Health status impacts every aspect of a community. In Flint and Genesee County, heart disease, obesity and diabetes are three of the top health issues. But the community – patients, physicians, and other city and medical professionals – has a mission to begin creating a healthier, strategic vision for improving the well-being of those who reside here. We have profiled “The Big 3” health issues with information about each, and also the local initiatives that are in place in the community to motivate those affected to make a change.

For many of us, the thought of undergoing surgery is terrifying – so, My City Wellness “scrubbed in” to get up close with a group of talented local physicians as they performed a variety of procedures. Our sincerest thanks to doctors Culver, Dobies, Lesneski, Margni, Palavali, and Waters for their gracious cooperation in creating this special section.

McLaren is a hospital organization well-respected and highly-esteemed in not only Genesee County, but in other parts of Michigan, as well. Certainly, staff members who work with patients every day contribute to the great reputation; but behind every great organization is a great team, and a great team requires a great leader.

Staying active is imperative to living a long, healthy and happy life. Lifestyles that incorporate a variety of physical, mental and social activities can really enhance the lives of seniors during their “Golden Years.” Studies have shown that even moderate to light exercise and physical activity can improve the health of individuals who are frail or have health issues that accompany aging. For many seniors, independence is vital to their quality of life. By increasing your physical activity, you can remain strong and fit, allowing you to continue independently doing the things you like to do.

Dear Flint,

Snoring can be a funny thing. Many a YouTube video shows people in the depths of sleep and sounding like a chainsaw. I, too, have chuckled at how funny they can be. Like many aspects of medicine, however, snoring has a severity spectrum ranging from funny to life-threatening. While snoring can certainly be life-threatening for adults in terms of “spousal retaliation,” the more “medical” consequence is related to sleep apnea. This latter category is more accurately referred to as obstructive sleep apnea, and is evidenced by pauses in breathing/snoring when the chest is moving like it’s trying to breathe, but no air or minimal air is going into the lungs.

Students in the Physical Therapy Department at the University of Michigan-Flint have big hearts – and a huge desire to contribute to the community. They not only undergo rigorous physical therapy training and study for many long and tedious hours; they have also formed a student-led, pro bono clinic at the Catholic Charities North End Soup Kitchen. Founded in January 2012, the non-profit clinic is called PT HEART (Physical Therapy, Health Education and Rehabilitation Treatment). The clinic is overseen by a student board of directors, operated by students, and is funded through grants, donations and fundraising.

Most Michigan residents are familiar with the mosquitoes that we often encounter during our summer months. Further, the current focus on Zika virus and its association to babies born with severe brain defects has captured international attention.