HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEMS

Henry Ford Health Systems’ Vice Chair of Surgery and System Director of Thoracic Surgery, Dr. Ikenna Okereke, immigrated to Detroit from Nigeria in middle school. He moved away but always remembered Detroit as the place that gave his family a chance. Now that Okereke has returned, he wants to provide Detroit area youth with an opportunity too.

JACKSON, MI – Henry Ford Health Systems has picked an interim president for Henry Ford Allegiance Health. Henry Ford Allegiance Health’s Chief Operating Officer Emily Moorhead will serve as the interim president after former President/CEO Paula Autry left the health system in February. Henry Ford Health System has not disclosed a reason for Autry’s departure. Related: Henry Ford Allegiance Health president/CEO has left her job, officials sayMoorhead first started at Henry Ford Allegiance Health as its chief operating officer in January of 2020, according to Moorhead’s LinkedIn page. Henry Ford Health System would not disclose how long Moorhead will be in the interim position, or about the process for replacing Autry.

Hospitals in the Detroit area were seeing some hopeful signs this week as the number of COVID-19 patients, though still high, decreased. Cases in southeast Michigan have plateaued while they are increasing in other regions of the state, according to a weekly state report and recent Michigan data. As of Friday, the regions, the most populous in Michigan, had 2,377 total patients with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19. In December, there were more than 1,000 COVID-19 patients in intensive care. Michigan hospitals have not tracked and reported this information.

The current COVID-19 surge is taking a huge toll on both Beaumont and Henry Ford Health Systems throughout metro Detroit.

With Thursday being Nurse Appreciation Day, many around the globe are celebrating the heroes of the hospital.

Henry Ford Health System announced Thursday it is partnering with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to increase access to monoclonal antibody treatments.

The spread of coronavirus is not slowing down in Michigan.

DETROIT – The first COVID-19 vaccine could potentially be rolled out by mid-December, but local health system leaders voiced their concern Friday about recent polls that suggest people may be reluctant to get it. In a briefing Friday, Henry Ford’s chief clinical officer Dr. Adnan Munkarah said addressing those concerns is a top priority. “People ask me am if I’m going to take the vaccine, I’m going to say, ‘Absolutely, yes. The minute the FDA has us gives us the proof that there’s a vaccine that is effective and safe,’” Munkarah said. But there is a concern that many in the community will be hesitant to take the vaccine.

"And when you're in a battle for that long, you lose a bit of energy, steam, and resiliency. "Tina Freese-Decker, CEO of Spectrum Health, said COVID positivity rates have risen from 3% to 15%. "I think some of our rural communities felt that they're isolated, that they're protected," Ness remarked. So, even in our rural communities, you have to be diligent. "More than 3,000 COVID-19 patients are now being treated in Michigan hospitals, a number that could climb to nearly 5,000 within the next few weeks.

Leaders from several of Michigan’s largest hospitals systems are gathered in a virtual news conference Thursday morning as they call on residents to heed warnings about the surge of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the state. “In the last week, Michigan has seen a historic and increasing number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. This has resulted in increased hospitalizations and pressure on our health care infrastructure across the state. New COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise in Michigan. View more: Michigan COVID-19 dataMichigan’s 7-day moving average for daily cases was 5,040 on Tuesday, the highest it has ever been.

As kids head back to school, whether virtually or in person, planning meals will become more important. Henry Ford Health Systems Nutritionist Sayde Beeler explained that without a mix of fats, proteins, and fibers, school snacks will leave kids feeling less full. Even snacking on healthy items like fruits and vegetables can still leave you hungry, and not able to focus fully on work or school. Beeler suggests planning meals in advance so you dont have to take time out of the work or school day working in the kitchen. She also suggests getting the family involved in meal prep.

Henry Ford brings fight to find COVID-19 vaccine to MichiganPublished: July 28, 2020, 5:49 pmOn Tuesday, Henry Ford Health System announced it is bringing the fight to find a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to Michigan.

Good nutrition is always important but especially during these times. Knol also talked about what healthy foods are in season right now. “There’s a lot of things in season right now from your berries to tomatoes and cucumbers. When picking fruits that taste the best Knol advised to focus on your senses. You can watch the video above to see the ”Greek 7-Layer Dip” recipe she shared which included hummus, parsley, cucumbers, tomatoes, and more.

Henry Ford Health System will lead the first large-scale study in the United States of the effectiveness of an anti-malarial drug in preventing COVID-19 in healthcare workers and first responders who volunteer to participate. Dr. Marcus Zervos, division head of Infectious Disease for Henry Ford Health System, will oversee this study with Dr. ONeill. Metro Detroit has a history of stepping up when things get tough, said Dr. Adnan Munkarah, Henry Ford Health System Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer. Henry Ford Health System is poised to do anything we can to help them stay safe. The FDA will provide the drug directly to Henry Ford Health System physicians to distribute. Henry Ford is also becoming involved in an Abbott-led study of a rapid, point-of-care test for COVID-19.

DETROIT – Henry Ford Health System will launch the first large-scale U.S. study to determine a drug’s effectiveness in preventing coronavirus (COVID-19). The study of hydroxychloroquine used prophylactically could begin as early as next week, according to Henry Ford. Dr. Marcus Zervos, division head of Infectious Disease for Henry Ford Health System, will oversee this study with Dr. O’Neill. The study medication was specially procured for this study and will not impact the supply of medication for people who already take the medication for other conditions. Henry Ford Health System is poised to do anything we can to help them stay safe.” ​The FDA will provide the drug directly to Henry Ford Health System physicians to distribute.

DETROIT – Henry Ford Health Systems is rolling out a new art exhibit replacing old artwork in hospital rooms with patient inspired art. The reality of chemotherapy can paint a pretty dismal picture, but at Henry Ford, art therapy is being employed as part of the treatment plan. Research has shown that creativity has powerful healing properties and through art sessions patients are invited to express themselves. Their masterpieces are distributed through the hospital system to be placed in patient rooms and hallways as a powerful testimony of hope and healing. Watch the video above for the full report.

With Halloween just around the corner, you might already be bracing yourself for the loads of candy that will be leftover. Shaelyn Gurzick, a registered dietitian with Henry Ford Health Systems, joined Tati Amare to talk about how you can make the most out of your extra sweets. From freezing, decorating, or cooking with it, these creative ideas will have you using your candy throughout the year! Watch the video above to see more ideas for leftover Halloween candy. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

Live In The D host Tati Amare chatted with Saydee Beeler, a nutritionist form Henry Ford Health Systems, about how to add healthier options to your tailgate. Saydee brought in fruits and vegetables to go along with your favorite tailgate treats. Some healthy options Saydee brought in were fruit Kabobs, grilled peaches, veggie foil wraps, and fruits to use as a garnish for your burgers or bratwurst. Additionally, you create an irresistible, colorful kale salad with your favorite healthy toppings. This is a great side for all of your goodies while helping to balance out your tailgate.