Avalon Physician Services

The NWS HeatRisk is forecasting a multiple day heat event starting Monday, June 17 and potentially going through Friday, June 21. All counties are forecasted to experience some level of heat risk ranging from Minor (Yellow) to Extreme (Magenta).

Learn more below about how to keep you and your loved ones safe! You can also visit the AgeWays website for a list of area cooling centers and more tips:https://www.ageways.org/2024/06/14/heat-warnings-issued-find-michigan-cooling-centers/

This Tuesday, June 18, we'll be providing free blood pressure checks at Willow Pines Retirement Community beginning at 1 p.m. Stop by, say hi, and see what steps you can take to live a healthier lifestyle this summer!

June 6 is National Eyewear Day! Have you scheduled your yearly comprehensive exam with our visiting Optometrist?! It's a good idea to keep up with regular exams to have accurate prescriptions to prevent future eye issues.

Speaking of eyewear...if you're a resident in many of the assisted living or independent living communities in Southeast Michigan, you may have had the pleasure of shopping for eyeglasses right in your community! 2U Vision is a mobile eyeglass store, check their calendar on the website to see when they are going to be in your area!

With June being Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, we wanted to highlight some healthy habits for your brain published by the Alzheimer's Association. Together, we can make a difference and focus on promoting healthy brain habits to

10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain Learn about positive, everyday actions for a healthy brain and body that can potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Happy !

Have you had your eyes examined recently? We have a wonderful Optometrist, Dr. White, who travels to our patients in the communities they reside to do exams in the comfort of their own home!

Common Eye Conditions and the Impact of Vision Loss as You Age If you are living with vision loss, "You can do more than just survive. You can thrive." Learn more about the support available from the Time to Be Bold initiative.

Do's and Don't of communicating with a person with dementia.

Happy Nurses Week!

We love to shine a spotlight on the individuals that have dedicated their lives to a career of caring for others! If you've called our office, it is very likely that you have spoken to our in-office RN April. She is knowledgeable, caring, charismatic and always goes above and beyond with the best interest of our patients in mind.

Thank you April for making a difference in the lives of others, we appreciate you! 🩺

Feeling Stressed Out? face a unique set of life challenges that can lead to . Learn to identify its causes and symptoms so you can take steps to proactively manage it.👇

WHAT'S GOING AROUND?— Each week, we ask our ER physicians what ailments and conditions are commonly being seen in our Emergency Room.

THIS WEEK, Dr. Christopher Shamass, an emergency physician at McLaren Macomb, reports:

Flu
There is still a high volume of patients testing positive for influenza after experiencing cough, fever, and body aches.

URI
Viral upper respiratory infections continue to be the most common diagnosis among patients, who develop flu-like symptoms, though test negative for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19.

RSV
The volume of patients testing positive for RSV has significantly tapered off over the past several weeks.

Gastro
Viral gastroenteritis and symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea continue to be a common diagnosis.

Every year the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) recognizes the incredible work of individuals working on the front lines of patient access. We are fortunate to have an incredible team who provides seamless patient communication, management and overall experience to our patients and their families.

Our patient portal allows you to have full access and transparency, "your health in your hands."

Happy National Doctor's Week! We want to take a moment to recognize Avalon's exceptional doctors and express our gratitude for everything you do. Your knowledge and compassion make a world of difference in the lives of your patients! Thank you for your continued dedication!

Dr. Gary Sarafa, M.D., Avalon Physician Services Founder and Chief Medical Officer👨🏽‍⚕️

Dr. Christine Shina, M.D.🩺

Dr. Andrew S. White, O.D.👀

Dr. Gary Sarafa was recently interviewed by MedCentral to provide insight into the benefits and structure of home-based clinical care. Click the link below to read the full article!

How to Make Home Health Care Viable Thinking about moving from clinic- or office-based care to home-based care? Here’s how to get started and maintain revenue.

The common cold, flu, and COVID-19 all have similar symptoms. Knowing the signs of a cold, the flu, and COVID-19 can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

We hope you are transitioning well from the "spring forward" time change and staying mindful of receiving an adequate amount of sleep!

How Sleep Affects Your Health Learn more about the connection of poor sleep and unhealthy weight gain, and how adopting a nighttime ritual makes for better rest and quality of life.

Dietary needs change through each stage of life, but a nutritious and balanced diet is always important!

For National Nutrition Month, try incorporating some new health-conscious foods into your diet!

If you're in the Northville area today, we'll be providing free blood pressure checks at Willow Pines Retirement Community for their health and wellness event from 1 - 3 p.m. Come say hi and stay up to date on your health!

Have you scheduled your annual wellness visit this year? Call our office today to schedule an appointment, our provider's come to you! 248-277-3110

What Is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit? What Seniors Need to Know If you’re age 65+, the Annual Wellness Visit is a free yearly benefit you don’t want to overlook. Learn what it is and what you can expect at your appointment.

February is Heart Health Awareness Month. The smallest lifestyle changes can lead to significant improvements. Find out more about our cardiovascular services and the experts near you at https://bit.ly/42sZiAe

This February, let's focus on our cardiovascular well-being! Small heart-healthy actions like increased daily movement and stress management can have a big impact on our overall heart health.

We love receiving feedback knowing our patients' families value our nurse practitioners as much as we do! Keep up the great work, Bre'Ana!

A notable PSA from McLaren's ER physicians who are reporting RSV, Pneumonia and Upper Respiratory Illness as common ailments being seen in the ER. Make sure you and your families are doing the best you can to not contract and/or spread these illnesses.

WHAT'S GOING AROUND?— Each week, we ask our ER physicians what ailments and conditions are commonly being seen in our Emergency Room.

THIS WEEK, Dr. Richard Reidy, an emergency physician at McLaren Macomb, reports:

RSV
Patients testing positive for RSV and experiencing a lingering cough and asthmatic symptoms continue to be the most common reason patients seek care in the ER.

PNEUMONIA
There has been a noticeable increase in pneumonia and symptoms of a cough, fever, and breathing difficulties.

UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS
Various forms of viral upper respiratory infections, including influenza and COVID-19, continue to be reported in high volumes, resulting in symptoms of a persistent cough and fever.

What are some of your 2024 care goals? We recommend prioritizing yourself and your health!

Don't know where to start with a routine health checkup? Contact our office today and we can set up a provider coming to see you in your place of residence!

10 Holiday Tips for Family Caregivers

5 Warning Signs of a Medicare Scam are all too common today. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones.👇

It is important to know the signs that suggest an aging parent should no longer live alone. This U.S. News Health article provides a good overview of what to look for in aging adults and provides options on how you can assist to ensure safety inside the home.

11 Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Senior Care It can be difficult to determine when your aging parent can no longer live alone. Learn the signs to look for and steps to take to ensure their safety.

Happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate! May your days be filled with joy, happiness and loved ones.

How to Take Care of Your Health During the Holidays We know the holidays can be challenging for many older adults by ushering in a heightened sense of loss, stress, and depression. Follow this advice from Team Alice, a group dedicated to helping prevent medication harm to older adults and named for Alice Brennan, a vibrant 88-year-old who died due to...