WELLNESS IN WYOMING SKIN HOUSE: BEAUTY FROM THE INSIDE OUT FIRST IN MICHIGAN: BIONICC’S FULL-BODY MRI
CUTTING-EDGE ALLERGY RELIEF FROM ENT SPECIALISTS JANUARY 2025
FLORIDA EXPRESS JET CLUB
Oakland County International Airport
The Florida Express Jet Club simplifies private jet travel with unique “Travel Zone” pricing. Travel is good for any direct flights to/from any Florida airport to anywhere on the zone map with locations east of the Mississippi River. Scan the QR code to learn more about this program!
ADDITIONAL SALES:
32944 Bingham Lane, Bingham Farms
116 E. Lawrence Ave., Royal Oak
54836 Chickasaw Dr., Macomb Twp
280 Baldwin Rd., Birmingham
1100 Orchard Ridge Rd., Bloomfield Hills
3890 Mountain Laurel Blvd., Oakland Twp
32627 Bingham Lane, Bingham Farms
5044 Chirsty Court, Troy
480 Pleasant St., Birmingham
4622 Chelsea Lane, Bloomfield
1141 Lake Park Dr., Birmingham
549 Lakeview Ave., Birmingham
21412 Purdue Ave., Farmington Hills
3553 Leyland Crt., Auburn Hills
664 E. Fox Hills Dr., Bloomfield
499 Bennaville Ave., Birmingham
190 Stonetree Cir., Rochester
2910 Costa Mesa Crt., Waterford
3878 Wabeek Lake Dr. E., Bloomfield
3051 Camden Dr., Troy
8519 Hendrie Blvd., Huntington Woods
1331 Avon Cir. W., Rochester Hills
49 Cranford Lane, Grosse Pointe
408 Bird Ave., Birmingham
7485 Gramercy Cir., West Bloomfield 4054 Antique Lane, Bloomfield 1000 Northlawn Blvd., Birmingham 3141 Interlaken St, West Bloomfield 1324 Pilgrim, Birmingham 555 S. Old Woodward, #1107, Birmingham 1402 Bauman Ave., Royal Oak 1449 Emmons Ave., Birmingham 9650 Seminole St., Redford 9183 Salem, Redford 24935 S. Sylbert Dr., Redford
27559 Windsor St., Garden City
5192 Hollow Crt., Bloomfield 24765 Ross Dr., Redford 16454 Ryland, Redford
18840 Fox, Redford
8310 N. Evangeline St., Dearborn Heights
5074 Sawmill Lake Rd., Hadley Township 1164 Lone Pine Woods, Bloomfield 952 Milverton Dr., Troy 63 Highland Dr., Bloomfield and more...
The Health & Wellness Issue
For many of us, this time of year is full of excitement. It presents us with a reset, new horizons and goals to pursue.
But for others, January can be a reminder of failed attempts from years past and the burden of expectation that this year will be different.
We approached this issue of Birmingham City Lifestyle from a mindset of not supplying quick fixes to check boxes in the short term but valuing what is sustainable over the long haul. We wanted to provide inspiration for making lasting, realistic, long-term improvements to your physical, emotional and mental health.
When it comes to anything in life — business, finance, food, home and personal health — it’s not what you do some days that moves the needle. It’s what you do most days. For better or worse!
For instance, taking a vacation every day would be financially and practically unfeasible, but maybe taking a trip a few times a year is doable. Having a beautiful steak dinner with a few cocktails and creme brulee every night for dinner isn’t best for your health, but doing so once in a while might be fine!
It’s not the "sometimes" choices we make, it’s the "most of the time" choices.
So plan the vacation and work to establish more regular rest in your work week. Join a fitness community or gym and enjoy that dessert you’ve been wanting to try at one of Downtown Birmingham's many tantalizing eateries. It’s not what you do some days — it’s what you do most days that will lead to a more peaceful, filling and fabulous year.
Here’s to you! We’re rooting for you.
ALI KRAMER, PUBLISHER
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Ali Kramer | ali.kramer@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Linda Ditch, Emily O'Brien, Don Seaman, Susan Thwing, Sybil Velarde
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
EB Combs, Aly Darin
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Proverbs 3:5-6
I n j e c t a b l e s M a s s a g e F a c i a l s W e l l n e s s w e i g h t l o s s S K I N H O U S E
Julianne
Julianne Nienberg,
city scene
At Birmingham City Lifestyle’s Fall “Mix and Mingle” event, celebrating our community partners, at Zana in Birmingham, Nov. 13 1: Dr. David Schleimer and Erica Michaels. 2: BCL Photographer Aly Darin, BCL Publisher Ali Kramer and BCL Editor Lynne Konstantin. 3: Mary Grace Dickson and Sari Zalesin. 4: Rasha Mansour, Angelina Abdulnoor and Dr. Christina Barbat. 5: Erseila Gorani and Martina Shabanaj. 6: Kiesha Caldwell, India Shepherd, Ali Kramer, Mary Grace Dickson and Candice Rich. 7: Marty Hetherington, Candice Rich and Ali Kramer.
8: Evan and Birmingham City Lifestyle Publisher Ali Kramer. 9: Ali Kramer and Erseila Gorani. Photography by Maddy Goss 1: At Serena & Lily Birmingham’s Holiday House, showcasing designer Sissy Yellen’s “The Beauty of Utility,” Nov. 20. 2: Kim Mizzi, Jenna Mizzi Peth, Madeline Barnett, Isabella Lites and Sharon Fenton. 3: Lena Siscoe, Leo Dovelle, Bobby Titus, Featured Designer Sissy Yellen, Maureen Fahlbush, Susie Sparks and RJ Marchand. 4: Ashley May, Lynne Robertson, Emily Engler, Lorrie Kummer and Ruth Fraser.
At the Matthildur x Mark Keller Flagship Grand Opening in Birmingham, Oct. 26. 1: Jack Pistor, Mark Keller, Gam Klutier. 2: Matthildur Halldorsdottir, Sue Ann Canvasser. 3: Mark Keller, Lucy Keller, Johnny Rose. 4: Gam Klutier, Matthildur Halldorsdottir, Mark Keller, Teri Morrow, Izzy Alo, Camille Nelson. 5: Basia Rochon, Yuen Hom. 6: Vanessa Gary, Mark Keller, Matthildur Halldorsdottir, Valerie Gary. 7: Helaine Rodin Keller.
At the Ninth-Annual Bates Street Society Dinner at the Community House, Birmingham, Nov. 2. 1: Community House President and CEO William D. Seklar and COO Christopher Smude. 2: 2024 Pillars of Vibrancy Honorees: Denise Ilitch, Anne Mervenne, Terry Barclay, Amy Nederlander, Shari Finsilver, Stanley Finsilver, Lisa Daniels Goldman and Debra Ernst. 3: Ben Wallace and Yan Stewart. 4: Dr. Charles Main, Master of Ceremonies Huel Perkins and Debbie and Richard Astrein. 5: Melissa Kallabat and Mallory Kallabat. 6: Amy Peterson, Amy Nederlander, Nancy Hodari and Angelica Williams. 7: Molly and Ryan Daly.
BELL BISTRO OPENS IN DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM
Bell Bistro, from Cicero Hospitality Group, opened in Downtown Birmingham, in the former Mad Hatter. Named after the original building owner, Samuel Oliver Wylie Bell, Bell features a new Americanstyle menu — including Wagyu Meatballs, Rigatoni Alla Gricia and Bell Smash Burger and desserts including Papanași and Olive Oil Cake Bar — crafted by Executive Chef Gabriel Botezan, plus beer, wine and craft cocktails. The 3,000 squarefoot space was designed with Ann Arbor's Bowers + Associates. Bellbirmingham.com
Photography by Simba Photography, LLC.
MARROW OPENS EATERY AND BUTCHER SHOP IN BIRMINGHAM
Detroit’s Marrow opened Marrow in Birmingham in December on Hamilton Row, and they "aim to become a neighborhood staple," says CEO and Founder Ping Ho.
The butcher shop and eatery will offer a full range of locally sourced cuts of fresh meats, aged steaks and trademark sausages plus thoughtful casual dining — handcrafted deli offerings, its legendary bacon burger, breakfast sandwiches and vegetarian options, led by Executive Chef and Partner Sarah Welch (a finalist on Bravo’s Top Chef Season 19). Marrowdetroit.com
Christine Lepoudre, D.O.
Gregory Varjabedian, D.O.
David Seel, D.O.
Matthew Farrugia, D.O.
Shant Korkigian, D.O.
Ricky Sayal, D.O.
Eytan Keidar, D.O.
ARTICLE AND
BY TYLER SHANE
A PERFECT M ARRIAGE SOUP AND BREAD:
Hearty food nourishes the body during cold winter months
PHOTOGRAPHY
What if we chose connection — cooking seasonal meals and allowing ourselves to pause to truly enjoy our food? Maybe cheesy bread could be served without the side of guilt.
As we continue to embrace the cold weather, we may find ourselves craving heavier and grounding foods as we retreat into hibernation. This change in appetite reflects our body’s desire to align with the cycles of nature. Moving into the New Year, it can be common to place more discipline or restrictions on our eating habits. But what if instead of dieting, we nourished ourselves by choosing to support the ebb and flow of our body’s seasons? What if we chose connection — cooking seasonal meals and allowing ourselves to pause to truly enjoy our food? Maybe cheesy bread could be served without the side of guilt. This Italian wedding soup recipe is simple in its approach, but the result is a hearty and brothy dish. Chunky meats and vegetables add texture to the rich, savory broth making it the ideal meal to help you retreat from the cold temperatures. The Hasselback bread loaf is a straightforward, melty wonder and the perfect vessel for sopping up any leftover broth and goodies in your soup bowl. Together, the soup and cheesy bread make for a well-rounded meal to ground you this season, with a little indulgence.
CONTINUED >
HASSELBACK MOZZARELLA BREAD LOAF
INGREDIENTS
• 1 Italian bread loaf
• 1 cup butter
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 8 oz. bag of shredded mozzarella cheese
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Cut foil that is 3 times the length of the bread loaf and lay flat on countertop.
3. Place bread loaf parallel to the length of the foil.
4. With a serrated knife, cut bread in ¾ in. slices, making sure not to cut all the way through.
5. Melt butter in a bowl. Add garlic and seasonings. Stir to incorporate.
6. With a pastry brush, coat the slices of bread with butter mixture. Be generous with your butter! If you have leftover butter, pour the rest over the entire loaf.
7. Grab handfuls of mozzarella cheese and stuff in between each slice.
8. Cover the bread loaf with foil and place in oven. Bake for 20 minutes, uncovering the foil for the last 5 minutes until the top of the bread is golden brown.
ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP RECIPE
4 Servings
INGREDIENTS
• 1 lb. fresh or frozen pre-made meatballs
• ½ cup carrots, diced small
• ½ cup celery, diced small
• 1 cup onions, diced small
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 48 oz low sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup orzo pasta (or any small, short noodle)
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped roughly
• 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley
DIRECTIONS
1. Whether freshly baked or cooked from frozen, prepare your meatballs and set aside. Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the fridge.
2. Bring a medium-sized pot to medium heat. Add oil and butter.
3. Add vegetables to the pot and sweat until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir occasionally.
4. Add the bay leaf, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to vegetables. Turn heat to medium-high.
5. Bring broth mixture to a rolling boil for five minutes. With tongs, add meatballs to the boiling broth.
6. Add orzo to the broth, stirring continuously to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
7. Continue to cook the pasta for 6-7 minutes. Taste test to make sure pasta is al dente.
8. Throw the fresh herbs into the soup and add salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve immediately.
CONSTRUCTION LOANS
Building a home? Streamline the financing process with First Merchants Bank.
• Construction-to-Permanent loan
• New home construction or renovation
• Borrow up to 90% of the home’s “to-be-completed” value
• Interest-only payments during the construction phase
• Single, one-time closing
INSIDE OUT
BIRMINGHAM’S SKIN HOUSE IS REDEFINING THE MODERN OASIS.
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Birmingham, Skin House is a medical and wellness spa that embodies refined elegance and cutting-edge beauty. The spa occupies a space in the circa-1916 ivy-carpeted Shain Townhouse, a historical landmark featuring hallmarks of its Arts & Crafts architecture — such as patinated copper details, herringbone brickwork and stained-glass accents. The building is as much a masterpiece as the services offered within.
Dr. Christina Barbat, founder and visionary behind Skin House, has created a space where luxury meets authenticity. The interior, designed in collaboration with her best friend, designer Aleksandra Vitosevic, mirrors the sophistication of its exterior. The moment you step inside, you’re transported into an intimate world of modern glamour, reminiscent of a boutique hotel in New York, Los Angeles or Milan.
“I wanted to create something extraordinary,” Dr. Barbat says. “Not just another med spa, but a space where beauty and luxury intertwine, setting the stage for clients to feel truly pampered.”
Dr. Barbat’s keen aesthetic sense is matched by her medical expertise and warm, approachable demeanor. Clients describe her as calming and personable, someone who makes every interaction feel like a conversation with a close friend while relying on her discerning eye and skilled touch.
Dr. Christina Barbat, founder of Skin House.
Photo by Aly Darin
Skin House’s journey began humbly, with Dr. Barbat offering injectable treatments like Botox and fillers in a small studio. A physician specializing in family medicine, she discovered her passion for holistic beauty while expecting her first child. “I’ve always cared about looking and feeling my best,” she says. “Being able to share that with others felt like a dream.” By 2020, she had realized her vision with the opening of Skin House, and the business has flourished ever since. Recently, she expanded into an adjoining Shain Townhouse space, allowing for an even broader array of luxury services, including massages, body treatments and medical weight loss.
Every service at Skin House is meticulously tested by Dr. Barbat herself. “I treat every patient as if they were family,” she says. “We don’t just focus on today — we think about the future, crafting a journey that enhances each patient’s natural beauty over time.” This ethos is the foundation of Skin House, an “elevated medical spa” where cosmetic injections, advanced skin treatments and wellness therapies converge.
Among its many offerings, Skin House specializes in cutting-edge treatments like Morpheus8, a minimally invasive radiofrequency therapy that stimulates collagen production and targets fine lines and wrinkles. Other standout services include PRP therapy, IV treatments, red-light therapy and lymphatic drainage.
“With our expanded space, we can finally integrate holistic wellness into our aesthetic services,” Dr. Barbat says. “It’s about creating a complete experience, where clients can rejuvenate their body and mind under one roof.”
Beyond traditional spa treatments, Skin House is a pioneer in advanced cosmetic procedures. Dr. Barbat performs liquid rhinoplasties to reshape and balance the nose, injects fillers to restore volume and symmetry to the face, even addresses bone loss in areas like the chin and jawline. “Our goal is facial harmony,” she explains. “While perfection may not be attainable, we help clients achieve the best, most natural version of themselves.”
Dr. Barbat’s philosophy — “working from the inside out” — infuses every aspect of Skin House. Whether you’re seeking age-defying treatments or holistic wellness solutions, Skin House offers a curated approach that combines science, artistry and care. It’s more than a spa: It’s a sanctuary where beauty evolves and luxury feels effortless.
The Skin House team.
Photo by Aly Darin
Whether
get financing that includes your construction and permanent loans all in
Financing for renovations or expansion projects
Interest only payments during the construction of your home
Construction periods up to 24 months
A Proactive LEGACY
Dr. Warren Ringold battled cancer — twice. Then, he founded Bionicc Body Screening (bioniccbodyscreening.com) to help others avoid that same fight. Today, his son carries on his mission of offering proactive MRI screenings to detect problems early, when the treatment is less traumatic.
After 40 years in family medicine, Dr. Ringold retired in 2017; he then partnered with an MRI facility that focused on imaging for sports and auto injuries, primarily spine, knee and shoulder injuries.
A year later, after becoming short of breath, he went to the hospital, only to discover he had stage-four cancer with hundreds of tumors throughout his chest and abdomen. Some were the size of softballs.
His cancer went into remission, but the treatments had been brutal. Then, a year later, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and given two months to live. Luckily, he was able to enter an NIH study that put his cancer into remission once again.
In the meantime, Dr. Ringold heard of companies in Canada and California that offered full-body MRI screenings for early detection of cancer and other diseases. He realized that if his cancer had been detected earlier, the treatment would have been less severe with a more positive outcome. Not to mention easing the emotional turmoil faced by his family.
One man’s personal experience inspired Michigan's first full-body MRI screening center.
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALY DARIN
Full-body MRI at Bionicc Body Screening
The late Dr. Warren Ringold, founder of Bionicc
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures. Bionicc’s noninvasive, highly sensitive whole-body screenings cover a large area with several body regions with no exposure to ionizing radiation (unlike X-rays and CT scans).
Dr. Ringold added Bionicc Body Screening, based in Southfield, as a new division of the MRI clinic. Unfortunately, about a year later, in 2023, after contracting pneumonia, he passed away. His son, Ryan Ringold, took on the mission to honor his father's legacy as the center's CMO.
“He was passionate about it because it was personal for him,” the junior Ringold, who lives in Novi with his wife and two children, says about his father. “I didn't want to take a chance of what he created going by the wayside.”
Full-body screenings from Bionicc Body Screening use advanced MRI technology to scan the body from the top of the head through the pelvis. They image the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, hips, shoulders and spine. A screening is capable of detecting hundreds of abnormalities early, such as tumors, cysts, growths, aneurysms, risk of stroke, spinal disc disease, fatty liver, hiatal hernias and MS.
The screenings do not replace the preventative routine ones doctors order, like colonoscopies and mammograms. However, routine screenings only detect about 29 percent of cancers, and 71 percent of cancers occur in other areas like the pancreas, liver, brain and bladder.
Ringold mentioned a phone call from a gentleman who had a lung mass detected in his screening. It turned out to be cancer. He called to thank them for saving his life. His lung was removed, and he was going through treatment but was doing great.
Ringold adds, “He said, 'I just wanted to let you guys know that I never would have known until it was too late if I hadn't done the screening.' That is the reason why my father started this. He wanted to save lives, and he wanted individuals and their families to avoid all the pain and suffering he endured."
Ryan Ringold
“He was passionate about it because it was personal for him. I didn’t want to take a chance of what he created going by the wayside.”
GET OUT!
Who Julianne Nienberg, founder of My Outdoorsy Mom; @myoutdoorsymom
Where Bloomfield Hills, with her husband, Alex, and their three children, ages 7, 5 and 4
Backstory I graduated from Michigan State University in 2009, where I studied kinesiology and went on to have an 11-year career in medical sales in Chicago, then here in Michigan. I left my job in 2021 to stay home with my kids.
How it started I launched My Outdoorsy Mom in November 2023 as a way to share tips on how to get kids outside, engaged in unstructured, child-led play. According to current research, children spend on average only seven minutes outside, but spend six-to-seven hours on screens daily. After having my third child in November 2020, I read the book There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda Akeson McGurk and was inspired by how the
MY OUTDOORSY MOM’S TOP 10 FAVORITE ACTIVITIES
(To Get Kids Away From Their Screens)
1 Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve (cityofsouthfield.com) in Southfield is our favorite place to go in the spring and summer. My kids love to climb their Rock Garden and walk the mile-loop trail to Carpenter Lake. The fall colors are stunning to view along the lake’s reflection.
2 Johnson Nature Center (johnsonnaturecenter.org) has special wildlife enclosures where they provide a home to orphaned deer, injured falcons and owls. We also love their summer camp programs — my kids come home dirty and with big smiles on their faces from spending their entire day in nature.
3. We love to visit our local libraries whenever we need an indoor break from the weather (hot or cold). We’re so fortunate to have wonderful libraries nearby with great programming for kids. The Bloomfield Township Public Library (btpl.org) often offers craft kits for families to take home.
Julianne Nienberg, founder of My Outdoorsy Mom
Scandinavians approached parenting and the outdoors. At the time, I was still working, so I made it my mission to reduce my kids’ TV time by getting them outside in the winter after daycare for 15 minutes each work day. Fifteen minutes a day grew to 30 minutes, 30 minutes to an hour. By the spring, my two oldest kids (ages three and a half and two at the time) could spend up to one-to-two hours playing independently outside while I kept watch close by. Allowing kids to engage in unstructured and child-led outdoor play allows them to unwind and engage their senses in a way that cannot be replicated in indoor environments. It also has significant benefits to their physical, mental and emotional health.
The philosophy Get your kids outside whenever you can. If swapping screen time for outdoor time is a challenge for you and your kids, start in small doses each day and continue to build on that.
My platform is unique from other blogs and social media in that I’m not your traditional “outdoorsy” account you’d find on social media. I’m not out hiking every weekend with my kids. I’m a suburban mom whose kids spend most of their time outside in our backyard or exploring local parks during most of the year. In the summertime, you can find us at the lake. We love visiting the Great Lakes and spending time in the U.P. as well. What she loves about her platform I love connecting with moms who are starting their "outdoorsy" journeys with their kids. The messages I get from followers and friends who tell me about how their kids spent two hours stomping in mud brings me such joy. Or the parents who DM me and tell me how their kiddo started playing independently outside instead of watching TV shows or spending time on their iPad. The benefits of getting our kids outside and experiencing nature are worth the effort.
Julianne Nienberg, founder of My Outdoorsy Mom, spills her Top 10 favorite screen-free activities for kids.
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN
4. We love Dyno Detroit (dynodetroit.com) in Eastern Market for indoor rock climbing!
5. Beverly Park (villagebeverlyhills.com) is always in our playground rotation and my kids especially love biking their nature trail. Their sledding hill is a must in the winter.
6 Orchard Lake Nature Sanctuary (cityoforchardlake.com) has scenic trails that offer quiet, serene views of Orchard Lake. It’s a great spot for fall-color viewing.
7. We love hopping over to Booth Park ( bhamgov.org) in Birmingham after the farmers’ market in the summer.
8 Troy Gym (troygym.com) is one of my kids’ favorite places to go whenever they have a day off from school. It’s a great spot to go in the winter to help kids direct their energy in a physical way.
9. Yoto Players (us.yotoplay.com) screen-free audio players are in our top-three screen-free alternatives. My kids love listening to books and podcasts, and they are a great way to foster curiosity for nature.
10. Stage Nature Center (troynaturesociety.org) in Troy is also a new favorite spot for my kids. There’s a loop trail that I enjoy, but my kids really love climbing the two big rocks at the trailhead.
Nienberg's son on top of. the world at Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve
Rock-climbing at Dyno Detroit
Left to Right: Jason M Geisz, Elizabeth M Silver, R Adam Biswanger, Suzanne Minster, Robert F Alati, Robyn R Crewdson
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Our innovative approach has shown remarkable benefits with conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, Vertigo, Concussions, and more. Whether you’re seeking relief from balance issues, cognitive decline, or neurological trauma, our team of experienced professionals is here to guide you every step of the way.
NEW OPTIONS FOR RELIEF FROM ALLERGY-RELATED SINUS AND EAR ISSUES.
Room To Breathe
ARTICLE BY SUSAN THWING
The team at ENT Specialists, led by Dr. David Seel (left)
Dr. David Seel
For residents of Michigan, allergy season can be a tough time. The state is home to some of the highest pollen counts in the U.S., with tree pollen in spring and ragweed in the fall causing widespread symptoms like sinus pressure, ear pain and constant congestion. Fortunately, the team at ENT Specialists, with offices in Novi, Brighton and Bingham Farms, is offering two innovative procedures to provide relief for those suffering from chronic sinus and ear issues caused by allergies: balloon sinuplasty and eustachian tuboplasty.
Dr. David Seel, D.O., F.O.C.O.O., one of the leading physicians at ENT Specialists (entspecialistspc.com), explains that these minimally invasive treatments have been particularly effective for patients struggling with ongoing sinus and ear pressure discomfort, which are often exacerbated by seasonal allergies.
BALLOON SINUPLASTY: A BREAKTHROUGH FOR CHRONIC SINUSITIS
Chronic sinusitis, which affects many allergy sufferers, is marked by frequent sinus infections, facial pain and pressure. Traditionally, sinus surgery meant invasive procedures involving the removal of tissue, which required a significant recovery time. However, balloon sinuplasty is an in-office procedure that uses a small balloon catheter to open blocked sinus passages without removing tissue or bone. It can be performed under local anesthesia and requires only a mild sedative to help patients relax.
“Chronic sinus problems are common in our region of the country because of our allergens in Michigan,” Dr. Seel says. “Balloon Sinuplasty is a procedure that we found to give great relief to patients with chronic sinusitis. And the procedure can be done with minimal recovery time — some patients can even go back to work the next day.”
CONTINUED >
The procedure gently dilates the sinus ostium (opening) using a balloon, allowing the sinuses to drain properly. Dr. Seel says most patients experience immediate symptom relief and can return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.
The ENT Specialists note that more than 125,000 patients have undergone the procedure since its development, with a high success rate and patient satisfaction — more than 90 percent of patients who had the procedure said they would recommend it to family and friends.
BALLOON EUSTACHIAN TUBOPLASTY: A NEW OPTION FOR EAR PRESSURE RELIEF
For many allergy sufferers, eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) can worsen the discomfort. The eustachian tubes, which help balance pressure in the ears, can become blocked or inflamed due to allergies or sinus issues, leading to ear pain, pressure and sometimes hearing loss. Dr. Seel’s practice offers balloon eustachian tuboplasty, a similar minimally invasive procedure designed to improve the function of the eustachian tubes.
— Dr. David Seel “
“Our procedures can be done with minimal recovery time — some patients can even go back to work the next day.”
The procedure involves inserting a balloon catheter through the nose to the opening of the eustachian tube. Once in place, the balloon is inflated to open the tube and gently flatten any inflammation. The balloon is then deflated and removed. The procedure takes only about 20 minutes and is typically performed under local anesthesia. The patient is often able to return to regular activities the next day.
“Eustachian tuboplasty is particularly effective for people who suffer from recurring ear pressure or pain related to allergies,“ Dr. Seel says. “It's often a oneand-done procedure for most patients, and recovery is quick.” The procedure also carries fewer risks and has a faster recovery time than traditional surgery, which typically requires general anesthesia and more extensive downtime. Additionally, many insurance plans now cover balloon sinuplasty and eustachian tuboplasty.
“More and more insurance companies are realizing that these procedures are more cost-effective than more extensive in-hospital operations,” Dr. Seel says. “They see an advantage over patients needing to enter the operating room, so they are covering these procedures.
“These options provide an excellent alternative to more invasive surgeries,” he says, “making them appealing to patients who need long-term relief without the burden of a lengthy recovery.”
ARTICLE BY SYBIL VELARDE
whirled PEAS!
Vegetable juice is a great addition to your diet especially if you want to lose weight, gain energy, and feel great. Sometimes life gets too busy and you don’t have the time to cook healthy meals. Fall in love with leafy greens, fresh fruit, nut milks, and chia seeds all combined to make a quick, easy, and delicious contribution to your day.
Veggies And Blenders Bring The Health We Need
ENERGY ELIXIR
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 beet
• 1 carrot
• 1 celery stalk
• 1-2 inches of ginger
• 1 lemon
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
BLUEBERRY MINT
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 fresh or frozen banana
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh mint and/or 1-3 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 1 cup ice if using fresh fruit
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
GREEN SMOOTHIE
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups cucumber
• 1 cup Granny Smith apples
• 1 cup celery
• 1 handful baby spinach
• 1/3 cup fresh pineapple (for a sweet smoothie or zest and juice of a small lime for tart smoothie)
• 1 sprig parsley
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
SUPERFOOD SMOOTHIE
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries
• 1 scoop organic whey protein powder
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax meal
• 1 scoop green superfood powder
VITALITY ELIXIR
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 lemon
• 1 green apple
• 1 cucumber
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
GREEN NECTAR
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/3 cup celery
• 1/2 cup cucumber
• 1/2 cup kale
• 2/3 cup Granny Smith apples
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup coconut water
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
PINK FLAMINGO
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups spinach
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 2 cups strawberries
• 1 cup chopped mango
GREEN MACHINE
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups spinach
• 2 cups water
• 1 avocado, peeled
• 1 cup chopped mango
• 1 banana
DIRECTIONS:
First, blend the spinach and almond milk in a blender until smooth. Then add the berries and mango and blend again until smooth.
DIRECTIONS: Place spinach and water in the blender and blend until smooth. Then add avocado, mango, and banana and blend again until smooth.
KALEFORNIA ENERGIZING
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups kale, stems removed
• 1 cup water
• 2 oranges peeled
• 1 cup chopped pineapple
• 1 cup chopped mango
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds (soak in water for 10 minutes)
DIRECTIONS:
Blend kale, chia water, and oranges until smooth. Add pineapple, mango and blend again.
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ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN
There’s probably no more quintessential symbol of winter than a snowman. We’ve all seen Frosty and are probably pretty familiar with Olaf. But if you want to install one into your own yard, you’ll have to put a little elbow grease into creating one without the help of world-class animators.
Here are some tips to help give your yard a well-dressed frozen sentry sure to turn your neighbors’ heads.
Tip 1:
NOT ALL SNOW IS SNOWMAN SNOW.
It takes more than a flurry to build a snowman. Heavy, slushy snow won’t work, and if it’s too powdery dry it won’t pack together. If you can pack a good snowball, you can build a snowman.
Bonus tip: Dry snow can be modified to workable snowman snow with a quick spritz of water from a spray bottle, or a light mist from that garden hose you really should have already put away for the winter.
Tip 2:
ROLL TOWARDS YOUR GOAL
— THE LONG WAY.
Decide where to position your snowman and make that your finish line. Start with a
A Few Tips to Get You Rolling
Creating a Better Snowman
well-packed snowball and get rolling, but don’t just go in one direction. Roll the ball to start accumulating snow, then roll back, then roll in a different direction. Pack and begin to shape your snowball as you go. Reinforce as necessary. Look to use a 3-2-1 ratio for the sections.
Tip 3:
EVEN SNOWMEN CRAVE STABILITY.
Once you get your base section in place, shore up the bottom with snow. Then at the top, create a bowl-shaped indentation to allow the next section to sit securely. Ensure each section is well-packed with added snow around the “joint” between the sections.
Tip 4:
SNOW IS HEAVY. ENLIST A BUDDY.
A willing helper can help lift that heavy next stage into place. You can even roll it onto a tarp and lift from either side to get it up there. A third set of hands can help move it into place. Otherwise, use plywood as a ramp to roll it up yourself (braced well against the bottom with plenty of support underneath, so as to not damage the base). You might need an extra bowl of Wheaties to roll it up there alone.
Tip 5:
PILOT HOLES ARE YOUR FRIEND.
Simply jamming details into your snowman can mess with its integrity. Use a sharp stick to gently create some pilot holes for your features before you set them into place.
Tip
6:
GIVE HIM SOME PERSONALITY.
There’s always that classic snowman uniform of a scarf, hat, a carrot nose and coal (sure, we all have that lying around these days — river rocks might be easier to get your hands on). Or you could be a bit more creative, maybe with an old oversized Hawaiian shirt, a jazzy vest, or go all-out and channel your inner Martha Stewart, breaking out your Dremel to make something custom for your wintery lawn guest. You might need to use your imagination — not many of us have corncob pipes or top hats anymore, either.
Pro tip: if you’re dressing your snowman, put any body clothing you might use on before adding the arms.
Just remember. If you mess it up, it’s ok because he’ll be back again some day.
