Up until the year 1840, Genesee County had a self-sufficient economy through successful agricultural production, fishing, hunting, and farm and forest work. Agriculture was the main occupation in 1840 with 3,300 residents registered in this line of work out of 4,269 total residents. It is not surprising that most of the workers were in manufacturing, trade, commerce, and learned professions, and that these residents were living along both sides of the old Saginaw Trail for optimal trade opportunity. At this time, agriculture was still the county’s most common occupation, with 4,501 farms producing $5,198,827 worth of goods.
When it comes to healthcare, “choice” can be seen as an odd word. Many of us grew up in an era that when your doctor ordered additional tests, you went where he or she told you to go to have them done. The focus was on choosing a good provider who could address treatment needs.
Individuals with an addiction often lose control over what they are taking, using or doing. Without help in the early stages, an addiction can turn into a debilitating and life-threatening condition.
Oral cancer kills one American every hour of every day. Previously a concern of only tobacco users and those with poor oral health, the characteristics of oral cancer have dramatically changed over the years, leaving everyone a potential candidate. Its early stage is often painless and goes undetected.
A few months ago, I was visiting my family during a reunion and came face-to-face with what I now refer to as the “e-cigarette dilemma.” A family member in his mid-50s who has smoked since his teens, was using an e-cigarette, and has been doing so for the last year. I certainly was glad to see the “vaping” (the term used for e-cigarette use) family member cutting down on tobacco (in fact, he has not smoked a regular cigarette in a long time), and congratulated him on his efforts.
Around the country, headlines and statistics tell us that heroin use and its devastating impact on families is climbing. At first glance, one might wonder why heroin has made such resurgence, because the path to heroin use isn’t fully understood by communities.
Dr. Tommy Stevens has been a physician in the Flint area for over three decades, specializing in family medicine. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine, Dr. Stevens came to Flint to complete his residency at the former St. Joseph Hospital. He then had a solo practice for many years. For the last three years, he has been affiliated with the Michigan Health Specialists physician group.
The future was full of promise for 17-year-old Thomas Smith, an honor student at Flushing High School. He was a star football player, a champion power-lifter and had recently received a scholarship to attend Hope College. But on January 29, 2011, everything changed. Thomas came home from practice on that snowy, wintry evening and told his parents, Mary and Jon Smith, that he wasn’t feeling well and that his heart was racing. His mom thought he was just tired after a long day and told him a shower would probably make him feel better. And those were the last words she ever said to him. Instead of taking a nice, warm shower and getting ready for bed, he keeled over. Thomas passed away that evening after suffering Sudden Cardiac Arrest, leaving a deep hole in the hearts of his parents and his brother, Jacob – and a wound in the hearts of the entire Flushing community.
Being a fourth-year medical student can be all work and no play; but Katie Tausch has discovered that finding a balance makes life easier. She has spent her fourth year juggling a grueling schedule of clinical rotations, studying and research, while finding time to work out, eat healthy and socialize with friends.
All parents have heard of the “Terrible Twos.” But, what happens when this type of behavior starts just a few months after birth or never seems to end?
