Henry Ford News Feed - Other

New Facebook App Reminds Women to Get Mammograms

MEDIA CONTACT:
Krista Hopson
khopson1@hfhs.org

Henry Ford Health System Uses Facebook to Remind Women to Get Mammograms

DETROIT - Henry Ford Health System is harnessing the power of the popular social networking site Facebook to remind women to get mammograms during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

By developing a new Facebook application called Pinky Swear, Henry Ford is spreading the word among Facebook users about the importance of regular mammograms for the early detection of breast cancer. Mammograms are recommended for women after age 40 and if there's a family history of breast cancer.

The application allows Facebook users to send Pinky Swear mammography reminders to friends, along with information about how to set up an appointment. Facebook users also can sign up to become a "fan" of the Pinky Swear Facebook page to receive news and information about breast cancer from Henry Ford.

In metro Detroit, an estimated 154,000 women, ages 40 to 64, use Facebook. For Facebook users who are not in Michigan, Henry Ford hopes Pinky Swear will encourage women to start a dialogue with friends and family, as well as their health care providers, about the importance of breast cancer screening.

Facebook users can access the Henry Ford Pinky Swear application at http://apps.facebook.com/pinky_swear.

About Henry Ford Mammography

Henry Ford Health System offers 17 mammography sites throughout southeast Michigan, the majority of which offer online appointment scheduling.

To schedule an appointment, visit www.henryford.com for locations and real-time mammography scheduling, or call 1-800-HenryFord.

A physician's prescription is not needed for real-time online mammography appointment scheduling for women ages 40 and older who require a routine screening mammogram.

Patients who schedule a mammography at a Henry Ford location on Oct. 16, National Mammography Day, will receive a pink carnation at their appointment.

Physician Named Chair-Elect of AAO-HNS Board of Governors

CONTACT: Krista Hopson
khopson1@hfhs.org

Henry Ford Physician Named Chair-Elect of AAO-HNS Board of Governors

DETROIT - Henry Ford Hospital otolaryngologist Michael D. Seidman, M.D., F.A.C.S., was named chair-elect of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Board of Governors.

The election took place this week at the organization's annual meeting in San Diego.

Dr. Seidman is an expert on otologic/neurotologic surgical problems, skull base tumors, cochlear implants, noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus. He is director of the Division of Otologic/Neurotolgic Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and director of the Otolaryngology Research Laboratory at Henry Ford. In addition, he is co-director of the Tinnitus Center and chair of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Henry Ford, as well as the medical director of Wellness for Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital.

As chair-elect, Dr. Seidman will oversee communication between the AAO-HNS Board of Directors and the local, state, regional, national, and international otolaryngology-head and neck surgery organizations and residents. During his three-year term, he will initially serve as chair-elect, then chair, and finally immediate past chair.

AAO-HNS, one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 11,000 physicians and allied health professionals worldwide who specialize in the treatment of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck.

The AAO-HNS Board of Governors was established in 1982 as a grassroots member network within the Academy. It is made up of local, state, regional, and national otolaryngology-head and neck surgery societies from around the United States and Canada.

NOTE: A high-resolution image of Dr. Seidman is available on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/hfhs/3762927178

Maplegrove Summer Camp Held for Children of Families Impacted by Substance Abuse

April 22, 2008 Media Contact: Maria Seyrig (313) 874-4039 mseyrig1@hfhs.org Maplegrove Center is holding its free summer camp educational and support program for children ages 5 to 18 years old, living in families with alcohol or other drug abuse, mental illness, or other extraordinary stress. Growing up in a home where there is substance abuse, mental illness, or other family stresses can be confusing and difficult for a child. Maplegrove Children’s Programs, established in 1990, are fun, educational support groups that help children and teens learn about addiction, appropriate ways of expressing feelings, safe decision-making, and how to get help. Children also learn that they are not to blame and are not alone. Each day’s activities focus on topic information, skill development and practice, as well as related games and crafts. Topics include: feelings, self-esteem, families, coping & defenses, chemical use awareness, chemical dependency, peer pressure & decision-making, and self-care. Parents and caregivers may participate in sessions where they learn what the children are learning and have an opportunity to develop complementary skills. Day and evening camp sessions are available at the following locations: Maplegrove Center - West Bloomfield Day Program - 9 a.m. – noon Monday through Friday, June 23 – 27 and Monday through Wednesday, June 30 - July 2 Evening Sessions - 6 – 8 p.m. Mondays, June 23 - July 28 Ferndale 9 a.m. – noon Monday through Thursday July 21 - 24 and July 28 - 31 North Oakland County 9 a.m. – noon Monday through Thursday, July 7 - 10 and July 14 - 17 Trenton 1st United Methodist Church 9 a.m. – noon Monday through Friday, July 21 - 25 Taylor Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church 6 - 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, Aug. 4 - 8 The camp programs are free of charge, but registration is required. For more information or to register, call the Maplegrove Community Education Office in West Bloomfield at (248) 661-6170 or Downriver at (734) 282-5497 to register. ### EDITOR’S NOTE: Kitty Burch and Betty Conger, children’s program coordinators for Maplegrove Community Education, are available for interviews regarding the summer day camp, as well as issues related to substance abuse.

Ophthalmologist Joins Henry Ford Eye Care Services

April 9, 2008 Media Contact: Maria Seyrig (313) 874-4039 mseyrig1@hfhs.org Samir Shah, M.D., a board-certified ophthalmologist, has joined the Henry Ford Eye Care Services at Henry Ford Health System. Dr. Shah specializes in cataract surgery; refractive surgery including LASIK and PRK; astigmatism reduction; corneal transplantation; pterygium excision; management of intraocular lens complications; anterior segment and ocular surface reconstruction; keratoprostheses; and the management of diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva. Dr. Shah serves patients at: • Henry Ford Medical Center - Livonia, 29200 Schoolcraft • Henry Ford Medical Center – Troy, 2825 Livernois • Henry Ford Eye Care Services in Grosse Pointe, 15401 E. Jefferson • Henry Ford OptimEyes Super Vision Center in Westland, 35184 Central City Parkway. Dr. Shah is a graduate of University of Michigan. He completed his internship at Christus St. Joseph Hospital in Houston and his residency in ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at the University of California in Los Angeles. He also completed a fellowship in cornea, external diseases and refractive surgery at Wilmer Eye Institute at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Dr. Shah is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the American Medical Association, the Michigan State Medical Society and the Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons.

Glaucoma/Cataract Specialist Joins Henry Ford Eye Care Services

April 9, 2008 Media Contact: Maria Seyrig (313) 874-4039 mseyrig1@hfhs.org David Crandall, M.D., an ophthalmologist specializing in glaucoma treatment and cataract surgery, has joined the Henry Ford Eye Care Services at Henry Ford Health System. Dr. Crandall will serve patients at: • Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, 2799 W. Grand Blvd. • Henry Ford Medical Center – Troy, 2825 Livernois • Henry Ford OptimEyes Super Vision Center in West Bloomfield, 6530 Farmington Road. Dr. Crandall is a graduate of University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. He completed his medical training at Henry Ford Hospital and served as chief resident and glaucoma fellow.

Nursing Administrator Appointed for Henry Ford Hospital

April 1, 2008 Media Contact: Maria Seyrig (313) 874-4039 mseyrig1@hfhs.org Karla Zarb, R.N., has been appointed a Nursing Administrator for Henry Ford Hospital. In her new role, Zarb will be responsible for the surgical General Practice Units and the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Henry Ford Hospital. She was most recently the administrator of Patient Care Services for Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital where she had administrative responsibility for the Emergency Department, Surgical Services, Maternal Health, Adult and Geriatric Behavioral Services, Intensive Care and Cardiac Intensive Care. Zarb has also held the roles of director of Clinical Operations, Emergency Department at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital and clinical nurse manager, Emergency Department, Henry Ford Hospital. Zarb received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oakland University and will complete her Master of Science Degree in Management from Walsh College in 2008.

Henry Ford Physician: President of National Arab American Medical Association

WEST BLOOMFIELD - Nabil Khoury, M.D, Medical Director of Ambulatory Services at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, has been elected president of the National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA). NAAMA, headquartered in Birmingham, Michigan and is the largest Arab-American professional organization in North America. NAAMA is a nonprofit, nonpolitical, educational and charitable organization of medical professionals of Arab descent. The national organization has 29 chapters of in the United States and Canada. The objectives of NAAMA encompass a wide range of professional, educational, charitable, humanitarian and cultural activities. Missions of the organization include: • To enhance the medical knowledge of the members of NAAMA, to contribute to the medical profession, and to support continuing medical education and research. • To support professional and educational activities aimed at health education and disease prevention in cooperation with community-based organizations and to support general humanitarian activities. • To create activities and programs for NAAMA’s youth which highlight their shared Arabic heritage, and to foster community spirit. Dr. Khoury is also Associate Medical Director of the Northern Region for Henry Ford. He graduated from the University of Michigan School of Medicine and completed his residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine.

AMA Honors Henry Ford Physician as an Outstanding Leader in Medicine

Marianna V. Spanaki-Varelas, M.D., Ph.D., a senior staff neurologist at Henry Ford Hospital, has been named a recipient of the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation’s 2008 Leadership Award. This award provides medical students, residents/fellows, early career physicians and established physicians from around the country with special training to develop their skills as future leaders in organized medicine and community affairs. Dr. Spanaki-Varelas practices neurology with an emphasis on epilepsy. She organizes an annual symposium on women’s issues in neurological disorders and is director of the inpatient Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at Henry Ford. At the state level, she serves on the International Graduates Council (as a delegate), the State Legislation and Government Affairs committee, and the Women’s Council of Michigan State Medical Society. She is also on the medical advisory board of the Michigan Epilepsy Foundation. Dr. Spanaki is leading an effort to introduce legislative changes to Michigan driving law as it pertains to physicians’ immunity from third-party liability. At the national level, Dr. Spanaki is on the Scientific Program Committee of the American Epilepsy Society. As the philanthropic arm of the American Medical Association, the AMA Foundation is committed to supporting programs in medical education, research and public health.

Minds of Medicine: Controversies in Preventive Care Airs Nov. 17

Are those vitamins really helping you? Are you receiving the screening that could save your life? Is a daily glass of red wine good for you? With the public bombarded daily with reports and studies on what’s good and what’s bad for you, many do nothing. One study found that more than two-thirds of Americans are confused about which cancer recommendations they should follow. This week’s Minds of Medicine: Controversies in Preventive Care takes a different approach to the issue. Paul W. Smith, morning radio personality for WJR AM 760 and Mark Kelley, M.D., CEO of the 1,000-member Henry Ford Medical Group and a resident of Bloomfield Hills, discuss the latest science behind prevention recommendations and call on more then half-dozen physicians to offer their opinions. Topics include smoking, diabetes, heart disease, exercise, obesity, blood pressure, diet and alcohol and cholesterol. Also, viewers will be directed to a special web section on henryford.com that contains further materials about prevention. Minds of Medicine: Controversies in Preventive Care is scheduled to air at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17 on WXYZ-TV Channel 7, is the latest in a series of medical shows locally produced in cooperation with WXYZ and Henry Ford Health System. Hosted by Paul W. Smith, Minds of Medicine provides an inside look at the doctors and nurses at one of the nation’s top-rated hospitals. An encore presentation of Minds of Medicine: Controversies in Preventive Care, will air at 12:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 19 on WXYZ-TV Channel 7.

Detroit Artist Draws Inspiration from the Human Condition

From its clutch of amorphous human-life figures to the sinuous black and white forms that undulate around them, “Regeneration,” an aluminum sculpture commissioned for Henry Ford Hospital, is an evocative depiction of the human struggle against disease.

But for Charles McGee, the sculpture is yet another confirmation of a life devoted to the creation of artwork that is complex and innovative, heartfelt and honest. The art work is part of Henry Ford Health System’s Healing Art program. Through the use of esthetically pleasing artwork in care delivery rooms and waiting areas, the program plans to create an atmosphere that is calming and nurturing for patients and staff alike.

The program’s goal is to create hopeful surroundings within which patients can heal and recover, visitors and their families can experience relief from stress, and staff can better care for patients’ needs.

“The healing arts program at Henry Ford is working to provide a comforting environment for our patients to recover from their illness or surgery”, said Scott Dulchavsky, M.D., Ph.D., a Henry Ford Hospital surgeon involved in the project. “’Regeneration’ is a wonderful addition for our patients, their families, and our staff.”

McGee, 83, a native of Clemson, South Carolina who came to Detroit in 1934, has been creating his thought-provoking artwork for decades. Once known for his realistic life drawings of people, his work morphed into abstract depictions of the human condition with the same fiery energy and impact of another famous 20th century artist, Pablo Picasso. Yet his foray into the abstract wasn’t born of angst or defiance, but rather a desire to push his own artistic boundaries.

"I became frustrated with the figure and felt there had to be something else,” McGee once said in an interview. “So I pushed the image and distorted it until it disappeared all together. That's what drove me to abstraction."

And drove his admirers to distraction – in a good way, of course. His paintings, mixed media pieces and sculptures have gained national and international acclaim, and are displayed in the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and other prestigious institutions. His life story is part of the oral history archives in the Smithsonian Archives of American Art, and his signature is immortalized on a ceiling beam in Detroit’s historic Scarab Club – right next to those of Diego Rivera and Norman Rockwell.

He described Regeneration, as representing “the human struggle to purify our environment of disease bearing microorganisms. It speaks to the sprit of healing and renewal through scientific medical achievements. In clockwise formation, symbolic of times influence on the healing process and medical advancements, the twelve organic microorganisms interact with the fifteen amorphous humanlike figures and the eleven geometric rhomboid plates to maximize the visual dynamic of the structure. All of living matter’s unique characteristics are identified through specific DNA profiles. This logic is employed in my surface organizations to achieve optimum visual impact.”

Over the years, McGee challenged himself through his art and went on to become one of Detroit’s most innovative artists. After studying with artist Guy Palazzola at the Society of Arts and Crafts (now the College for Creative Studies), he opened his own school of art, and later taught art at both Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan. And through it all, the artwork kept flowing – from multi-dimensional pieces like “Regeneration,” to a neon wall sculpture, paintings on the walls of the Broadway People Mover station, and a piece that incorporated both dirt and splinters as an integral part of the design.

Editor’s Note: “Regeneration” is on display in Henry Ford Hospital.