• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Email Us (586) 276-7530
South Macomb Internal Medicine

South Macomb Internal Medicine

Warren, MI

  • Home
  • About
    • Dr. Jennilyn Wetzel
    • Dr. John Vollmer
    • Dr. Michael Rottman, Retired
    • Raied M. Hanna, M.D., ABIM
    • Careers
  • Telemedicine
  • Services, Treatments & Diagnostics
    • Allergy Testing
    • Diabetes
    • High Cholesterol
    • Hypertension
    • In-Office Tests & Labs
    • Obesity and Weight Management
    • Preventive Medicine
    • Skin disorders and diseases
  • Covid – 19
  • Patients
    • Patient Portal
    • New Patient Packet
    • HIPAA/Release of Information
    • All Other Forms
  • Blog
  • Contact

News

How to Determine if You Need the ER or Urgent Care

When it comes to seeking medical attention, it can be difficult to determine whether you need to visit the Emergency Room (ER) or Urgent Care. Both offer medical services, but there are key differences that should be considered before making a decision. In this blog, we’ll explore how to determine which option is best for you.

South Macomb Internal Medicine understands the importance of receiving timely medical care. That’s why we want to ensure you have the knowledge to make an informed decision when it comes to seeking medical attention.

What is Urgent Care?
Urgent Care centers offer medical services for non-life-threatening conditions that require immediate attention. These centers are typically open beyond traditional office hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate patients who need medical attention urgently.

What is the Emergency Room?
Emergency Rooms are equipped to handle medical emergencies, such as severe injuries or life-threatening conditions. They are open 24 hours a day and have the ability to offer a wide range of medical services, including surgical procedures.

When to go to Urgent Care
If you have a medical condition that requires immediate attention, but it’s not life-threatening, Urgent Care may be the best option for you. Urgent Care can treat a wide range of medical issues, including:

Minor injuries, such as cuts and bruises
Cold and flu symptoms
Allergies
Ear infections
Minor burns
Sprains and strains

When to go to the Emergency Room
If you have a medical condition that requires immediate attention and could be life-threatening, the Emergency Room is the best option. The following are examples of medical emergencies that require immediate attention:

Chest pain or pressure
Severe bleeding or head trauma
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Severe abdominal pain
Stroke symptoms, such as slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body
Loss of consciousness
It’s important to remember that the Emergency Room is not a substitute for primary care. If you have a chronic medical condition or need ongoing medical care, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician.

Determining whether to visit Urgent Care or the Emergency Room can be difficult. However, it’s important to understand the differences between the two to make the best decision for your medical needs. If you have a non-life-threatening medical issue that requires immediate attention, Urgent Care may be the best option. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, the Emergency Room is the best option.

At South Macomb Internal Medicine, we understand that medical emergencies can happen at any time. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of medical professionals is here to assist you.

Filed Under: News

Understanding High Cholesterol and Its Effects on Your Health

Many people know that high cholesterol can lead to heart health issues, but few understand how it can contribute to other physical issues. South Macomb Internal Medicine is here to help you understand the effects of high cholesterol and what you can do about it.

What is High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your blood. It’s actually necessary for your body to function properly, but if you have too much of it in your blood, it can build up on the walls of your arteries and lead to serious health problems. There are two different types of cholesterol – LDL (low-density lipoproteins) and HDL (high-density lipoproteins). The higher your LDL levels, the greater the risk of developing heart disease or stroke.

How Can High Cholesterol Affect Other Areas of My Health?
High cholesterol has been linked to a number of other physical issues. For example, having high cholesterol increases your risk for peripheral artery disease (PAD), which occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to other parts of your body such as arms and legs. This buildup can cause pain or numbness in those areas as well as coldness in hands or feet. Additionally, if left untreated, PAD can lead to more serious complications such as gangrene or even amputation.

High cholesterol also increases your risk for diabetes or kidney disease. People with high cholesterol often have higher levels of insulin which can put them at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance. Additionally, high cholesterol levels may contribute to kidney damage by causing hardening of the arteries leading into the kidneys which can impair their functioning over time and eventually lead to kidney failure if left untreated.

High cholesterol is a serious issue that should not be taken lightly. If you think you might be at risk for high cholesterol levels, we highly recommend making an appointment with our internal medicine office so we can run some tests and get you on track with a healthy lifestyle plan tailored specifically for you! Taking steps now will help ensure a healthier future full of fewer risks associated with high cholesterol!

Filed Under: News

Making 2023 Your Healthiest Year Yet!

With the start of a new year, it’s a great time to take stock of your health and set some goals for the coming year. Here at South Macomb Internal Medicine, we want to help you make sure that 2023 is your healthiest year yet. Read on to find out how you can get started on the right foot and stay healthy all year long.

Start Right with a Checkup
The best way to kick off the new year is by scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider. Checking in with your doctor ensures that any underlying conditions are being managed properly and that any changes in symptoms or lifestyle can be discussed. Plus, most insurance plans cover an annual physical so there’s no excuse not to come in for a checkup!

Set Goals & Track Progress
After your checkup, make sure you follow up with yourself by setting some health-related goals. You might decide to quit smoking, lose weight, or increase your physical activity level. Whatever goal you choose, make sure it’s realistic and achievable within the 12-month timeframe. To keep yourself accountable, track your progress regularly using apps or journals so you can see how far you’ve come—and how far you still need to go!

Be Mindful of Your Diet & Exercise Habits
Now that you’ve set some goals for yourself, it’s important that you take steps towards achieving them every day. Start by improving your diet—cut down on unhealthy snacks and junk food and try to get more fruits and vegetables into each meal. Adding 30 minutes of exercise into each day can also do wonders for both mental and physical wellbeing; if you don’t have time for a workout class, just going for a walk around the block counts as exercise too!

2023 is sure to be an exciting year filled with plenty of opportunities for personal growth—including improving our own health and wellness! Here at South Macomb Internal Medicine we want our patients to always stay healthy so they can enjoy everything life has to offer this year and beyond. We hope these tips have given you some ideas about where to start when it comes to improving your health in 2023.

Filed Under: News

Saving on Healthcare in the New Year

The new year is a time for reflection, setting goals, and making resolutions. For many of us, that includes vowing to finally take care of our health. But if you’re like most people, the idea of shelling out money for doctor’s visits, tests, and procedures can be daunting. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to save on healthcare costs without skimping on quality care. Here are a few tips from the team at South Macomb Internal Medicine.

 

  1. Get preventive care.

One of the best ways to save on healthcare costs is to focus on preventive care. That means getting regular checkups, screenings, and vaccinations as recommended by your doctor. Not only will this help you stay healthy and catch problems early, but many insurance companies offer free or reduced-cost preventive services. So it’s a win-win!

 

  1. Shop around for prescriptions. 

If you take medication regularly, you know how quickly those costs can add up. But did you know that you can often save money by shopping around for your prescriptions? Check with different pharmacies to see who has the best prices for the medications you need. You can also ask your doctor if there are any generic options available. And don’t forget to check if your insurance company offers any prescription discounts or mail-order options.

 

  1. Stay healthy! 

This one may seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating: one of the best ways to save on healthcare costs is to stay healthy in the first place! Eating right, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are all important components of a healthy lifestyle. And while it’s not always possible to avoid getting sick altogether, staying healthy will help you avoid costly doctor’s visits and hospital stays down the road.

 

  1. Get a flu shot. The flu can be a serious illness, particularly for elderly patients or those with underlying health conditions. Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the flu and avoid costly medical bills. The cost of a flu shot is typically covered by insurance, so there’s no excuse not to get one.

 

  1. Eat healthy and exercise regularly. Eating healthy food and exercising regularly are two of the best ways to prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. And as an added bonus, eating healthy and exercising regularly can also help you lose weight, which can help reduce your risk of developing obesity-related conditions like joint pain, sleep apnea, and certain types of cancer.

 

  1. Quit smoking. Smoking is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, so quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Not only will quitting smoking improves your health, it will also save you money on things like life insurance and healthcare costs down the road.

 

  1. Get regular checkups and screenings. Regular checkups and screenings can help catch health problems early when they’re often more treatable. For example, getting a colonoscopy can help catch colon cancer early, when it’s most likely to be curable. So be sure to schedule regular appointments with your primary care physician and get any recommended screenings or tests done in a timely manner.

 

There’s no doubt about it—healthcare costs can be expensive. But there are plenty of ways to save on your healthcare expenses without sacrificing quality care. From preventive care to prescription drugs, there are many opportunities to reduce your healthcare costs in the new year. Talk to your doctor or another healthcare professional about what steps you can take to start saving today. Our team at South Macomb Internal Medicine would be happy to help you manage your diabetes through lifestyle changes, medication management, or insulin therapy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule an appointment with us today. At South Macomb Internal Medicine the patient comes first. Our priority is and always has been patient care before all else.

 

Filed Under: News

Early Detection is Key During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and at South Macomb Internal Medicine, we want to stress the importance of early detection. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, “if detected early, breast cancer has a 91% five-year survival rate.” 

 

There are many risk factors associated with breast cancer, and it’s important to be aware of them. Age, gender, family history, and lifestyle choices are all factors that can contribute to your likelihood of developing breast cancer. However, the most important thing you can do is to get screened regularly. 

 

Screenings You Should Be Getting 

The American Cancer Society recommends that women over the age of 45 get a mammogram every year. If you are under 45, you should talk to your doctor about when you should start getting mammograms and how often you should be getting them. In addition to mammograms, you should also perform monthly self-breast exams. This way you can become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel so that you can more easily detect any changes. 

 

If you do find a lump or something that doesn’t seem right, don’t panic. Lumps are often benign and not indicative of cancer. However, it’s still important to have them checked out by a doctor just in case. Many women delay going to the doctor because they are embarrassed or scared, but it is so important to take action as soon as possible if you think something might be wrong. 

 

At South Macomb Internal Medicine, we care about your health and well-being. We want to encourage all of our patients—both current and future—to take action this October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Remember, early detection is key. If you have any questions or concerns about breast cancer screenings or anything else related to your health, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule an appointment with us today. At South Macomb Internal Medicine the patient comes first. Our priority is and always has been patient care before all else.

 

Filed Under: News

Health Screenings: What Women Need at Every Age

As you age, it’s important to get health screenings to check for any potential problems. The type of screenings that you need will vary depending on your age and health history. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of health screenings that are recommended for people at different stages in life.

If you’re in your 20s, it’s important to get a few key health screenings. These include a blood pressure check, cholesterol test, and Pap smear. You should also start getting screened for STDs if you’re sexually active. In your 30s, you should continue to get these same screenings. You may also want to start getting mammograms and colon cancer screenings at this age. If you have any risk factors for certain diseases, your doctor may recommend additional screenings as well.

As you enter your 40s, it’s still important to get the same screenings that are recommended in your 30s. However, you may need to start getting them more often. For example, you may need to get a mammogram every year instead of every other year. You should also start getting prostate cancer screenings if you’re a man. If you have any health concerns, be sure to discuss them with your doctor so that you can get the appropriate screenings.

In your 50s and beyond, you should continue to get all of the same screenings that are recommended in your 40s. You may also want to start getting more frequent screenings for colon cancer and breast cancer. Your doctor may also recommend additional screenings based on your health history and risk factors. Be sure to stay up-to-date on all of your health screenings so that you can catch any problems early.

As always, it’s important to talk to your doctor about which health screenings are right for you. They can help you create a personalized screening schedule that fits your needs. Stay healthy and don’t forget to get screened! If you have any questions about your health, our team of experts at South Macomb Internal Medicine are always here to help. At South Macomb Internal Medicine the patient comes first. Our priority is and always has been patient care before all else.

 

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Doctor's Office, Macomb Doctor, Medical Practice

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to Next Page »

Footer

Contact Information

We’ve Moved, Just 2 Doors Down!

South Macomb Internal Medicine
28401 Hoover Rd
Warren, MI 48093

Phone: (586) 276-7530

Our Practitioners

  • Dr. Jennilyn Wetzel
  • Dr. Keith Hoffmann
  • Dr. John Vollmer

Patient Portal

Patient Portal

Copyright © 2023 South Macomb Internal Medicine