Steven A. Mikulak, DC, CCSP

Dr. Steven A Mikulak wrote: “Who’s responsible for our health care crisis: government, pharmaceutical companies, the health care industry, or the food industry? Although each of these has a hand in perpetuating the problem, none are the true cause. The real blame lies in the individual’s poor choices and lifestyle, mostly in the areas of food, exercise and stress. This leads to health-related issues in the news daily, such as cancer, depression, gallbladder disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and more.”

In his new book, “The Healthy Life Project,” Dr. Steven A. Mikulak explains how Americans have gotten themselves into this crisis state, and better yet shows exactly how to get out of it. Dr. Mikulak believes the real answer does not rely on the curing of disease, but in the prevention of disease through a healthy lifestyle.

“The Healthy Life Project” addresses today’s dietary pitfalls and nutritional needs, easy ways to keep moving through life with less pain, and five simple steps to follow which will make it all happen.

“Encountering pain in life is inevitable; suffering, however, is optional,” said Dr. Mikulak.

Steven A. Mikulak, DC, CCSP is owner and clinical director of Healthy Life Pain & Performance Solutions in Rockford. “Dr. Mik” is a graduate of Rockford High School, studied kinesiology and exercise science at Michigan State University, has a doctorate of chiropractic from Palmer College in Davenport, Iowa, and is a certified chiropractic sports physician. He was driven to write this book to address the most common questions he gets from his patients: “Why do I hurt; how did I get this way; how can I prevent it from happening again?” His back-to-basics approach to taking responsibility for one’s own health involves helping the body heal itself as it was naturally designed to do.

For more information, visit Dr. Mikulak’s website at www.healthylife4me.com.

“We are pleased to share the excitement of this pivotal athletic event for the region,” said ChoiceOne Bank President and Chief Executive Officer James Bosserd. “ChoiceOne looks forward to supporting an event that benefits our local communities. As a community bank, we are also gratified to extend this opportunity to help local youth achieve healthy lifestyles through the Community Health Outreach Fund.”

The Community Health Outreach Fund targets efforts to combat childhood obesity. A pilot program focusing on childhood obesity and self-body image for youths ages 11-18 has concluded with significant results. This medically supervised long-term health and weight management program provides support, encouragement and knowledge to participants working toward goals and seeking healthy lifestyles. A pilot group of 12 youths lost a combined 393 pounds—an average participant weight loss of 33 pounds. Additional classes are being planned.

“A key strategic initiative for Spectrum Health is to develop healthier communities,” stated Randy Stasik, CEO of Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Hospital. “One way our organization intends to improve the health of our communities is to have an organization-wide fund development strategy that targets community health initiatives. To achieve this goal, the SHGM Community Health Outreach Fund was established.”

Patients, customers and the public can join in the fight against childhood obesity. Make a donation by purchasing a “canoe” for $1 (minimum) at any ChoiceOne Bank location, or at the Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Hospital Gift Shop.

The 2011 USCA Newaygo Nationals is expected to attract hundreds of world-class paddlers from 30+ states, the Canadian Provinces, and at least five foreign countries, and includes a wide variety of pre- and post-race community events. The Newaygo Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor live music, children’s activities, family paddling activities, and other events designed to accommodate the paddlers and their families, and to complement race activities.

Contact the Newaygo Area Chamber of Commerce at www.newaygonaturally.com or www.newaygonationals.com for more information about the race.

Brien J. Smith, MD

The Epilepsy Foundation announced recently that it has elected Brien J. Smith, MD, as chair of its board of directors. Smith is chief of neurology for the Spectrum Health Medical Group.

“Brien is well-respected in the medical community as a top neurologist, and his personal experience with epilepsy has fueled his passion to serve others,” said Rich Denness, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. “Under his leadership, the Foundation will become a stronger voice for people living with epilepsy, many of whom face great obstacles.”

Since its founding in 1968, Smith is the first medical doctor with a history of seizures to serve as the Epilepsy Foundation’s board chair. His primary areas of interest include providing and promoting new therapies and options such as brain surgery and advanced technologies for optimal seizure control. Smith, who has a history of epilepsy related to a brain tumor, is an authority on epilepsy and co-author of the book “Epilepsy Surgery: Case Studies and Commentaries.”

Smith has had a strong advocacy presence on Capitol Hill and before the Administration. He has advocated for more funding to promote a wide range of epilepsy research toward better treatment options, a greater understanding of seizures and a cure for epilepsy.

Additionally, Smith has advocated on the need for greater access to all available treatment, focusing most recently on those who develop epilepsy as a result of traumatic brain injury while in military service. His testimony before Congress helped create the Veterans Administration Epilepsy Centers of Excellence to ensure early recognition and quality treatment and support for veterans with epilepsy.

“I am honored that my colleagues have asked me to serve as chair of the board,” said Smith. “I am excited about this opportunity to continue making the Epilepsy Foundation a prominent presence in communities around the country, where we will provide necessary programs and services to support people affected by epilepsy, increase public understanding of the condition and continue to raise funds toward research for a cure.”

Smith came to Spectrum Health in 2010 from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, where he was both senior staff neurologist and the medical director for the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program. Smith earned his bachelor’s degree at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich., and his medical degree at Wayne State University in Detroit. He completed his fellowship in electroencephalography (EEG)/epilepsy at Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis.

The Epilepsy Foundation, a national nonprofit with affiliated organizations throughout the United States, has led the fight against epilepsy since 1968. The foundation’s mission is to stop seizures, find a cure and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy. For additional information, please visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org.

The Spectrum Health Medical Group currently employs more than 550 physicians and mid-level providers, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Spectrum Health is a nonprofit health system in West Michigan offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which includes nine hospitals and 180 service sites; the Spectrum Health Medical Group and West Michigan Heart, physician groups totaling more than 600 providers; and Priority Health, a health plan with 625,000 members. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer with more than 17,700 employees. In 2010, Spectrum Health was named a Top 10 Health System by Thomson Reuters.

Dr. Jorge Rodriguez, Ph.D

Dr. Jorge Rodriguez, Ph.D. is a personal fitness trainer, professional physical educator, and a doctor in health and physical education, with over 30 years experience. He was the personal trainer of Brad Pitt for the filming of Seven Years in Tibet. Since opening International Bodyworks Fitness eight years ago he has received immense job satisfaction in seeing satisfied customers, time and time again. At International Bodyworks Fitness you don’t just lose weight, you receive life transforming results that direct you to a healthy lifestyle accompanied with great energy.

“Being a personal trainer means helping people improve their lives” Dr. Rodriguez stated. During all these years I’ve developed my own training style with a scientific foundation considering the individual differences and needs of each client.”

This June Dr. Rodriguez is celebrating eight years in the Rockford community, is offering a new affordable small group personal training system and is re-opening the Rockford Yoga Center. May it be weight loss or overall fitness, join one of the best personal trainers with knowledge & experience to see a healthier you today!

Dr. Rodriguez said: “I would like to recognize my wife Wendy for her help and support during these past eight years contributing to the success of our business.”

There are many ways to train and exercise your body and everyone is as different as they are unique. That’s why; whatever you want to do to change your life style Dr. Jorge Rodriguez will help you get the maximum out of your exercise program. It’s the best choice for anyone who respects their body and values their time.

Dr. Rodriguez training Brad Pitt.

Bodywork Fitness offers various personal training packages including a new promotion of small group personal training. Small group personal training is a unique way for people to benefit from the quality of service of a personal trainer, but in a small group setting. You can share this experience with family, friends, work colleagues or those with similar training goals or interests. Benefits includes a cost effective program for individuals while maintaining quality training. Group training is very motivational, fun, interactive between group participants, and encourages team moral and building.

Dr. Rodriguez is excited about the re-opening of the Rockford Yoga Center. It is dedicated exclusively to the practice of yoga, with different instructors and group classes scheduled according to the needs of clients. They offer Hatha, Cardio, Restorative and therapeutic yoga.

Therapeutic yoga is different from your typical yoga class. It is a personalized one-on-one approach to relieving your pain, improving your flexibility, enhancing your strength and developing the ability to become relaxed and connected to what is important to you.

If you’re looking for a one-on-one fitness experience with a highly qualified and experienced personal trainer then look no further. Inside-out Jorge is passionate about your success and will give you the direction and motivation you need to achieve your health and fitness goals.

International Bodyworks Fitness and Rockford Yoga Center is open Monday through Saturday by appointment. The phone number is (616) 8745-933 and you can visit online at www.jorgebodyworks.com.

Veteran yoga teacher, Amy Weintraub, author of the book “Yoga for Depression: A Compassionate Guide to Relieve Suffering Through Yoga” (Broadway Books, 2004), will lead a workshop on Yoga for Anxiety and Depression, May 20-22 at Expressions of Grace Yoga, Northland Drive NE, Grand Rapids.

Weintraub will show how yoga practice can reverse depression, which will be the second biggest world killer by the year 2020, according to the World Health Organization. The workshop will include yogic breathing techniques, guided meditations, tools for managing mood from visualization to toning, and easy yoga postures that are suitable for all levels of practitioners.

Weintraub was once an award-winning television producer, suffering from a depression so severe she was cognitively impaired. “I couldn’t put two shoes in a shoe box or fold a folding chair. Once, instead of sending the amount on the invoice I was paying for my health insurance, I sent the entire balance of my checking account.”

That changed in 1989 when she began a daily yoga practice. Within nine months, Weintraub was able to withdraw from the antidepressant medication that her psychiatrist had said she would likely need for the rest of her life.

Weintraub is the founder of the LifeForce Yoga Healing Institute, is a consultant to Andrew Weil’s Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, and writes frequently on mental health and yoga for national magazines.

For more information about this workshop, please visit expressionsofgraceyoga.com or call (616) 361-8580.

Registration Details:

•            LifeForce Yoga to Manage Your Mood: Clearing the Space—Friday evening, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

•            LifeForce Yoga to Get You off the Couch!—Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 to 5 p.m.

•            LifeForce Yoga to Meet Anxiety—Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

•            LifeForce Yoga for Yoga Teachers, Psychotherapists and Health Care Professionals—Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m.

Workshop Pricing and Options:

•            Friday, all day Saturday, Sunday morning—$230 (11 hours)

•            Friday, all day Saturday, all day Sunday—$265 (14 hours/teachers and therapists)

•            Friday night only—$45

•            Please call for other workshop options and combinations.

Participants are enjoying zumba at this years Health and Fitness Festival.

What do you do in January on a beautiful seven degree day? You start moving to stay warm. This is exactly what many Rockford residents did at this year’s Health and Fitness Festival. Along with several area health professionals to offer health screenings and answer medical questions many came out for the activity as well.

The REF Zumba Fundraiser was an overwhelming success with Natalie Maj and other guest instructors keeping the energy level at an all time high.

This year’s “Dashing Through the Snow” winter run awarded Valley View elementary school the winners of the “Healthy Challenge 2010” trophy for most participants.

The overall ½ mile race winners were: Boys, Gabriel Gunneson 3:17 (Roguewood Elementary), Nolan Darby 3:18 (Meadowridge) and Ryan Blackburn 3:27 (Crestwood). Girls, Julia Scheffler 3:46 (Roguewood), Caitie Usher 3:56 (Belmont) and Megan Lindeboom 4:01 (Valley View).

Rockford Community Services would like to thank the Early Bird Running Club for their involvement in our first “Dashing Through The Snow” race as well as all of the other businesses and health care professionals that took part in this event. A special Thank You to Spartan and Meijer stores for their sponsorships.

The Rockford Education Foundation would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for their silent auction and giveaway donations which lead to a successful event: Bev Thiel and Kelly Wass of YMCA, Maureen McKay of Eastern Floral and Gifts

Genesis Salon and Day Spa, Angela Mann of Hampton Inn Suites, Tip off Bar and Grill, Carrie Yandl of Arbonne, Pat and Lisa Harig, Karla Galvin , Niah Whitley and Natalie Maj

Additionally we would like to thank the instructors who participated:

Junito Moore, Natalie Maj and Stefanie Minlethaler of the YMCA; Kandi Holmstrum of Rock Hard Boot Camp and Leslie Romoni of Riverview Athletic Club.

The beginning of the new year is a time many evaluate health and fitness goals. Rockford Public Schools can help establish those goals. On Saturday, Jan. 30, Rockford Community Services (RCS) will host the third annual Health & Fitness Festival. This year’s festival is sure to be a crowd pleaser and will have something for everyone.

Kids can take the “healthy challenge” and come “Dashing Through the Snow” for a competitive half-mile run/walk to see which elementary school has the most healthy participants. First place receives a trophy that can proudly be displayed at their school. Sign up online at www.rpssignmeup.com.

Staff at RCS will join forces with the Rockford Education Foundation (REF) and Zumba instructor Natalie Maj for an exciting fitness fundraiser. Join Natalie and her fellow instructor from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. as they motivate the crowd with Zumba dance instruction to help raise monies for the REF and help put resources into local classrooms and promote educational opportunities. This will be an afternoon filled with music and many exciting giveaways.

Michigan Blood Center will be on site for a blood drive in their mobile unit. The need for donors is constant and often urgent. Please consider donating. The drive will be going on from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This event will have several other resources available for participants to consult healthcare professionals about medical questions, healthcare screenings, fingerprinting for the safety of the younger children, and speed and agility presentations for the serious athlete. The goal is to bring awareness to

the importance of healthy living to

the community.

The Health & Fitness Festival will be held at North Rockford Middle School from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Anyone interested in participating or booth information should call the RCS office at (616) 863-6322.

By DR. JOHN P. KLOOSTER, DDS, PLC
Belmont Denistry

There are several different approaches to bleaching or whitening your teeth. Options range from utilizing “whitening” toothpastes and take home kits to professionally having your teeth whitened at a dental office. The first thing to be aware of is that bleaching is only effective on your natural tooth structure. Crowns, fillings and other artificial teeth cannot be lightened with bleaching. This is important to realize because if you do bleach more that likely your previous dental work will appear darker than your now lighter bleached teeth. It may be necessary to replace previous work after the leaching process for a more balanced and matched look. The second thing to be aware of is that bleaching works predominately on external staining of the teeth. This includes staining or darkening as a result of smoking and/or consistent coffee or tea drinking. Internal staining caused from trauma, previous root canal therapy or developmental issues may not respond to external bleaching techniques. To lighten or bleach internal staining it may be necessary to have a specialty service called internal bleaching where bleach is placed within the tooth for a specified amount of time. This requires a dentist to place, monitor and remove the bleaching material. It also may be necessary for place a veneer or porcelain crown to ultimately achieve the shade you need to match the rest of your teeth.

Typically professional bleaching offered through your dental office will achieve tha most predictable results. It usually involves applying concentrated bleaching gels to the teeth either directly within the office or with a customized take home tray. It’s a nice route to go because the office can help to customize your care in response to your desired result. Also, if sensitivity is a concern most offices will have strategies to help to minimize and often eliminate it as a side effect.

We’d be happy to discuss with you further and exciting prospect of whitening and improving your smile! Give us a call today at (616) 284-3200 for a free consult.