Winter is upon us. Pretty snow, holiday festivities and kids on vacation are all great aspects of this season in Michigan. Colds, coughs, and snot … not so much! Yet, it is inevitable that doctors see an uptick in patients with these common maladies at this time of year, resulting in a $20 billion hit to productivity from sick days across the U.S.

The beginning of a New Year is a great time to make positive changes in our lives, and for many of us, this involves a healthier diet and exercise regime. Based on recommendations from the USDA, a high-carbohydrate (mostly from grains) and low-fat, low-protein diet is the way to go. This generally means lots of salads and small portions of lean protein such as chicken breast. However, many people cannot sustain this diet for the long-term, get frustrated, and typically gain back any lost weight, plus more.

Dr. Patrick Atkinson, Professor of Mechanical and Bioengineering at Kettering University, believes there are “undiscovered surgeons walking among us and they don’t even know it.” He meets them firsthand as he helps pre-med and bioengineering students get to the heart of what it’s like to be a surgeon, by doing one crucial thing.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has been aware of a rise in hepatitis A cases since August 2016. MDHHS continues to track this trend; reporting 555 cases in Southeast Michigan including 457 hospitalizations and 20 deaths as of November 29, 2017. These numbers do not include all reported cases of hep A; only those that have been linked to the outbreak. Although the highest numbers have been located near the suspected source of the outbreak – Macomb County and the City of Detroit – Wayne and Oakland are also seeing high numbers, and it has spread to include 14 counties that have reported at least one case. Genesee County has one reported case linked to this outbreak.

In the United States, lung cancer is, by far, the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.

Over the last 30 years, obesity has become the most prevalent disease in the world. More people suffer from the effects of obesity than any other disease. As our country’s leading cause of mortality, morbidity, disability, healthcare utilization and healthcare costs, the high prevalence of obesity continues to strain the U.S. healthcare system. The medical community is in need of new strategies for treatment and prevention of this pervasive, chronic disease. This article is the first in a series that will examine this disease, its causes and treatments, and its effect on society.

Two of the best ways to achieve a healthier life are through increased movement and spirituality. Each is an important tool in your fight against disease and premature death. This makes yoga a powerful ally to any Health Hero, because it serves as a bridge connecting your physical and mental well-being.

Armed with the muscle of three local law firms – Weitz & Luxenberg PC, the Sam Bernstein Law Firm PLLC, and Behm & Behm Law Firm – Genesee County followed suit with numerous cities and counties taking legal action against pharmaceutical companies accused of misleading the public into a cycle of opioid addiction.

After earning master’s degrees in counseling and art therapy, Gail M. Singer, MA, LPC, ATR wasn’t sure what her focus would be. She explains, “I was at the end of my schooling and about to start my final internship practicum … when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My children were 5, 11 and 13 and I went through surgeries, chemo and radiation. During treatment, my social worker at the treatment facility asked me to do my internship there. And long story short, I’ve been working with cancer patients ever since.”

FLINT – The Hurley Foundation and Financial Plus Credit Union announced, during an October 2017 press conference, that the 2017 Pink Night Palooza event raised $130,784.14 for Hurley’s Breast Health Navigation Fund.

Fallon Kapatais, MD, Lyndsi Davenport, DO and Steven Brooks, DO are now seeing patients in your neighborhood!