News

Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency that starts as heat exhaustion. “To prevent heat exhaustion, it is important to hydrate properly, rest in a cool place, wear light and loose clothing, and avoid alcohol,” said Dr. Joseph Zajchowski, Chief Medical Officer at McLaren Lapeer Region . How to recognize and treat heat exhaustion Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: Muscle cramps Headache Dizziness and confusion Loss of appetite or feeling sick Excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin Fast breathing o...

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found a 50 percent increase in deaths and injuries from fireworks-related incidents in 2020 compared to 2019. Hands and fingers are most at risk of injury when it comes to handling fireworks, followed by the head, ears, face, eyes, limbs, and trunk. Leave fireworks to the professionals. However, if you do plan to use your own fireworks: Heed the instructions for proper use. Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher on hand. Never drink alcohol when li...

McLaren Health Care, the three-state, 14-hospital health care system and health plan, has appointed Justin F. Klamerus, M.D., M.M.M., as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Klamerus has served as President of Karmanos Cancer Hospital & Network, a subsidiary of McLaren Health Care, since January 2017. An oncologist by training, Dr. Klamerus assumes the position previously held by Dr. Michael McKenna, McLaren Health Care’s first CMO, who passed away in May. “Over what has already b...

Receiving an annual physical is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Unfortunately, men are notorious for putting off this simple but key medical check-up. “There are a lot of things men can do without. An annual physical is not one of them,” said Dr. Michael DiGiovanni , family medicine practitioner at McLaren Lapeer Region - Brown City Health Center . Here's why everyone should take their annual physical seriously: An annual physical is key in preventing future health problems....

June 15, 2022 Current Procedural Terminology Category II Codes (CPT-2 Codes)   WHAT ARE CPT-2 CODES: They describe the following: Clinical components, such as those typically included in evaluation, management, or other clinical services. Results from clinical laboratory or radiology tests and other procedures. Identified processes intended to address patient safety practices (such as fall risk). Services reflecting compliance with state or federal law.   PURPOSE: CPT II codes help define nati...

What is a chronic wound? "A chronic wound is a wound that fails to progress in the healing process or respond to treatment," said Dr. Kevin Florek , hyperbaric physician at McLaren Lapeer Region Wound Care Clinic . "You should seek treatment if you have a wound that hasn't improved in a month or more." Diabetic foot ulcers: a common chronic wound A diabetic foot ulcer is a preventable, open sore commonly found at the bottom of the foot. Because of its location on the body, a foot ulcer can quickly becom...

Ticks thrive in grassy and wooded areas and are most active during the spring and fall seasons. “Tick bites can lead to Lyme Disease ,” said Dr. DiGiovanni , family medicine physician at McLaren Lapeer Region – Brown City Health Center . “If diagnosed early, Lyme Disease can be treated through medication. However, if it goes untreated, it can lead to serious health issues.” Signs and symptoms of Lyme Disease: Lyme Disease is caused by bacteria transmitted by ticks that can affect the skin, nervous syste...

"Don't underestimate the power of stretching," said Ahmed Baig, Director of Rehabilitation Services at McLaren Lapeer Region . "Working stretching into your daily routine, even for just five to ten minutes, can improve your back pain." Benefits of stretching include: Decreased muscle stiffness and increased range of motion Increased circulation Stress reduction Improved posture The following stretches are optimal for lower-back pain relief: Back Flexion Stretch: Lying on your back, pull both knees to yo...

If you experience frequent or constant pain, numbness, or weakness in your back or limbs, you may have irregularities with your spinal discs. "The spine has 23 discs," said Dr. Ryan Barrett , neurosurgeon at McLaren Lapeer Region . "They provide cushion between each vertebrae in your back and neck. When these discs move or undergo any type of change, it can cause pain and other symptoms." These symptoms can include: Muscle weakness Numbness The sensation of pins and needles Sharp, achy, or burning pain ...

McLaren Health Care expanded its statewide McLaren Stroke Network through the addition of leading-edge technology that results in quicker, time-critical treatment decisions for stroke care. RapidAI applies artificial intelligence to advanced imaging to analyze clinical data, expedite clinical decisions and connect the care team on a single, FDA-approved and HIPAA-compliant platform. Already the largest stroke program in the state, the addition of this AI technology adds to the program’s care capabilitie...