Category: General Health

This time of year is primed for turkey, pumpkin pie and cookies. We often spend as much time baking cookies as we do shoveling snow. So how do you work in a workout? Good news! Some common winter activities can double as workouts. So gather the family and be prepared to work up a good sweat:

Shoveling snow. This necessary evil in winter can help you burn more than 250 calories an hour. Just make sure you’re lifting with your knees, not your back, and using an ergonomic shovel to minimize stress on your back.

Sledding. Remember how tired you got as a kid running up the hill with your sled in hand? Try it as an adult. You’re guaranteed to have fun heading down the hill at top speeds, and if you last for 30 minutes you’ll burn about 200 calories.

Ice skating. You don’t have to be as skilled as Nancy Kerrigan or as agile as Brian Boitano. Just 30 minutes of light skating will burn upwards of 200 calories.

Playing in the snow. Building a snowman, snow angels and snowball fights have always been winter classics, but did you know they also help you burn calories? If you play in the snow for at least an hour you can burn between 200-350 calories.

Skiing and snowboarding. If you’re looking for a more intense workout, while still being outside in the snow, skiing and snowboarding is your best bet. Depending on your fitness level, and your skills, you can burn upwards of 300 calories per hour.

Make sure to bundle up, stay hydrated and have fun.

This article was originally published on December 20, 2014, and was updated on December 12, 2016.

We’ve all been there as patients; sick on the weekend, trip and twist an ankle. What do you do if your primary care doctor is gone for the day or weekend?

Non-life-threatening emergencies can be treated at an urgent care. If you’re having a life-threatening emergency such as chest pain or a serious head injury, a trip to the emergency room is in order.

What is considered an emergency?

• severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
• compound fracture (bone protrudes through skin)
• convulsions, seizures or loss of consciousness
• fever in newborn younger than 3 months old
• deep knife or gunshot wounds
• moderate to severe burns covering a large area of the body
• poisoning
• severe head, neck or back injury
• pregnancy-related problems
• severe abdominal pain
• signs of a heart attack (chest pain lasting longer than two minutes)
• signs of stroke (loss of vision, sudden numbness, weakness, slurred speech)
• suicidal or homicidal feelings

What is considered a non-life-threatening urgent medical condition?

• accidents and falls resulting in extremity or minor head injury
• sprains and strains
• back pain
• breathing difficulties (mild to moderate asthma)
• bleeding/cuts (requiring sutures)
• eye irritation and redness
• fever or flu
• vomiting, diarrhea or dehydration
• severe sore throat or cough
• minor broken bones and fractures (fingers, toes)
• skin rashes and infections
• urinary tract infections
• mild to moderate allergic reactions
• seasonal allergies
• headaches

If you’re in doubt, get it checked out. Sometimes you may feel fine after a trip or fall, but could/will feel worse the next day when inflammation and pain set in.

IHA Call Center Triage Nurses and Office Triage Nurses can be utilized to assist in decision making on where to go. Call us first: 734.995.2950

IHA has three urgent care locations and one after hours location, all open after normal work hours and on the weekends, with slightly altered hours on holidays. Click here for a comprehensive service list for our locations.

Locations

IHA After Hours Care – Brighton

IHA Urgent Care – Domino’s Farms

IHA Urgent Care – Livingston

IHA Urgent Care – WestArbor

This article was originally published on September 29, 2014, and was updated on November 18, 2016.

Together with St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor’s Executive Chef, Ryan Kendall, we’re bringing you a delicious and healthy side dish that would be perfect for Thanksgiving, or any time of the year: Herb Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans.

Butternut squash are rich in antioxidants, low in fat, high in dietary fiber, with significant amounts of potassium and vitamin B6. With a one-cup serving, you get nearly half the daily recommended dose of vitamin C!

To choose a butternut squash, look for one that’s unblemished and seems heavy with a matte skin. Uncut butternut squash can be stored in a cool, dry place (not the refrigerator) for up to three months.

When you’re ready to cook the Herb Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients and materials:

large knife
spoon
wide vegetable peeler
cookie sheet
mixing bowl
sheet pan
3 large butternut squash
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp paprika
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp fresh parsley
1 tsp fresh sage
1 tsp fresh thyme
1 tsp fresh rosemary
½ cup chopped pecans
¼ cup agave nectar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Start by cutting off the top and bottom ends to make them both flat. Then cut the squash lengthwise into halves. The seeds will be in the bottom, use a spoon to scrape them out and discard.

Using a vegetable peeler, peel each half. Usually a downward motion, away from you, is the easiest. Slice the halves into ½” to 1” chunks, as uniformed in size as possible.

On a separate tray, spread out the pecans and toast in the oven for 5 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, toss squash with olive oil and add herbs and seasonings. Coat pieces will.

Place squash on sprayed or oiled sheet pan in the oven and roast for 25-45 minutes (depending on the size of your squash pieces) until tender.

Remove from sheet pan and place in serving dish. Toss lightly with pecans and drizzle with agave nectar. Serve warm.

This article was originally published on November 21, 2014, and was updated on October 27, 2016.

 

We strongly encourage you and your family be vaccinated! For ease of convenience, we’re offering all flu shots to be scheduled online, or by calling your office directly. When scheduling them online, please schedule one person per appointment time. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your physician’s office.

 

 

With the snow we had in late April, it may be hard to believe, but warmer weather in Michigan is just around the corner! I’m sure we are all looking forward to putting away our heavy coats and snow boots, and enjoying some sunshine.

Those who already know me and the rest of our providers at IHA Dermatology may get a chuckle from that previous sentence, particularly the part about “enjoying sunshine,” given how often we stress to our patients the importance of protecting oneself from the sun and using sunscreen regularly.

As some of you may know, the month of May has been designated Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which makes it an ideal time to remind our family, friends, and colleagues to become educated about the importance of protecting our body’s largest organ, the skin.

To illustrate why this is such an important topic, I’ll share with you some facts and figures that are nicely summarized in websites for the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation, where you can find even more information about this serious subject.

Did you know that skin cancer is by far the most commonly diagnosed cancer, with more than 3.5 million cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year? In fact, more new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed yearly than the combined incidences of lung, breast, colon, and prostate cancer.

Of particular concern, about 140,000 cases of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, will be diagnosed this year, and on average, one American dies from melanoma every hour. Unfortunately, the incidence of skin cancer is rising, particularly in younger people and in women, and melanoma is now the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 25 to 30. The good news is that most skin cancers are preventable and the vast majority can be cured relatively easily, especially if they are diagnosed and treated early.

That is why we recommend that everyone seek protection from the sun by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, and reapplying sunscreen at least every 2-3 hours. Staying shaded and wearing sun-protective clothing whenever possible is also very helpful. Tanning and using tanning beds are harmful, and if you are worried about cosmetics at all, be aware that tanning and excessive sun exposure ages your skin dramatically.

To aid in early detection of skin cancer, we also suggest that you become familiar with your own skin and check yourself about monthly for any spots, bumps, moles, or lesions that look different from the rest, or are changing in any concerning way, such as by bleeding, itching, not healing, or growing rapidly. For those with a lot of moles, you can use your handy cell phone cameras to take pictures and look at them monthly to see if any have changed.

In addition to performing self-skin examinations regularly, it is generally a good idea to have yearly full skin evaluations by your board-certified dermatologist or primary care physician.

If you are interested in having a skin cancer screening or would like to have a concerning lesion evaluated, our board-certified and experienced dermatologists at IHA Dermatology are always happy to help in any way that we can. Just call us at 734-667-DERM (3376) to schedule an appointment. On behalf of IHA and IHA Dermatology, we hope you have a warm, fun, and most importantly, healthy May and summer. Bring on the sunshine (and sunscreen)!

With the recent snow that blew through and the temperatures that are going to stay low over the next few days, many of us are still digging out our cars or way out of our driveways. Anyone can end up with frostbite or hypothermia, it’s important to know the risks of frostbite and hypothermia, especially for those that are at higher risk and are more susceptible to extremely cold weather. Some groups that be at higher risk include:

• Very young children and our older senior population
• Diabetic patients and other with conditions leading to poor circulation
• Patients with heart conditions or those who take beta blockers

Don’t Ignore Shivering!

When you’re exposed to cold temperatures your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will use up your body’s energy, resulting in hypothermia. Some warning signs of hypothermia include:

• Shivering
• Exhaustion
• Confusion
• Trembling hands
• Memory loss
• Slurred Speech
• Drowsiness

If you notice any of these signs, please seek immediate medical attention.

Frostbite is literally the freezing of body tissue; fingers, toes, ears and nose are the most vulnerable. Frostbite is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, or shorter exposure to extremely cold temperatures. The warning signs of frostbite are:

• Red or pale skin
• Prickling
• numbness

Frostbite and hypothermia can be prevented; here are some tips to help keep you safe:

• Limit the time you’re outside in cold, wet or windy weather
• Stay well hydrated
• Dress in several layers of loose, warm clothing
• Wear a hat or headband that fully covers your ears
• Wear mittens rather than gloves
• Wear socks and liners that fit well and wick moisture
• Keep moving

 

 

 

When preparing for vacation most people choose to focus on what to pack, their itinerary and what attractions they want to visit. But what about required and recommended vaccinations? Most people are aware of the need for Yellow Fever vaccines if you’re heading to Africa or South America, but do you know what you might need if you’re headed to Boreno or Mexico?

Travel medicine is a growing niche within healthcare. Meeting with a travel medicine provider allows you and your family to receive tailored immunizations and prescriptions based on current health, medical history, travel plans and past immunizations.

We understand the need for personalized consultations prior to your trip. At IHA Midwest Travel Care we have over 20 years of experience preparing people for their travels. During your appointment you can expect:

• Counseling and written information about the effectiveness and possible side effect of vaccines received
• Advice about consumption of water and food, and ways to avoid traveler’s diarrhea
• Recommended preventative medications and packing a medical kit
• Latest US government health advisories for your travel destination and current listings of US embassies and consulates
• Tips for air travel and jet lag, and how to handle altitude related illnesses
• Assessments for travelers with specific needs (pregnant women, young child, elderly, chronically ill)
• How to locate English speaking physicians

IHA Midwest Travel Care is located in the new IHA Domino’s Farms Medical Center, 4200 Whitehall Drive, Suite 150, Ann Arbor.

 

We’re excited to announce the opening of the brand new IHA Domino’s Farms Medical Center. The state-of-the-art 42,000 square-foot building, located on Whitehall Rd. near Earhart Rd., is the new home to a variety of IHA practices, including a new Urgent Care location, open 14 hours a day Monday-Friday, and 10 hours Saturday and Sunday. Other patient-centered programs and services being offered are: pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, certified nurse midwives, dermatology, pediatric neurology, imaging and ultrasound, travel medicine, physical therapy and lab services. We look forward to welcoming you to this new kind of medical center – one that is centered on you!

 

 

First Floor

IHA Imaging & Ultrasound – Domino’s Farms
734.434.0539

IHA Internal Medicine – Domino’s Farms
734.995-0303

IHA Midwest Travel Care
734.995.0308

St. Joseph Mercy Clinical Laboratory
734.712.7136

IHA Urgent Care –Domino’s Farms
Open 7 days a week, including holidays
Monday-Friday 8:00am-10:00pm
Saturday-Sunday 9:00am-7:00pm
734.995.0308

Second Floor

IHA Primary Pediatrics – Domino’s Farms
734.677 DERM (3376)

IHA Pediatric Neurology Consultants
734.622.5000

IHA Dermatology– Domino’s Farms
734.769.3896

St. Joseph Mercy Physical Therapy
734.712.7171

Third Floor

IHA Ann Arbor OB/GYN– Domino’s Farms
734.434.0477

IHA Nurse Midwives
734.572.9600

 

July is here with blue skies, hot days and summer vacation. It is time for picnics, parks, swimming and playing in the sun. Here are some tips for enjoying the sun safely:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. If that is not practical for you, wear a cover-up or t-shirt.
• Stay in the shade as much as possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are at their strongest.
• Wear wrap-around sunglasses that provide as close to 100% UV protection as possible.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Generously apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours (more frequently when swimming or sweating).

 

FDA labeling of sunscreens has changed to make it easier for you to choose a product that provides adequate protection from the harmful effects of the sun. Look for a sunscreen that is labeled “broad-spectrum” and has an SPF rating of at least 15. “Broad-spectrum” means that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB protection prevents sunburn, but both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancers. UVA rays also cause premature skin aging, such as sun spots, wrinkles and “leathery” skin. If a sunscreen does not have the label “broad-spectrum,” it may not have UVA protection. Sunscreens are no longer able to contain labels saying that they are waterproof. Instead, they may be labeled “water-resistant” and list a time period that they are proven effective in water (40 or 80 minutes).

It is best to keep babies under six months of age out of the sun due to their thinner, more sensitive skin. Keep them in the shade with long sleeves, pants and hats. If it is not possible to avoid sun exposure, apply sunscreen in small amounts to exposed areas, and wash off afterwards.

Though most of us enjoy the sunny days of summer, it is very important to keep in mind that the sun’s radiation is classified as a human carcinogen. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with over two million new cases found each year. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher does not completely protect from harmful UV rays, but it does help when combined with other sun protection measures. While enjoying your time outdoors this summer, please remember to protect your skin, even on cloudy days. Help your family to develop good sun protection habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Diabetes means there is a build-up of sugar, or glucose, in the blood stream. Glucose is the body’s primary source of fuel and is needed in all cells in order for all systems to work. Insulin is a hormone in the blood stream that works like a key to open cells to allow glucose to enter. If a person doesn’t make enough insulin, or if the body doesn’t use insulin correctly, the result will be high blood glucose, or diabetes. Understanding the different types of diabetes, the risk factors, and ways to reduce risk are important because if not controlled, diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease and nerve damage.

 

 

The most common forms of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational.

Type 1:

 

1. Usually discovered soon after it develops due to a severe lack of insulin that happens in a short amount of time.
2. Leads to symptoms such as extreme thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision and unintentional weight loss, which are usually severe enough to cause a person to see a doctor quickly.
3. Treatment: taking insulin and learning to adjust your diet to keep the blood glucose levels in a safe range.

 

Gestational diabetes

 

1. Develops during some pregnancies when pregnancy hormones interfere with how insulin works. Too much blood sugar in the mother can cause complications in the baby.
2. There are usually no symptoms, so every woman should be screened during routine pre-natal care.
3. Treatment: usually diet control, although some women need medication as well.

 

The most common type of diabetes is type 2, when blood sugar levels rise over time resulting from a lack of insulin or insulin not working correctly. Eventually, when the blood glucose level gets high enough, people may feel extra tired or may have vision changes. Unfortunately people who rarely see a doctor for routine lab work may go years having diabetes without even knowing it.

Risk Factors for type 2 diabetes

 

1. Family History: having a blood relative with type 2 diabetes
2. Ethnicities at greater risk: Hispanic, African American, Latino or Asian
3. Being overweight
4. A lack of physical exercise

 

While some risk factors such as family history or ethnicity can’t be changed, studies show that people who control their weight and are physically active can significantly reduce their chance of developing type 2 diabetes. In 2002, the Diabetes Prevention Program study concluded that people who were overweight and had slightly increased blood glucose levels sharply decreased their risk of developing type 2 diabetes after following a reduced fat diet and exercise program. The study participants who lost between 5 and 10% of their weight and were able to maintain 150 minutes per week of physical activity had their blood glucose level return to normal.

What should you do to reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes?

 

1. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, lower in fat – especially animal fat – and including moderate amounts of whole grains. The USDA Healthy Plate (myhealthyplate.gov) is a great tool to show how to balance food choices in a healthy way. You may also consider seeing a dietitian to help you plan a healthy diet.
2. If you have any risk factors for type 2 diabetes, it’s is important to talk to your doctor about getting regular screenings. Because most people won’t have any specific symptoms right away, the only way to know if you have high blood sugar is with a simple blood test.
3. Discuss your weight and physical activity with your doctor