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An innovative heart procedure helped a local man keep his charitable spirit Even as he nears 90 years old, Bill still feels the need to give back. For more than 20 years, the retired Air Force serviceman with more than 25 years of service, continued his dedication to serving others by volunteering for Meals on Wheels. Once a week, Bill will volunteer his time to deliver meals to people who (for any reason) might not be able to leave the house or prepare their own meal. It’s work he finds deeply rewardin...

"You're going to get through this," Diana's co-workers kept telling her. "We got your back." Diana It wasn't long ago that Diana, a nurse's assistant in the McLaren Oakland emergency department, felt a lump on her breast. Thinking it was just a bruise, she didn't pay much attention to it. But a few days later, she noticed it had grown in size. Following a mammogram and biopsy at McLaren Oakland, she was told it was stage 1 breast cancer and quickly made an appointment with an oncologist. B

Let’s face it, nobody wants to have a surprise medical bill, but it happens to many people who have no way of knowing the cost of medical procedures before undergoing them. McLaren doesn’t want patients to be left in the dark when it comes to financial responsibilities and has invested in an estimating tool called CarePricer to help guide an open and transparent conversation through McLaren’s Cost of Care program. This program is designed to inform a patient of their financial obligation prior to an ele...

Meningitis infections-even the rare and aggressive forms such as bacterial meningitis caused by the neisseria meningitidis germ-are preventable through vaccinations and hygienic best practices. This is the message from Dr. Anthony Ognjan, an infectious diseases specialist with McLaren Macomb, on avoiding contraction of both bacterial and viral meningitis. "Anyone can get meningitis, but everyone can prevent it," Dr. Ognjan said. "Very soon, our kids will be heading back to school or away to colleg

Meningitis infections-even the rare and aggressive forms such as bacterial meningitis caused by the neisseria meningitidis germ-can be prevented through vaccination and personal hygiene. This is the message from Rhonda Leitch, a Board-certified infection preventionist with McLaren Oakland, on avoiding contraction of both bacterial and viral meningitis. "People of all ages can get meningitis, but it's most common among teens, young adults and the college-aged," Leitch said. "Very soon, our kids w

It was a whirlwind for Dr. Sarah Vyskocil. In just 12 days, the McLaren Macomb OB/GYN’s life forever changed. On Nov. 5, 2017, she felt a lump in her breast during a self-exam. Six months prior, she had received a clean bill of health after undergoing her regular mammogram. “As an OB/GYN,” she said, “I knew.” Five days after discovering the lump, it was biopsied, confirming it was a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer, already advanced to stage 3. Another five days later, on a Wednesday, a por...

In addition to having a conversation with family and loved ones regarding end-of-life care, it is important to have your wishes documented as part of advance directives. One important component of advance directives is the durable power of attorney for health care, which allows you to establish a patient advocate to speak on your behalf if you are incapacitated. This person does not have to be a family member, and should be someone you trust to carry out your wishes if you cannot verbalize them. Advance ...

March is National Nutrition Month, a time to increase awareness about the importance of good nutrition in maintaining your health. Making healthy food and drink choices, improving eating habits and incorporating more physical activity into your lifestyle can help prevent many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Here are 7 tips to help you make better, healthier nutrition choices: Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables. These foods add color, flavor, fiber, vitamins and m...

Online scheduling and same-day appointments available. Being active and playing sports offers countless health benefits — exercise builds muscle, makes bones stronger and keeps our heart and lungs healthy. With the fall school sports season right around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about sports physicals. McLaren Macomb is ramping up to ensure your athletes are ready and healthy to get into the game with its team of primary care physicians and pediatricians providing high-quality, perso...

“Truly a medical emergency,” it’s vital to pay attention to risk factors. “Unfortunately, many patients don’t experience the symptoms of an aneurysm until it ruptures.” Dr. Aniel Majjhoo, an interventional neurologist at McLaren Macomb, describes one of those symptoms as a sudden and severe headache: “The worst headache of your life.” Aneurysms are a thinning or weakening of the arterial wall, creating a balloon-like bulge in the brain. Blood flow aids in the growth of aneurysms, and, in many cases, the...

Education is key, says Dr. Pulin Patel of Allergy & Asthma Physicians at McLaren Macomb. Know exactly what you're allergic to. Know when the pollen is at its highest during the day. Know what seasons you have symptoms. And know how to prevent it.  "Education goes a very long way in limiting the symptoms-and suffering-of all allergies," Dr. Patel said. "There are very simple and minor changes you can make to your lifestyle that will make great strides in living more comfortably with alle

While there are lifestyle changes that aid in avoiding cancer, just as important are the regular cancer screenings we should all have performed. "Screening studies are essential. They are designed to increase the early detection of certain cancers, often before symptoms arise," said Dr. Arthur Frazier, MD, medical director of radiation oncology with the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Macomb, Ted B. Wahby Cancer Center. "Early detection provides us with the opportunity to discuss treatment option

While there are lifestyle changes that aid in avoiding cancer, just as important are the regular cancer screenings we should all have performed. In recognition of National Cancer Prevention Month, know the risk factors associated with certain types of cancer and the test available to detect them early. McLaren cancer physicians recommends talking to your physician so-together-the both of you can discuss the recommendations for screenings, based on your ages, family history and personal risk factors. Onc

Knowing exactly what you're allergic to is key, says Dr. Pulin Patel. The allergist with Allergy & Asthma Physicians at McLaren Macomb said knowing exactly what you're allergic to will allow you to make any necessary lifestyle changes to allow you to live in comfort. "Education goes a very long way in limiting the symptoms - and suffering - of all allergies," Dr. Patel said. "There are very simple and minor changes you can make that will make great strides in living more comfortably with allergies."...

The cold air and furious winds of winter do much more than cause runny noses and chapped lips. The dip in temperature over the winter months can directly affect the heart and bring about symptoms of heart disease, especially during strenuous activities. "This time of year can put significant strain on the heart, especially for those who might not know they are at-risk for heart disease or are just beginning to show symptoms," said Dr. Melissa Ianitelli , a cardiologist with McLaren Macomb. "Routine phys...

Knowing exactly what you're allergic to is key, says Dr. Pulin Patel. The allergist with Allergy & Asthma Physicians at McLaren Macomb said knowing exactly what you're allergic to will allow you to make any necessary lifestyle changes to allow you to live in comfort. "Education goes a very long way in limiting the symptoms - and suffering - of all allergies," Dr. Patel said. "There are very simple and minor changes you can make that will make great strides in living more comfortably with allergies."...

Each year the top New Year's resolutions are aimed to improve one's health in a variety of ways. Statistics have shown that the vast majority of resolutions are abandoned by the time the calendar flips to February. And with the most popular resolutions geared toward bettering one's health, discarding your resolution could prove costly in the long run. Make 2018 your healthiest year yet. "The New Year, a symbol of a fresh start, is one of the most appropriate times to really resolve to make changes for t...

"I crumbled into a thousand little pieces right there on the kitchen floor." A breast cancer diagnosis was one of the last things on Debbie's mind. An avid fitness enthusiast, Debbie took several exercise classes each week, kept to a healthy diet, stayed active and had no family history of the disease. She had been awaiting biopsy results, but when her physician husband came home early one day with tears in his eyes, she just knew. "As soon as I heard the garage door open in the middle of the day...

During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical emergencies can arise quickly. Although it’s a difficult topic to discuss, wishes for end-of-life care are an important conversation to have with family and loved ones before a medical crisis occurs. Written instructions for the treatment you would like to receive in the event you cannot speak for yourself, called advance directives, are paramount. Advance directives are crucial during a medical emergency. If you were to become ill and hospitalized, it is the hospit...

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and worldwide. Make sure you know what to look for when it comes to melanoma and a concerning spot. “The best way to check for cancerous spots is to follow the ABCDE criteria,” said Beth Layhe, DO, oncologist, Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing. “A stands for asymmetry, B stands for border, C stands for color, D stands for diameter, and E is f...

Laura wasn’t going to let anything dampen her overwhelming optimism. With no history of it in her family tree, breast cancer was far from the married mother of two’s mind. But that didn’t stop her from staying regular with her mammograms, which is why she was surprised to feel a lump in her breast six months after receiving a clean report after her most recent screening. Thinking – hoping – it was nothing alarming, she tried to put it out of her mind. But after six weeks and no change, she made an appoi...

Spring has brought with it some sun and warmer weather, but it also kicks off the start of the allergy season. And with the unfortunate unique circumstances the world finds itself in amid the COVID-19 outbreak, many may mistake their common allergy symptoms for those of the coronavirus. Coughing, headache and sore throat are symptoms any allergy sufferer may experience on any given high-pollen day, so the question becomes: how can you tell the difference between allergies and COVID-19? Allergists and im...

Summer has brought with it sun and warmer weather, but it also kicks off the start of the allergy season. And with the unfortunate unique circumstances the world finds itself in amid the COVID-19 outbreak, many may mistake their common allergy symptoms for those of the coronavirus. Coughing, headache and sore throat are symptoms any allergy sufferer may experience on any given high-pollen day, so the question becomes: how can you tell the difference between allergies and COVID-19? Allergists and immunol...

It’s never too early for women to consider their breast health. Nichole was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in April of 2021. She was just 32 years old, a full eight years before the American Cancer Society recommends beginning regular mammogram screenings at age 40. “You can choose to let it destroy you,” she said, “or you can take it head on.” During a self-examination, she found a small, “pea-sized” lump in her breast. Visiting with her doctor, it was recommended that they monitor ...

A pair of high-profile colon cancer deaths have many people thinking about screenings This summer, two high-profile deaths pushed colon cancer awareness into the minds of many, to the benefit of their future health. Colon cancer is the no. 2 cause of cancer death of men and women combined in the United States. The death of Marvel star Chadwick Boseman came as a shock to so many around the world, while locally Jamie Samuelsen’s death stunned many who were used to hearing his voice daily on the radio. Mak...

Knowing your allergies is the best way to prepare for the season. Education is the best way to limit the often-stifling symptoms allergies bring about in countless people every year during the annual allergy season. Allergies are straightforward to understand. Simply put, allergies are the body’s immune response to a usually harmless foreign body. They can be foods, pollen, dust or other substance typically found around the house or in nature. Symptoms can range — in both type and severity — and, in tod...

“To hear that was a godsend.” It was a familiar face that delivered the news to Lori. It was Nov. 29, and Lori was sitting in the McLaren Oakland emergency department in Pontiac. For the past 10 days, she had been feeling an odd sensation that resulted in her dry-heaving multiple times every day. She was afflicted with something, and when it didn’t get any better, she decided it was time to get it checked out. A retired emergency department nurse, Lori admits to having a “burden of knowledge,” and she k...

Expertise and compassion are paramount with McLaren Oakland cardiologists. Trust is a trait and responsibility he takes very seriously. McLaren Oakland cardiologist Dr. Quen Dickey understands the importance his role has in his patients’ lives, and the impact that it can have. “I think it would be impossible to overstate just how comforting it is to have a reliable and healthy heart,” Dr. Dickey said. “Some people may be blessed with good genetics and great health, but there are countless others who are...

Take preventive action now to avoid potential illness later. Call it a physical, check-up or annual exam, but a regular appointment with a primary care provider can have endless and potentially untold benefits. It’s understandable that many people only make doctor appointments when they’re sick—get an exam, a prescription and feel better in a few days. An annual appointment, though, is the appointment when patients can check in with their doctor about their overall health’s outlook. “Over the past decad...

Take preventive action now to avoid potential illness later. Call it a physical, check-up or annual exam, but a regular appointment with a primary care provider can have endless and potentially untold benefits. It’s understandable that many people only make doctor appointments when they’re sick—get an exam, a prescription and feel better in a few days. An annual appointment, though, is the appointment when patients can check in with their doctor about their overall health’s outlook. “Over the past recen...

While there are lifestyle changes that aid in avoiding cancer, just as important are the regular cancer screenings we should all have performed. In recognition of National Cancer Prevention Month, know the risk factors associated with certain types of cancer and the test available to detect them early. McLaren cancer physicians recommends talking to your physician so-together-the both of you can discuss the recommendations for screenings, based on your ages, family history and personal risk factors. Onc...

Medications or minimally invasive treatments can address the potentially debilitating symptoms. A broad category, issues or irregularities within the heart linked to its physical structure, which include the heart’s valves and tissue, can be classified as a structural heart disease. A congenital disease, meaning the condition was present at birth, structural heart disease can also develop as people age, with symptoms becoming increasingly worse. And the likelihood of a disease developing increases if so...

How experts recommend babies be bundled up during the cold months and winter weather. When it comes to coats and jackets, is it the bigger the better? Could properly dressing a baby lower their risk of SIDS? When indoors, does it matter what the thermostat is set at? Taking an infant outside during the winter months, even if it’s just a quick run to the car, should only be done if the baby’s properly dressed to protect against the cold and other wintertime elements. “Infants are at a far greater risk fo...

Years into her survivorship, Kathy is keeping her promise of being here for her family. Hello, my name is Kathy. I've had the honor and privilege of being a mammographer for 32 years. For the last nearly 10 years, I have been employed at the McLaren Macomb Breast Center. Four years ago, in 2016, I was asked by Pat Keigher to dance at BRAvo's "Dancing With Our Docs" October fundraiser. The money raised goes toward the fight against cancer, right here at McLaren. A breast cancer survivor is paired up with...

It was New Year’s Eve, and 2012 was about to become 2013. Betty was amongst revelers when she headed outside to get some fresh air. Naturally cold, she wrapped her arms around herself for warmth. It was then that she first felt something in her breast – a lump that wasn’t there days prior. She had had lumps before and recently breastfed a young daughter, so she didn’t think too much of it at the time. “I was only 34 years old,” Betty said. “I was trying so hard to convince myself that it was something e...

Of course, when it comes to the diagnosis of a life-long chronic condition, many emotions can justifiably arise and important questions come up. “How did I get it?” “Can I still do my favorite activities?” “Will this shorten my life expectancy?” In terms of multiple sclerosis (MS), a rare condition, but one with more than 1 million people in the United States living with it, the diagnosis comes with some misconceptions. Early symptoms of multiple sclerosis MS is a disease in which the protective sheath ...

While the month of October has been designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month by the American Cancer Society, health care providers urge women to place an importance on their breast health year-round. This includes, first and foremost, staying current with regular screenings. Regular screenings through mammograms provide the patient and their doctor with the best chance to detect breast cancer at an early stage, when it is smaller and not yet spread, and it is more responsive to treatment. What is the sc...