Benefits to family physician during Family Medicine Week

Benefits to family physician during Family Medicine Week

by | Mar 18, 2024 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

CORRECTION ISSUED TO INCLUDE HEADLINE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2024

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS recognizes benefits of having a family physician during Family Medicine Week

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), along with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians and the Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians are recognizing March 17-23 as Family Medicine Week in Michigan.

Family medicine is a medical specialty practiced by family physicians. These physicians undergo extensive training to provide comprehensive care for people of all ages.

“Visiting your family physician for regular check-ups and to keep up to date on immunizations can help you stay healthy and prevent illness,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Family physicians undergo comprehensive training and provide team-based and evidence-based care to individuals and families by emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention which prevents more costly medical care and more serious conditions. We recommend all Michigan residents get a family physician or other primary care provider and keep up with routine medical visits.”

Family Medicine Week highlights family physicians’ dedication to providing comprehensive, coordinated primary care to residents across the state to protect and improve health and wellness and reduce costs to the health care system. Research shows that adults and children with a family physician as their regular source of care have lower annual costs of care, visit the doctor less, are prescribed fewer medications and report less difficulty accessing care.

Family physicians are key partners in Michigan adults and children getting vaccinated against the seasonal flu, COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable diseases like measles that cause illness and death.

To learn more about Michigan Academy of Family Physicians, visit MAFP.com. To learn more about Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians, visit MAOFP.org.
DNR News: change would expand e-bike operation 

DNR News: change would expand e-bike operation 

by | Mar 18, 2024 | Recreation

 
DNR banner with link to website

DNR News
March 15, 2024
Contact: Nicole Hunt, 517-282-9970

Proposed change would expand allowable e-bike operation 

Land use update would affect state park-managed nonmotorized trails open to bicycles

Biking at Van Buren State Park

Operation of Class 1 electric bicycles on state park-managed nonmotorized trails open to bicycles would expand under a proposed Michigan Department of Natural Resources land use change that could go into effect as early as this spring.

Under current Michigan law, only Class 1 e-bikes – e-bikes that are pedal-assisted and can go up to 20 miles per hour – are allowed on improved surface trails, which are trails that are paved or consist of gravel or asphalt. Current law also allows for local entities to expand or further regulate e-bike usage in their respective communities.

The proposed DNR land use change would expand allowable e-bike use to include Class 1 e-bikes on natural surface, nonmotorized trails on state park-managed land open to bicycles.

In addition, the proposed change would allow operation of Class 2 e-bikes, which are throttle- and pedal-assisted and can travel up to 20 miles per hour, on both linear paved trails and state park-managed natural surface trails for mobility purposes as long as a cyclist had applied for and received a permit to do so. Currently, Class 2 e-bikes are allowed with a permit only on nonmotorized, natural surface trails (such as mountain bike trails).

This expansion would not apply on wildlife or state forest land trails that are open to bicycles. Also, Class 3 e-bikes, which are pedal-assisted and have a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour, would remain prohibited on any state-managed land under the new policy.

The 3,000 miles of nonmotorized state park-managed trails open to bicycles that would be affected by this proposed change may be viewed on the DNR’s interactive nonmotorized trail map. If the proposed change is approved, signage indicating allowable e-bike use would be placed at trailheads.

“This change would make trails more accessible for people who may not have the physical ability to ride a traditional bike,” said Tim Novak, the DNR’s state trails coordinator. “This would include individuals living with disabilities, older adults and really anyone who wishes to experience some assistance as they ride a bicycle. Class 1 e-bikes require pedaling, providing a great health benefit to riders.”

E-bike use in Michigan – and beyond

As e-bike use grows across the country, with many states approving areas for their use, the Michigan DNR’s decision to expand use on specific state-managed trails involved many months of research and discussion by DNR staff and trail user groups.

“The DNR’s decision to move forward with this proposed land use change wasn’t based on a desire to be trendy, but rather on providing individuals with more recreation options while also being conscientious of our state’s natural and cultural resources,” said Nicole Hunt, regulatory unit manager with the DNR.

Considering federal government recognition of e-bike use also was part of the process, Hunt said.

“The federal government, recognizing the benefit of e-bikes for trail recreation, updated its federal grant funding regulations for nonmotorized, natural surface trail development to no longer prohibit use of e-bikes on trails developed with federal funds,” she said.

The DNR also researched how other states are allowing e-bike usage.

“We have benchmarked other states and local trail systems that allow e-bikes on natural surface, nonmotorized trails, and what we found was there haven’t been issues with conflicts or injuries or unnecessary wear and tear on our natural resources which would cause any reservation in expanding e-bike use,” Novak said.

The Arkansas state park system stood out as it has a vast number of trails, including mountain biking trails, and has allowed e-bikes for years with no issues, Hunt said.

DNR seeking public input 

A public survey about the proposed land use change is open through March 31, and results will be shared during the April 11 Michigan Natural Resources Commission meeting. The proposed policy change will go before DNR Director Scott Bowen for action at the commission’s May meeting, with any approved change going into effect immediately thereafter.

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission, a seven-member public body whose members are appointed by the governor, conducts monthly, public meetings in locations throughout Michigan and has a portion of the meeting dedicated to items under the purview of the DNR’s director. The April 11 meeting takes place at Lansing Community College, 600 North Grand Ave. in Lansing.

The e-bike survey may be accessed directly at research.net/r/DNR-E-BIKE.

“We look forward to receiving this important public feedback about this proposed policy change,” Novak said. “We are sharing this survey widely in hopes of receiving input from as many people and perspectives as possible.”

Learn more about what qualifies as an e-bike in Michigan, the current e-bike policy on state-managed park land and survey details at Michigan.gov/DNR/Ebikes.

Note to editors: An accompanying photo, by Tyler Leipprandt for the Michigan DNR, is available below for download. Caption information follows.

Cycling: A pair of cyclists enjoy the trail at Van Buren State Park near South Haven in Van Buren County.
Raiders fall in Division One State title game

Raiders fall in Division One State title game

by | Mar 18, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Raiders fall in Division One State title game.

Written Saturday March 16th at 3:07 PM

The clock struck midnight for the Raiders.

North Farmington rallied late and got it into single digits but they couldn’t overcome a rough third quarter and fell 63-52 to Orchard Lake St. Marys at the Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State University in the Division One State Finals.

It’s the third straight year that North Farmington has fallen to Orchard Lake St. Marys.

Tyler Spratt led the Raiders with 17 points but fouled out early in the fourth quarter. Landon Williams added 16 points in the contest.

North Farmington could not stop Trey McKenney. He had a career high 32 points and had a triple double. Sharod Barnes added 11 points for the Eaglets.

The Raiders had a great season, winning 24 games and sharing the Red with West Bloomfield. They lose Spratt, Williams, Vinnie Lee, and Dylan Smith to graduation. Coach Todd Negoshian has several proven players coming back next season. Program strength is also solid for North Farmington.

They will be back, that is for sure.

More on this game will be on the podcast on Monday.

Raiders fall in Division One State title game

Boys Basketball Shortcomings 2024

by | Mar 18, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Boys Basketball Shortcomings 2024.

Written Saturday March 16th at 3:30 PM

Here are the shortcomings for each OAA school heading into next season. This will be updated often.

North Farmington: The Raiders made a return to the Division One State finals this season winning 24 games but lost a tough one to Orchard Lake St. Marys 63-52 in the Division One State Finals. North Farmington loses Tyler Spratt, Landon Williams, Vinnie Lee, and Dylan Smith to graduation. The Raiders have Avi Melster, Will MacShara, Robert Smith, and DJ Morgan coming back for Coach Todd Negoshian. Program strength is also strong for North Farmington. The Raiders will be back in the conversation next season.

Ferndale: The Eagles had an up and down season. They won 14 games but fell 66-44 to Warren Lincoln in the district finals. They lose Mishawn Hereford, Kaden Hudson, Markiese Young, and Trenton Ruth to graduation. Ferndale has Eden Vinyard, Toriano Adams, Cameron Fraser, Drakkar Washington, Tyler Ruth, Juilan Cardenas, and Dexter Wilson coming back for Coach Juan Rickman. Program strength is a concern for Rickman. Ferndale will look to be back with a vengeance.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers won a share of the Red and won 17 games this season. They beat Walled Lake Central 55-46 in the district semifinals but had a really rough outing with Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district finals falling 68-46. West Bloomfield loses Chris Agbugui, Donnie Watts, Caleb Caudle, and Keith Gilmore to graduation. They have De’Avion Thomas, Corey Pittman, Brendin Jones, Artis Hicks, Terrance Lowe, Ryan Hood, David Lewis, Jamad Williams, Drew Wilson, and Chris Britton coming back for Coach Arnette Jordan. Program strength looks solid for Jordan heading into next season. West Bloomfield will be back and a team to watch this offseason.

Adams: The Highlanders had a strong season winning 15 games in the always tough Red but they had a very disappointing 66-61 loss to Utica in the district finals on their home floor. Coach Isiah Novak loses William Gee and Peter Kardasis to graduation. Adams has Colin Langdon, Trenton LaGarge, Luke Marcial, and Cannon Flynn coming back along with program strength. The Highlanders should be in the mix next season and a program to watch this offseason.

Clarkston: The Wolves had an up and down year which they won 14 games. Clarkston added another district crown with their 65-56 win over Waterford Mott in the district finals. They fell 47-32 to Grand Blanc in the regional semifinals which was their lowest scoring output of the season. The Wolves lose four seniors including Peyton Fitzsimmons and Matthew Pflieger to graduation. They have Hayden Flavin, Cole Charter, Jon Kaul, and Quinn Rosenburg coming back for Coach Tim Waslik. Program strength looks to be solid for the Wolves next season. Clarkston will be a very interesting team to watch in the offseason.

Oak Park: The Knights have had an injury riddled season which saw them win five games this season. They had a 70-58 loss to Groves in the district semifinals. Oak Park has the majority of their team including Jason Harris and Geon Hutchins coming back for Coach Durrand Sheppard. Program strength is a bit concerning and something to watch. The Knights should be much improved but they need to be healthy heading into next season.

Groves: The Falcons had a much better year after a stunning loss to Seaholm in the first round last season. Groves won 13 games, a district crown, and made it to the regional semifinals where they fell 72-60 to North Farmington in a game that was closer than the score indicated. The Falcons have their three headed monster of Jon Simpson, Josh Gibson, and Paul Hubbard coming back for Coach Marc West. Program strength looks solid. Groves will be a very interesting team to watch this offseason and also next season in the Red.

Troy: The Colts had an opening season double overtime loss to Berkley but they won 22 straight games this season before falling 59-44 to Birmingham Brother Rice in district finals. Troy loses Vikrant Vedupudi, Jon Whiteside, Bryce Bauman, and Chase Kupier to graduation. They have Cameron Adams, Patrick Johnson, Andrew Lake, Leo Penoza, Cung Lian, Colin Bastein, Jack Sobotka, and Mason Parker coming back for Coach Gary Fralick. Program strength is not strong for Fralick heading into next season. It will be very interesting to see how the Colts do this offseason.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers had a really disappointing season winning eight games. They had a shocking 71-65 loss to Eastpointe in the district semifinals. Harper Woods program strength is a big concern for Coach TaJuan Porter heading into the offseason. They lose several proven players including Julian Young and Isiah Lewis to graduation. There are warning signs for Harper Woods to watch this offseason.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks really overachieved winning 14 games. They fell three times to arch rival Troy including a 63-58 home loss in the district semifinals. Troy Athens loses a ton of proven experience including Griffin LaBay, Emmanuel Robinson, Joel Botardo, Dylan Coussi, Hayden Crum, Brayden Downey, and Luke DiGiovanni to graduation. They have Nathan Piggott, Liam Dempsey, Nate Appledorn, Brendan Tucker, and Alex Beaubien coming back for Coach Dave Scott. Program strength is a question mark to watch for Scott. It will be very interesting to see where the Red Hawks do this offseason.

Seaholm: The Maples are in a crossroads this offseason. They won six games and are coming off a tough 43-39 loss to Bloomfield Hills in the first round. Seaholm lost their head coach along with a ton of veteran players which included Findlay Sparby, Abe Miller, and Jacob Droulland to graduation. Program strength looks to be solid for next season especially their freshmen class who went 17-3 this season. The Maples coaching situation will be key to watch this offseason which direction they go.

Lake Orion: The Dragons really overachieved winning 16 games with a very young team this season. Lake Orion fell 53-32 to Waterford Mott in the district semifinals after putting 77 points on Waterford Kettering in a 77-33 blowout in the first round. Coach Jose Andrades loses four seniors in Quay Fly, Ethan Sharkey, Sam Blakeley, and Hayden Armstrong to graduation. They have Zach Parks, Ryan Rocheleau, Gabe Scott, Nick Galben, Jakobe Louris, and MJ Long coming back. The Dragons have a ton of proven experience and program strength, this will be a program to watch this offseason and also next season.

Farmington: The Falcons had a turmoil beginning to the season when Coach Byron Johnson took over the program. Farmington bounced back to win 12 games but a season ending injury to Greg Grays really derailed their season which included a 79-67 loss to Redford Thurston in the first round. The Falcons have a ton of proven proven players including Darnell Cochrane and Grays coming back for Johnson. Program strength looks to be solid especially the junior varsity whom was solid this season. There is a ton to like with Farmington this offseason.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks had a very young team but really played their best basketball down the stretch which included three wins over Seaholm including a 43-39 win in the first round. Bloomfield Hills fell 66-38 to Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals. Coach Brian Canfield has a really bright future with D’Ron Mason, Philip Muhammad, and Carter Canfield coming back. Program strength looks a bit iffy for the Blackhawks. The interior will be a question mark for Canfield heading into the offseason. Bloomfield Hills looks prime for a bounce back year next season.

Southfield Arts and Tech: It has been a very tough season for Coach Terrance Porter and the Warriors. They went 3-20 which included a 53-35 loss to Livonia Franklin in the first round this season. Southfield Arts and Tech went to the White which they really struggled this season. The Warriors should be better but there are questions regarding program strength. It’s possible they could be in the Blue next season. Southfield Arts and Tech should be a team to watch this offseason.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars are in a very interesting spot heading into the offseason. Stoney Creek struggled winning six games and falling 65-56 to Utica Eisenhower in the first round. They lose Tre Walker, Evan Woodward, Dominic Faycurry, and Tommaso Sinacola to graduation. The Cougars have Gideon Beers, Chritos Marselis, Koby Rauner, Joseph Zoorob, Spencer Beckman, and Tyree Smith coming back for Coach Jeff Olind. Program strength is a mystery for Olind and his program. Stoney Creek has struggled in the two years under Olind. The offseason will be very interesting to watch for the Cougars.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets had a resurgence under returning Coach Jaret Thomas. They won 16 games, the Blue, and took Clarkston to the brink falling 37-35 in the district semifinals. Avondale loses two seniors in Alfonzo Merritt and Elijah Corbin to graduation but they have several talented players including Jordan Bush, Jordan Clayton, DJ Moody, and Justin Greer-Sykes coming back next season. The Yellow Jackets should be in the White next season and program strength looks to be strong for Thomas. Avondale is clearly a program on the rise.

Oxford: The Wildcats were very young this season under Coach Joe Fedorichik who was in his first season coaching varsity. They won 14 games and had a very tough loss to Avondale for the Blue crown and a 64-46 loss to Grand Blanc in the district semifinals. Oxford loses two seniors in Gavin Nicks and Jay Cady to graduation. They have a ton of proven experience in Jake Champagne, Drew Cady, Robert George, Nolan Mauser, Colatrane Hudson, Brennan Elling, Parker Bennion, Cayden Smith, Jonah Lundeberg, and Luke Stoffan coming back for Fedorichik. Program strength looks to be solid. The division will be something to watch for the Wildcats, there is a chance they could go to the White. It will be very interesting to see how the offseason goes for Oxford.

Rochester: The Falcons had a rough season but played much better in February winning four straight to close the season. Rochester got a monster win over Romeo in the first round winning 51-49 on two Max Muhl free throws. The Falcons fell 45-30 to Adams in the district semifinals. Coach Nick Evola loses two seniors in Evan Crowe and Luke Lionas to graduation. They have Muhl, Noah Kim, Luke Lower, Anthony Chirco, Kellen Muhl, and Jake Tandy coming back for Evola. Program strength looks solid for Rochester. The Falcons will be a team to watch this offseason.

Berkley: The Bears had a very good season despite falling 52-39 to Groves in the district finals. Berkley loses a ton of talent after winning 14 games. They lose Donovan Powell, Owen Stone, Micah Green, Andrew Cook, Matt Bell, Ari Geller, Alex Beard, Joe Voss, and Michael Onuhoa to graduation. The Bears have Avery Johnson, Evan Young, Jacob Friedman, Evan Haenick, Sam Niyo, and Kenny Swain coming back for Coach Joe Sermo. Berkley had some big wins which included Seaholm and Troy. Program strength looks to be solid for Sermo. The Bears should be a team to watch for sure next season.

Pontiac: The Phoenix had a successful turnaround under first year Coach Andrew Myers winning three games to winning 13 games. Pontiac fell 58-48 to Clarkston in the first round. Myers has a young nucleus which includes Jeremiah Claudio coming back next season. Program strength looks to be solid for Pontiac as well. The Phoenix could be a very interesting team to watch next season.

Royal Oak: The Ravens had a very strong start to the season but had a very disappointing finish which included a 1-8 record since January 29. They fell 51-26 to Oak Park in the first round. Royal Oak loses Camden Clark and Eddie Skaleski to graduation. They have CJ Hariston, Nick Hoffman, Yurem Patino, and Ethan Cousins coming back for Coach Aaron Smith. Program strength is a huge concern for Smith. The Ravens will be a very interesting team to watch this offseason.

Ferndale University: The Eagles had a transition year for Coach Josh Nicks but they had several positives which included a 58-53 win over Detroit Osborn but fell 76-44 to Ferndale in the district semifinals. They lose Lavarr Croxton, Derrick Murray, Pierce Sanders, and DeMarco Walker to graduation. Ferndale University has Kevin Williams-Jackson, Amere Harris, Tyler Stokes, DeQuan Small, Taiwan Johnson, Antonio Jones, Dontrelle Milton, Devin Moore, and Kody Pippen coming back for Nicks. The Eagles should be much improved next season with experience. Program strength will be something to watch for Nicks this offseason.

Raiders fall in Division One State title game

Girls Tennis Regionals are Out 2024

by | Mar 18, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Girls Tennis Regionals are Out 2024.

Written Friday March 15th at 9:00 PM

These are the girls tennis regionals, there are early projections but these are subject to change as the season moves along and this post will be updated as well.

Underlined are projected champions.

Regional 4 at West Bloomfield

WEST BLOOMFIELD

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

FARMINGTON

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Dearborn

Dearborn Edsel Ford

Livonia Churchill

Livonia Stevenson

Wayne Memorial

Westland John Glenn

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Bloomfield Hills, Dearborn Edsel Ford, West Bloomfield.

 

Regional 5 at Troy

TROY

TROY ATHENS

ROYAL OAK

Dearborn Fordson

Detroit Cass Tech

Fraser

St. Clair Shores Lakeview

Sterling Heights Stevenson

Utica Ford II

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Troy, Troy Athens, Royal Oak.

 

Regional 6 at TBD

STONEY CREEK

Romeo

Utica Eisenhower

Macomb Dakota

Chippewa Valley

Utica

New Baltimore Anchor Bay

Macomb L’Anse Creuse North

Port Huron Northern

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Port Huron Northern, Utica Eisenhower, Stoney Creek.

 

Regional 7 at Clarkston

CLARKSTON

LAKE ORION

OXFORD

ROCHESTER

ADAMS

Lapeer

Davison

Waterford

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Clarkston, Adams, Lake Orion.

 

Regional 12 at North Farmington

NORTH FARMINGTON

GROVES

SEAHOLM

AVONDALE

Fenton

Holly

Milford

Lakeland

Walled Lake Central

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Seaholm, North Farmington, Groves.

 

Regional 13 at Grosse Pointe North

Grosse Pointe North

BERKLEY

FERNDALE

Grosse Pointe South

Macomb L’Anse Creuse

Port Huron

Sterling Heights

Warren Cousino

Warren Mott

Warren Woods Tower

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Grosse Pointe North, Grosse Pointe South, Berkley.

 

Regional 20 at Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

HARPER WOODS

Birmingham Marian

Center Line

Detroit Country Day

Eastpointe

Lamphere

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Redford Union

Warren Fitzgerald

Warren Regina