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Monday, March 31, 2014

NOVI OFFICE, CELEBRATES ONE YEAR!

Western Wayne Heart Group is celebrating 1 year at our Novi location at 10 Mile and Haggerty.  This is minutes from all the express ways.

39500 Ten Mile Road
Suite 103
Novi, MI 48375
Phone: (248) 267-5050
Fax: (248) 267-5051

Please see the link below for directions for our old office in Livonia to the new office in Novi.
http://goo.gl/maps/6h7hq

Our Novi office allows for the same expert standard of testing and care you've come to expect from us, with the benefits of being uploaded directly into Beaumont's Epic within 48 hours.  No mail, no faxes and no need for scanning.  We also have state of the art equipment which provides safer, more accurate testing.

If you have visited our Novi office we hope you are as happy with our it as we are.  Should you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to call our Physician Liaison Stacie Batur.  She can help stream line communications between referring physicians, bring cards to your office (if you're a physician), or simply answer a question.  She can be reached at the numbers below:

Office: (248) 267-5050 (x6509); Primarily Mondays and Thursdays


Mobile: (248)765-4466;  Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Friday, March 28, 2014

PHYSICAL FITNESS LINKED TO BETTER SURVIVAL AFTER BYPASS SURGERY

Reuters (8/2, Grens) reports that research published in the American Journal of Cardiology suggests that individuals who are more physically fit prior to undergoing bypass surgery may be less likely to die during the surgery, or during the month following the surgery. Investigators came to this conclusion after looking at data on nearly 600 patients who underwent bypass surgery.

POSTED BY: Steven Almany M.D.


Wednesday, March 26, 2014

CAN A TRIPLE BYPASS SURGERY PATIENT DRINK CAFFEINATED COFFEE?


A Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) patient can usually safely have one cup of caffeinated coffee a day.


POSTED BY:  Steven Ajluni, MD

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

8 STEPS TO A HEALTHIER HEART: STEP 3... LEARN TO LOVE LOW-FAT DAIRY

CHECK BACK NEXT TUESDAY FOR ANOTHER STEP!

Reduce the amount of artery-clogging saturated fat and calories in your diet.  Replace high-fat dairy products such as whole milk, cheese, sour cream and cream cheese with skim or 1 percent milk, low-fat yogurt, Neufchatel cream cheese and low-fat cheeses.


Foodnetwork.com

Monday, March 24, 2014

2014 BEAUMONT MICHIGAN HEART GROUP HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

Beaumont Michigan Heart Group closes in observance of all the major holiday's.  The 2014 days are listed below.  We ask, in order to ensure your prescriptions are refilled in time, please call at least one week prior to the holiday.  Calls taken after 10:00 am, the day before closing, are not guaranteed to be called in.

Monday
May 26, 2014
Memorial Day
Friday
July 4, 2014
Independence Day
Monday
September 1, 2014
Labor Day
Thursday
November 27, 2014
Thanksgiving
Friday
November 28, 2014  
Day after Thanksgiving
Wednesday
December 24, 2014
Christmas Eve
Thursday
December 25, 2014
Christmas Day
Wednesday
December 31, 2014
New Year’s Eve (1/2 day)
Thursday
January 1, 2015
New Year’s Day


Thank you:
The Beaumont Michigan Heart Group Staff

Friday, March 21, 2014

MANY DISCHARGED HEART ATTACK PATIENTS MAY NOT BE GIVEN APPROPRIATE DOSES OF MEDICATIONS

MedPage Today (8/22, Phend, 185K) reports that research published online in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that while most “heart attack patients leave the hospital on secondary prevention medications, only about a third get appropriate doses.” The researchers found that “initial dose was key, because about three-quarters of those who didn’t go home on a dose within 75% of the dose proven effective in landmark trials didn’t get an increase during follow-up care.”

CardioSource (8/22, 2K) reports that the researchers “note that their results ‘may explain why the findings from clinical trials, where there was clear evidence of benefit for each medicine promoted by performance measures, have been discordant from those in clinical practice, where the impact of performance measures on reducing mortality has been underwhelming.’”

HeartWire (8/22, Wood, 5K) reports that Dr. Christopher Cannon, in an editorial accompanying the study, wrote, “In our efforts to offer high-quality care, we usually check to make sure that all appropriate, guideline-recommended medications are used but really haven’t paid as much attention to the dose of these medications, and thus this paper is a real eye-opener.”


POSTED BY:  Steven Almany M.D.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

I HAVE STAGE 4 EMPHYSEMA AND NON-ISCHEMIC CARDIOMYOPATHY, LABS ARE GREAT. I AM WORN OUT ALL THE TIME, EVEN AFTER GREAT SLEEP, IS THIS COPD?


This could be related to COPD, cardiomyopathy, another condition or medications.  I do not see any medications for Hypertension.  You really should see a doctor face to face to have a few simple things evaluated.  Consider oxygenation, sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation, worsening CM, thyroid, anemia, etc.


POSTED BY:  Steven Ajluni, MD

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

8 STEPS TO A HEALTHIER HEART: STEP 2... FOCUS ON FIBER

CHECK BACK NEXT TUESDAY FOR ANOTHER STEP!

Fiber is plentiful in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes (like beans and lentils).  eating a diet high in fiber helps curb your appetite and keeps the body's digestive system in check.  

Fiber has additional functions:  Insoluble fiber from nuts, seeds and whole grains helps prevent constipation, while soluble fiber from foods like oats, apples, nuts and berries can help lower cholesterol.  Aim to get at least 25 grams of fiber each day.  


Many people ask "How much fiber do I really need in a day and how do I get it?"
The answer is simple, stick to the basics and watch out for "faux" fiber.

The daily recommend amount of fiber all depends on who you are- that is, an active male needs more than a sedentary female.  Typically, the recommendation ranges from 20 to 38 grams per day.  A good benchmark amount for any healthy adult is about 25 grams per day.  Unfortunately, the average American only gets about 15 grams daily.

Now, some fiber basics.  Fiber comes in two main forms: soluble fiber, which is found in oats, nuts, flax and beans, fruits and vegetables, and insoluble fiber, which comes from whole grains and also fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds.  Soluble fiber slows our digestion and helps keep blood sugar levels in check.  Insoluble fiber, meanwhile, keep things moving through your digestive system.  Both fiber types are good for you and many foods contain a combo of the two.

You want fiber in your diet for a few key reasons:

  • It helps curb hunger, which keeps you feeling fuller, longer
  • Soluble fiber can help lower cholesterol
  • Insoluble fiber helps your digestive system work properly
  • Fiber-rich foods are also high in healthy vitamins, minerals and other nutrients
Lately, fiber has become a hot buzzword.  Grocery stores are full of products sporting labels that tour a foods' high fiber content.  Some of these products contain "functional fibers"= that is, main-made fiber additives, which are created in the lab and added to foods such as yogurt, snack bars, crackers and pancake mixes.  Even beverages and sugar substitutes such as Splenda are now offering "added fiber"!

When scanning an ingredient list, you may see these added fibers listed as insulin, pectin, cellulose, chicory root, chicory extract, polydextrose and oligosaccharides.  These fibers are safe to eat (and some are even added to replace fat in foods like light ice cream), but the jury is still out on whether they're as good for you as naturally occurring fiber.  It's fine to work some of these faux-fiber foods into your day but don't get romanced by the marketing.  To really get all of fiber's benefits, stick to the real deal.

A work of warning- if you're trying to increase your fiber intake, do it gradually to avoid stomach upset (drinking extra water helps, too).  Getting that minimum of 25 grams a day is easier then you think.

SAMPLE OF FIBER-FILLED DAILY MENU:
Breakfast:
1 cup cooked oatmeal with 2 tablespoons raisins (5 grams)

Morning Snack:
Orange and 1/4 cup almonds (7 grams)

Lunch:
Spinach salad with 1/4 cup chickpeas, 10 cherry tomatoes and a slice of whole wheat bread (18 grams)

Afternoon Snack:
Apple with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter (5 grams)

Dinner:
Grilled salmon with 1 medium baked sweet potato and 1 cup steamed broccoli (9 grams)

Daily Total:  1400 calories; 44 grams of Fiber

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC
FoodNetwork.com

Monday, March 17, 2014

OUR BEAUMONT MICHIGAN HEART GROUP HEALTH CARE TEAM

Sometimes you will see one of highly trained extenders.  Below is a list of our physicians and extenders.  For bios and more information please visit our website at mhgpc.com.  Thank you!

PHYSICIANS:
David R. Cragg, MD
Steven L. Almany, MD
Steven C. Ajluni, MD
William H. Devlin, MD
Terry R. Bowers, MD
Brian D. Williamson, MD
Ilana B. Kutinsky, DO
Michael J. Gallagher, MD

EXTENDERS:
Cheryl Vincent, APRN, MSN
Anita Juriga, APRN, MSN
Mariann Graham, RN, BSN
Howard Hollinger, PA-C
Lily Paciorkowski, RN, MSN
Debby Goodall, APRN, ANP-BC
Michelle Forcina, PA-C
Dawn Mitchell, ACNP

Jan Halash, Device Specialist
Amy Douglas, Device Specialist

Friday, March 14, 2014

HIGHER BP IN ELDERLY PATIENTS LINKED TO HIGHER CV RISKS

Heartwire (9/5, O'Riordan, 5K) reports that researchers who analyzed data from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) observational study found “a significant twofold increased risk of cardiovascular disease in elderly patients with systolic blood pressures >150 mm Hg as well as a significantly increased risk of coronary heart disease incidence.” Although “stroke rates were not significantly increased in elderly patients with higher blood pressures, there was an increased risk of all-cause mortality among individuals 55 to 74 years of age with systolic blood pressures >140 mm Hg.” The findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2013 Congress. Heartwire points out that “the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association guidelines recommend a treatment target of <140 140="" 145="" 65="" 79="" 80="" a="" and="" hg="" if="" in="" individuals="" mm="" of="" old="" older="" patients="" span="" target="" those="" to="" tolerated.="" treated="" with="" years="">

CardioSource (9/5, 2K) reports that the study’s lead author said that “the results suggest a hypothesis that for all patients aged 55 and older, the recommended level of systolic blood pressure should be less than 140 mmHg, including the oldest patients


POSTED BY: Steven Almany M.D.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

HOW MANY YEARS MUST YOU HAVE LONE ATRIAL PAROXYSMAL FIBRILLATION BEFORE HEART FAILURE IS LIKELY?


Persistently rapid heart rates that persist can cause cardiomyopathy and CHF.  The CHADSVASC score can help predict thromboembolic risk.  1 point each for:  CHF, hypertension, age >75, diabetes, and prior stroke.  Additional points added for the female sex, SVA in past, or age greater than 65.  More than a score of 1 suggest benefit with anti-coagulation.


POSTED BY:  Steven Ajluni, MD

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

8 STEPS TO A HEALTHIER HEART: STEP 1... CHOOSE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

CHECK BACK NEXT TUESDAY FOR ANOTHER STEP!

Not only are fruits and vegetables high in vitamins, minearal and fiber, ther're low in calories and high in cell-protecting antioxidants.  Adding more to your day couldn't be easier.  Add extra vegetables to soups, salads and sandwiches, as well as egg, rice adn pasta dishes.  Snack on fresh fruit between meals. Find a local farmers market and see whats in season in your region.

Spring is gearing up and for a local food junkie like me, its time to hit the farmer's markets.  Discover how to find a market near you , then get other tips for eating closer to home.

Local Markets:
You might be surprised at the amount of local food available to you.  Over the last 15 years, the number of farmers' markets has more than tripled as more consumers want to know where their food comes from.  Produce from nearby farms is typically the highlight at markets but that's not all you can find.  In addition to fresh fruits and veggies, many local purveyors bring along their dairy, meats, fish, honey, baked goods, eggs and flowers.  What you'll find (and when you'll find it) will vary depending on where you live..

To find a farmer's market near you visit Local Harvest or the USDA Website.

In response to shoppers' requests, many grocery stores are now carrying more locally produced foods too.  Look for country of origin labeling in the produce section as well as store shelves.  My neighborhood Whole Foods Market places a "local" sign next to all the products that come from nearby sources.

Local Foods:
Since the local bounty will vary by stat and changes throughout the year, it really helps to know what you can find from month to month.  Many states have produce charts, like this one for Michigan Produce Availability Calendar.  It helps to know that in California strawberries are available as early as January, but in New York, you might not see them until June.

To find a seasonal availability chart fro your state, visit the stat's agriculture board website or check out this index at FieldtoPlate.com.


What if you're tempted to buy leeks or garlic scapes but you have no idea how to prepare them, or you're cluless about how to store the beautiful haead of cauliflower you just bought?  That's where the Healthy Harvest Regional Food Guides can help.  he monthly availability info is for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states but you can look up nutriction facts, uses adn storage info no matter where you live.

More Tips for Eating Locally:

  • Get to know your farmet- they are happy to anwser your questions
  • Check out a few markets to find your favorite- they're all different
  • Bring cash (small bills if bossible and your own shopping bags

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC
Food Network.com

Monday, March 10, 2014

BEAUMONT MICHIGAN HEART GROUP'S PHYSICIAN LIAISON IS HERE TO HELP YOU

Michigan Heart Group has a Physician Liaison on staff to assist with questions, concerns or problems you, your staff or your patients may have with our office.

Stacie Batur is available Monday through Thursday at (248) 267-5050 (x6509). She is often between two buildings or visiting referring physician offices. If you get her voice mail, please leave a message and she will call you back shortly. If you need to speak to her immediately you can reach her on her cell phone at (248) 765-4466.

Friday, March 7, 2014

OREO COOKIES AS ADDICTIVE AS COCAINE- - -TO LAB RATS....

A group of students and a professor of neuroscience have discovered that Oreo cookies may be as addictive as cocaine or morphine – to lab rats at least. 

Joseph Schroeder, PhD, and his students at Connecticut College (New London) were conducting research on the addictiveness of high-fat and high-sugar foods, and how, for instance, they may contribute to the obesity epidemic. “Our research supports the theory that high-fat, high-sugar foods stimulate the brain in the same way that drugs do. It may explain why some people can’t resist these foods despite the fact that they know they are bad for them,” said Schroeder. 

One of the students, Jamie Honohan (who has since graduated with a BA in Behavioral Neuroscience), was particularly interested in human motivation and food, and how the obesity epidemic may be linked to the prevalence of high-fat, high-sugar foods in low-income neighborhoods. It was her idea to use Oreos, as she explained: “We chose Oreos not only because they are America’s favorite cookie, and highly palatable to rats, but also because products containing high amounts of fat and sugar are heavily marketed in communities with lower socioeconomic statuses.” 

The results of their study were presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference that that took place in early November in San Diego. The study shows that for rats, the association between the pleasurable effects of eating Oreos and a specific environment were as strong as for cocaine or morphine and a specific environment. For their study, the students gave Oreos to hungry rats on one side of a maze, and on the other side of the maze they gave them a “control” food, in this case, rice cakes (Schroeder comments that like humans, rats do not seem to relish rice cakes very much). Then they gave the rats the option to go to either side of the maze (without the food present), and measured how long they spent on the
side where they were typically fed with Oreos compared with the side they were fed with rice cakes. 

The researchers then repeated the experiment with another group of rats. This time, instead of feeding them Oreos and rice cakes, they injected them with addictive drugs – such as cocaine and morphine – when they were on one side of the maze, or saline, when they were on the other side. And finally, one interesting observation – it seems that just like humans, rats eat the middle of an Oreo first.



POSTED BY: Steven Almany M.D.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

SHOPPING THE FARMERS' MARKET

Where I live, the farmers' market season runs May to November.  When the weather turns cold, it moves in doors.  Nothing beats picking your own fresh produce or chatting up local farmers to get gardening or cooking advice.  Here are my tricks of the farmers' market trade.

Where and What? 
You may know where one local farmers' market is, but I bet there are others in your area.  Local Harvest has a huge and growing database that you can search by zip code. You can look up local family farms and CSA programs, too.  Read more about the growing number of CSA groups in this New Your Times article. 

What I love most about the farmers' markets is the ever-changing produce offering.  You really get a sense of seasonal foods by seeing what's for sale.  To find out when a favorite veggie might be hitting the stands, visit the Healthy Harvest Food Guides for month to month info for your state.  You can also search for produce guides by state at Field to Plate.   This is the Michigan Fresh Produce Availability Calendar.

Farmers' Market vs. Farm Stand:
The main difference is that farmers' markets sell food and other goods from multiple farms.  They often migrate from town to town throughout the week as well.  Farm stands are typically smaller, more permanent fixtures that are located close to, or even at a local farm.  With a farm stand, your choices may be limited (depending on what that farm grows), but you still have access to the freshest items possible.  Both are good places to visit.

Take a Lap:
Farmers' markets (especially large ones) can be overwhelming.  You might see several farmers selling the same ting or even selling produce you've never seen before.  Start by taking a quick walk through the entire market before you buy anything- That way you can scout out what looks good and what you want to buy.  This keeps you from buying more than you need, too.  Give yourself a weekly budget (or just pocket a set amount of cash) and that can help you save money.  Once you've been there a few times, you might want to prep a list of foods to find. leave some wiggle room for unexpected treasures.

Fruits and vegetables are plentiful at the markets- especially at the height of summer.  Be on the lookout for things other than produce, including fresh flowers and plants, baked goods, eggs, meat, fish, local honey, juices, cheese, milk and yogurt.


Spread the Love:
Different farmers grow different things, some specialize in fruit tress and have fabulous peaches in the summer and apples in fall.  Others might have the best cucumbers or peppers.  I like to buy a few things from multiples farmers.  Keep and eye on any differences in their prices (or how much cheaper it is than the supermarket).  Don't be afraid to ask if something seems more expensive then you'd expect.  They probably won't negotiate, but they might let you know a little more about that food's value.

Get Involved:
One of the most important things you can do at the market is talk to your farmer.  Ask for prep ideas.  Sometimes sellers give away printed recipes for that week's harvest.  Most will be thrilled to talk to you and may offer up a sample.  There's something so wonderful about getting to know the people that produce your food, you certainly can't do that at the grocery store.

Many farmers markets are town or city run operations, and they're always looking for volunteers to help.  Contact your local city hall to see how you can pitch in.


Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC
FoodNetwork.com


Wednesday, March 5, 2014

CAN AN EKG TREADMILL TEST WITH NORMAL RESULTS RULE OUT HEART DISEASE?



If you are a health 36 y/o woman with no symptoms and no risk factors, than probably normal exercise stress test is all you need.  If you have risk factors or symptoms, than you could consider a coronary CTA, nuclear stress test or even cardiac cath.


POSTED BY:  Steven Ajluni, MD

Monday, March 3, 2014

MICHIGAN HEART GROUP'S LOCATIONS AND SATELLITE OFFICES

Beaumont Michigan Heart Group has 2 main locations and 2 satellite locations.  Different physicians see patients out of different suits.  

THERE ARE TIMES, when a physician will need to SWITCH SUITES for one reason or another.  It usually has to do with coverage or addition of office time.  You will ALWAYS BE NOTIFIED of this DURING YOUR REMINDER CALL so PLEASE pay close attention to the LOCATION when we call you.  

MAIN CAMPUS:
Beaumont Michigan Heart Group:
4600 Investment Drive, #200
Troy, MI 48098

Steven L. Almany, MD
Steven C. Ajluni, MD
William D. Devlin, MD
Terry R. Bowers, MD
Michael J. Gallagher, MD

Beaumont Michigan Heart Rhythm Group
4550 Investment Drive, #250
Troy, MI 48098

David R. Cragg, MD
Brian D. Williamson, MD
Ilana B. Kutinsky, DO

SATELLITE OFFICES:
Beaumont Western Wayne Heart Group
39500 Ten Mile, #103
Novi, MI 48375

Steven L. Almany, MD
Steven C. Ajluni, MD
William D. Devlin, MD
Ilana B. Kutinsky, DO

Beaumont Michigan Heart Group- Macomb
15959 Hall Road, #304
Macomb, MI 48044

David R. Cragg, MD
Terry R. Bowers, MD
Michael J. Gallagher, MD