1 health & wellnes Vegetarians from page 49 "For those with a family history of heart disease and other health challenges, I frequently recommend trying a veg- etarian diet" ...Jewish Connection 'Custom-Fit' Shoulder Surgery Benefits St. Joe Patients By Jack Weiner, President and CEO St. Joseph Mercy Oakland St. Joseph Mercy Oakland is always , AGiw looking for the latest medical technologies to enhance the safest, high quality care our skilled and experienced physicians and clinicians provide for our patients. Among our newest applications of state- Richard Bartholomew, DO of-the-art technology is the Signature Custom Fit shoulder replacement procedure. St. Joe's is the first hospital in Michigan to Joel Kahn, M.D., a preventive cardiolo- gist in Bloomfield Hills, also became a vegetarian while attending college. "I grew up keeping kosher and becom- ing a vegetarian was my solution to remaining kosher," Kahn says. In 1987, he read Diet for a New America by John Robbins, an expose Dr. Joel Kahn on connections between diet, physi- cal health, animal cruelty and environ- mentalism that documented the impact of food choices. "I read it in a day and stopped keep- ing chicken in the house he says. Three years later, he read about Dr. Dean Omish's randomized controlled trial, Lifestyle Heart Trial, which dem- onstrated how lifestyle changes could not only stop the progress of coronary artery disease (CAD), but could actu- ally reverse it. These changes included whole foods, a plant-based diet, smok- ing cessation, stress management, exer- cise and meditation. "I started to practice this regi- men and offered it as an option to my patients because the medical data shows people live longer and healthier lives with this lifestyle he says. "Clinical studies show that shifting to a vegan diet provides many health benefits compared to those eating tra- ditional meals of meat and junk foods. A vegan diet that includes the right combinations of food to ensure the full spectrum of amino acids and B vita- mins reduces cancer risks, diabetes and heart disease. "Another motivating factor for me beyond the medical data was the Jewish dietary laws of kashrut and the Talmudic guideline to create a more compassionate humanity:' Kahn says. "Tza'ar ba'alei chayim (the suffering of living creatures) is a Talmudic law that prevents unnecessary cruelty to all ani- mals including pets and livestock and imposes specific obligations for those caring for animals" The ethical treatment of animals is a core Jewish value. In general, Judaism offer this revolutionary procedure, expertly performed by orthopedic surgeon Richard Bartholomew, DO, the first in Michigan and one of only 15 physicians in the nation authorized to do so. This new technology is designed to fit the specific anatomy of each patient. The "signature shoulder" used for Custom Fit shoulder replacement is created for each patient using a CT scan with 3D reconstructive images to match the patient's anatomy exactly. From these images, a custom shoulder ball, socket, guide and stem implants are created for use by Dr. Bartholomew during the surgery. These allow for more precise alignment of the shoulder, resulting in less bone loss and smaller incisions. "Each person's anatomy is different and it makes perfect sense when replacing a piece of their anatomy that we match implants to fit their body perfectly," says Dr. Bartholomew. "This precise level of customization allows for a minimally invasive Benefits to the patient from the minimally invasive Custom Fit surgery include quicker recovery time, greater range of motion and a greater level of preservation of the existing bone and ligaments. The procedure usually takes 45 minutes, versus one hour for a traditional shoulder replacement, and only requires a one-night hospital stay, with physical therapy beginning the day after surgery. Most major insurance plans cover the Custom Fit shoulder surgery. There are no additional costs for our patients. We strive to remain a leader in providing the highest levels of patient safety and quality care and in the use of medical technology. We are proud to be able to offer this new surgical procedure to our patients. ADVERTISMEN, 1854970 50 June 26 • 2014 Patient avoids bypass by choosing wisely; forms a support group to help others. Ruthan Brodsky He was scheduled for bypass sur- gery when his cardiologist present- ed an alternative — a very complete or someone who has never and strict diet change focused on participated in a sup- plant-based nutrition. port group, "Fortunately, I was Paul Chatlin of West able to have a lengthy Bloomfield has accom- conversation with plished great success Caldwell Esselstyn, M.D., with his newly estab- author of the acclaimed lished Plant-Based book How to Prevent and Nutrition Support Group. Reverse Heart Disease," Launched in February, Chatlin says. "One of the group numbers more his primary themes is than 260 members with that what you put in 40 working volunteers. your body is critical to Paul Chat lin The notion for the prevent heart disease changed h is diet support group began and to ensure total body and avoid ed bypass soon after 56-year-old wellness. He told me his surgery. Chatlin was diagnosed nutrition plan could stop with heart disease at the and reverse my heart Cleveland Clinic last May following disease. As good luck would have it, complaints of chest pain. He had an Esselstyn was the mentor of my car- angiogram that showed one of his diologist at the Cleveland Clinic?' arteries was blocked 100 percent Chatlin chose not to have bypass and two others blocked 65 percent. surgery. He read Esselstyn's book I Contributing Writer F shoulder replacement surgery and in turn, noticeably improved results for patients." DiscoverRemarkable Plant-Based Nutrition