Category: News/Blog

Talking to children about tragedies

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After a horrific event like a mass shooting or terrorist attack, parents find themselves trying to make sense of the event, all while trying to figure out what, if anything, they tell their children. Each child has unique needs in a crisis. Often, it will depend on their age, if they knew anyone affected by the crisis and how much they have been exposed to the news. Allow your child to give you clues about how to meet their needs, and remember that all children are different. One may ask you many, many questions, whereas another may only want extra hugs and to watch a movie. Both of these reactions are OK!

Ask your child what they’ve heard. Allow them to tell you what, if anything, they heard. Once they’ve told you, ask them if they have any questions. Keep your answers straightforward and direct. In general, it is best to share basic information, no graphic or unnecessary details. It’s important to understand that they’re asking you questions because they need someone they trust to listen to their questions, accept their feelings and be there to support them while they work through their emotions. Staying silent on the issue won’t protect them from these events, as much as we’d prefer for them to not have to hear about what’s happened.

While it may be possible to limit your child’s exposure to media within your home, it is difficult when you’re not within your own home, or if your child is older and has access to a cell phone, social media or news accounts.

Even your youngest child will hear about tragic events, and it’s better for them to hear information from a parent or caregiver than another child or general media. Additionally, younger children may respond with forms of dependence, like acting clingy, refusing to sleep alone and experiencing separation anxiety. They may also throw temper tantrums or wet the bed. An older child may respond with anxiety, sadness, risky behavior or outbursts at school.

Feelings of sadness, fear and confusion are normal reactions. However, if your child seems very upset and unable to recover from fear, starts having trouble in school or home, or isn’t able to get up and go to school, you may want to contact your child’s doctor for additional advice. Additionally, if you are concerned they need more information or support than you’re able to provide, you can reach out to their teacher, school counselors or doctor for additional support.

IHA WestArbor Medical Center Nears Completion

IHA WestArbor Medical Center Nears Completion

7/14/2016 – IHA is pleased to announce that its newest medical center, located west of the Ann Arbor Auto Mall at 4350 Jackson Road in Scio Township, is proceeding on schedule and will begin a phased opening on Monday, August 15.

IHA WestArbor Medical Center tops out at 77,000 square feet and will be home to multiple primary and specialty care practices and numerous ancillary services. Over 215 staff and providers will call the WestArbor facility home and expect to provide care for more than 150,000 patients during the first year of operation.

“IHA practices have enjoyed extraordinary growth over the years in recognition of IHA’s patient-focused capabilities and quality as documented by Consumer Reports, which found that IHA was metro Detroit’s top medical group. IHA will be moving many well- established practices into this new center in order to improve access and convenience for our patients, provide for needed expansion space, enable new developments and provide future growth options. Among the major IHA practices which will relocate to this center include: IHA Ann Arbor Family Medicine, IHA Child Health – Ann Arbor, IHA WestArbor Internal Medicine, and IHA WestArbor OB/GYN,” states Bill Fileti, IHA’s CEO. “In addition, urgent care services, general dermatology, orthopedic surgery, maternal-fetal medicine, pharmacy, clinical lab, radiology, physical therapy and other clinical services will be added. We envision that this comprehensive medical center will be extremely attractive as a one-stop health center to the community.”

The new 77,000 square foot, three-story facility will blend a contemporary exterior design full of windows with both first and second floor walk-out entrances. The new medical center, similar to IHA’s highly-regarded Domino’s Farms location, capitalizes on wooded views and an interior design that uses natural light to make patients feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the facility.

“The completion of this new medical center will certainly be among our 2016 highlights, as we continue to expand our primary and specialty care presence across the communities we serve. Through this new facility, patients will once again physically see us forging ahead to actively live our mission of always focusing on new and better ways to deliver health care to the patients we serve,” adds Fileti.

Beginning Monday, August 15, the first of nearly one dozen new services and programs opens at the facility. The following week, Monday, August 22, the new Urgent Care Center opens along with several other primary care and ancillary services. By Labor Day, all three floors of the center will open and welcoming area residents.

“We are extremely proud to be launching our fourth urgent care – after hours location and are confident that all of the services, which we are bringing into the area, will have a positive and immediate impact on the health and well-being of the residents,” notes Matthew Ajluni, DO, Medical Director, After Hours, Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine program for IHA. Our urgent care center will be open 365 days a year and will offer an extensive list of services and treatment options allowing residents to find all the care they need close to home.”

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Healthy living: walking

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Today, activity trackers like Fitbit, Jawbone or even phone apps are all the rage. These trackers help individuals keep track of their daily activities by monitoring the distance walked, calorie consumption and, in some cases, heartbeat and quality of sleep. Never before have people had such obtainable access to their basic personal health information on a day-to-day basis.

One of the easiest ways to stay in shape, live a healthy lifestyle and get some use out of those activity trackers, is walking. According to Physical Activity Guidelines of America, adults should engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. That means an adult walking for at least 30 minutes, five days a week can reach that goal, while also reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and increase longevity.

Engaging in regular physical activity like walking is one of the most important things that people of all ages can do to improve and maintain their health. A few of the many benefits of walking include strengthening bones and muscles, improving balance and coordination, helping maintain a healthy weight and even improving a person’s mood. Another great benefit of walking is that it requires minimal to no equipment. Taking a 30 minute walk is as easy as going outside.

IHA WestArbor Medical Center Updates

Updated 8/22/2016 Null

In summer 2015, we broke ground on our new 77,065 square foot multi-specialty medical center located on Jackson Road, just east of Zeeb. The new center will be home to dermatology, family medicine, imaging, internal medicine, lab, maternal-fetal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, urgent care, pharmacy, physical therapy, and other specialty services.

The building contains:
• 490 tons of structural steel
• 40 trucks of concrete per floor
• 57,500 bricks

IHA Urgent Care – WestArbor is now open at our newest location in the IHA WestArbor Medical Center.

IHA Family & Internal Medicine – WestArbor
(formerly known as IHA Ann Arbor Family Medicine and IHA WestArbor Internal Medicine) is now welcoming patients in the IHA WestArbor Medical Center.
IHA Associates in Gynecology & Obstetrics – WestArbor
(formerly known as IHA WestArbor Obstetrics & Gynecology) is now welcoming patients in the IHA WestArbor Medical Center.
IHA Child Health – WestArbor
(formerly known as IHA Child Health – Ann Arbor) will begin seeing patients at their new location Monday, September 19, 2016.

In addition, IHA Maternal-Fetal Medicine – WestArbor will begin seeing patients in their new location on Monday, September 12, 2016. This is in addition to their current location, IHA Maternal-Fetal Medicine – Arbor Park. IHA Dermatology – WestArbor will begin seeing patients in their new location on Tuesday, August 30, 2016. This is in addition to their two other locations, IHA Dermatology – Domino’s Farms and IHA Dermatology – Brighton.

Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines

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In 2012, the way we screen for cervical cancer changed. There were new guidelines for PAP smear testing based on medical evidence, supported by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The new recommendations, which IHA providers agree with and follow, start with a PAP test at age 21, followed by PAP testing every three years between 21 and 30 (if you’re low-risk). Once you reach age 30, you’ll be tested every five years with a PAP test and high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test. As long as you’re low-risk, and the tests are normal, you’ll remain at the five-year interval for testing.

If you are high-risk (you have a history of abnormal PAP tests or have had prior cervical procedures), you may not fit in these recommendations. Your provider will discuss what the best screening frequency is for you based on your history.

In certain situations, a woman may no longer need PAP testing. Generally, if you’re over 65 and have had normal tests previously, you may no longer need PAP tests. You may also be exempt from PAP testing if you have had a certain kind of hysterectomy. You and your provider can discuss and decide if that is best for you based on your risk factors.

A PAP test is a safe way to screen for cervical cancer, with little to minor discomfort. Your provider will use a speculum and a soft brush to take a sample of your cervical cells. If your PAP test is abnormal, your provider will request you come back for additional testing.

If you have additional questions about what to expect, please talk to your provider.

Health Alert: Flour Recall

General Mills is voluntarily recalling Gold Medal flour, Wondra flour, and Signature Kitchens flour (sold in Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel, Shaws, Vons, United, Randalls, and Acme) due to possible E. coli O121 contamination. 

Sate and federal authorities have been researching 38 occurences of illnesses across 20 states related to a specific type of E. coli (E. coli O121), between December 21, 2015 and May 3, 2016. While attempting to track the cause of the illness, CDC found that approximately half of the individuals reported making something homemade with flour at some point prior to becoming ill. Some reported using a General Mills brand of flour (source). 

To date, there have been four confirmed cases in Michigan. Due to the long shelf life of flour, this outbreak could continue for an extended period of time. We urge you to take a look at the products in your cupboard and check UPCs and Better if Used By Dates. Information can be found here: General Mills Flour.

Please visit the CDC website for more information about E. coli O121. 

St. Joseph Mercy Academic OB/GYN Center Received March of Dimes Grant for CenteringPregnancy Model

St. Joseph Mercy Academic OB/GYN Center Receives March of Dimes Grant for CenteringPregnancy Model

6/1/2016 – IHA is pleased to announce the St. Joseph Mercy Academic OB/GYN Center is the recipient of a $15,600 March of Dimes grant to enable the practice to continue offering their CenteringPregnancy model, which increases positive health outcomes for mothers and babies.

The CenteringPregnancy model consists of prenatal care that integrates health assessment, education and support into a unified program within a group setting. Group sessions allow for more time to explore important health and wellness topics and women learn self-care skills and gain confidence to improve their health for themselves and their babies.

“CenteringPregnancy has been proven to reduce the risk of premature birth,” said Kara Hamilton-McGraw, Michigan March of Dimes Maternal Child Health Program Impact
Leader. “Premature birth is the #1 cause of neonatal death. March of Dimes is committed to working with agencies, like the St. Joseph Mercy Academic OB/GYN Center, that are using evidence-based interventions that will decrease the number of babies that are born too soon.”

IHA Obstetrician Gynecologist and Site Medical Director of the St. Joseph Mercy Academic OB/GYN Center Bryan Popp, MD, is thrilled to receive the March of Dimes grant. “CenteringPregnancy is an exciting opportunity for us to provide group prenatal care for our patients. Centering allows expecting mothers to have increased face-to-face time with the obstetrician, more hours of prenatal education, and the ability to form a support system with other moms,” states Dr. Popp. “National studies have shown a decrease in preterm birth rates, increased breastfeeding rates and increased rates of post-partum follow-up. Both our patients and doctors believe our first year of Centering has been a great success. We look forward to starting our second year of CenteringPregnancy.”

ABOUT IHA
IHA is one of the best and largest multi-specialty groups in Michigan. IHA employs more than 1,600 staff members, which includes more than 520 providers consisting of: physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and midwives in approximately 60 practice locations across Southeast Michigan. IHA provides high-quality medical care and excellent service to nearly 410,000 active patients. Recognized as Metro Detroit’s Top Physician Group by Consumer Reports magazine, IHA also ranks in the top quartile for patient satisfaction nationally. Offering extended office hours, Urgent Care, and access to clinical research studies, IHA demonstrates that it cares by bringing safe, high-quality, comprehensive and affordable care to its patients. For more information about IHA, visit www.ihacares.com.

ABOUT MARCH OF DIMES
In 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt founded the March of Dimes Foundation, formerly The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to address the rise of polio. In 1958, the foundation changed its mission to birth defect prevention to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, infant mortality, and premature birth. The March of Dimes Foundation’s national office is located in White Plains, NY, with local chapters in 51 states. The March of Dimes Michigan
Chapter funds programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies. For more information, visit www.marchofdimes.org/Michigan.

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 13,400 individuals and have a medical staff of nearly 2,700 physicians. SJMHS has annual operating revenues of about $1.9 billion and returns about $120 million to its communities annually through charity care and community benefit programs.
For more information on health services offered at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, please visit www.stjoeshealth.org.

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Teaching the Immune System to Target Cancer

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Thanks to continuous advances and breakthrough in cancer research, the medical community has been witnessing an unprecedented flow of success

stories through innovative immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Cancer specialists are now able to work successfully with their patients toward less toxic and more effective cancer treatments. Immunotherapy and targeted therapies are ushering in a new era in the fight against cancer.

 

It all starts at the cell level. Under certain series of unfortunate circumstances, some cells in our bodies become corrupted and start to grow to form cancerous cells. Normally, the immune system is supposed to patrol and detect those abnormal cells and destroy them. However, cancerous cells often find a way of evading the immune system through certain mechanisms including receptors.

What are cell receptors and what do they do? Well, certain receptors on the cell surface resemble the function of passcode or Identification Cards (ID cards). Normal cells have “good” passcodes on their surface and when those normal cells are scanned by the cells of the immune system, they are allowed to survive. However, cancer cells are often able to fool the immune system by acquiring (stealing or forging) those same “good” receptors (ID cards). As such, “impostor” cancer cells pass the scanning test of the immune system and they survive and keep growing in number.

Immunotherapy and targeted therapies specifically address this flawed issue of “fake IDs” by training and waking up the immune system to appropriately fight cancerous cells. For example, medications called “check-point inhibitors” block the interaction between particular cancer cell receptors (or fake IDs) and the immune cells “scanners” in order to uncover the true identity of cancer cells and allow the immune system to destroy them.

There are also several other mechanisms by which immunotherapy can help the immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells. The bottom line is that many patients who suffer from cancer can now be offered less toxic and more effective treatments through FDA approved immunotherapy and targeted therapy. In addition to standard therapies, patients have now more opportunities to enroll on clinical trials that are looking to uncover newer ways to teach the immune system to target effectively cancer cells without affecting the normal bystanders.