While it is true that our current economy, particularly in Michigan, has made life difficult for many, not only in the U.S. but also abroad, it is refreshing to see so many individuals who are actively trying to make a difference.
Our feature columnist this month is Matthew LaFountain, founder of the Mid-Michigan Medical Travel Agency. While it is true that Michigan boasts having some of the most incredible health systems in the world (although in truth, as a Michigan resident it’s hard to be unbiased), the medical costs in the United States are staggering. Matthew has written an article highlighting the medical services that can be obtained in Costa Rica for a significantly reduced price. Thank you Matthew!
One of the things I love most about my job is being able to meet so many wonderful people throughout Michigan who are actively taking part in helping us to create a better world, and in helping others live a better life. I had the honor recently to meet the incredible staff at Origami Rehabilitation Center in Mason in association with our article on traumatic brain injuries. Origami focuses on helping those individuals who have experienced a brain injury learn how to adapt and thrive again in the world. So often it can be easy for people who do not have a serious illness to view others as different or even shy away from them. The fine staff at Origami excels at nurturing their clients back to health and helping them traverse the incredibly challenging task of relearning skills they may have lost or in adapting new skills to compensate. Thank you Origami for all of the work you are doing, we salute you!
If you know an individual or organization that is really making a difference in the health of your community, let us know!
We also have a number of very talented guest columnists this month. Kathy Debler, owner of Audiology and Hearing Services in Lansing has provided an article for us on hearing to help us better understand what options are available to us with the advances in technology.
Also speaking on technology advances, we have an article that highlights the advances in dental technology. These advances range from new technology to improved focus on patient care. Dentophobes everywhere should delight as many of the new advances include more non-invasive procedures.
Judy White also has provided an excellent article on relationships, highlighting different tools that we can use to establish healthier and more functional relationships with one another.
We often write of not only our health but our relationships, and Dr. Stephen Thimmig of Zeeb Pet Health Center has written an article highlighting the basic ways we can provide for another important relationship in our lives - our relationship with our pets. As anyone who counts a pet as a treasured family member knows, the health of your family includes the health of your pet so thank you Dr. Thimmig for providing us with this article.
On the controversial side, we’ve seen a re-emergence of electro-convulsive shock therapy in the medical world. We have an article this month that discusses the history and the basic elements included in this therapy as well as some of the pros and cons of this treatment. Obviously this treatment isn’t for everyone and anyone who is considering it should consult with a well-trained professional.
We are very driven at CoSozo to provide whatever connections we can to not only highlight the services of the wellness providers who are dramatically helping to improve the lives of their clients, but also to highlight those individuals who might need assistance in one form or another. While eventually, CoSozo Care will be positioned to directly assist those individuals with their medical costs, for now, we use these pages and our website to draw attention to individuals and families who are in particular need. Lisa Blemaster, of Maple Rapids, Michigan and her family, are one family that could really use some financial assistance if you have the means, and prayers. The mini-article regarding their situation is found on Page 25.
If you know of families who need assistance, please let us know at info@CoSozo.com. We know there are so many medical heroes living in our midst and so many individuals who can benefit from their wisdom. Whether you know of an individual who is fighting a disease or a care-giver or support person, the wisdom and tools that are gained during that journey can exponentially help someone else who may be going through the same or similar situation. As I mentioned earlier, with the current economy it can be difficult for many of us to feel like we have a lot to give right now. But the greatest gift we can give to others in our lifetimes is ourselves and the knowledge we’ve gained through our own experiences. If you have something you need, or something to give, please let us know.
