My City Wellness Winter 2022

Animated publication

EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR Sherron Barden ASSISTANT EDITOR Peter Hinterman STAFFWRITERS PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF Vince Lorraine

Winter 2022

5152 COMMERCE RD. FLINT, MI 48507 810.230.1783 MYCITYMAG.COM ISSN#1559-3436 is published monthly by My City Magazine, Inc., 5152 Commerce Rd., Flint, MI 48507. Canadian Mail Agreement #41971515. For back issues, inquire for availability. Editorial Correspondence: Address product information and inquiries to: Editorial Department, My City Magazine, 5152 Commerce Rd., Flint, MI 48507, phone 810.230.1783. To au- thors, photographers, and people featured in this publication: All materials, articles, reports and photographs in this publication are the property of My City Magazine and cannot be used without written permission. Že opinions and conclusions recited herein are those of the respective authors and not of My City Magazine. My City Magazine is not responsible for returning unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other materials. Every e‘ort will be made however, to return rejected manuscripts, etc., if they are accompanied by su“cient ”rst-class postage, but the publisher will not be responsible for any loss of such material. Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A. Cheryl Dennison Peter Hinterman CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Michael Kia, DO Shawn Reiser, DPM, FACFAS OPERATIONS ACCOUNTING/CIRCULATION & CONTROLLER Kim Davis ART & DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGNER Brett LaCross WEB DEVELOPER / GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Boedecker SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Terese Allen

12

4

18

22 24

CONTENTS Local Connection 4 Four Generations of Caring 24 Healthcare Community News

Treatment Highlights 18 Gallstones Causes, Symptoms & Treatment 20 GERD Common and Treatable

Lifestyle 12 Finding Life Balance 22 Treat Your Feet Better!

My Wellness

When eo Everett of Flushing completed nurse training at Hurley Medical Center in 1955, she began a long career of nursing and helping others. Now, there are four generations of nurses in the family who all

“I come from a family of 11,” she shares, “and for as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse.” Back then, the closest school was in Flint and the tuition for three years was $500. “My parents somehow scraped the money together.” A er graduating, Everett started working in pediatrics at Hurley Medical Center. She also worked in pediatrics at the

live in Flushing – Everett’s daughter Teresa McComb and McComb’s daughter, Melissa Sparks. Inspired by her mom, grandmother and great grandmother, Melissa’s daughter Isabelle Sparks has followed on the same path, now studying to become a nurse. Everett grew up inWilliamsburg, MI, a small town near Traverse City.

4

MYCITYMAG.COM

BY CHERYL DENNISON

old Flint Osteopathic Hospital. She continued to work until she was 78 years old. “I stopped for a while, but went back to work at a nursing home; I missed it,” she admits. “I went full circle – caring for the youngest and the oldest of patients.” The mother of eight children – five girls and three boys – Everett continues to

share medical advice with family and friends on the phone. “My oldest son still calls me before he calls his doctor!” she exclaims. And, she believes that over the years, she has received more than she has given. “My life has been rich because of it. My work was so rewarding. I got to help so many people!”

McComb began her nursing career in 1970 and while growing

up, she listened to her mother talk constantly about her love of the nursing eld. “She was my inspiration,” she shares. “I got my passion for it from her.” McComb also worked in pediatrics and worked with her mom at Flint Osteopathic Hospital.

5

My Wellness

“I saw the passion to help others in my mother, grandmother and great grandmother. I just want to help people like they did.”

ISABELLE SPARKS

THEO

MELISSA

“My mom worked the second shift and I worked first shift. Sometimes, we worked together. It was amazing to watch her. I wanted to be like her – it was great!” McComb continued her work as a nurse at the Women and Children’s Center at Genesys Regional Medical Center (now Ascension Genesys Hospital.) “You give your whole self and you give your heart,” she says when describing her career. “ e outcome is so rewarding.” McComb is now retired and thrilled that her daughter, Melissa Sparks, followed in her footsteps and her mother’s. As the third-generation nurse in the close-knit family, Sparks is currently Director of Regulatory Compliance for Ascension Genesys Hospital. She earned a master’s degree in 2018 which allowed her the opportunity to pursue a leadership position. She began her career as a registered nurse in the Telemetry Unit at Genesys. Her mom and grandmother played huge

TERESA

roles in her decision to pursue nursing. “It’s in my blood,” she shares. She remembers when her mom and grandmother worked together in the same hospital unit. “ ey would pass me o , back and forth; one would watch me while the other was working. I feel so comfortable in a hospital setting because it was such a big part of my life growing up. It feels like home.” And being able to share the nursing experience with her family members is a blessing. “It’s nice to have people in the family who know what it’s about,” Sparks says. “I’m so proud.” Sparks’ daughter Isabelle is a 2021 Flushing High School grad now pursuing her nursing degree at Siena Heights University a er receiving a golf scholarship to study there. She knew at a very young age that she wanted to be a nurse. “It’s something I always wanted to do,” she says. “I saw the

ISABELLE

passion to help others in my mother, grandmother and great grandmother. I just want to help people like they did.” Isabelle’s ultimate goal is to become a nurse anesthetist in an intensive care unit. “I wanted to go further a er watching my mom get her master’s degree,” she explains. “It made me want to further my education.” When she graduates in 2025, she will become the family’s fourth- generation nurse. “I’m just excited to have the opportunity to carry on a legacy that was started by my great grandmother and continued all the way to me,” says the future nurse. “It will be an honor to do a job that all of the women in my family have found so ful lling.” ®

DERPLAN13 / STOCK.ADOBE.COM STR33TCAT / STOCK.ADOBE.COM

6

MYCITYMAG.COM

M €‚ƒ„ †„‡ O‰„ U‹ D‹„‡ ‡ CŽ…€ RYAN J. REECE, MD, FACEP PHOTO BY DOUG PIKE, HURLEY MEDICAL CENTER

ADVERTORIAL

Hurley now oers a Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) clinic to treat those who need help with opioid use disorder. Services are available to patients who are seen in Hurley’s ED who are seeking treatment for their opioid use disorder (OUD), self-identify as having a problem with OUD, withdrawing from opioids or with other complications

Is addiction a medical disease? Instead of understanding addiction as only a moral or spiritual failing, many medical professionals have begun to view opioid use disorder as a medical disease. e disease of addiction can be caused by repeated exposure to a drug, coupled with genetic or environmental risk factors, leading to physical changes in the brain’s opioid receptors. In this view, addiction can be treated and managed with medication, much like other chronic medical conditions. Medication has been shown to provide an evidence-based, safe, controlled level of treatment to overcome the use of a problem opioid. Hurley’s program oers a safe, comfortable environment for patients who suer from OUD. Dr. Reece notes, “ e MOUD program uses a very collaborative approach. e ED social workers, providers and nurses all play a huge role in helping this population receive much needed treatment. It provides another tool to help this population.” ®

RYAN J. REECE, MD, FACEP

of their disease or who may have experienced a nonfatal overdose. e MOUD clinic provides telemedicine care and is led by Dr. Ryan J. Reece. Dr. Reece attended Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine and completed his residency at Michigan State University/Sparrow Health System in emergency medicine. He is board-certiˆed in Emergency Medicine and is working toward his certiˆcation in Addiction Medicine. Why the emergency department? e ED is often the primary source of medical care for individuals with OUD. ED visits oer an opportunity to access life-saving treatment. Identifying individuals with untreated OUD enables providers to motivate individuals to accept treatment, eectively treat opioid withdrawal symptoms, initiate evidence- based treatment, refer individuals to ongoing care and to reduce harm by oering overdose education and dispensing naloxone kits. Treatment • Consultation with an ED social worker • Telemedicine appointments • Medication • Referral to New Paths, Inc. a local substance use disorder treatment program Benefits of the Clinic • Facilitates safer withdrawal by relieving symptoms and controlling cravings

Questions? Want to schedule an appointment? Call: 810.262.6516

• Reduces the risk of death due to overdose • Increases retention in treatment with safer, controlled medications • Works to decrease illegal drug use and, with it, the potential dangers

ADVERTORIAL

SPICE UP YOUR SAVINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR

When we think about savings during the holiday season, most of us think about finding the best ways to save on our shopping sprees. But as the clock strikes midnight on 2021, here are a few other savings techniques you may want to include in your New Year’s Resolutions: R S A classic, for good reason. Compound interest is a powerful tool, so the sooner you start saving the better. If your employer o ers a 401(k) or other retirement plan, get on it—if they o er a matching contribution, it’s as close to free money as you’ll get. Even if the maximum annual contribution sounds daunting (2022: $20,500, plus $6,500 if you’re over age 50), at least contribute enough to meet your employer’s matching rate. I promise, you won’t notice it’s gone from your paycheck, but you’ll love watching your savings grow. No 401(k)? Open either a Traditional or Roth IRA—you can still sock away up to $6,000/year ($7,000 for ages 50+). You still have until this year’s tax deadline to make your IRA contributions for 2021. T S I T If you have extra cash built up, but don’t necessarily want to lock it up until retirement, consider opening a taxable investment account as a medium-to-long term savings or an emergency fund. Your investments will still reap the bene ts of compound interest and you will have the exibility to withdraw money anytime you need it. Note that capital gains taxes do come into play here.

E S It is never too early to start saving for education for your loved one. A few ways to get started: 529 Plan: Gi your education savings and allow it to grow tax-free (as long as it’s used for education expenses). You can fully cover college tuition or use up to $10,000/ year on K-12 education costs. Any amount le over can be rolled to another bene ciary, like a sibling or grandchild. In Michigan you can also deduct up to $5,000/year in contributions if you use an in-state plan. UTMA/UGMA: Similar to a taxable investment account, these are considered “gi ” accounts you can open on behalf of a minor. Withdrawals are allowed to be made at anytime, for any reason, if they are for the bene t of the child. Once the bene ciary becomes “majority age,” however, the money is considered theirs to use at their discretion. Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESA): A blend of the rst two plans, you can contribute up to $2,000/year to a child on a tax-deferred basis—if the proceeds are used for education, they are also tax- free; otherwise, the growth is taxed and penalized 10%. Once the bene ciary turns 18, they are legally the account owner, and the funds must be used by age 30 (or rolled to another bene ciary). T S Donate (Money or Time) to Charity If you have the resources to give back monetarily, make sure you also get credit for doing so with the IRS by itemizing your donations come tax time (if you’re over the standard deduction, that is). ese deductions come o your taxable income and reduce your tax bill.

Jessie Stirling Investment Analyst Wealth Advisor Stephens Wealth Management Group

Consider a Roth Conversion If you’ve been thinking about converting your Traditional retirement savings to a Roth, now may be the time. With historically low tax rates and the “back-door” Roth contribution both teasing an end, it may be in your best interest to pay some taxes by converting your money now…as opposed to paying more in taxes on the same money, later. Take Advantage of Taxable Losses A less glamorous strategy, but if you have an unrealized taxable loss on an investment, it may be worth selling it to claim the loss on your taxes. You can use it to cancel out your gains for the year, or carry over up to $3,000/ year in losses until you break even. H S A If you have a high-deductible health insurance plan, you may be eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA). HSAs are a triple tax bene t— your contributions are tax deductible, earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals are also tax-free when used for quali ed medical expenses. HSA contributions are limited to $3,600/year for individuals or $7,200 for family plans. With these savings tools in your back pocket, you can be sure to start o 2022 right! ®

Investment advisory services offered through Stephens Consulting, LLC, a SEC registered investment adviser doing business as Stephens Wealth Management Group (SWMG). SWMG is not a registered broker/dealer. SWMG investment adviser representatives may only conduct business with residents of the states and/or jurisdictions for which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed. Please note that not all the investments and services mentioned are available in every state. Investors outside of the United States are subject to securities and tax regulations within their applicable jurisdictions that are not addressed on this site. SWMG is neither a law firm nor a certified public accounting firm and no portion of this article should be construed as legal or accounting advice. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. This information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Contact our office for information and availability. SWMG, 5206 Gateway Centre, Suite 300, Flint, MI 48507 ph: 810.732.7411.

My Wellness

LIFE FINDING BALANCE BY PETER HINTERMAN

YUROK ALEKSANDROVICH / STOCK.ADOBE.COM

12

MYCITYMAG.COM

The state of our overall health and well-being depends on how we care for the many different as - pects of our lives. The physical, mental, social and professional realms of our experience must all be addressed to maintain our emotional success and often, our happiness. So, how do we do it? How do we focus on everything effectively at once and give each its prop- er share of attention? How do we keep our lives stable? How do we find life balance? Balance is de ned as “a condi- tion in which di erent elements are equal or in the correct pro- portions.” at means that the various elements must receive equal (or nearly equal) daily con- sideration – a seemingly impossi- ble task for most given the chaotic nature of the world; however, with proper habits and planning, balance is an achievable goal. First, before balance can be achieved, good habits must be formed in each of the four main areas of our lives. ese are the physical (exercise, nutrition, sleep, etc.), mental/emotional, social (relationships, family, outside in uence) and professional (work and self-actualization). Each area is complex in nature and involves di erent factors for each of us; but a few general adjustments can help us move toward achieving this goal. PHYSICAL As the New Year begins, it brings an opportunity for each of us to plan for the biggest changes.

We choose to eat better, get more exercise, or get more sleep. We aren’t always successful, but ac- knowledging an area of struggle is the rst step toward improvement. For simplicity’s sake, the physical aspect of life can be di- vided into two sections: exercise and nutrition. Here are a few tips for improving in each: Exercise 1. Ease into it. Don’t attempt to run five miles on your first day; you could injure your- self or become discouraged by the goal. Start slowly and work up to your target. 2. Get outside or mix it up. Keep your mind involved. A change of scenery or different work- out altogether can help you stay connected to your plan. 3. Set realistic goals. is one is important. If you create incre- mental goals to reach while moving toward your overall goal, you will gain more con - dence with every small win. 4. Plan for 30 minutes of activity each day – a min- imum of at least 150 minutes of exercise per week is rec- ommended. That’s five days of 30-minute workouts. You really do have the time. 5. Don’t feel guilty if you miss a workout or fall short of a goal. Don’t dwell on it. Get right back on the horse. e only loss is abandoning your goals entirely. Nutrition 1. Eat breakfast. Skipping the rst meal of the day is perhaps the No. 1 mistake we make. We op- erate our best when well-nour- ished and a solid breakfast is key. Co ee by itself doesn’t count.

2. Introduce more vegetables/ fruits into your diet. This is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to improve your nutrition. Possibly plan one or two “vegetarian” din- ners per week. 3. Drink water. Get rid of the sugary drinks (Coke, Pepsi, etc.) and juices. Substitute with water and, if you miss the “ zz,” learn to love carbonated water. It’ll work if you give it a chance. 4. Invest in helpful appliances. Slow-cookers, for example, can keep you out of the drive- through on days when you really don’t feel like cooking. Load it up in the morning and when you get home from work, dinner’s ready. No rea- son to order that pizza. 5. Plan your weekly meals. Take time on the weekends to think about what your “dinner week” looks like and stick to it. Don’t forget to plan a pizza night or night out every once in a while; however, make it the exception and not the habit. Extras 1. Sleep. is o en underrated necessity a ects all aspects of our waking lives. To have opti- mal energy during the day, nd the best way for you to get the adequate nightly amount. 2. Find a doctor and make your appointments. If you are lucky enough to be able to a ord visiting a physician, do it reg- ularly. e goal is to prevent problems before they start and the vast majority of ailments can be mitigated by simple behavioral changes. Don’t let it get to surgery, or worse. 

13

My Wellness

MENTAL/EMOTIONAL Nowadays, our external world can be confusing, frustrating, infuriating and depressing. If we value our overall well-being and sense of happiness, learning to cope mentally with the day-to-day is an important skill to master. 1. Limit negative thoughts (the start of every bad day). Learning to recognize negative thoughts takes time. When things start taking a turn for the worse, pause and attempt to think things all the way through. Don’t give up. 2. Use hobbies to limit stress. It doesn’t matter what you like to do – maybe it’s biking or chess, video games or board games, sports or reading. Make the time to decompress by doing something you love. 3. Relax. en again, it’s okay to just do nothing from time to time. Clear your mind and watch the snow fall, listen to the birds sing, or snuggle your puppy. 4. Unplug. Get away from the neg- ative news and social media for a while. Focus on your world. 5. Practice emotional control. Anger is a health problem. It’s okay to feel angry; acting on that anger is a di erent story. Avoid situations that you know will invoke anger and if you must respond in a non-emergency sit- uation, wait to do so. Taking the time brings clarity of mind and a better, less-hostile response. SOCIAL With everything we have to work on and think about, most of us tend to let our social interactions slide or take them for granted. Humans are

MONKEY BUSINESS / STOCK.ADOBE.COM

social animals and maintaining healthy and happy relationships is just as important as everything else. 1. Always make time for family. Our spouse/partner and chil- dren are the most important

people in our lives and should never take a backseat to any- thing else. Take the time to be there and to have fun. 2. Be active out in the world. Go to a movie, a show, an event.

BARANQ / STOCK.ADOBE.COM

14

MYCITYMAG.COM

4. Avoid negative social media. The online world is not the real world. It’s always best to limit the amount of time spent on websites. 5. Volunteer. Give back to the community, get out of the house and meet good people who share your interests – opportunities are available everywhere. PROFESSIONAL/WORK Work and all we put into it plays an extremely large role in our lives, taking up the majority of our time and energy. It’s here where most of our stress originates. Our professional life doesn’t have to be the juggernaut that it o en is. 1. Perfection is a pipedream. No- body’s perfect! Do the best you can and constantly improve, but once the job is done, let it go. Mistakes are teaching points and not the end of it all. 2. Have an end-time. Learn to work hard in working hours

and then disengage. Don’t make a habit of taking work home with you. Do this only in moderation, or you will be quickly overwhelmed. 3. Limit time-wasting. In order to cut stress and have more time for other important areas of your life, limit the amount of time wasted during the workday. Have a clear plan in mind and exe- cute it. Learn to work ahead. 4. Use a planner. Digital or other, consistently plan your days with achievable goals in the form of to-do lists. Work through the list giving priority to the task with the most im- mediate deadline. Stick to it. 5. Take breaks and vacations. In 2019, American workers left a record 768 million days of vacation on the table! You (and the business) gain noth- ing if you are burned out or “running on fumes.” 

NICOELNINO / STOCK.ADOBE.COM DEAGREEZ / STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Take a shopping trip or nd a hobby to share with the ones you care for (friends, family, cowork- ers, etc.). Get out of the box. 3. Learn to say “no.” Sometimes, we need a little time for ourselves. It’s okay to decline an invita- tion if you are not feeling up to joining the proposed festivities, but do so in moderation. Being a hermit can be just as harmful.

15

My Wellness

The physical, mental, social and professional realms of our experience must all be addressed to maintain our emotional success and often, our happiness.

ACHIEVING BALANCE After taking appropriate steps to better your life in each of these four areas, the next step is to put it all together in a way that works and will not overwhelm you. For easier organization, break your days down into two sections: work hours and non- work hours. Most of our week is consumed by the time we spend at work, so take a look at what you can do during those eight (or more) hours that will help you find daily balance. At Work 1. Implement all of the tips given prior in the “Professional/ Work” category. 2. Work hard but prioritize family. Take the time to make it to your kid’s play, game, or parent night. 3. Pay attention to negative thoughts and take short men- tal breaks to clear your mind. 4. Unplug from social media and negativity as much as possible. 5. Start your day with breakfast, eat healthy snacks and plan healthy lunches. Non-work 1. Planning. We generally have less time a er work and that means we have to be e cient. Make a small to-do list for the short period a er work and before bedtime, but also make time to relax and enjoy hob- bies. (Don’t forget about chores. Work them into your plan so you are not overwhelmed doing everything at once or monopo- lizing the weekend.) 2. Work in 30 minutes of exercise. e time is there and you will see it once you start to plan.

CHINNAPONG / STOCK.ADOBE.COM

3. Enjoy your weekends and days off. Get out and do something or volunteer. Take your family along. Maybe you need a day just for chores, hobbies and leisure, so plan one if need be. 4. Start or join a group with friends that meets once a month on a weekday, such as a record club, book club, or recreational sports league. 5. Plan your weekly dinners and use time-saving tools in the kitchen. Overall, nding life balance involves planning, commitment and sacri ce. Over time, small, daily changes can add up to

healthy habits and a happier life. Above all, stick to the plan. e absolute hardest thing to do is to commit to the plan when we are feeling mentally drained from a long day at work. Some- times, we don’t want to cook the dinner we had scheduled or the thought of stepping onto the treadmill is just too much. Again, it’s okay to take a break here and there; but don’t let it become a habit. Push through and you will be better for it. Every area of your life will be humming along and with hope, everything will be in balance. ®

16

MYCITYMAG.COM

My Wellness

GALLSTONES: Development, Symptoms & Treatment BY PETER HINTERMAN ONE of the most over- looked potential

health problems, gallstones are becoming more common in the United States as people become more sedentary and more apt to make unhealthy food choices. Currently, gall- stones affect 15% of the U.S. population or about 25 million people, with a quarter needing to undergo surgery to allevi- ate symptoms and pain. Cause and Risk Factors Gallstones are deposits of hard-

/ STOCK.ADOBE.COM

ened digestive uid that can form in the gallbladder.

ey can range in size from a speck to a golf ball and over the course of time, can block the bile duct causing further complications.

O en, they can be present in the gallbladder without causing any complications at all.

18

MYCITYMAG.COM

YAVDAT / STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Symptoms and Complications

e gallbladder functions as a holding area and release point for bile produced by the liver to help digest ingested fats. Medical professionals have not yet been able to pinpoint an exact cause of gallstones, but do think they are the result of too much cholesterol and/or bilirubin. (Bilirubin is the chemical produced when red blood cells are broken down.) ere are two types of gallstones: cholesterol and pigment. Cholesterol gallstones (the most common type) are made up of hardened, undissolved cho- lesterol. Normally, bile contains enough chemicals to dissolve excess cholesterol secreted by the liver; but if the bile can’t dissolve it, le over cholesterol can form into crystals and then, stones. Pigment gallstones are composed of excess bilirubin. Certain conditions including liver cirrhosis, infections and blood disorders can cause an excess of bilirubin. ey can also form when the gallbladder does not emp- ty fully or o en enough, causing bile to become concentrated and eventual- ly harden into stones. Risk factors for gallstone formation are numerous and diverse, involving both behav- ioral and genetic factors. e most common are: 1. Being female 2. Being age 40 or over 3. Being overweight or obese 4. Being sedentary 5. Eating a high-fat, high-cho- lesterol, low- ber diet 6. A family history of gallstones 7. Having diabetes

for survival or proper digestive function. A er removal, bile ows directly from the liver to the small intestine without being stored. Directly a er surgery, one can experience a small bout of diarrhea and will have to avoid eating fatty foods for a short time. ere are medications that eliminate gallstones but can take months to years to be e ective, and gallstones are a recurring

Symptoms of gallstones occur when the stone lodges in a duct causing a blockage. Bile ows from the liver to the gallbladder and then through the biliary tract to other parts of the diges- tive system, most notably the duodenum, the rst part of the small intestine. A blockage in the neck of the gallbladder will cause

While gallstones can be a very painful and expensive nuisance in your life, they can be avoided by maintaining a healthy weight with exercise and a smart diet.

phenomenon for those a icted. Surgery is o en done laparo- scopically on an outpatient basis. Prevention While gallstones can be a very painful and expensive nui- sance in your life, they can be avoided by making one simple life change: maintain a healthy weight with exercise and a smart diet. Avoid high-choles- terol and high-fat foods while consuming more fruits, veg- etables and grains. If you are obese, avoid “crash” diets and instead lose weight at a more uniform pace. (Rapid weight loss can cause gallstones to form.) Be as active as possible – and avoid the surgical knife. ® REFERENCES Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Gallblad- der. Clevelandclinic.org. Retrieved from my.clevelandclinic.org/health/ body/21690-gallbladder Mayo Clinic. (2021) Gallstones. May- oclinic.org. Retrieved from mayoclinic. org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/ symptoms-causes/syc-20354214

in ammation known as chole- cystitis, in turn causing pain and fever. A blockage of the common bile duct causes jaundice, pain and infection. Stones can also block the pancreatic duct causing acute pancreatitis accompanied by constant abdominal pain and requiring hospitalization. Symptoms of a problematic gallstone include intensifying pain in the upper right or center of the abdomen, pain in the right shoulder or between the shoulder blades, nausea and vomiting. Visit your doctor if you are experiencing jaundice of skin or eyes, intense pain causing the inability to nd a comfortable position, and/or high fever with chills. Treatment e most common and successful treatment for gall- stones is surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). e gallbladder is not necessary

19

My Wellness

GERD SYMPTOMS, CAUSES AND TREATMENT BY MICHAEL KIA, DO, FACOS, FACS G astroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disor- der that affects your esophagus and your stomach. The term “gastroesophageal” refers to the stomach and esoph- agus. The word reflux means to flow back or return. Gastro- esophageal reflux occurs when what’s in your stomach backs up into your esophagus. It is most commonly described as heart- burn or acid indigestion.

REINEG / STOCK.ADOBE.COM

20

MYCITYMAG.COM

In normal digestion, the natural sphincter (ring of muscle) be- tween the esophagus and stomach (LES) opens to allow food into your stomach. en, it closes to stop food and acidic stomach juices from owing back into your esophagus. Gastroesophageal re- ux happens when the LES is weak or relaxes when it shouldn’t, allowing the stomach’s con- re ux can eventually cause damage and scarring of the esophageal tissue. Many factors con- tribute to causing GERD. e most com- mon causes include being overweight, consumption of large meals, and eating too close to bedtime. Con- suming certain foods such as tomato prod- ucts, fatty or fried food and co ee or alcohol can contribute. ere are some anatomical causes such as a hiatal hernia (when the stomach migrates up toward the chest) that can be strongly associated with GERD. The most common symp- tom of GERD is heartburn (acid indigestion). It usually feels like a burning chest pain that starts be- hind your breastbone and moves upward to your neck and throat. Many people say it feels like food is coming up into their mouth, leaving an acidic or bitter taste. The discomfort can last as long as two hours. It’s often worse after eating; lying down or bending over can also result in heartburn. Many people feel better if they tents to ow up into the esophagus. Chronic acid

stand upright or take an antacid that clears acid out of the esopha- gus. Some people with long-term GERD can develop more advanced symptoms such as lingering cough, asthma, and even pneumonia. Treatment for GERD is aimed at reducing the amount of re ux or lessening damage to the lining of the esophagus from re uxed mate- rials. Common treatment medi- cations include antacids (TUMS), H2 Blockers( Pepcid®, Tagamet®) and Proton Pump Inhibitors (Pri- losec OTC®, Protonix®, Prevacid®). ese drugs can help neutralize acid in the esophagus and stomach and stop heartburn symptoms. In addition to medications, there are several lifestyle changes that can be made to help lessen symptoms of GERD. ey include: avoiding foods that can relax the LES such as ca eine, alcoholic beverages and citrus fruits; eating small- er portions, and avoiding meals three hours prior to laying down. Avoiding smoking and focusing on keeping a normal weight are also important to prevention of GERD. For patients with severe GERD that persists, there are diagnostic

tests to determine the cause. Most commonly, an upper endoscopy will be performed during which a thin scope with a light and camera at its tip are used to look inside the upper digestive system – the esophagus, stomach, and the rst part of the small intestine, called the duode- num. Sometimes an upper gastro- intestinal (UGI) x-ray series or even more advanced studies such as pH testing or esophageal manometry may be required for diagnosis. For most people, GERD can be controlled with medications and lifestyle changes; but a select few, possibly those who also have a large hiatal hernia, will develop severe damage and symptoms and may be candidates for surgery. The most common is a laparo- scopic fundoplication, which is a minimally-invasive procedure to restore proper function of the lower esophageal sphincter. Gastroesophageal reflux dis- ease is very common, affecting almost 60 million people. e most common causes are behavioral and therefore, focused lifestyle choices can help the majority of su erers to resolve or control the symptoms. ®

The most common causes of GERD are behavioral and therefore, focused lifestyle choices can help the majority of sufferers to resolve or control the symptoms.

About the Author Michael Kia, DO, FACOS, FACS is a board certified general surgeon with fellowship training in minimally invasive and robotic surgery and complet- ed his fellowship in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery at the world-renowned University of Texas in Houston. He received his B.S. from the University of Michigan, his medical degree from Touro University in San Francisco, and performed his residency in general surgery through Michi- gan State University. Dr. Kia is an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at MSU and a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.

21

My Wellness

New Year’s Resolution: Treat Your Feet Better! BY SHAWN L. REISER, DPM, FACFAS

So, you got through the decorating, shop- ping, parties and traveling for the holidays. You did a lot of walking, dancing and standing and while having all of this fun, how happy were your feet? Half of Americans report experienc- ing foot pain at some point in their lives, and no one wants to start the New Year with injuries that slow us down. Let’s talk about some ways to start 2022 with healthy (and happy) feet. Moisturize. Michigan winters are noto- rious for drying the skin on our entire bodies, including our feet. Moisturize daily to help avoid dry, cracked and irritated skin. Massage. Foot-rubs not only feel good, but they’re also a great way to release tension and refresh skin after long days on your feet. Taking a few minutes to massage your feet at the end of the day is a great way to relax and de-stress. Exercise your feet. Stretching is a good way to avoid muscle cramping. Stave o toe cramps by raising, point- ing and curling your toes for ve seconds (repeat ten times.)

Rotating your ankles can also help relax your feet. To loosen ankle joints, cup your heel and turn each ankle slowly ve times. Pedicure properly. Whether you do it yourself or go to a salon, be sure your pedi- cure is done properly. Never use a razor to remove dead skin; opt for a good pumice stone, instead. Persistent foot pain can be an indication of injury or illness. If you experience foot pain, let a podiatrist help you. Use toenail clippers with a straight edge to cut nails straight across, and push cuticles back rather than cutting them. Wear smart shoes. When doing activities such as shopping, traveling and cook- ing, ditch the high heels and wear comfortable shoes with good arch support and a padded sole. Check out the American Podiatric Medical Association’s website (apma.org) for a list of shoes that have the Seal of Ap- proval for promoting foot health.

If you keep your feet in good shoes for most of the time, then you’ll be able to wear those stilettos on special occasions. Raise your legs. Feet and ankles can swell from sitting too long in one po- sition, or if you’ve been on your feet all day. To reduce swelling, sit with your legs elevated. Get help. Feet shouldn’t hurt all the time! Persistent foot pain can be an indication of injury or illness. If you experience foot pain, let a podiatrist help you. ®

DMYTRO FLISAK / STOCK.ADOBE.COM

About the Author Dr. Shawn L. Reiser earned her B.A. in economics from the University of Mich- igan, Ann Arbor in 1998. After under- graduate work, she

remained in Ann Arbor and worked for a consulting company for one year before deciding to pursue a career in medi- cine. She attended Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadel- phia, PA where she graduated summa cum laude in 2003. After graduation, she completed a three-year residency in foot and ankle surgery at Graduate Hospital (now University of Pennsylva- nia Hospital) also in Philadelphia. Dr. Reiser is certified by both the Ameri- can Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM). She joined the Community Podiatry Group in 2006.

22

MYCITYMAG.COM

23

My Wellness

Wellness News

Partnership with GVSU Provides McLaren Flint Minority Nurses Funding to Continue Education and Advance Careers

such as graduating from a high school that performs lower than the state average; or have an economic disadvantage, such as receiving public assistance or a household income below the average low-income. In addi- tion to the HRSA funds, GVSU o ers a number of student scholarships and McLaren o ers tuition reimbursement. e NWD grant is the second grant that McLaren and GVSU received from HRSA. In 2019, the academic-practice partnership was awarded the Advancing Nursing Workforce Education grant ($2,799,987 with 0% nanced with non-gov- ernmental sources). McLaren hopes to provide more opportu- nity for nurses across the corpo- ration for continued profession- al growth in the future. “We look forward to more grant opportunities with GVSU in the future, continuing to provide educational and train- ing support for nurses from the communities we serve. It’s just been great to be able to o er these educational opportunities to our nurses,” said Dr. Zajac. ® About McLaren Flint McLaren Flint is a 378-bed tertiary teaching facility serving the medical needs of residents in greater Genesee County and Mideast Michigan. McLaren Flint is affiliated with Michigan State Uni- versity College of Human Medicine in its medical residency programs including family practice, internal medicine, gen- eral surgery and orthopedic surgery. McLaren Flint also maintains vascular surgery, health psychology and cardiol- ogy fellowship programs in partnership with Michigan State University. McLaren Flint has a rich history of providing high quality, compassionate health care. Learn more at mclaren.org/flint.

FLINT – ree McLaren Flint nurses are among the rst to take advantage of a continued partnership between McLaren Health Care and Grand Valley State University (GVSU). e Nursing Workforce Diversity (NWD) grant allows GVSU to fund educational opportunities for nurses from disadvantaged backgrounds and underrepre- sented minority groups. rough the funds provided from the grant, McLaren nurses will have the majority of their tuition costs covered to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Mas- ter of Science in Nursing (MSN) and/or Doctor of Nursing Prac- tice as a Health Systems Leader at GVSU’s Kirkhof College of Nursing between the 2021 and 2024 academic years. “ is is a great opportunity for McLaren nurses from diverse backgrounds to continue their education and advance their careers within our organization,” explained Lisa Zajac, DNP, RN, ANP-BC, OCN, Director of Clinical Informatics at McLaren Health Care. “ e bachelor’s degree program is online with some in-person practicum experiences. e master’s and doctoral programs are hybrid, so the students will go to Grand Valley once a month while

continuing the rest of their ed- ucation online. eir practicum experiences are in-person within the McLaren organization.” Sojourner Green is an RN at McLaren Flint and one of the three nurses who have started classes through the NWD grant. Pursuing her BSN, Green grew up in Flint and has been part of the community her entire life. A er seeing the number of African American patients a ected by COVID in her unit at the hospital, she wondered how she could help. “When I found out about the grant, I thought, maybe this could be my opportunity to do some- thing bigger than myself. is is a huge discount for me to be able to further my education,” said Green. “I think it is important for McLaren to give back to the community in this way, so that we can better serve our community and community members can see representation of themselves within the corporation.” In the future, Green hopes to receive her MSN and become a community health nurse. To be eligible for the grant, nurses must meet one of the following requirements: be from an underrepresented minority group; come from an education- ally disadvantaged background,

24

MYCITYMAG.COM

Alyssa Kipke, DO Joins Flint Cancer Team GRAND BLANC – e physicians of Genesee Hematology announce the addition of Hema- tologist/Oncologist Alyssa Kip- ke, DO, to their medical team. Dr. Kipke completed a fellow- ship in Hematology/Oncology at Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc and also per- formed her residency in internal medicine at Ascension Genesys. She obtained her medical degree fromMichigan State College of Oncology, PC are pleased to

About Ascension Michigan In Michigan, Ascension operates 16 hospitals and hundreds of related health- care facilities that together employ nearly 23,000 associates. Across the state, Ascension provided over $280 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in FY2021. Serving Michigan for over 140 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. is accepting new patients and appointments can be scheduled by calling 810.606.9190. ® Dr. Kipke is a member of the American Board of In- ternal Medicine, the Ameri- can College of Oncology, the American College of Hema- tology, the Michigan Society of Hematology and Oncology, the American Osteopathic Association and the American Medical Association. e practice of Genesee Hematology Oncology is comprised of the following physicians: Paul Adams, MD; Khalil Katato, MD; Christopher Szyarto, DO and Dr. Kipke. Dr. Kipke is now accept- ing new patients. To sched- ule an appointment, call 810.762.8200. Genesee Hema- tology Oncology, PC is located inside Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute at 302 Kensington Avenue, Suite 2, Flint. ® Dr. Keeley joins Ascension Medical Group, coming from McLaren Medical Group. She is located in the Women’s Inte- grated Health Care o ce, inside Ascension Genesys Hospital, at One Genesys Parkway, Suite 1595, in Grand Blanc. Dr. Keeley

Osteopathic Medicine in 2015 and prior to her medical training, earned an undergraduate degree in nursing from Oakland Uni- versity in Rochester. She is board certi ed in internal medicine. “I’m very proud of my early educational background, grad- uating from nursing school before pursuing my career as a physician,” she reports. “I’ve used this experience through- out my career, which I find has helped me relate to all multidisciplinary participants involved in my patients’ care.” Dr. Kipke was born and raised in Lake Orion. “It was important for me to stay in the community where I was raised, and I am excited for the oppor- tunity to serve those who have helped me learn and grow into the physician I have become.” pause specialist with the North AmericanMenopause Society. She completed her undergraduate de- gree at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor and attendedWright State University Medical School in Ohio. Dr. Keeley completed her obstetrics & gynecology residency at Beaumont Hospital. With a special interest in minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Keeley o ers robotic surgery options to appropriate patients. She enjoys caring for women in all phases of their lives and is an advocate for women’s health.

OB GYN/Menopause Specialist Joins Ascension Medical Group

GRAND BLANC - Ascension

Medical Group is proud to wel- come Michelle Keeley, MD,

to the obstetrics and gynecology team at Ascension Genesys Hos- pital in Grand Blanc. As a female provider, she understands women are unique and provides person- alized care and treatment plans. Certi ed by the American Board of Obstetricians and Gyne- cologists, Dr. Keeley is a meno-

25

My Wellness

Wellness News

e project will include a 13,800-square-foot-vertical expansion of the cancer center, a 7,200-square-foot expansion of the proton therapy center, development of a third proton therapy vault with two patient treatment spaces, and parking lot and entry improvements. Groundbreaking is scheduled for the summer of 2022 with the rst patient in the expanded cancer center expected in late 2023. “We see the need for cancer care in the communities we serve and are committed to giving our oncologists and patients the best tools available to ght this dis- ease,” said Justin Klamerus, MD, MMM, president of Karmanos Cancer Hospital and Karmanos Cancer Network. “ is expan- sion project with McLaren Flint enables residents of Genesee County to receive outstanding care from Karmanos in a conve- nient location, close to home. We are committed to serving patients where they have the greatest chance for successful treatment.”

McLaren Flint Announces $46 Million Expansion of Cancer Center Region’s Only Proton Therapy Center to Grow Comprehensive Oncology Care

FLINT – A $46 million proj- ect is launching to expand the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint and the McLaren Proton erapy Center. Once complete, the projects will allow more patients access to proton therapy, the most advanced radi- ation therapy available, and bring a more comprehensive approach to cancer care for Genesee Coun- ty residents and beyond. e expansion is part of McLaren Flint’s continued commitment to grow comprehensive cancer care and ensure a multidisciplinary approach to individualize each cancer patient’s treatment. “We are committed to serving the community by o ering world-class cancer care right here in Genesee County,” said Chris Candela, President and CEO of McLaren Flint. “Being part of the Karmanos Cancer Network gives cancer patients improved access

to new treatments close to home. is expansion allows us to provide more treatment op- tions, grow our team of respect- ed oncologists with trailblazing specialties, and provide care for more patients, saving them dai- ly travel throughout the county or to Detroit for treatment.”

26

MYCITYMAG.COM

McLaren Flint Fourth Quarter Physician Recognition Award Presented to Sunita Tummala, MD

The $46 million expansion adds an oncology experience that has not been delivered in Genesee County. Recently, the Singh & Arora Oncology/He- matology practice joined the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint, further inte- grating medical oncology and hematology care at the cancer center. This brings all three cancer treatment modalities under one roof, including sur- gical oncology and radiation oncology (along with proton therapy), and gives patients more streamlined care. In addition to expanding the cancer center, the McLaren Pro- ton erapy Center will begin the nal phase of construction, which now includes a third vault with two patient treatment spac- es. McLaren previously added a second room to meet the high demand for proton therapy. is nal phase will allow the proton center to nearly double the capacity for treatment. “We wanted to take our time and understand the de- mand for proton therapy in the area before we decided what the final phase would include,” said Hesham Gayar, MD, med- ical director of the McLaren Proton Therapy Center. “With growing interest and patients seeking treatment from all cor- ners of the state, increasing our capacity will allow us to serve more patients and decrease the wait period to begin proton therapy treatments. We are proud to be able to give more people access to proton thera- py right here in Flint.” ®

FLINT – Board-certi- ed neurol- ogist Sunita Tummala, MD is McLaren Flint’s fourth

gram. On another occasion, I had a few questions, so she stopped to contact our stroke coordinator for me. She did not have to take her time to do that. Dr. Tummala always goes above and beyond!” e quarterly Physician Rec- ognition Award allows physicians and sta to acknowledge mem- bers of the medical sta who: • Are a current member of the McLaren Flint medical staff • Demonstrate compassion and concern for patients and staff • Have a cooperative attitude toward patients, colleagues and staff • Strive for constituent quality outcomes • Display leadership and sup- port to the organization. Dr. Tummala specializes in neurology and clinical neuro- physiology. She sees patients at her office located at G-5084 W. Pierson Rd., Flint. ®

quarter Physician Recognition Award recipient. She was pre- sented with the award in front of her peers in November 2021. Medical Director of the McLaren Stroke Program, Dr. Tummala has been with Mc- Laren Flint for 14 years. Her nomination form reads: “Dr. Tummala provides exemplary care to her patients and families. She is kind, never rushes, and makes herself available. She has never been rude or short with staff. She is happy to educate staff and families. Dr. Tummala goes out of her way to be helpful.” One hospital sta member had a personal

anecdote to share. “One

day, I was tak- ing a patient to a CT scan and the bed motor did not work. She helped me push the bed – she is simply amazing! Dr. Tummala also is head of the stroke pro-

(L-R) McLaren Flint Chief of Staff Michael Mueller, MD; Physician Recognition Award recipient Sunita Tummala, MD, McLaren Flint Presi- dent and CEO, Chris Candela

27

Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software