This load-and-go slow-cooker chicken recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Serves 6
Ingredients
1 pound dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained (see Tip)
6 cups unsalted chicken broth
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 cup sliced carrots
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 (4 ounce) Parmesan cheese rind plus 2/3 cup grated Parmesan, divided
2 bone-in chicken breasts (1 pound each)
4 cups chopped kale
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
Directions
Combine beans, broth, onion, carrots, rosemary and Parmesan rind in a 6-quart slow cooker. Top with chicken. Cover and cook on Low until the beans and vegetables are tender, 7 to 8 hours.
Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board; let stand until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes. Shred the chicken, discarding bones.
Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir in kale. Cover and cook on High until the kale is tender, 20 to 30 minutes.
Stir in lemon juice, salt and pepper; discard the Parmesan rind. Serve the stew drizzled with oil and sprinkled with Parmesan and parsley.
Tip: To save time, you can substitute 4 (15 ounce) cans no-salt-added cannellini beans (rinsed) for the soaked dried beans.
Equipment: 6-qt. slow cooker
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups
Per Serving: 493 calories; protein 44.2g; carbohydrates 53.8g; dietary fiber 27.4g; sugars 4.5g; fat 10.9g; saturated fat 3g; cholesterol 67.8mg; vitamin a iu 4792.5IU; vitamin c 20.3mg; folate 31.8mcg; calcium 198.7mg; iron 7.1mg; magnesium 148.9mg; potassium 1556.6mg; sodium 518.4mg.
During American Heart Month, you’ll see many valuable articles about maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle. American Heart Month is observed to raise awareness on the importance of a healthy heart and to encourage healthy habits that help reduce the risk of heart disease.
“You’ve heard time and again from your physicians and nurse practitioners that diet, exercise, regular check-ups, and compliance with medications are all excellent ways to address cardiac health,” said John Uplinger, RPh, a Trinity Health retail pharmacist. “While this is absolutely true, for a change of pace, I’d like to offer five simple, practical steps every person can take to promote overall health and especially heart health, even during an emergency.”
1. At all times, keep an up-to-date, printed list of medications and supplements you take with you.
Whether you keep them in a backpack, wallet, purse, or pocket, such lists are very valuable for first responders in an emergency. Although you may already keep a list of medications on an app on your phone, first responders cannot override the security systems on your phone to access that information. So, for now, a printed list is best.
And don’t forget to update it annually after your check-up with your primary care provider. Indicate the name of the medication and the daily dosage.
2. Know your personal and family health history, your allergies, and your blood type.
If you have annual checkups, you are familiar with your own history. For example, you may know that you have high blood pressure, but may not know that your parents or grandparents did, too, and that stroke may “run in your family.” So, it’s best to have those conversations when you can with your family members.
When creating your medications/supplements list, also add a simple phrase about your health, your blood type, and any allergies to make it easier for first responders. For example:
Type 2 diabetes patient with high cholesterol, no allergies, blood type A positive
I am pregnant, allergic to shellfish, peanuts, and sulfa drugs, Type O negative
3. If you are on prescribed medications, check with your pharmacist before purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Your pharmacist will be able to tell you about any drug interactions or side effects in OTC medications. For example: Did you know that if you have high blood pressure, ibuprofen may not be recommended? You should check with your doctor or pharmacist first. Some cold medications can raise blood pressure, as well. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist.
4. Many pharmacies have free machines for checking blood pressure.
Take advantage of checking your blood pressure, even if you have not been diagnosed with high blood pressure. High blood pressure can be a silent killer, so it can’t hurt to check occasionally.
If you are uncertain about what your numbers mean, your pharmacist can explain it to you. Getting high results once may not be a concern, but if it persists, check with your primary care provider.
5. If you are a smoker who wants to quit, your pharmacist is an invaluable resource.
There are many products in the marketplace for smoking cessation. Your pharmacist will be able to check with your insurance company to ensure your prescription is covered and can offer the pros and cons of various smoking cessation medications. If you can quit smoking, your heart will thank you.
Pharmacists are a valuable member of your health care team.
The next time you are in the pharmacy and have a question about medication, please don’t hesitate to ask. Learn more about our available pharmacy services by calling or visiting the location nearest you.
In July 2022, 66-year-old Westland resident Kurt Dominiak was getting out of the shower at his home after a long day and instantly began sweating and gasping for air. His fiancé, Linda, called 9-1-1. While being transported to the emergency department of Trinity Health Livonia by EMS, his heart stopped. He was resuscitated, but his heart stopped again upon arrival.
“I got in the ambulance and that’s the last thing I remembered for three days,” Kurt said.
His heart stopped five times as he was experiencing cardiac arrest. Dr. Tanmay Swadia, a board-certified cardiologist with the hospital, was on call that night and drove in to perform a life-saving procedure.
Dr. Tanmay Swadia
Testing done at the hospital showed Kurt had two blood clots in his lungs, which directly led to his cardiac arrest and his kidneys, liver and pancreas to begin shutting down. Considering this was a potentially fatal situation, Dr. Swadia had to act quickly.
“In the past, we would have had to transport the patient to a larger hospital for treatment, but that isn’t always the most successful course of action,” Dr. Swadia said. “Thankfully we had new technology available to us here in our Livonia hospital that eliminated the need to send him somewhere else.”
That technology referenced by Dr. Swadia is the Impella RP — a heart pump device that goes into the patient’s thigh, takes blood from the vein and pumps it through the pulmonary arteries.
Dr. Swadia and his team successfully performed the procedure and just one day later, Kurt’s kidneys, pancreas and liver began functioning properly again. His heart was completely back to normal just a couple days after that.
“I was still weak, but feeling better,” Kurt said. “I was there for 6 to 7 days and I progressed and got stronger every single day.”
Kurt Dominiak
After leaving the hospital, Kurt was tasked with physical therapy and further evaluations, which only lasted about a month.
“One day the physical therapist said he couldn’t believe how well I was doing and how fast I had recovered. I started walking up and down the steps and everything,” Kurt said. “Dr. Swadia referred to me as a ‘living miracle.’”
“The care Kurt received from beginning to end was impeccable,” Linda said. “Those nurses watched him like a hawk and explained everything thoroughly. We have a great deal of gratitude for Dr. Swadia and the rest of the staff at Trinity Health Livonia.”
Seven months following his cardiac arrest, Kurt says he feels like he is back to 100%. He doesn’t take for granted the simple pleasures of life and says he enjoys the routine, everyday activities he gets to do outdoors, like walking his dog and doing yardwork.
If you have concerns about your heart health, speak with your primary care physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, you can find one near you by visiting http://www.stjoeshealth.org/find-a-doctor.
A cross between muffins and baked oatmeal, these oatmeal cakes are perfect for an on-the-go breakfast or snack. If you prefer to use fresh blueberries, they’re an equal swap for the frozen in this recipe. You can also make a double batch and enjoy one during the week and store the other batch in the freezer to savor later.
Serves 12
Ingredients
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (see Tip)
1 ¼ cups low-fat milk
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
¼ cup lemon juice
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup frozen blueberries, preferably wild
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a muffin tin with cooking spray.
Combine oats, milk, applesauce, brown sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, eggs, baking powder, vanilla and salt in a large bowl. Fold in frozen blueberries.
Divide the mixture among the prepared muffin cups, about 1/3 cup each.
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
To make ahead: Freeze oatmeal cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave 1 oatmeal cake in 30-second intervals until heated through. Alternatively, refrigerate oatmeal cakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Tip: People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should use oats that are labeled “gluten-free,” as oats are often cross-contaminated with wheat and barley.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 muffin
Per Serving: 134 calories; protein 5g; carbohydrates 24g; dietary fiber 3g; sugars 10g; added sugar 6g; fat 3g; saturated fat 1g; mono fat 1g; poly fat 1g; cholesterol 32mg; vitamin a iu 104IU; vitamin c 3mg; vitamin d iu 19IU; folate 8mg; vitamin k 2mg; sodium 163mg; calcium 77mg; iron 1mg; magnesium 26mg; phosphorus 127mg; potassium 154mg; niacin equivalents 1mg; selenium 4mcg.
We’re in the height of winter. Some of us are winter sports enthusiasts, others not so much. Did you know that hundreds of thousands of Americans will seek medical treatment because of injuries while skiing, skating, snowboarding, sledding and tobogganing this winter, according to research conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission? Whether you are a winter sport pro or novice, getting in shape and taking a few simple precautions can help make sure you take advantage of our winter wonderland without ending up on crutches or with other serious injuries.
Dress Correctly
Don’t shorten your time outdoors because you can’t stay warm or feel a cold coming on. Wear several layers of clothing to trap body heat, including a long-sleeve shirt, sweatshirt and outer coat. Invest in waterproof boots, a hat and gloves. Good goggles and a helmet can literally be lifesavers when participating in speed sports. Dress for the top of the mountain – it’s always colder than the bottom.
Hydrate
Even though it’s cold out, you still sweat and need to stay hydrated. Winter is also a time when wind and sun can dry out your skin. Drink plenty of water before, during and after strenuous activities, particularly when exercising at higher altitudes. Apply long-lasting waterproof sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside and apply lip balm to keep your lips from drying, cracking and bleeding.
Protect Your Ankles
If you’ll be wearing skates or ski or snowboarding boots, choose ones that fit snugly but don’t cut off circulation. Wear socks that keep you warm and keep you stable in your boots.
Warm Up
Avoid long static stretching or holding a stretch for 20 to 30 seconds before you begin exercise. This not only temporarily desensitizes your muscles and decreases your power and vertical leap, but it can also mask muscle pain that might be a warning sign to take it easy. Start with a quick stretch followed by exercises to raise your heart rate, such as jumping jacks, arm swings and running in place.
Core Exercises
Most winter sports require good balance, which relies on strong core muscles. Include at least 10 minutes of core exercises two to three times per week, choosing movements that mirror the activities you’ll be doing outside. Make sure to move your core forward and back, as well as side-to-side.
Improve Reactive Power
Prepare for winter activities by doing workouts that help you perform the powerful side-to-side and up-and-down movements necessary for snowboarding, skiing, and skating. These movements require you to use two muscle groups to create reactive power, such as jumping off a mogul or making quick turns. Use resistance bands, dumbbells, and calisthenics to build your leg and core muscles. Lunges, jump squats, burpees and jumping as high as you can are good choices. Target your hamstrings and calves, which can cramp if you overdo it on the slopes, pond, or hill.
Learn How to Fall
Many people break bones by not falling correctly. This often occurs when they stick their arms straight out and use their hands to try and break a fall. Landing on your shoulder can cause serious and long-term ligament and/or tendon damage. Learning how to avoid falls and how to fall correctly can help protect your arms and legs.
Skip the Last Run and Listen to Your Body
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons advises that many winter sports injuries occur later in the day, suggesting that people might be getting injured because they are pushing their limits to make that final ski or snowboard run. If you feel fatigued and are debating whether or not to take that one last run, it’s probably a good time to call it a day. Always listen to your body. If you’re tired, stop. Any time you have chest pain, lightheadedness, shortness of breath and dizziness, stop immediately and seek medical attention.
Know Where to Go if You do Get Injured
Sports injuries can come on suddenly or occur gradually. Even a minor injury can keep you from participating in activities you love or performing your best. Trinity Health Michigan delivers specialized care to help you get back in the game safely and without pain.
Expecting mothers at Trinity Health Oakland now have increased access to high quality evidence-based care through pregnancy and labor with Certified Nurse-Midwives.
If you are not familiar, midwives are nurses specialized in advanced practice nursing. These experienced medical professionals have both a nursing degree and a master’s degree. Though midwife services are not a new concept, the hospital’s introduction of them in our outpatient office in Bloomfield Hills greatly expands access to their services in northern Oakland County.
As midwives, our focus with every patient is to empower them, to ensure their voice is heard and listened to, and to have them actively participate in decision making throughout their prenatal care and labor. At the end of the day, we advocate for our mothers, and we work to provide them with the best options available so they can have a customized birthing experience in keeping with their faith, traditions and expectations. We do so in the safest possible environment, while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both the mother and her baby.
Another reason expecting mothers choose nurse-midwives as their healthcare provider is for the guidance and counseling we offer, including preparing for labor. From start to finish, the process of bringing a newborn into the world can be daunting, so our nurse-midwives offer critical support and anticipatory guidance, so mothers feel informed and supported.
The specialty care provided by nurse-midwives is proven to be very effective. When women use a midwife, the chances of them needing a cesarean section are greatly reduced, as are preterm birth rates, according to a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine. Midwives can combine the necessary prenatal care while also providing additional support and encouragement during this critical time in a woman’s life.
At Trinity Health Oakland we are part of a large medical care team. Our nurse-midwives can collaborate with Obstetrics and Gynecology physicians as necessary throughout the pregnancy and delivery, including in the event a delivery becomes high-risk or if an emergency procedure is required. Nurse-midwives and physicians work closely together to ensure the mother is part of the decision-making process, all while making it the safest environment for both the mother and the baby.
Beyond the birthing experience, midwifery services are also used after the pregnancy, from annual exams, well-woman care, cancer screening, preconception counseling, pregnancy, postpartum and peri- and postmenopausal needs.
We are thrilled to now offer this service in Oakland County and encourage every expecting mother to ask questions, do their homework, and choose a care provider that best meets their needs.
To schedule an appointment with a nurse-midwife, please call the Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, Nurse Midwives – Bloomfield Hills office at (248) 334-3213.
If you are interested to learn some fun, new heart healthy meal options, look no further than our friend Amanda Sweetman, Regional Director of Farming and Healthy Lifestyles for Trinity Michigan. This week they shared a delicious and refreshing Swiss Chard Salad, enough to feed you and your special someone this Valentine’s Day.
The School of Adult Cardiac Ultrasound is a highly specialized and accelerated certificate program that trains students to become knowledgeable healthcare professionals who assist in diagnostic procedures performed in an Adult Cardiac Ultrasound Laboratory setting. Students begin the program by learning the basic fundamentals of heart function and physiology, then concentrate on core, didactic, lab, and clinical cardiovascular courses related to Adult Echocardiography. Specialty areas of the program include transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and stress echocardiography (SE).
About Our Adult ECHO Program
The program comprises an initial five weeks of dedicated classroom instruction, concentration on anatomy, basic equipment operation and fundamental skill development in cardiac ultrasound. The remaining 47 weeks comprises four days of clinical, hands-on instruction at our hospital training sites and one day of classroom instruction. Students rotate their clinical training in several local hospitals. These rotations provide students with a broad range of clinical experiences.
This 52-week program combines dedicated classroom and clinical instruction with the concentration in Adult Cardiac ultrasound. Classroom instruction will take place one day a week with the remaining 4 days consisting of clinical, hands-on instruction. (This program is for applicants without an ultrasound credential.)
Classes being in September after Labor Day, with a clinical practicum at Trinity Ann Arbor-Michigan Heart and various sites around SE Michigan.
750-1000 word essay as to why you want to pursue a career in cardiac sonography, qualities you possess for this program, and past experiences that will help you in this career.
Proof of BLS
Program Prerequisite
Any bachelors in health science degree in health science or non-health science with:
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Medical Terminology
Communications (English/Composition)
Any 2 year AMA Allied Health degree such but not limited to: Rad Tech, Physical Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Cardio Pulmonary Technology, Occupational Therapy, and Registered Nurse.
Human Anatomy and Physiology (I & II)
Medical Terminology
Communications (English/Composition)
For either prerequisite listed above you must have obtained a C grade or higher.
Accreditations
Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital is an accredited hospital:
The Joint Commission One Renaissance Blvd, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 Phone: 630.792.5800
School of Cardiac Sonography Program Accreditation
In our initial year, Trinity Ann Arbor School of Cardiac Echocardiography is not an accredited program by CAAHEP butwill be seeking accreditation by recommendation of JRC-CVT in 2024. However, students are able to sit for boards through ARDMS in adult echocardiography (AE) and ultrasound physics (SPI). The RCS and/or RDCS credential is required to work in an accredited echocardiography lab. Therefore, the student must pass the national exam to graduate from the program.
Program Outcomes
The School of Cardiac Ultrasound is a new program offered Trinity Health Ann Arbor. There are currently no outcomes to report. The first class will graduate in August 2024. Program outcomes will be posted when available.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition is $17,500
Once accepted there is a $500 nonrefundable deposit upon agreement between parties.
Books will be provided by Trinity Ann Arbor School of Echocardiography.
The tuition may be paid in a lump sum or 3 installments of $5833.00. If paying with installments the balance must be paid the first day of each term.
Refund Policy
The total cost of the Adult Cardiac Ultrasound program is $17,500.00, which includes the application fee, administrative duties, and books. A non-refundable application fee ($50.00) is to be paid separately. Note the registry exam fee ($350.00) will be reimbursed to the student after graduation from the program.
Once the candidate is notified of acceptance to the program, a deposit of $500.00 is to be paid within 14 days of the dated acceptance letter; the remaining balance of $17,000 is to be paid in full 14 days thereafter. Note that tuition is non-refundable once submitted. This is accordance with the State of Michigan refund policy stated in Title IV.
Partial refund policy:
A student that starts class and withdraws during the first full calendar week of the term shall receive 75% refund.
A student who withdraws during the second full calendar week of the term shall receive 50% refund of the semester tuition.
A student who withdraws during the third calendar week of the term shall receive 25% of the semester tuition.
A student who withdraws during the fourth calendar week of the term shall not receive a refund.
Any student dismissed shall not be issued a refund or financial obligation.
Health Insurance
Trinity Health School of Cardiac Ultrasound does NOT provide health coverage for students. All students must provide health insurance prior to beginning the program.
Trinity Health School of Cardiac Ultrasound is not responsible for medical expenses related to diseases, injury or illness while enrolled in the program. The students assume risk while being exposed to patients with contagious diseases, infections, and blood from a patient who is a carrier of contagious diseases. The student, may under the advice of a Trinity physician be directed to the Emergency Department to administer treatment if deemed necessary by the consulting physician.
Computer Technology
A personal computer/tablet and personal cell phone are necessary tools for the program. We often communicate with text or email for urgent and non-urgent changes.
Mandatory Drug Screening & Criminal Background Check
There is a mandatory drugs screening prior to entry into the program, as well as a criminal background check are required for the program.
Admissions Process
Admissions Criteria:
Academic degree
Prior Healthcare work
Interview impression
Accomplishments / volunteer work / strength of letters of recommendation
Timeline for Applicants:
Feb 15 – Begin accepting applications
May 15 – Application Deadline
June 1 – Selection of candidates
June 15 – Last Day to accept
July 1 – Acceptance of offer and deposit sent in Tuesday after Labor Day Classes begin
For questions about the program, please contact Regina Soberano-Danek at 734-712-8023 or rsoberanodanek@michiganheart.com
When you experience a sudden unexpected illness or an injury, you want to be seen right away. Yet not all concerns are life-threatening and therefore may not warrant a trip to the emergency room. Knowing where to go for your symptoms not only helps you receive the right type of care, but also helps clinical staff provide care in a timely manner for you and other patients.
When should you go to your Primary Care Provider?
For all non-life-threatening emergencies, always call your primary care provider first. Your provider knows your history and can advise you when to use the other options for care.
Need to find a doctor?
Our high-quality primary care doctors are ready to care for you. Schedule an appointment with one today.
Visit the urgent care for minor illness or injury that’s not life-threatening occurring outside of your primary care provider’s regular hours.
When should you go to the Emergency Room (ER)?
Making a visit to the ER should be reserved for severe symptoms and/or life threating conditions. Emergency physicians are experts in life-threating situations like the ones listed below. Their goal is to quickly diagnose, treat and stabilize your condition, and then they will typically refer you back to your regular doctor or specialist for any follow-up care that is needed.
If you’re still unsure of where to go for appropriate medical care, it’s best to check with your primary care provider. And remember, for a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.
