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Men’s Health Week, June 10-16, is an opportunity to encourage the men in your life to schedule regular health checkups and to seek early treatment for injuries or disease. Compared to women, men are more likely to ignore symptoms and less apt to visit a physician for advice. If you’re a man who wants to tough it out, keep in mind that aches and pains and other health changes you notice can often be treated conservatively or with minimally invasive methods when diagnosed early.
The metro Detroit health professionals we spoke with offer the latest, most effective treatments for common health issues that cause concern to men, including losing weight, improving hearing, alleviating back pain, stopping excessive sweating, halting hair loss, and boosting low levels of testosterone.
You can start taking better care of your health today. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends eating a healthy, balanced diet and spending at least two and a half hours each week in activities that raise your heart rate and that strengthen your muscles. Avoid smoking, manage stress, get seven to nine hours of sleep each night, and schedule important screening tests. Improve your health to enhance your quality of life.
GENEMEDICS
Q: WHAT IS ANDROPAUSE?
A: Andropause is defined as low testosterone levels in men caused by a natural decline in testosterone production as men age. Commonly undiagnosed and untreated, andropause occurs in nearly 40 percent of men over age 40. Symptoms of low testosterone levels in men may include loss of energy, decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fat gain, loss of muscle mass and strength, mood changes, loss of concentration and memory, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
Dr. George Shanlikian, medical director of GENEMEDICS, is a national leader in the field of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, nutrition, and fitness. He is one of just a few medical doctors in the country to be advanced fellowship trained and board-certified in anti-aging and regenerative medicine. Dr. Shanlikian has helped alleviate symptoms of hormone imbalance in thousands of patients through customized programs of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, nutrition, nutritional supplements, and exercise. Regain your energy and zest for life with hormone replacement therapy!
Genemedics Health Institute
George Shanlikian, M.D.
Preventive Medicine, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Nutrition, Nutritional Supplements, Exercise, and
Stress Management
Address: 280 North Old Woodward Ave., Suite LL12
Birmingham, MI 48009
Phone: 800-277-4041
Fax: 877-888-2535
Email: info@genemedics.com
Website: www.genemedics.com
Mune Gowda, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Q: WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMENT FOR ENLARGED BREASTS IN MEN?
A: “Gynecomastia can occur in adolescent and adult males. It’s important to see a physician for a clinical diagnosis,” says board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mune Gowda. “The most common treatment for young men is the surgical removal of breast tissue along with liposuction, which produces impressive results.
“As some men age, they experience a form of male menopause called andropause that can give way to gynecomastia,” Dr. Gowda notes. “For the majority of adult men, the treatment protocol is SmartLipo or ultrasonic laser-assisted liposuction. In a small percentage of adult men, treatment involves the surgical removal of breast tissue, along with SmartLipo or ultrasonic liposuction.
“Treatment is performed as outpatient surgery. Downtime is minimal, and the patient has a quick recovery.”
Mune Gowda, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Michigan TMJ Headache Institute
Q: HOW CAN I FIND A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO MY CHRONIC HEADACHE PAIN?
A: Dr. John Halmaghi has successfully treated thousands of people who had endured years of headache or migraine symptoms.
“People want to know what’s causing their pain and how to treat it. We give them the answer,” says Dr. Halmaghi, who utilizes leading-edge technology and advanced diagnostic methods to accurately pinpoint the root cause of the patient’s pain issues.
“The cause of the problem is the relationship between a dysfunction of the muscles, the nerves, the jaw, the teeth, and the neck. We find out at what point the dysfunction comes into play and creates the headache or migraine. We take pride in being able to cure what other specialists cannot.”
Michigan TMJ/Headache Institute
Oakland MRI
Q: HOW CAN MRI TECHNOLOGY HELP TO GET ME BACK IN THE GAME?
A: If you run, ride a bike, swing a bat, or play soccer with the kids, you already know that staying active will keep you healthy. That is, until a torn muscle or thrown-out shoulder puts you on the sidelines.
The professionals at Oakland MRI understand that when you’re dealing with pain from a sports injury or other mishap, the last thing you need is to wait for your diagnostics to come in. Utilizing the latest MRI and digital X-ray technology, Oakland MRI offers quick and easy scheduling, including same-day and next-day appointments and extended hours to accommodate your busy schedule.
Even avid athletes and tough outdoorsmen can feel uneasy during a traditional MRI test, so Oakland MRI provides the most advanced Open MRI technology, which features a larger-than-normal opening that won’t block your view of the surrounding room.
Also, be assured that Oakland MRI’s board-certified radiologists will promptly interpret your test results. Your physician can log onto a secure website for immediate access to your diagnostic images and detailed written reports. Using our system, physicians can put their patients at ease faster than ever before.
“We pride ourselves in providing the best possible experience for our patients,” says Oakland MRI’s CEO, Susan V. Swider. “Each and every patient is given individualized care in a comfortable and calming environment. Our compassionate staff will treat you as if you are a guest in our home.”
Choose Oakland MRI. Experience the difference.
Oakland MRI
Spa Renaissance
Q: MY ENLARGED BREASTS ARE EMBARRASSING. HOW CAN I GET A FLATTER, FIRMER CHEST?
A: Gynecomastia, or breast enlargement in men, can occur due to a variety of causes, including certain medications, hormonal imbalance, and weight gain. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. William Stefani uses an improved surgical breast reduction technique that offers a faster recovery.
“For men who have firm breast tissue growth and not much excess skin, I use an orthopedic shaver to shave down the hard breast tissue that is very difficult to remove. Typically, this can be done through one small incision, about a centimeter or two in length. I liposuction the axillary region, which is the area underneath the armpit, and then liposuction the periphery and flatten the breast,” Dr. Stefani explains. “This technique saves the patient a significant amount of time in recovery and gives them excellent results.“If the patient has ptosis or sagginess of the breast, which happens often with massive weight loss, they would need more extensive surgery to remove the excess skin.”
Spa Renaissance & Renaissance Plastic Surgery
William A. Stefani, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Jeffrey L. Williams, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Address: 85 E. Big Beaver, Troy, MI 48083
Office: 586-779-3030
Spa/Salon: 248 498-8100
Website: www.renaissanceps.com
Email: renaissanceps@earthlink.net
Hospital Affiliation: William Beaumont, Troy & Grosse Pointe, St John’s Hospital & Medical Center
Michigan Spine Institute
Q: IS THERE A MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY TO ALLEVIATE BACK PAIN?
A: When conservative pain management techniques are not effective and you are considering surgery, an innovative outpatient procedure called AxialLIF spinal fusion offers excellent results. Board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Steven Rapp performs this surgery through a mere one-inch incision in the patient’s lower back.
“There is virtually no blood loss. This approach produces less discomfort and faster healing, as there is much less cutting through muscle and tissue,” Dr. Rapp explains.
“I believe it’s a safer procedure than traditional surgery, as there is less exposure and anesthesia time. With AxialLIF spinal fusion, patients are up and walking the same day, and many return to work in two weeks.”
Michigan Spine Institute
Crittenton Hospital Medical Center
Q: SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT AN ACHE IN MY KNEE THAT COMES AND GOES?
A: While it’s common for men to self-treat or ignore symptoms of overuse or sports-related knee injuries, orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey H. DeClaire says the benefit of having an evaluation when symptoms first occur is that most knee problems can be addressed without surgery or with minimally invasive arthroscopic methods.
“The most frequent thing we’ll see is cartilage injury or wear. Cartilage is in every one of our joints and it can’t regenerate or repair itself because it has no blood source. The earlier you asses the problem, the majority of times you can prevent surgery or we can preserve the cartilage and stabilize the deterioration process,” Dr. DeClaire explains. “Over time, the more cartilage lost or that needs to be removed creates a higher risk for degenerative arthritis and the need for major reconstructive surgery or joint replacement. The ultimate goal of early evaluation is to prevent that scenario and to preserve our patients’ knees.”
Crittenton Hospital Medical Center
Cutler Integrative Medicine
Q: WHAT IS A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTH?
A: “With holistic medicine you are looking at the ‘whole’ person, every area of health — physical, emotional, mental, social, environmental, and spiritual,” says Dr. Doug Cutler, a licensed naturopathic physician. “An imbalance in any one of these areas can directly affect the other areas, like emotional stress causing physical symptoms.”
Dr. Cutler goes beyond merely treating symptoms.
“We spend at least one and a half hours with patients and analyze their health history, lifestyle, and all systems of the body, and we perform appropriate testing for food sensitivities, environmental toxins, nutrient levels, hormones, neurotransmitters, gastrointestinal function, and in-depth basic bloodwork so we can discover the underlying causes of illness.”
Cutler Integrative Medicine
BLASTPAIN
Q: ARE THERE ANY NEW MEDICAL ADVANCES IN TREATING PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PAIN?
A: One that seems to be very promising is Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP, therapy. Platelet formation is one of the body’s first healing responses to injury. Doctors are now able to draw a patient’s blood, centrifuge (spin) it, and inject the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma into painful musculoskeletal conditions. The growth factor and stem cells secreted by the platelets initiate healing. The procedure is followed by cold laser treatments, which enhance PRP and help to speed up the healing process. Patients benefit from a faster recovery. Doctors are using this breakthrough approach more frequently to treat plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tendonitis, and many other painful injuries and disorders.
BLASTPAIN Pain Management
Dr. Myra Danish
Q: HOW CAN I LOOK YEARS YOUNGER IN JUST ONE OFFICE VISIT?
A: “My injectable Lunchtime Lift ™ is really popular with men because they can look 10-15 years younger in less than an hour and with little to no downtime,” says facial plastic surgeon Dr. Myra Danish, who tailors the injections and fillers to the individual’s facial structure, skin type, and degree of aging. Men generally come in once a year for this quick, age-defying procedure.
“The results are immediate,” Dr. Danish says. “With the injectable Lunchtime Lift™, you look natural and masculine, like a younger version of yourself. People will tell you how great you look and they won’t know what your secret is.”
MYRA DANISH, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Pilates Fitness & Physical Therapy Center
Q: HOW CAN POSTURE ALIGNMENT IMPROVE MY BACKACHE?
A: Poor posture is the primary cause of neck and back problems, according to physical therapist and Pilates instructor Ron Jegadeesh, the owner of Pilates Fitness & Physical Therapy Center.
“Most people sit with their head and body leaning forward. Their shoulders are rounded and they slump or stoop at the computer or while driving,” Jegadeesh says. “If you sit, stand, or walk without proper posture, one muscle group works harder and becomes stronger than another muscle group. The stronger muscle gets tighter and lacks flexibility, while the weaker muscle loses strength.”
Posture alignment is an integral component of every Pilates exercise.
“When you do Pilates you have a sense of power, grace, elegance of movement, and self-confidence,” says Jegadeesh, whose clients include many people who have achieved far better results with Pilates-based physical therapy than with traditional physical therapy.
“The first thing people notice is that their posture and alignment have changed. They feel like they’ve grown an inch taller. As the sessions progress, they notice improved flexibility and strength.”
Pilates includes mat work without equipment, and exercises using a reformer to assist and resist movement.
“At each session I also teach exercises that the client can do at home or at work. Getting away from the computer at least once every hour to do postural exercises will help their rehabilitation,” Jegadeesh says. “I ask them to make a habit of keeping their body in good alignment as they go about with their daily activities. They learn to sit taller, stand taller, and walk taller.”
Pilates Fitness & Physical Therapy Center
Michigan Head & Neck Institute
Q: COULD TMJ BE THE CAUSE OF MY HEADACHE PAIN?
A: Headache discomfort is the No. 1 pain complaint worldwide and is also the most common symptom of TMJ disorder, says Dr. Richard Klein, director of the Michigan Head & Neck Institute. To determine the cause and contributing factors of a TMJ problem, Dr. Klein conducts a thorough evaluation with every patient.
“While teaching the resident doctors at MSU Osteopathic School of Medicine, St. John, and Henry Ford hospitals, I often tell them, ‘We have two ears and one mouth because we should listen twice as much as we talk when we do an exam,’” Dr. Klein says. “I talk and I ask questions, but the patient does most of the talking. I listen and I pick out all the clues that help me understand what that person needs. There is no cookbook approach to TMJ problems. Each patient is individual, with individualized treatment needs.”
Stress, lack of sleep, obstructive sleep apnea, and emotional issues may contribute to TMJ pain. Conservative treatment is always the first option.
“Soft diets, massage, heat, physical therapy, trigger-point injections, psychological therapy, and medication are all conservative approaches,” Dr. Klein says. “Most people benefit from wearing a small custom mouthpiece that relieves pressure in the joint so it can heal.”
Obstructive sleep apnea that is mild or moderate may be controlled by a completely different mouthpiece, which keeps the jaw forward and prevents obstruction of the airway from the tongue and soft tissue collapsing. Dr. Klein has treated more than 10,000 patients since the inception of the Michigan Head & Neck Institute in 1985.
Michigan Head & Neck Institute
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 sprain or strain adjacent spinal joints, resulting in a spine injury. Seeing your chiropractor for regular maintenance care can help you prevent a spine injury that could ruin your season. 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
James Herman, D.C., D.A.B.C.O.
Chiropractic Orthopedics
Address: 6431 Inkster Road, Suite 220
Bloomfield Township, MI 48301
Phone: 248-539-0100 Fax: 248-539-0110
Boyd Cosmetic Surgical Institute
Q: MY HAIR IS THINNING. WHAT CAN I DO?
A: Many men suffer from thinning hair caused by aging or a family history of hair loss. Hair experts report that the earlier in life the hair loss begins, the more severe the baldness will become — the best treatment is early treatment. In addition to using over-the-counter products like Rogaine and medications your physician might prescribe, hair replacement surgery is one of the most recommended treatments for those who seek permanent results. Hair replacement surgery has undergone significant advances since the days of the dreaded “hair plug” look, but to ensure that you achieve the most natural results, seek a qualified and experienced surgeon.
Charles M. Boyd, MD, MBA, FACS
Managed Rehabilitation Consultants, Inc.
Q: HOW CAN YOU HELP ME PROVIDE THE CARE MY 85-YEAR-OLD FATHER NEEDS?
A: Our geriatric care manager will evaluate your father’s current condition to determine whether he requires home health care, home modifications to make his environment safer, or adaptive equipment to help him perform daily activities. We facilitate implementation of these services and monitor their effectiveness. We also coordinate care among your father’s medical providers, schedule appropriate medical appointments, arrange transportation, and accompany your father as needed. Geriatric care management services provide you with peace of mind, while improving your father’s quality of life.
MANAGED REHABilitation Consultants, Inc.
Annelle Hill, R.N., B.S.N., C.C.M., President
Medical and Geriatric Care Management Services
Address: 39303 Country Club Drive, Suite A50
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
Phone: 248-848-9120
Toll-Free: 877-614-6410
Fax: 248-848-9019
Email: mail@managed-rehab.com
Website: www.managed-rehab.com
Birmingham Bloomfield Audiology
Q: HOW CAN I CONVINCE MY HUSBAND TO HAVE HIS HEARING TESTED?
A: Hearing loss can come on very gradually and, frequently, people don’t realize they have a problem until family members point out that they are missing or misunderstanding everyday conversations.
“Often people will deny they have a hearing problem, or they don’t want to use a hearing aid because of the stigmas,” Dr. Eileen Bessega says. “As more men are postponing retirement, the likelihood of age-related hearing loss can affect their work performance. Coming in for a hearing evaluation is beneficial for them and their whole family. It’s all about improving quality of life.”
Dr. Kristin Hinderliter adds: “Sometimes people are nervous about their appointment. We can talk with them and explain what to expect. It’s not going to be a confrontational or high-pressure experience.”
At Birmingham Bloomfield Audiology, a typical first visit includes a complete hearing evaluation, diagnosis, and an consultation with recommended treatment options. Today’s hearing aids are smaller and cosmetically discreet. They can be adjusted for the individual’s specific hearing loss, to maximize results.
“If a hearing aid would be beneficial, we can demonstrate it right here in our office,” Dr. Hinderliter says. “When we add amplification, the patient hears all types of sounds that they haven’t heard in a long time. At the end of the demonstration, we’ll mute the hearing aid and the patient is amazed when they realize how much they’ve been missing.”
Birmingham Bloomfield Audiology
Skin & Vein Center
Q: WHAT CAN BE DONE TO STOP EXCESSIVE UNDERARM SWEATING?
A: Millions of people suffer from excessive underarm sweat. It’s 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 go back to work or return to 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 men who had to change their shirts several times a day. Guys were embarrassed to give a business presentation with their shirt soaking wet, or to go on a date and put their arm around a girl with their sweaty armpit. After treatment with miraDry, they had greater self-confidence. It’s truly life-changing.”
Skin & Vein Center
Renew Hair & Skin Center
Q: WHAT CAN I DO TO STOP MY HAIR LOSS?
A: Renew Hair & Skin Center’s patented program of FDA-approved low-level laser light therapy, vitamin supplements, and nourishing hair and scalp products is capable of stopping hair thinning, thickening the hair you have, and promoting an increase of new growth.
“The healing light of our low-level laser stimulates cell metabolism and improves blood flow to awaken dormant hair follicles,” says Suzie Meklir, co-founder of Renew. “We also offer an FDA-approved, at-home laser therapy hood for men who want privacy or for those who are too busy to come to the center for treatment. Being consistent with laser therapy provides the optimal results.”
“A thick, full head of hair is a sign of strength and vitality for men,” says Renew co-founder Robin Welford. “We have seen so many men who’ve had hair transplants and were disappointed with their results. The transplant process doesn’t get to the root of the problem in the way that our technology and products do.
“As we like to say, ‘The doctors plant the trees but we can fill in the forest.’ Even men who had transplants 10 years ago have seen changes with their hair using our program.”
Renew’s unique patented program addresses all issues of hair loss, and has helped men and women of all ages, and children as young as 10.
“Our treatment protocol creates the optimal environment for hair advancement,” Meklir says. “The worst thing you can do is to wait as your hair continues to thin. If you have hair follicles, we can help you.”
Renew Hair and Skin Center
HPS Advanced Dental Care, PC
Q: How Does Going to the Dentist Make Me Healthier?
A: “Most people believe that dentistry is important when it’s broken, it hurts, or they want the million- dollar, movie-star smile,” says Heather Pranzarone Stratton, D.D.S. “However, there is a much more important, potentially life-changing reason to visit your dentist regularly. That reason is overall health and wellness. You might be surprised to learn that more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases — including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, respiratory diseases, and cancer — have oral symptoms. That’s right, 90 percent!”
The mountain of evidence that supports the oral health/overall health connection has seen incredible growth and advancement over the past few years. There is no longer a question about whether the soft tissues in the mouth are connected to the rest of the body, because we can easily find evidence of gum disease-causing bacteria that has created challenges in tissues throughout the body. The mouth/body connection is not limited to just infections in the soft tissues of the mouth, either — the impact of the mouth extends to such monumental things as blood flow to the brain.
“At our practice we don’t just look in your mouth, we look past your mouth to see the whole picture of you individually — physiologically, emotionally, and dentally,” Dr. Stratton explains. “Since every person does not react the same way to the same procedures, medications, or materials, why should we treat every person the same way? Your mouth is the window to your overall health and wellness, and the state of your oral health can offer clues about your overall well-being. Oral health and total health and wellness are more connected than you might realize.
“We do not just treat teeth and oral disease at our practice,” she adds. “We treat people. And in our experience, every person is unique and different in their own ways.”
HPS Advanced Dental Care, P.C.
Gina Randhawa, M.D.
Q: HOW CAN I GET MY HUSBAND TO LOSE WEIGHT?
A: “Losing weight together can make a big difference. When a woman is doing well on a weight loss program, her husband may be motivated to lose weight,” says Dr. Gina Randhawa, a bariatric/internal medicine physician who offers personalized medical weight loss plans that focus on diet, nutrition, exercise, and simple lifestyle changes.
“When a couple loses weight together, they keep each other motivated and there’s a healthy competition. They tend to get far better results than if they do it themselves,” she says. “If the lady of the house makes the same healthy meals for everyone, then when she loses weight, the family will, too.”
Gina Randhawa, MD, PC
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