricardo Cabrera, MD.  He or she will determine if you’re healthy enough to run.  “If you have medical discomfort, bring it to the attention of your physician,” Dr. Cabrera advises.

Secondly, you’ll need the proper equipment and clothing.  Dr. Cabrera recommends dressing appropriately for the weather.  Wear shoes that fit properly.  Then, prepare your body.  Do warm-ups, such as stretches.  Most importantly, start slowly and increase your distance as your stamina improves.  “The biggest mistake is doing too much too soon,” he warns.  “Ease into it and be patient.”

With running shoes, it’s not how much you spend; it’s the right fit that counts. Often, people think that the more expensive the shoe, the better it is.  Dr. Cabrera says that’s not the case.  The shoe should not be too big, too small or loose, and “you need a reasonably good arch support,” he suggests.  Socks should always be worn to prevent friction. Breathable cotton is best since it absorbs sweat.

Dr. Cabrera also recommends whenever possible picking a surface that will limit injury.  Tracks are best because “they are meant to run on.”  A track has a cushion to absorb shock and has some give, where hard surfaces can be tougher on knees or ankles.  At the same time, a soft surface, like the beach “can cause pain and discomfort because you don’t have the support” of a harder surface, he advises.

In inclement weather, runners may want to use a treadmill to keep up the momentum.  Dr. Cabrera says treadmills are “a good alternative to running outside,” but there is a downside.  Runners have been known to fall off treadmills because they are going so fast. If you use a treadmill, take the proper precautions.

And what about diet?  Dr. Cabrera says a balanced diet is best.

BENEFITS

According to Dr. Cabrera, running is good for your health. “Running has cardiovascular benefits that will enhance your overall well-being.  It makes the body run more efficiently, and can help fight illness, lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL).”

Ricardo Cabrera, MD, joined the medical staff of St. Joseph Mercy Oakland in Pontiac in August 2008.  A board-certified specialist in family medicine, Dr. Cabrera earned his medical degree at the Autonomous University of Guadalajara, Mexico, and did his residency at North Oakland Medical Centers (now Doctors Hospital), where he chaired the Department of Family Medicine.  His professional memberships include American Academy of Family Practice, American Board of Family Medicine, Michigan State Medical Society and Oakland County Medical Society.

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland to Hold Free Educational Seminar on Bariatric Surgery

 

Pontiac, Mich.—St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO), in partnership with the Michigan Bariatric Institute (MBI), will host a free educational seminar focusing on bariatric surgery options at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, at the SJMO Franco Communications Center Auditorium, 44405 Woodward Ave., Pontiac.

 Entitled, “A Minimal Surgical Approach to Treating Obesity,” the seminar will feature an overview of the bariatric surgery program and the types of procedures it offers, as well as a question and answer session.

 Speakers include Tallal Zeni, MD; Jacob Roberts, DO and Paula Magid, MBI program director and former bariatric patient. 

 Surgeons at MBI are experienced in advanced laparoscopic surgical techniques, including laparoscopic gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding.  Laparoscopic bariatric surgery results in minimal pain, less scarring, shorter hospital stay and recovery time.  Weight loss of about 70 percent of excess body weight can be anticipated within the first year and maintained.

 Dr. Roberts recently joined the SJMO medical staff as a general and minimally invasive bariatric surgeon.  He will perform surgeries at SJMO and at St. Mary Mercy Livonia, both Saint Joseph Mercy Health System member hospitals. 

 Dr. Roberts received his medical degree at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and was chief resident at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Oakland Center in Madison Heights, Mich.  He completed his fellowship training at the Chicago Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery at Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, Ill.  Dr. Roberts also is board certified in General Surgery.

 Dr. Zeni, director of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia and MBI medical director, received his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he completed his residency in General Surgery.  He completed his fellowship in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, Evanston, Ill.  He is board certified in General Surgery.

 Since the program’s inception in 2005 at St. Mary Mercy Hospital, MBI has performed more than 500 bariatric surgeries to date. 

 The MBI program provides a comprehensive approach to the bariatric surgery experience, including

• Medical director
• Program director
• Team of specially trained registered nurses, registered dieticians, behavioral specialists and exercise physiologists to assist the patient through the process
• Free educational seminars
• Comprehensive pre-surgical classes
• Post-surgical follow-up visits
• Monthly support group

 To register for the educational seminar or for more information, call 877.Why.Weight.

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Expands Weight Management Program

Pontiac, Mich.—St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO) has expanded its weight management program by enhancing its offerings and naming a new medical director. The newly named Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management program offers an educational and intensive medical program for those looking to control their metabolic issues related to insulin resistance and obesity through dedication to nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle change.

 Comprehensive medical and nutritional histories will be obtained, and there will be frequent physician follow-ups to monitor patients’ progress with their individualized medical nutrition therapy and physical activity.  Resources for behavioral psychology and physical activity will be made available to patients.  If appropriate, referrals will be made for bariatric procedures.

 The program is headed by Dr. Tom Rifai, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Wayne State University School of Medicine and chief medical advisor to the Pritikin Longevity Center in Aventura, Fla. 

 Dr. Rifai is board certified by the American Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists, which recently named him to a three-year, at-large position on its board of directors, and the American Board of Internal Medicine.  His specialties are nutrition, prevention of chronic disease, weight management, nutritional and medical management of insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia and obesity.

 Dr. Rifai will conduct informational seminars for prospective patients interested in diabetes prevention or treatment, state-of-the-art lipid/cholesterol management and weight management.  The first seminar will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2009, in the Franco Auditorium at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, 44405 Woodward Ave., Pontiac.

 In addition to his duties at SJMO, Dr. Rifai is serving as a consultant to Andiamo Restaurants, helping them design a longevity-driven, healthy gourmet menu called Andiamo Lean.  Dr. Rifai also is a nutritional consultant for Warren (Mich.) Consolidated Schools, for which he is developing a healthy school lunch program.

 Beginning in August, Dr. Rifai will see patients in the SJMO Medical Office Building, 44555 Woodward Ave., Suite 305, Pontiac.

 For an appointment, call St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management, 248-858-2475. 

« Previous Page — Next Page »