Category: News/Blog

Food Fight: Is your toddler a picky eater?

Food Fight: Is your toddler a picky eater?

It happens to parents of toddlers all the time: you prepare your child’s favorite meal, and place it lovingly in front of them only to watch them hurl the plate to the floor. They loved this meal yesterday, how could they refuse it today? Simply put: toddlers tend to be picky eaters. For parents, this can generate a lot of anxiety about the well being of their child. I’m sharing the advice I give moms and dads in my practice to help avoid a daily food fight around the kitchen table.

Don’t sweat it.

Toddlers are developing their food preferences. What they like today they may dislike tomorrow and vice versa. For a week straight, they may request (or demand) only one or two of their preferred menu items. That’s normal. And exasperating. Try to be patient, and avoid getting frustrated. Otherwise, mealtime will turn into a power struggle between you and your toddler, and no one wins. Try to include one or two of your toddler’s preferred menu items for each meal, and offer foods to your child more than once. Today may be the day they decide to love something new!

Think big picture.

Ensuring your toddler gets the nutrition they need is one of the biggest concerns when dealing with a picky eater. Consider your child’s food intake throughout the week, not just day to day or meal to meal. They may gobble up a huge breakfast and then nibble here and there for lunch. They may eat great some days and next to nothing on others. Generally, if your child is consistently growing, they are most likely getting enough calories and protein. If they’re easily moving their bowels on a daily basis, there’s enough fiber in their diet. A hungry toddler will consume more at mealtime, so make it easier on yourself by avoiding snacks and lots of liquids prior to a sit-down meal.

Work together in the kitchen.

Including toddlers in the meal planning and preparation may give them more incentive to try something new, and give them an outlet for their desire to control which foods they are eating. Invite your toddler to help you choose healthy items at the grocery store, pick new recipes or ask them to choose the side dishes for your next meal. Toddlers are eager to help, so allowing them to safely assist in the kitchen with stirring, scooping, sifting, counting and adding ingredients can grow their interest in mealtime. You may even want to surprise them with their own apron and chef’s hat!

Don’t give up!

Very few toddlers eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. When they exclaim “all done!” at the end of their meal, you’ll often find the serving of veggies exactly as you placed it on their plate – untouched. Again, that’s normal. Continue to offer them healthy choices at each meal, and set an example by making healthy choices yourself. Eventually, they will be open to trying new things, and may even come to enjoy those vegetables!

If you are feeling concerned about your child’s diet, make an appointment with your pediatric provider. They can help navigate this stage of life to ensure your little one is getting the nutrition they need to grow and develop. It’s easy to schedule an appointment with your pediatric provider – simply visit our online appointment tool, scroll to find your pediatric provider, and click to schedule an appointment at a time that works for your family!

It’s easy to schedule an appointment with your pediatric provider – simply visit our online appointment tool, scroll to find your pediatric provider, and click to schedule an appointment at a time that works for your family!

Make An Appointment

On your mark, get set, go! Summer Health and Fitness: Family Style

Family Fitness Fun

Physical fitness is truly a family affair – it’s good for every body! For people of all ages, physical activity is one of the most important parts of a healthy lifestyle. It’s recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that adults have at least 150 – 300 minutes of moderate physical activity per week and children at least 60 minutes per day. Working another 30 – 60 minutes into already packed schedules is not easy, so it has to be fun, or let’s face it – we’re not doing it. We put our heads together and came up with some ideas for summer fun that make getting active as a family no sweat.

Make a splash!

Pool, sprinklers, water balloons, slip and slide, a car wash, or just the hose: you really can’t go wrong with any water-based activity. Just don’t forget to keep your sunscreen on-hand, and reapply throughout the day.

Create an obstacle course

Using what you have around your home and yard combined with physical activities (jumping jacks, anyone?), create a fun obstacle course. Time each other to see who can complete the course fastest.

Take a bike ride

Explore your neighborhood or local trails on bicycle. Biking is a great activity for all ages and skill levels. Don’t forget your helmet!

Neighborhood scavenger hunt

Create a list of objects to gather or tasks that can be completed in your yard or neighborhood. Or, try a photo scavenger hunt: rather than collecting treasures, have your scavengers take a photo of the object or activity. The first to return with all their boxes checked wins!

Go to a park

Need a change of scenery to get motivated? Check out your local parks. They offer trails for running, hiking or biking, team sports, swimming, play structures and oftentimes activities for kids – all within your community.

Play a game

When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. The same is true for fitness. If you choose an activity that you and your family enjoy, you won’t event realize you are achieving your fitness goals. Whether its soccer, baseball, kickball, basketball or something you make up – pick your teams and let the games begin!

Dance party!

Create a playlist of family favorite tunes, and turn up the volume!

Plant a garden

Planning and creating a garden creates a reason to go outside every day. Maintaining the garden provides an opportunity for physical activity and as an added bonus creates a sense of responsibility. Plant and cook from a vegetable garden for an extra positive impact on your family’s health.

Join a class

The best way to fit fitness into your schedule, is to literally schedule it. Find a local facility that offers family fitness classes, or sign up individually.

Sign up for a race

Many charities or organizations will host a fun run or race as a fundraiser. Find one that appeals to your family, and sign up! The approaching race date will give you the motivation to train, and most of the time there are shorter route options for different ages and fitness levels, so everyone can join in.

Use a fitness tracker

Weekly Fitness Tracker

Keeping track of your physical activity is a great way to ensure you achieve your goals for daily activity. There are several digital trackers available for purchase or use this fridge-ready template to add up your minutes. As a friendly competition, have the whole family keep track of their time. Accountability goes a long way!

Print your own Fitness Tracker

Remember: 15 minutes counts. A quick driveway basketball game or bike ride around the block can make some great strides towards a healthier lifestyle, and make an impact on your child’s lifestyle as they grow.

If you have questions or concerns about physical activity for anyone in your family, make an appointment with your pediatric or primary care provider today. And then get moving!

Make An Appointment

Your Baby’s Best Shot: FAQs About Vaccines

Your Baby's Best Shot

 

Parents today have no shortage of information and input on raising a child. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially for new parents. We want to ensure our children have all that they need to grow and develop normally, but sorting through the mountains of recommendations can be daunting, to say the least. For parents of newborns, a frequent topic of discussion during well visits centers around vaccines. Which vaccines does your child need and when should they receive them? Let’s breakdown the most frequently asked questions around vaccines for our littlest patients.

There are a lot of vaccines out there, does my child need all of them?

Just because a vaccine exists, doesn’t mean it is recommended for your child. Your doctor will discuss with you the routine vaccination schedule, which is based on current recommendations from the American Council on Immunization Practices. This schedule applies for all children living in the U.S. Additional recommended vaccines based on travel, disease outbreaks, or other unique circumstances, can be discussed with your doctor on an individualized basis.

Watch for these common differentiators between a cough caused by a virus and one caused by asthma.

Why does my baby get so many vaccines before they are two?

Vaccines are given based on a thoughtfully developed schedule to ensure children are protected when they are most vulnerable or likely to be exposed to an illness. Pertussis (whooping cough), for instance, can be life threating to an infant, so three doses of the vaccine are given in the first year of life. For illnesses that may not impact a child until adolescence, the vaccine is delivered at a later time.

Is it safe to give my baby several vaccines at one time?

Safety is of the utmost concern when giving a young child vaccines. That’s where the Centers for Disease Control’s Recommended Vaccine Schedule comes in. Extensive study and analysis have demonstrated conclusively that there is no risk or harm in giving multiple vaccines at once. Specifically, the Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule in the U.S. has been carefully examined and has been proven to be safe and effective.

Does my child need vaccines?

Definitely. In addition to protecting our own children from serious, life-threatening illnesses, we all need to be mindful of the risks we pose to others to when we don’t vaccinate. We’re constantly interacting with others in public (for example at school, playgroups, parks) and there are many people that are not able to receive vaccines. These individuals include infants or those with compromised immune systems from chemotherapy or other conditions, are at mich greater risk of severe illness or death when exposed to some of these diseases. When you have your child vaccinated, you are helping to eliminate the risk of a harmful disease resurfacing. This not only protects your child, but also helps to protect others who are vulnerable to the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

How do I know which vaccines my child will receive for the first two years of their life and beyond?

Your baby’s provider can discuss the vaccine schedule which is right for your child. Talk with your pediatric provider about which vaccines your child needs, and when he or she should receive them.

  

It’s easy to schedule an appointment with your pediatric provider – simply visit our online appointment tool, scroll to find your pediatric provider, and click to schedule an appointment at a time that works for your family!

 

Make An Appointment

 

Toddler Sleep 101

New Parents and Sleep Deprivation

 

There’s nothing magical about the pitter patter of little feet at two o’clock in the morning. When a toddler isn’t sleeping well, it affects the whole household. Toddlers ages 1 to 3 years require 12 to 15 hours of sleep per day, and that sleep happens both during the day and at night. Oftentimes, a good night’s sleep will setup daytime sleep nicely, so that your child will be able to take their regular nap. So, how do you get a toddler to achieve a good night’s sleep? Start with these 3 steps:

1. Consistency is key for toddlers.

Create a bedtime routine, and follow it. Every. Single. Time. Start your routine at the same time every night and for every nap. Follow the same order of events, for example: bath, brush teeth, books, sip of water, song, lights out. Once this is a regular routine in your home, your child will come to expect each step and know when it’s time for bed.

2. A child’s bedroom should make them feel safe and comfortable.

Your child may benefit from a night light or some other ambient light that allows them to feel more at ease in their bedroom. Some calming music on a timer may also help them transition to sleep. Lastly, make sure the temperature in their bedroom is nice and cool. You don’t want them waking up from feeling hot.

3. Make a plan for the inevitable: at some point your toddler will show up in your bedroom in the middle of the night.

Parenting is hard, and doing it in the middle of the night doesn’t make it easier. Create a plan around how you will approach a toddler asking to come into your bed at night, and stick to it (see point number 1). Start by reassuring your child, and then place them back in their bed. Your middle of the night encounters should be brief and to the point – it is time to sleep. Avoid encouraging them to exit their room by playing with them or fulfilling requests for a glass of milk.

If you’re struggling with your toddler’s sleep schedule, there may be other sleep problems affecting your child. Make an appointment to discuss your concerns with your pediatric provider.

It’s easy to schedule an appointment with your pediatric provider – simply visit our online appointment tool, scroll to find your pediatric provider, and click to schedule an appointment at a time that works for your family!

 

Make An Appointment

 

New Parents and Sleep Deprivation: A to ZZZs

New Parents and Sleep Deprivation

 

Before a mother gives birth, she’s likely to hear the advice “sleep while the baby is sleeping.” Maybe more than once. Sleep deprivation is one of the greatest challenges for new parents. A newborn is on their own schedule for sleeping and eating, and it’s a 24-hour cycle. New parents will find themselves exhausted from getting up with their little bundle every two to three hours throughout the night. A foggy, scattered feeling sets in and memory lapses become a daily nuisance. Did I turn off the coffee pot? Many don’t take the advice to sleep when you can. It’s tempting to try to catch up on housework, answer an email or text or fit in the newest episode of their favorite show. Plus, when exhaustion sets in, it’s hard to believe an hour of sleep will make a noticeable difference.

Myth: An hour nap won’t make a difference.

In reality, frequent naps throughout the day really do add up, just like they do for infants. If parents can adjust their schedule to grab some ZZZs while the baby is getting their required amount of sleep, it can improve the quality of life for everyone in the house.

If you’re struggling with nodding off on demand, try setting the mood for sleep. Darkening shades can help create a dark space for a mid-day snooze. Turn off the TV and face bright devices away from you. And that sound machine in your baby’s room? It may also provide some much-needed distraction from the noises of the day.

This sleep schedule can present new challenges when it’s time to return to work. Most offices don’t feature napping pods. Work with your pediatric provider on sleep training your infant, so you and your little bundle are getting the most rest possible during the night by the time maternity leave comes to an end.

Adjusting to a new baby can be difficult. If you are worried about your newborn’s routine, your pediatric provider can help. 

It’s easy to schedule an appointment with your pediatric provider – simply visit our online appointment tool, scroll to find your pediatric provider, and click to schedule an appointment at a time that works for your family!

 

Make An Appointment

 

Asthma or Cough?

Asthma or Cough?

 

Does my child have a cough or asthma?

A cough is one of the most common symptoms of both asthma and a cold. Understanding when a cough is related to a virus and when it’s asthma will help you get the right treatment for your child quickly.

Watch for these common differentiators between a cough caused by a virus and one caused by asthma.

Timing of the cough.

In asthma patients, a cough is going to be worst in the morning and at night. When a cold is the cause of the cough, symptoms may worsen slightly at night, but your child will cough consistently throughout the day and night.

Type of cough.

Dry and brassy coughs are common with asthma, while a cold will produce a wet, and more productive cough.

Secondary signs of asthma.

A child suffering from asthma may feel a tightness in their chest or shortness of breath. You may even hear some wheezing.

 

Coughs can be tricky to diagnose. If you are worried about your child’s cough, your pediatric provider can help.

It’s easy to schedule an appointment with your pediatric provider at IHA – simply visit our online appointment tool, scroll to find your pediatric provider, and click to schedule an appointment at a time that works for your family!

Make An Appointment

Schoolcraft College, Integrated Healthcare Associates and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System to collaborate on new health center on Schoolcraft campus in Livonia

Schoolcraft College Health Center

 

 

News Release
March 28, 2019
For Immediate Release
For more information, contact:
IHA
Amy Middleton
734.327.0877
Amy_Middleton@IHAcares.com

 

Schoolcraft College, Integrated Healthcare Associates and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System to collaborate on new health center on Schoolcraft campus in Livonia

LIVONIA, Mich. (March 28, 2019)  – Schoolcraft College, Integrated Healthcare Associates (IHA) and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System (SJMHS) will collaborate to build a new health center on the Schoolcraft campus under a plan approved by the Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees and Trinity Health, the parent organization of IHA and SJMHS.

“This health center will bring leading physicians and health services to the campus as well as create educational opportunities that will enable students to fill needed jobs in the health care industry,” said Rob Casalou, president and CEO, Mercy Health and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System.  “In addition, this new site is part of our larger plan to improve access to ambulatory care services in the communities we serve across Michigan.”

The first phase will include constructing a $31 million, 80,000- square- foot building located on the northeast quadrant of the campus, adjacent to I-275 and just north of the St. Joe’s Sports Dome. Groundbreaking for the first phase will take place Fall 2019, and the space will include primary, specialty and urgent care as well as ancillary and advanced imaging services including MRI, ultrasound and mammography. A subsequent phase with additional clinical programs and services is in the planning stages.

The new health center will support Schoolcraft College’s Healthcare and Health Sciences programs with hands-on educational opportunities for students to prepare them for in-demand jobs in the growing health care fields. Schoolcraft College currently has majors and programs in nursing, pharmacy, health information technology and medical assisting among the many choices.  The college also plans to launch an advanced imaging program for radiation technology students to coincide with the opening of the new medical facility.

“This partnership is an extension of our current excellent relationship with Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and Integrated Healthcare Associates and will help provide outstanding medical services for our students and the Schoolcraft community,” said Schoolcraft College President Conway A. Jeffress. “It also benefits the students in our Healthcare and Health Sciences programs by providing them with practical experience opportunities that will prepare them for a career in the healthcare field.”

The new facility reflects an expansion of the strong collaboration between SJMHS, IHA and Schoolcraft College, which includes SJMHS’ support of the St. Joe’s Sports Dome on the Schoolcraft College campus.  SJMHS’ MercyElite Sports Performance program operates in the dome in partnership with Schoolcraft College’s SC Elite Program, providing athletic training, physical therapy, and health and nutritional services to youth and adults in the community.

IHA recently assumed responsibility for the urgent care currently operating on the Schoolcraft College campus.  In conjunction with this change, IHA established an internal and family medicine practice within the same building to offer the community additional access to primary care. These services will relocate to the new health center in the future.

“IHA is pleased to join with our colleagues at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System to further expand our partnership with Schoolcraft College.  It is an honor to be part of such an innovative collaboration that is focused on bringing a patient-centered model of health care to not only Schoolcraft College, but also to the surrounding communities,” said IHA CEO Mark LePage, M.D. “Whether it’s accessing primary care services through a real-time online scheduling tool or ‘saving your spot’ in line at the urgent care, this is how health care should be designed – around the needs of the patient.”

 

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About Schoolcraft College

Schoolcraft College is a public community college, offering classes at and online at www.schoolcraft.edu. The college enrolls more than 30,000 students each year in both credit programs and continuing education and professional development courses. The college has 70 different academic majors and programs leading to a skills certificate, certificate, associate degree, or post-associate certificate. Students can also take advantage of bachelor degree-level courses and programs offered by several university partners onsite or transfer credits to other four-year institutions saving time and money in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree.

 

About IHA

Established in 1994 and celebrating the 25th anniversary of its founding in 2019, IHA is one of the best and largest multi-specialty groups in Michigan delivering more than one million patient visits each year. IHA employs more than 2,400 staff, including more than 700 providers consisting of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and midwives in approximately 74 practice locations across Southeast Michigan. Recognized as Metro Detroit’s Top Physician Group by Consumer Reports magazine. IHA offers patients extended office hours and urgent care services, along with online patient diagnosis, treatment and appointment access tools. IHA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and a member of Trinity Health. For more information about IHA, visit www.ihacares.com.

 

About Saint Joseph Mercy Health System

Saint Joseph Mercy Health System (SJMHS) is a health care organization serving seven counties in southeast Michigan including Livingston, Washtenaw, Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Jackson, and Lenawee. It includes 537-bed St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, 443-bed St. Joseph Mercy Oakland in Pontiac, 304-bed St. Mary Mercy Livonia, 136-bed St. Joseph Mercy Livingston in Howell, and 133-bed St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea.  Combined, the five hospitals are licensed for 1,553 beds, have five outpatient health centers, six urgent care facilities, more than 25 specialty centers; employ more than 15,300 individuals and have a medical staff of nearly 2,700 physicians.   SJMHS has annual operating revenues of about $2 billion and returns about $115 million to its communities annually through charity care and community benefit programs.

SJMHS is a member of Trinity Health, a leading Catholic health care system based in Livonia, Mich. Trinity Health operates in 22 states, employs about 133,000 colleagues, has annual operating revenues of $17.6 billion and assets of about $24.7 billion. Additionally, the organization returns almost $1.1 billion to its communities annually in the form of charity care and other community benefit programs.

For more information on health services offered at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, please visit www.stjoeshealth.org.

 

Contacts:

IHA

Amy Middleton

734-327-0877

Amy_Middleton@ihacares.com

 

Schoolcraft College

Van Nguyen

734-462-4591

tnguyen@schoolcraft.edu

 

Saint Joseph Mercy Health System

Bobby Maldonado

248-858-6662

Bobby.Maldonado@stjoeshealth.org

IHA Physician Dr. Kevin Bohnsack Appointed Michigan ANG State Air Surgeon

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – IHA, the region’s leading multi-specialty medical group, is pleased to announce that our very own Col. Kevin Bohnsack, a physician at IHA Milan Family & Internal Medicine, has been appointed to serve as the Michigan Air National Guard’s State Air Surgeon. In his new role as State Air Surgeon, Col. Bohnsack oversees the medical qualifications, accessions and fitness for duty determinations of over 2,200 personnel statewide. Additionally, in his new role, he served as an escort during the State’s inauguration celebrations.

Kevin

Col. Kevin Bohnsack, state air surgeon, Michigan Air National Guard, escorts Michigan Attorney General-elect Dana Nessel to the Capitol dais at the inauguration of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Lansing, Mich., Jan. 1, 2019. Photo courtesy of Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.

Col. Bohnsack is also a key medical advisor for Homeland Response and medical support to civilian authorities, the State Partnership Programs in Latvia and Liberia and the annual joint exercise, Northern Strike, held in Michigan every summer.

Col. Bohnsack is a board-certified family medicine doctor and also has a master’s degree in public health. He has extensive experience from multiple stateside and overseas locations. He has clinical interests in preventive medicine and evidence-based care. Col. Bohnsack is also the Family Medicine System Department Chair at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and Livingston.

According to Col. Bohnsack, the opportunity to work as a physician as well as maintain a role within the Michigan Air National Guard is a real privilege. “I am extremely thankful for this opportunity to serve” stated Col. Bohnsack. “If it weren’t for my understanding partners at IHA Milan and division leadership, as well as IHA as a whole, I wouldn’t have been able to continue serving in my dual role as a civilian family doc and military medical officer.”

Ensuring Col. Bohnsack has the ability to continue his work in the military is fully supported by IHA and aligns with their core values of Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Efficiency and Service. “IHA fully supports and appreciates Col. Bohnsack’s service to our country and our organization,” said IHA Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mohammad Salameh. “We are a better organization because of his skill and expertise.”

About IHA

Established in 1994 and celebrating the 25th anniversary of its founding in 2019, IHA is one of the best and largest multi-specialty groups in Michigan delivering more than one million patient visits each year. IHA employs more than 2,400 staff, including more than 700 providers consisting of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and midwives in approximately 74 practice locations across Southeast Michigan. Recognized as Metro Detroit’s Top Physician Group by Consumer Reports magazine. IHA offers patients extended office hours and urgent care services, along with online patient diagnosis, treatment and appointment access tools. IHA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and a member of Trinity Health. For more information about IHA, visit www.ihacares.com.

IHA Urgent Care and Internal & Family Medicine Open on Schoolcraft College Campus

EMU Health Center

ANN ARBOR, Mich.– IHA, the region’s leading multi-specialty medical group, transitioned the urgent care on the campus of Livonia-based Schoolcraft College into IHA Urgent Care on Monday, February 4, 2019. In conjunction with this change, IHA has also established an internal and family medicine practice within the same building to offer the community additional access to primary care. St. Mary Mercy Hospital, St. Joe’s Medical Group and Schoolcraft College leadership teams have come together with IHA to leverage IHA’s infrastructure to benefit students, staff and the broader community.

During the last six years, IHA has invested in the infrastructure and expertise around operating, managing and growing urgent care services. In fiscal year 2018, they recorded over 65,000 visits across five urgent care locations and have plans to open three more urgent care locations by the end of 2019. IHA successfully co-locates all of their urgent care locations with primary care offices. Research indicates that offering primary care and urgent care services within the same building significantly raises patient satisfaction and improves the overall continuum of care.

According to Jason Harris, Vice President of Planning & Development at IHA, “This partnership with Schoolcraft College will not only increase access to health care for students and staff, but the greater Livonia community by offering patient-centered care when and where it is needed.”

The urgent care team, led by IHA Urgent Care, Occupational Medicine and Virtual Care Division Head Matthew Ajluni, DO, will maintain the services previously being offered at the Schoolcraft urgent care as well as additional extended services. The family & internal medicine team includes family medicine physician Jessica Haddad, MD and internal medicine physician Li Li, MD, PhD.

The new IHA Schoolcraft offices are located on the first floor of the Jeffress Center at 39201 W. Seven Mile in Livonia. IHA Family & Internal Medicine @ Schoolcraft is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments can be made online at www.IHAcares.com/Schoolcraft or by calling 734-213-3685. IHA Urgent Care @ Schoolcraft is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. You can skip the urgent care wait by saving your spot online at www.IHAcares.com/saveyourspot.

About IHA

Established in 1994 and celebrating the 25th anniversary of its founding in 2019, IHA is one of the best and largest multi-specialty groups in Michigan delivering more than one million patient visits each year. IHA employs more than 2,400 staff, including more than 700 providers consisting of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and midwives in approximately 74 practice locations across Southeast Michigan. Recognized as Metro Detroit’s Top Physician Group by Consumer Reports magazine. IHA offers patients extended office hours and urgent care services, along with online patient diagnosis, treatment and appointment access tools. IHA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and a member of Trinity Health. For more information about IHA, visit www.ihacares.com.

 

News Release
February 12, 2019
For Immediate Release
For more information, contact:
IHA
Amy Middleton
734.327.0877
Amy_Middleton@IHAcares.com

Is it time for your colonoscopy?

Is Tamiflu Right For You?

 

 

KEEPING YOUR COLON HEALTH IN CHECK IS IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE

Did you know that nearly 100,000 people are diagnosed with Colon Cancer and 40,000 with rectal cancer each year? In other words, one in 24 men and one in 22 women will develop colon or rectal cancer in their lifetimes.  March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, a time to evaluate the state of your colon health and learn how to monitor colorectal health going forward. Stay in touch with your colon!

COLONOSCOPY 101

Unlike other cancers screening tools, colonoscopy is unique in that it can both diagnose and help prevent colorectal cancer by removing polyps before they progress to cancer.

WHO SHOULD GET A COLONOSCOPY?

Common misconceptions are that you only need a colonoscopy if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps. However, 80-90% new colorectal cancer cases have no family history – this means that the vast majority of new cases will be the first person in their family to be diagnosed.

Others think that if they have no symptoms, they can’t possibly have colorectal cancer. But by the time patients develop symptoms of weight loss, abdominal pain or changes to their bowel habits, the cancer has often already progressed to a very late stage.

This is why screening is so important. We want to find polyps and early cancer that are easily treated.

WHEN SHOULD I GET MY FIRST COLONOSCOPY?

Every adult should undergo their first screening by the age of 50. Some patients should start earlier, depending on other factors. It is best to talk to your doctor about when you should start screening.

Some people delay or avoid screening because they are afraid of the test. A focus of Colon Cancer Awareness Month is to spread the word about colonoscopy – the test is not painful and is very safe.

SCHEDULE YOUR COLONOSCOPY

It’s easy to schedule your colonoscopy with IHA – simply visit our online appointment tool to request your colonoscopy appointment. Our team will verify that you’re eligible for colonoscopy screening with your primary care provider and will confirm your appointment.