Henry Ford Medical Center - Livonia

07/26/2024

There are 4 new sports in the Olympic games this summer. Here's what to know before trying them out for yourself:

Four new sports will headline at the 2024 summer Olympic games. Are they worth trying?

07/26/2024

Recent studies have found that having a heart attack is equivalent to 6-13 years of cognitive aging. Learn what you can do to protect your heart and brain health after a cardiac event:

The reduced blood flow to and from the heart as the result of a heart attack also impacts blood flow to other parts of the body, including the brain. If the brain is deprived of oxygen-rich blood for too long, it increases your risk of cognitive decline following your heart attack.

07/23/2024

Graduating high school and going off to college represent a huge change - for kids and their parents. Here are ways to make the transition as smooth as possible:

Whether your teen is going to a local community college or across the country for school, college represents a huge change. Here are ways to help them prepare.

07/23/2024

A liver transplant was Conner MacKenzie's only hope for survival from a rare liver disease – and he got one earlier this year thanks to an anonymous donation through the Living Liver Donation Program at our Detroit hospital.

"We never thought in a million years a perfect match would come through for Conner," said his mother Nichola McKay. "Now he feels better, he looks better and we are just so, so thankful to that donor.”

Read Conner's story: https://bit.ly/3zH2JJr

07/21/2024

Learn the risk factors for COPD - and why it's important to get an early diagnosis:

Worried you're at risk for COPD? Here's what to know about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which affects nearly 16 million people in the U.S.

07/20/2024

Could your heavy periods be leaving you low on iron? Learn what can help:

For women with heavy periods, iron-deficiency anemia may be more common than you think.

07/19/2024

“I always tell people, ‘Honey, if I get sick, take me to Henry Ford. If you have to run any red lights, do it. I’ll pay the tickets.” So when, at 75 years old, Mable Gladney was facing cancer for the 3rd time, she turned to the experts she’d trusted for 45 years to help her beat it.

Diagnosed with cervical cancer in her 30s and lung cancer in her 20s, Mable was now facing lung cancer again. Our thoracic tumor board found spots in her right lung and since Mable previously had a lobectomy on her left lung, doing a second lobectomy would be the equivalent of having a whole lung removed.

“For this type of difficult case, only a subset of patients would be eligible for surgery,” explained Dr. Andrew Popoff, our thoracic surgeon. “However, we’re accustomed to seeing complex cases and creating individualized care plans. I think that’s an advantage of coming to a place like this.”

“I looked Dr. Popoff straight in the eye when he was talking so he knew how I felt,” said Mable. “They were plain talking about what was going to happen and what they would do. I love that about them. I had to trust them.” Dr. Popoff performed robotic surgery, successfully removing the cancer. She was discharged several days later and would not need chemotherapy or radiation.

Mable feels her fight against cancer has changed her life. “All day long, I’m grateful for everything. If I get negative thoughts, I find something else to do. I want to share more love and spend more time with people.” Her story: https://bit.ly/3Y1R81A.

07/19/2024

Fatigue, vision changes and a headache can be signs of a pituitary disorder. Know when to get checked:

A pituitary gland that isn’t functioning properly can lead to unusual symptoms. Learn what they mean and when to get checked out for a pituitary disorder.

07/17/2024

A new social media trend is encouraging young men to chew mastic gum as a way to achieve a more defined jawline. But does it work and are there risks? Our facial plastic surgeon & otolaryngologist Dr. Laura Garcia Rodriguez weighs in on this potentially dangerous trend on WXYZ-TV Channel 7: https://bit.ly/4bNGyyp

In recent months, an interesting trend has emerged on social media targeting young men: using super hard gum to achieve a more defined jawline.

07/17/2024

Childhood may play a role in your risk of developing depression as an adult, according to a recent study we conducted:

Childhood can have a lasting impact on your mental health, according to a recent study. Read more.

07/16/2024

Have a blister? A physician explains common blister causes and how to help them heal. Learn more:

Blisters hurt. Why do they happen, and how do you care for them? Get the answers from a family medicine physician.

07/15/2024

Hot weather brings picnics, pool days and unfortunately, wildfires. Here's how to protect yourself and your kids when the air quality is unhealthy:

In healthy people, exposure to poor air quality can initially cause coughing, a sore throat or itchy eyes. In the long-term, it can lead to a variety of health conditions. Learn how to protect yourself.

07/15/2024

After 27 years working for Macy’s, Virginia Plemmons never imagined that her workplace would be instrumental in saving her life during a stroke.

With just minutes left until the end of her shift in March 2023, Virginia recalls seeing a flash of light, and before she could comprehend what was happening, she suddenly could not see. Fortunately, a doctor in the store’s checkout line out recognized Virginia’s symptoms as an acute stroke and stayed with her until EMS arrived.

Virginia was transported to our Wyandotte hospital, where her daughter in-law, Dr. Elizabeth Plemmons is chair and medical director of the Department of Emergency Medicine. Through early intervention and Dr. Plemmons' ability to provide medical history, a large vessel occlusion (LVO) was discovered. Shortly after the diagnosis, Virginia was transferred to our Detroit hospital, where the stroke team promptly began treatment.

"I am so grateful for the team that intervened to save my mother, both at Henry Ford Wyandotte and Henry Ford Hospital. I always felt welcomed at Henry Ford Hospital and was kept up to date at every turn," says Virginia's son Jaimie Plemmons who was in Florida at the time.

Although Virginia experiences some visual motor deficits, the spry 80-year old is back to work at the store that helped saved her life. "Going back to work helps with my memory, and I feel it's an important part of my recovery."

Read Virginia's story: https://bit.ly/3XTh0wo

07/14/2024

Could you be at an increased risk for retinal detachment? An eye doctor explains common risk factors and how to identify symptoms:

Retinal detachment can cause blindness, but who gets this condition? Find out what an ophthalmologist says about retinal detachment risks and what to watch for.

07/13/2024

In the United States this year, there have been four documented cases of bird flu in humans. One of our infectious disease specialists shares what to know:

There have been a few human cases of bird flu in the United States. Learn about its symptoms and the precautions to take.

07/13/2024

When you think summer food, hots dogs and hamburgers most often come to mind - but it's actually a great time to try a plant-based diet!

“We have a lot of great produce right now in Michigan to make it really easy to kind of, sub out that meat and get that vegan, vegetarian options in there,” said Ashlee Carnahan, our registered dietitian. 🥜 🍉 🍒 🥦🥕

Watch the full story:

If you’re trying to eat healthier, nutrition experts say summer is the perfect season to try out a plant-based diet -- trading out meat for big health benefits.

07/12/2024

Many women are concerned about menopause-related symptoms but are less aware of its impact on heart health. Our cardiologist Dr. Brittany Fuller warns that menopause increases heart disease risk and shares how women should proactively manage their heart health by consulting doctors, regular checkups, diet, and exercise.

Watch the full story here:

Many women are concerned about menopause-related symptoms like hot flashes and weight gain but are less aware of its impact on heart health. According to Dr. Brittany Fuller of Henry Ford Health, the risk of heart disease increases after menopause due to hormonal changes, inflammation, and rising ch...

07/11/2024

Yesterday, we were proud to host our 2nd annual Juneteenth educational group run alongside We Run 313, Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield and the Detroit Pistons!

Despite the rain, community members joined us as we ran/walked through Detroit’s vibrant District 5, passing iconic landmarks and historical sites while honoring the resilience of our community together!

07/11/2024

A recent study found that stem cell therapy may be a promising treatment for osteoarthritis, but research is still in the preliminary stages:

Preliminary research shows stem cell therapy may help slow the progression of - and reverse - osteoarthritis. But much more evidence is needed. Here's what we know so far.

07/10/2024

Vitamin D and carotenoids are important nutrients that may help prevent the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Read more:

Those who had higher levels of vitamin D and carotenoids were less likely to have fatty liver disease than those who had low levels of vitamin D and carotenoids. Here's what to know.

07/09/2024

“I didn’t think twice about it, I just did it,” recalls Amy Andrews, an acute care nurse practitioner at our West Bloomfield hospital who was recently presented with a civilian award from the Troy Fire Chief at Troy Fire Station No. 2.

On her way home from a birthday party with her daughter, Amy encountered the aftermath of a severe car accident. Without hesitation, she assessed the situation and ran to help.

One man was trapped in a vehicle with non-life-threatening injuries and later removed using the jaws of life. In another vehicle, Amy found a woman with a severed arm who was losing consciousness from arterial bleeding. Using a belt from a bystander, Amy applied a tourniquet, stabilizing the woman until first responders arrived.

Thanks to Amy's quick thinking and bravery, the woman survived.

07/09/2024

Whooping cough can be life threatening for babies, young children and elderly adults. Learn when you should get the whooping cough vaccine:

Whooping cough (also called pertussis) is a very contagious respiratory illness. Staying up to date on vaccinations can help prevent its spread.

07/08/2024

Medications like Wegovy, Zepbound & Saxenda are revolutionizing weight loss for millions of Americans, but they are still relatively new. Dr. Frank McGeorge with WDIV Local 4 / ClickOnDetroit interviewed 8 of our physicians on both the benefits & risks of these new weight loss treatments.

Watch the full story:

New weight loss medications like Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda are proving highly effective but remain relatively new. Large studies are ongoing to assess their benefits and potential harms.

07/07/2024

If you have an adult child facing cancer, these 6 strategies can help ensure you meet their needs: https://bit.ly/3RSJC56

Supporting an adult child navigating a cancer diagnosis is a different kind of parenting. We have six strategies to help.

07/06/2024

If you feel like you’ve had a shorter fuse lately, it’s not your imagination. Our psychologist Dr. Jennifer Peltzer-Jones shares with WDIV Local 4 / ClickOnDetroit how the heat can impact our bodies and minds. And how we should all be giving each other more grace and patience when it’s hot out.

Watch the full story: https://bit.ly/3xzQWM2

07/05/2024

The FDA has recently approved a version of the drug semaglutide to treat heart disease. Learn how this medication can lower your risk for cardiovascular-related death: https://bit.ly/3VQAPSo

While it was originally intended to help with glucose metabolism in the body, experts have found several additional effects of the drug semaglutide that are proving to help treat health conditions including heart disease.

07/05/2024

From Patrick’s hip surgery to Stacey’s successful breast cancer treatment, the Mendez family has trusted our team to see them through their toughest health battles. So when their athlete daughters began experiencing joint pain, the family again turned to our experts to help get them back in the game!

When softball pitcher Emily Mendez’s pain in her arm started to affect her throwing accuracy, she decided to seek care from our certified sports acupuncturist Dr. Tom Betts. "After just one [sports/orthopedic acupuncture] treatment with Dr. Betts, not only did it ease her pain, I saw Emily make throws like she never made in her life,” shared her father, Patrick.

Then Emily’s sister Eva saw Dr. Betts about shoulder and hip pain after her knee gave out during a volleyball game. “He treated my shoulder and knees during my first appointment, and I have not experienced any shoulder discomfort since.” Eva is undergoing foam rolling for her knee and hip discomfort to lessen her pain. “I’m thankful to Dr. Betts for being able to help treat me so I can continue to play the sport I have the most passion for,” adds Eva. Learn more about their successful sports acupuncture treatment: https://bit.ly/45QVGKb

07/04/2024

Sparks flew at last weekend's Living Donor Awareness Night where transplant recipient Lynnette Rodriguez, 64, met her living liver donor Ashley Podhola, 38, for the very first time. "She's my angel but also my hero too," said Lynnette. "She gave me life."

The event in partnership with the Living Liver Foundation at Jimmy John's Field honored our living donors and hopefully inspired others like Ashley to donate. "It's hard to put into words but when I heard about [living donation] I knew I wanted to do it," shared Ashley. "Helping to save a life...you don't get that chance very often."

07/03/2024

Dehydrated? Overhydrated? Here’s how to tell how much water you need to drink:

How much water you need to drink in a day isn’t an exact science. Here’s what you need to know.

07/01/2024

The vaginal area is a very sensitive and intimate part of the body, so when something feels off, it can be uncomfortable and awkward to discuss. Here, a gynecologist shares her advice:

Sometimes, vaginal health issues are unavoidable. Here, an expert shares best practices that can potentially reduce your risk of discomfort going forward.