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February is American Heart Month. It’s also a time to express affection with heartfelt Valentine greetings and heart-shaped confections. But let’s get real. If women wrote the mottos for their own “conversation hearts,” the crunchy Valentine candies might read: STRESSED OUT, TOO TIRED, INACTIVE, AGING FAST, AT RISK, and HELP ME. Most women are so busy taking care of everyone else, they leave little time to focus on their own needs — most importantly, their health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading causes of death for women in the U.S. are heart disease and cancer, followed by stroke and chronic lower respiratory disease. It’s not inevitable, however, that you’ll experience these conditions and other threats to women’s health. Many can be prevented if you adopt some healthy habits.
First of all, stop sitting and get moving! Being sedentary is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Physical activity can help you lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, and maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese is a risk for heart disease, so slim down with a healthy diet low in saturated fat, sugar, and sodium. Make time for recommended health screenings and checkups, stop smoking, limit your alcohol intake, and protect your immune system by learning healthy ways to control stress.
Don’t get discouraged. Metro Detroit health professionals can help you design a healthier lifestyle and manage any medical conditions or concerns you may have.
This year, give yourself a Valentine gift of good health. Remember, UR NO. 1!
HealthQuest – Physical Therapy and Medical Fitness
Q: What can I do to help prevent or eliminate incontinence?
A: Incontinence is your body’s inability to control the leakage of urine. This is sometimes caused by a sudden action such as jumping or coughing. Although many people believe restricting the amount of liquid you drink will help, it can actually make the problem worse, says physical therapist Julie Martel, MPT. HealthQuest recommends that you stay hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of non-caffeinated liquid every day, and avoid alcohol and artificial sweeteners.
Also, by doing contraction exercises (squeezing as if to stop urination) you will strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Constantly emptying your bladder “just in case” is not recommended, as it can cause the bladder to shrink, Martel warns.
If you’re struggling with incontinence, call HealthQuest toll-free at 1-855-477-8463 to schedule a free consultation at one of our 10 locations in Oakland and Macomb counties.
HealthQuest Physical Therapy
Mune Gowda, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Q: Is there a treatment that can effectively get rid of cellulite?
A: The new Cellulaze laser system is the first FDA-approved nonsurgical treatment that targets the cause of cellulite beneath the skin, says aesthetic plastic surgeon Dr. Mune Gowda.
“The Cellulaze laser melts the fat that causes bulges in the skin, and it cuts the fibrous attachments that pull on the skin and give way to dimpling. The result is a smoother appearance,” Dr. Gowda explains. “The laser energy also tightens the skin and increases elasticity.”
Cellulaze treatment is performed in the office under a local anesthetic. There is minimal downtime and dramatic improvements are typically seen. Dr. Gowda has helped patients achieve lasting results they never thought possible from just one simple procedure.
“There was really no good treatment for cellulite in the past,” Dr. Gowda says. “Our patients are very happy with Cellulaze.”
Mune Gowda, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Wayne State University Physician Group – Dr. Adelina Emmi, M.D.
Q: What services are available for cancer patients who want to preserve their fertility or who experience sexual health issues?
A: The Wayne State University Physician Group has established a new fertility preservation program and a sexual dysfunction clinic at Karmanos Cancer Institute. Dr. Adelina Emmi, a reproductive endocrinologist, points out that as cancer survival rates have increased, fertility preservation is an important piece of overall mental and physical health for many cancer patients.
“When you’re dealing with cancer, you may be wondering, ‘Will I be able to have a child in the future?’ Studies have shown that undergoing fertility preservation helps the patient’s mental outlook. It gives them hope that they will survive their cancer treatment.”
Preserving male sperm can be done within 24 hours of the patient undergoing cancer therapy. For women, oocyte cryopreservation (egg freezing) is now considered standard practice.
“If we’re going to freeze oocytes, we need about a two-week lead time before the patient has chemotherapy in order to collect mature eggs,” Dr. Emmi says.
Cancer diagnosis and treatment is one of several factors that may contribute to sexual problems and sexual health concerns. The sexual dysfunction clinic at Karmanos offers a multidisciplinary treatment approach for cancer patients in a safe and comfortable setting.
“Education is a vital component. We also have a sex therapist and a urologist for male exams, and I do the female exams. Patients may be treated with medical therapy, physical therapy, and psychological therapy,” Dr. Emmi explains.
“Fertility preservation and sexual health and well-being are quality life issues for many people who have cancer, and we’re happy to make these services available.”
Wayne State University Physician Group
Dr. Ellen Janetzke
Q: What types of skin care treatments will give me a more youthful, refreshed look?
A: Winter is a good time to revitalize the skin with a photo facial to minimize brown spots, red spots, rosacea, and other irregularities, says board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ellen Janetzke.
“We use BBL, or Broadband Light technology. A recent study with the Sciton BBL shows that if you use it twice a year, it actually turns off the aging genes. Now they’re calling it Forever Young BBL™.
“To smooth out lines and wrinkles, the ProFractional laser creates tiny pinpoint holes in the skin. Your body responds by building new, rejuvenated tissue,” Dr. Ellen says. “The untouched areas help speed recovery, so you typically have only one day of downtime. For deeper lines and wrinkles we use the erbium laser, which has a healing time of a week to 10 days.”
Dr. Ellen A. Janetzke, MD
Arbor Dental Associates
Q: How can dental screenings protect my overall health?
A: Harmful bacteria in the mouth can be an early warning sign of a serious health condition. Dr. Christopher Paulson offers oral DNA salivary diagnostic testing to identify any “bad bugs.”
“If we find bacteria-related to disease in the body, we send a report to the patient’s physician for follow-up. It’s amazing how we have been able to identify patients with undiagnosed heart disease and diabetes,” Dr. Paulson says. “We can screen for HPV, the human papillomavirus — which, according to studies, is going to surpass cigarettes and alcohol as a synergistic cause for oral cancers. We also screen for sleep apnea, a dangerous condition that can affect cardiovascular health and overall mental health.”
Arbor Dental Associates
Dr. Myra Danish
Q: How can I look 10 years younger in just one hour?
A: The one-hour Lunchtime Lift™ is an in-office, mid-face lift that rejuvenates the lower eyelids, cheeks, laugh lines, and jowls, turning back the clock more than a decade.
“The procedure restores the natural curves and youthful fullness of the face,” says facial plastic surgeon Dr. Myra Danish. “It requires minimal recovery time and produces immediate, long-lasting results.”
With the injectable Lunchtime Lift™, Dr. Danish uses a range of FDA-approved injectables to help her patients look 10 years younger in less than an hour, and with little to no downtime.
“All of my patients look rejuvenated and natural, not like they’ve had surgery or injections,” Dr. Danish says.
Myra Danish, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Pilates Fitness & Physical Therapy Center
Q: Can Pilates help women who are experiencing bone loss?
A: Osteoporosis affects mostly postmenopausal women, and it can have devastating effects. At Pilates Fitness Evolution, Ron Jegadeesh, P.T., M.B.A., works with women to lessen bone loss through Pilates-based physical therapy.
“I have seen women with osteoporosis make remarkable changes in their body after four months of Pilates,” he says.
Osteoporosis mainly affects the spinal vertebrae, hips, and wrists, but Pilates-based bone-building exercises and spinal stabilization have been successful in halting the progression of the disease.
“Pilates is often a permanently effective tool because it strengthens the entire body and its core musculature,” Jegadeesh explains.
An early diagnosis is vital to ensuring that treatment will be most effective.
Pilates Fitness & Physical Therapy Center
Oakland MRI
Q: What imaging techniques can assist in the early detection of breast cancer?
A: Every two minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. However, when breast cancer is detected at a localized stage, before it has spread to lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent. That’s why it’s so important to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages. One of the best methods is through screening mammography. According to the FDA, mammography breast cancer detection is 23.4 percent more accurate when using a Computer Aided Detection system (CAD).
To improve on this detection rate, many advocate that women with a strong family history of breast cancer, a personal history of breast cancer, or a history of radiation to the chest should undergo yearly screening breast MRI exams. Some physicians also advocate that women with dense breast tissue undergo breast MRI screening to help in the detection of early cancer.
The latest innovation, the Invivo DynaCAD system, when combined with breast MRI, helps physicians detect earlier, smaller cancers with greater accuracy. CAD technology assists the radiologist in review of thousands of cross-sectional pictures of the breast by combining them to generate detailed 2-D and 3-D images. Oakland MRI is the only MRI facility in
Oakland County to offer the Invivo DynaCAD system, which extends the reach of breast imaging — allowing the radiologist to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, as well as detecting cancer earlier using noninvasive techniques.
Oakland MRI ~ Experience the Difference.
Oakland MRI
West Maple Plastic Surgery
Q: Should I wait until spring to have cosmetic surgery?
A: “I think of the winter months as a time for introspection and reinvention,” says board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Sherbert. “People will often say, ‘If I’m going to do something about my appearance, this is the time to do it.’
“Early in the new year is a great time for people to come in if they’re interested in having breast augmentation, a tummy tuck, liposuction, eyelid lifts, a facelift, or other cosmetic surgery,” he says. “During the winter, people tend to stay indoors and socialize less. Patients take advantage of that to have surgery, and they ‘re-emerge’ weeks later looking refreshed and renewed.”
West Maple Plastic Surgery
Mindy Salzberg-Siegel DDS, PC
Q: “How does the health of your teeth and gums affect the overall health of your body?”
A: Did you know that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body?
Dr. Mindy Salzberg-Siegel is dedicated to helping patients understand how the early detection and treatment of periodontal disease can be vital to their future. In recent medical studies, gum disease in particular has been proven to contribute to health problems — not just in the mouth, but also in the rest of the body. Health problems as diverse as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications, stroke, and Alzheimer’s have all been linked to gum disease.
As this “oral systemic connection” is more clearly understood, it’s also being recognized that dentists play an important role in the overall health of their patients. Many times, the first signs of unhealthy systemic conditions are discovered when there are changes in the mouth. This explains why Dr. Salzberg-Siegel uses OralDNA’s revolutionary products to screen all of her Clinton Township-area patients. Early symptoms of gum disease can be hard to detect with just the naked eye, but with OralDNA, Dr. Salzberg-Siegel can identify disease-causing bacteria when it’s still in the earliest stages of development. OralDNA testing can also alert dentists and their patients to the presence of the Human papillomavirus (HPV). Specific types of oral HPV are now considered to be a separate and serious risk factor for developing oral cancers.
“I encourage you come and assess your oral health in a comprehensive manner; the results can be life-changing,” Dr. Salzberg-Siegel says.
Mindy Salzberg-Siegel D.D.S., P.C.
Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy
Q: I have bulging discs in my neck. How can physical therapy help me?
A: Bulging discs or disc injuries in the neck are very common. Some people experience no symptoms, even with MRI findings. If you’re having pain and related symptoms, the good news is that in the majority of cases, disc problems will respond to physical therapy treatment without the need for surgery or other invasive methods.
“What we do is assess all the small joints and muscles in the neck and the surrounding area to make sure everything is moving properly,” says Carolyn Duncanson, P.T., O.C.S., C.S.C.S., director/owner at Team Rehab in Rochester Hills. “We can help facilitate better joint movement and strengthen those small muscles that help support and stabilize the neck. Often, that can significantly ease the pain.”
Team Rehabilitation therapists emphasize hands-on manual therapy to relieve symptoms, combined with other treatments that may include progressive exercise, postural education, and activity modification. Therapists help identify faulty habits or patterns in a patient’s day-to-day activities that may be contributing to their pain and can be easily changed.
“Our ultimate goal is for you not to need our services anymore. We provide education about the specific condition as it pertains to the patient’s problem, their lifestyle, activities, and goals. We also give them exercises and stretches to do at home to reinforce the therapies we are doing in the clinic,” Duncanson explains.
“Our treatment programs are customized for the individual patient, whether they’re sitting at a desk all day, lifting groceries and toddlers in and out of cars, or training for triathlons.”
Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy
Address: 33900 Harper Avenue, Clinton Twp, MI 48035
Website: www.team-rehab.com
Renew Hair & Skin Center
Q: Is your hair tired?
A: “To wake up damaged hair, it’s important to use quality hair products that are paraben-free and sodium lauryl sulfate-free. A deep conditioning mask will help to keep moisture in the hair strands,” advises Robin Welford, co-owner of Renew Hair & Skin Center.
“Always apply a heat protectant if you use a blow dryer, a flat iron, or similar styling tools,” adds Renew co-owner Suzie Meklir. “If you have thinning, maintain a healthy cut for fuller-looking hair.”
Renew’s patented program includes noninvasive laser therapy to increase the quality and quantity of hair strands and bring damaged hair back to life. To maximize your look, call for a complimentary consultation today.
Renew Hair and Skin Center
Arnold Gross, D.P.M., PC Eric Foreman, D.P.M.
Q: What are the benefits of laser treatment for toenail infections?
A: In just one 30-minute office procedure, The PinPointe FootLaser can painlessly vaporize unsightly fungus under the nails with no complications.
“Toenail fungus is very common and there has never been a good treatment,” says board-certified podiatrist Dr. Arnold Gross. “Your choice has been topical creams and liquids that rarely work, or a pill that has a long list of possible side effects.”
Dr. Gross and his partner, Dr. Eric Foreman, are the first to offer the state-of-the-art, FDA-cleared, PinPointe laser system in Michigan. Within three months of treatment, patients start to see new growth of smooth, clear, fungus-free nails.
Arnold Gross, DPM, PC, Eric Foreman, DPM
Skin & Vein Center
Q: Is there a permanent cure to my embarrassing armpit sweating?
A: Millions of people suffer from excessive underarm sweat — a medical condition known as primary axillary hyperhidrosis, in which the underarm sweat glands are overactive. Those who struggle daily from the embarrassment and frustration of sweat outbreaks and stained clothing can now find lasting relief with the FDA-approved, nonsurgical miraDry procedure.
“It’s one of the most rewarding things we do. People come in in tears when they find out there is something that can permanently get rid of their underarm sweating,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Eric Seiger, whose office is one of two in Michigan that offers the noninvasive treatment.
“The procedure takes about an hour and a half. We numb the patient’s underarms so they don’t feel a thing,” he says. “The miraDry machine delivers controlled electromagnetic energy that heats the skin to the depth of one or two millimeters, where the sweat ducts lie, and eliminates them.”
People are sore and have some swelling afterward, but they generally go back to work or return to their normal activities the next day. Patients experience a dramatic reduction of their underarm sweat and no longer worry about excessive odor and wetness.
“We consistently get an 80 percent reduction in underarm sweat,” Dr. Seiger says. “We’ve seen many moms come in with an 18- or 19-year-old daughter who is embarrassed by the sweating and wants to feel comfortable wearing a dress to a wedding, and she is so excited to have the treatment. It’s truly life-changing.”
Skin & Vein Center
Gina Randhawa, M.D.
Q: I’m stressing out. How can I manage my busy life?
A: Stress and depression levels have grown from bad to worse as many women are juggling a career, marriage, children, older parents, and their home. They feel like they’re living a life for others, says bariatric/ internal medicine physician Dr. Gina Randhawa.
“A lot of us are raised to believe that if you’re not able to meet your tasks for the day, you’ve let someone down. The person you’re letting down the most is you, because you’re not allowing time for yourself in this mad rush to do everything else to perfection,” she says.
“I advise my patients to differentiate between important things and imperative things. Tasks that are important, if you do them tomorrow, it’s OK. You shouldn’t feel a sense of failure. Life goes on.”
Dr. Randhawa points out that stress can lead to unhealthy eating habits, which can lead to weight gain and more stress and depression. If you’re happy and healthy, and you keep your weight under control, other concerns may not be as big as they seem right now.
“Women get so busy that they ignore their yearly physical, their Pap smear, and their mammogram. Out of 365 days, you can find time for that,” she says. “I recommend meditation and relaxation to help calm nerves. Studies show that even 20 minutes of exercise is all you need to improve your mood. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, and don’t feel guilty about doing things you love to do — whether that’s reading, cooking, or some other hobby. Having some ‘me time’ every day is very important.”
Gina Randhawa, MD, PC
Cutler Integrative Medicine
Q: Is there a new approach to optimal health for women?
A: “With holistic medicine we look at the ‘whole’ person, every area of health — physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and environmental,” says Dr. Doug Cutler, one of the few licensed naturopathic physicians in Michigan with extensive training in environmental medicine.
Rather than just treating symptoms, Dr. Cutler discovers the underlying causes of illness that can affect a woman’s health, beauty, and overall well-being.
“Through specialty testing we check for concerns that are often overlooked, such as environmental toxicity, food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalance, neurotransmitter imbalance, and genetic polymorphism. Every patient receives personalized treatment with natural options, as well as education and support.”
FACE Skincare~Medical~Wellness
Beaumont Health System / Ministrelli Women’s Heart Center
Q: What diagnostic tests are recommended for the prevention and early detection of heart disease in women?
A: “It’s important to have an exam and an EKG on a yearly basis, because women’s symptoms for cardiac disease tend to be more subtle and might be ignored,” says cardiologist Melissa Stevens, M.D.
“Women tend to have shortness of breath, fatigue, or mild nausea, and not necessarily the classic angina-like chest pains,” she explains. “A baseline EKG and baseline stress test would be helpful if you have risk factors, which include family history, smoking, high cholesterol, and obesity.”
As women tend to have more false positive results on treadmill stress tests, Dr. Stevens recommends some form of imaging with the EKG portion of the test to weed out the false positives. She notes that sleep apnea can also be a risk for cardiac disease.
“I encourage women to schedule a sleep study if they experience excessive daytime sleepiness, or if they’re known to snore loudly or have pauses in breathing at night.”
Ministrelli Women’s Heart Center
James Herman, D.C., D.A.B.C.O.
Q: How can I prevent my back from “going out”?
A: Your spine is a chain of 24 movable segments. When one or more of the segments of your spine stops moving or moves abnormally, you can sprain or strain adjacent spinal joints — and that often results in a spine injury. Seeing your chiropractor for regular maintenance care can help you prevent a spine injury. Also, regular exercise and practicing spine sparing techniques can help ward off an acute episode. Dr. James Herman has an advanced degree in bone and joint disease, and currently has two practices serving both the east and west side of the Detroit metropolitan area.
Dr. James Herman
Nils E. Danielson, D.D.S., M.S., M.S.
Q: Will I feel comfortable during a root canal procedure?
A: Our goal is to make patients feel as comfortable as possible and to reduce their anxiety levels. We educate our patients about the procedure, answer any questions, and, if they choose, we explain the process step-by-step to take away the fear factor of the unknown. With our state-of-the-art equipment, root canal therapy is performed as quickly and efficiently as possible. In addition to local anesthesia, we offer both oral and inhalation sedation, so you can be totally relaxed during your treatment. Patients who come into the office feeling very nervous typically admit, after having the procedure, that it was “not a big deal.”
