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Reinforcements in the fight against COVID-19 have arrived in the form of safe and effective vaccines that are being distributed across the United States. While these vaccines represent a turning point in the ongoing effort to save lives from this pandemic, many myths exist about the vaccines, side effects, and what you should do after you are vaccinated. With that in mind, the experts at  McLaren Flint  are here to answer some common misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccinations to help you know ...

Although some symptoms are similar between men and women when experiencing a heart attack, there are also differences. It is important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms for both men and women so you may recognize them if you or someone else is experiencing a heart attack. McLaren Flint cardiology specialists  say both men and women are likely to share the following symptoms of a heart attack: pain or discomfort in the chest, shortness of breath, throat tightness, pain in the shoulders, neck...

A typical weekday turned surreal on August 10, 2020, for Jeff Miller, a physician assistant who has helped care for joint replacement patients at McLaren Flint for 24 years. He worked his day shift at the hospital and then drove home to Lapeer. Nothing was out of the ordinary until shortly after he arrived home. He had some numbness in his right arm and his vision became extremely light sensitive. For years, he has suffered with migraine headaches, and his immediate reaction was that it was just another...

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a condition in which the arteries of the lung are blocked by a blood clot that can come from various parts of the body. Presence of pulmonary emboli in the lung essentially "chokes" the pulmonary circulation leading to elevated pressures in the pulmonary arteries, which then causes strain on the right chambers of the heart, causing enlargement and reduced pumping function. Symptoms are usually shortness of breath, chest pressure or pain, as well as dizziness and passing out sp...

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the CDC estimates that more than 41% of U.S. adults have avoided medical care during the pandemic because of concerns about COVID-19, including more than 31% who avoided routine care. “Virtual health care is offered to patients who are unable to come into the office,” said  Patrick Gramith, DO , family medicine physician at the  McLaren Flint-Fenton Community Medical Center . “While a virtual visit can’t fully replace the effectiveness of an in-person visit, ...

After completing extensive renovations and additions on its campus in 2020,  McLaren Flint  is poised to kick off 2021 projects that will continue to expand its ability to meet patients' needs. “We want the aesthetics of McLaren Flint and our other campus buildings to match the excellent care patients receive from our clinical staff,” said Matt LeGault, chief operating officer for McLaren Flint. “We hope these renovations provide a welcoming environment for both patients and visitors.” The&nbs...

Article Submitted by Erin O’Connor, PhD , Director of Behavioral Medicine Education, McLaren Flint During any other year, rates of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are around 5% of the population. However, during 2020 and now 2021, as we continue to struggle with the global pandemic known as COVID-19 , many more individuals may find themselves feeling down and overwhelmed for the first time, while those who have been struggling with this condition may experience increased severity.   SAD is a cond...

Over the last 30 years, obesity has become the most prevalent disease in the world, and more people suffer from the health effects of obesity than from any other disease. Morbid obesity, which is typically defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher, is a result of neurochemical changes that occur after a person gains a substantial amount of weight. As a result of these chemical changes, diets are often unsuccessful for patients in this condition and surgical intervention has been shown to...

McLaren Flint's free mammogram program not only promotes breast cancer awareness, but also provides 3D mammogram screenings for uninsured, at-risk, low-income women throughout Genesee County. Funding is made possible by the partnership between the McLaren Flint Foundation and the Flint Firebirds, and the generous sponsors who support the annual "Pink out the Rink for Mamms" hockey game held each October. However, no matter what month it is, women in our community are due for their annual mammogram. Annu...

The McLaren Wound Care Clinic specializes in treating acute and chronic hard-to-heal wounds. The clinic recently welcomed three new physicians to join Mark Williams, DPM , board-certified in podiatric surgery and a fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, who has been caring for patients at the clinic since 2003. Those new clinical experts are Michael Eigenberg, MD, FACS , general surgeon; Krysta Schroeder, DPM, CWSP , board-certified in wound management; and Jason Weslosky, DPM . Th...