Story by David Stone
Photos by Bernie Laframboise
What is it like to be treated by an accupuncturist? Your intreped journalist can now answer this question. I recently spent two days talking with the practitioners at Claddagh Chiropractic Wellness Center, asking them what it is exactly that they do, and getting treated by their accupuncturist.
A local Ferndale business since 2002, Claddagh offers massage, and reki, besides chiropractic and accupuncture.
The owner, Dr. Bridget A. Devlin-Smith, received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Michigan State University, and her Doctor of Chiropractic from the National College of Chiropractic in Loma, IL. She is also certified in the “Webster” technique.
When asked what she likes most about Ferndale, she responded with an enthusiastic, “The people! They are a joy to work with…they understand that being healthy is extremely important…they do the things they need to do at home, they take recommendations, they get better fast.”
Dr. Andrea Whedon grew up in Rochester Hills, Michigan. She went to Albion College, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She went to Logan College of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, MO., graduating as a Doctor of Chiropractic. She specializes in prenatal and pediatric care. She also has a degree in Sports science and rehabilitation. And she is certified in the Webster Technique by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.
Here’s what can you expect on your first chiropractic visit. The people at Claddagh want their clients to be comfortable. The first thing you’ll get is a tour of the facilities. Once you know what and where everything is, you will be escorted to a consultation room where you can talk to a chiropractic assistant about your condition. Next, you will meet with a chiropractr who will confirm the information, and give you a full exam, including x-rays if needed. The doctor will then inform you about anything they found. Lastly, you will receive a spinal adjustment and any other treatments, such as heat or ice, or anything else you may need.
Jane Cortz has done many things with her life, but was eventually drawn to the healing professions, helping others to connect body, mind, and spirit. She worked for a home health-care agency for many years. She went to Arizona to attend two healing workshops. When the owner of the home healthcare agency sold the business, she found herself unemployed, and decided to become a massage therapist. It is not unusual for a person to choose a healing modality because it helped them. Jane is no exception. She told me how she decided to go into massage after it helped her deal with MS.
As with all the practitioners, a massage therapist takes a medical history, and asks the patient what they expect to get out of the experience. Jane tailors the session to the patient’s needs. She says, “I learn the lay of the land, of the body, how their structure is.”
Eran Reznik is Claddagh Chiropractic Wellness Center’s board certified accupuncturist. He is a massage therapist, too. He has studied extensively in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Eran has a degree in Ancient Chinese Medicine. He is also certified in qi and Body Shiatsu, Zen Shiatsu and integrated massage therapy. Eran treats the whole patient, body, mind and spirit. Besides acupuncture and bodywork, he is trained in light touch energy healing.
I arrived at Claddagh on the day of my acupuncture appointment. Eran greeted me and escorted me to his treatment room, a cozy space with a treatment/exam table that, with its soft sheets and blanket, seemed much more like my bed. We talked about what I want out of this treatment, and he took a medical history, asking relevant questions to clarify points as we talk. Lastly, he asked me my birth-date, and produced an astrological chart for the day I was born, a chart that shows the proportions of the five Chinese elements at the time you were born. My chart showed a lot of fire, some air, and a very small amount of metal. There was absolutely no wood or water in my chart.
Eran began the formal treatment. As I lay comfortably on the treatment table, he began to stick very flexible needles in appropriate points on my anatomy. These pins do not hurt. Even the one he stuck in my forehead was painless. He then dimmed the lights, put on some very soft music, and left for 20 minutes. Later, he returned and removed the pins. At this point a regular patient might be told when to set up another appointment. But I left a healthier, and much happier me.
Claddagh Chiropractic Wellness Center offers many ways to get you healthy. Besides the Big Three mentioned above, they offer cold laser therapy, Reiki, Nutritional Response Testing, and Orthotics. They also offer free 30-minute classes that are open to the community. They offer classes on weight loss, allergies, spinal care, and other topics. All they ask is that you call in advance.
Whether you want help with a particular condition, or just some valuable information, check out the folks at:
Claddagh Chiropractic And Wellness Center
569 E. 9 Mile Road
Ferndale, MI 48220
(248)298-310
www.claddaghchiropractic.com
If some happened with our soundness, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a medicament. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states coupled to erectile disfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What men talk about “viagra stories“? The most vital aspect you must look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile disfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as soul trouble. Causes of sexual disfunction switch on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a state called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual disfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this curing passes into breast milk.
Originally, he built up an exclusively urgent care practice, but gradually shifted to more more occupational medicine. Dr. Arsiwala firmly believes in, “evidence-based medicine…I do not push antibiotics or narcotics…” He emphatically described some more of his humanitarianoriented, medical philosophy: “Care should be equitable…when a community is sick, then the outcomes are sick! Basic care and preventative vaccines are as basic as having clean air and water…these should be a basic human right!”
The Ferndale locale (at 641 West 9 Mile Rd.) is completely clean and modern; a 3,000 square foot facility, boasting nine treatment rooms in total, plus digital X-ray equipment and an on-site laboratory. The staff includes board certified doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, X-ray technicians and administrators. In the occupational health section, which is DOT Certified, various physical exams and testing can be conducted, along with workplace injury treatment (Dr. James Blessman is now President of the Occupational Health division). With an estimated 65-70 per cent adult patients, and 30-35 per cent pediatric patients, the clinic is certainly very family-oriented.
In Uganda, Dr. Arsiwala began the “Ssezibwa Demonstration Farm Project” because farmers there are borrowing money, and not getting ahead at all. So, he formed a contract and created a special Farmers’ Co-op. The infrastructure for efficient production (equipment) was provided, along with assistance with seeds and water. Dr. Arsiwala also set up a grain mill, and hopes to sell their organic certified grain in various Whole Foods Chains. The ultimate goal is to, “…reduce poverty, increase dignity…” and have the children attend school instead of working the land. Additionally, the HELP Global Foundation is purchasing 50-60 acres to form a Regional Medical Center for Trauma patients in East Uganda.
Trains also block the roads. While a passing passenger train goes by quickly, a long freight or switching operations can close an intersection for far longer, affecting commutes, local businesses, and emergency response.
The noise issue will be handled under the auspices of “quiet zones.” Trains blow their horns to warn vehicles and pedestrians at the intersections of their coming. If the crossings are upgraded with new devices to prevent accidents, then the need for horns is eliminated.
Frank, the owner of 9 & Hilton Market, is similarly affected. ”It costs me thousands of dollars of business a month.” He reports. “(The trains) just stop there for an hour in the middle of rush hour. It’s unheard of.” In 2014, things got so bad that he seriously considered selling his business. While he notes that the blockages have been somewhat reduced in the last year, he blames loosening of federal regulations on train companies that block intersections. Intended to spur growth, new guidelines also do away with fines and contribute to CN’s lack of concern with causing delays, he says.
I spoke to owner Kandice El about her creation. “It was a dream come true. I signed the lease on this place January 15 of last year, and here I am, a year later.” Our Little Big World has been open for business for the past two months. “One of my initial goals for this place was to show diversity.” Kandice explains. “That’s why we have the club houses with the continents. We want the kids to learn about culture, language and to see the purest (essence) of a person instead of race.” The long-range goal of ‘Our Little Big World’ is creating a learning institute where kids can come after school, do their homework, learn different languages, and play in unity with one another.
As I was looking around, two women came through the door with their little ones. I sat in the corner and observed while Kandice’s five-year old daughter greeted them, and then they all went off to play. It was interesting and heartwarming to witness a young girl be so receptive to new company so fast. I had the opportunity to speak to the moms that brought their children (first-timers, as it turns out) about their reasons for choosing Our Little Big World.
Kandice is trying to build an organization in hopes of branching out to Atlanta and Midtown Detroit, and she’s is constant pursuit of investors for her projects. She hopes that her clear vison of how she wants this program to function is attractive to investors, and she’s not afraid to step out on a limb and take a leap of faith to get the job done.
“We’re your neighborhood store.” Sal says emphatically, sitting up in his office overlooking the pleasant, brightly-lit sales floor. He doesn’t spend much time up here, though, as he’s always running around, busy with the hundreds of tasks necessary for running a modern grocery business. “We’re planning on carrying some specialty items, but we’ll always have all of the regular stuff, too.”
Still, value will always be the bottom line. “All of our sales items in our flyer are real sales,” Sal says. “We lose money, but the customers appreciate us.” The savings club card gives one per cent cash back on purchases, too.
That’s why he and his son, Daniel, recently opened GreenSpace Cafe, Ferndale’s newest vegan restaurant. Besides the owners, and General Manager Amber Poupore, I spoke to George Vutetakis.
Dr. Joel Kahn has been eating a plant-based diet since 1977, and has been a vegan since 1990.
Chef Vutetakis enjoys working with local vendors and with vendors as far away as Peru.He also pointed out that many house-made elements go into the dishes. GreenSpace Cafe makes its own yogurt, sweet potato gnocchi, and nut cheeses such as cashew cheese and almond parmesan. They also make their own kimchi, crackers, and breads. He also pointed out that the bartenders make their own elixers. Vutetakis then went on to discuss the science of food. He pointed out that most of the flavor and texture in foods come from plants and if you remove the carbon and fat from a meal, only the plants remain. So GreenSpace Cafe can produce very satisfying dishes, which are rich in flavor, using plant-based ingredients alone.
I had the opportunity to sit down with owner Mike Williams, and that was the first thing we spoke about. “I wanted to set myself apart from other barber shops around. I wanted to offer more than just haircuts but more of an experience. So I offer my customers an ‘MVP’ experience. My stylist are paid hourly like a regular job, and they get W2s just like everyone else. I didn’t want them to have to be private contractors. Ferndale is a very diverse town, and I want to provide for the community and offer jobs to people locally.”
As the conversation went on, he explained to me that instead of providing just a haircut to his customers, they also get a hot, steamed towel treatment, a massaging shampoo treatment, and a neck and shoulder massage. I had the pleasure of seeing for myself, and I can report that Sport Clips is indeed more than just a cut and dash.
I was led to the back room and a lovely lady sat me down in a chair. The lights were dimmed and she laid my head back to rest. In my head, I was under the impression that this only happened in hair salons, but I was mistaken. She told me to close my eyes and I relaxed as she placed a hot towel around my neck and began to massage my scalp. Total bliss. I didn’t want to get up! Moments later we were done. While sitting in the barber chair I had the chance to catch the Lions game on a big screen TV directly in front of me. I had the best time of my life while getting a haircut!
During our conversation, Mike made mention of something I thought vitally important. “I don’t want people to have the misconception that this business is a part of a corporate chain. This location is solely owned by me. Although there are 1,500 Sport Clips nationwide, all but 40 are individually owned.” Mike hires local employees, and also sponsors local schools and events throughout the city of Ferndale. Mike is an entrepreneur and firm believer of giving back to the community, and not just pulling money from it.
Offering much more than the traditional curry, India’s Millennial generation is adventurous, and the cuisine encompasses a wide variety of regional cuisines native to India. The foods included in the buffet change daily, creating a place where people who love ethnic Indian food can eat lunch regularly. The buffet, which includes salad, naan and dessert, typically includes two types of rice, two unique chicken dishes plus an Indian BBQ chicken, and two unique vegetarian dishes, as well. Given the range of diversity in soil type, climate and occupations, these cuisines vary significantly from each other and use locally available spices, herbs, vegetables and fruits. Indian food is also heavily influenced by religious and cultural choices.
If, during this winter, you find yourself cold and hungry at lunch time, the buffet offers a myriad of high-quality, uniquely-fused options at a low price. If you’re looking for something lighter, I recommend the newest dish, Chicken Pikka Wrap, which contains all the typical veggies, but is rolled up in warm naan bread, with plenty of flavors to choose from. There are 12 types of bread to choose from, including: naan with onion and coriander, ground lamb, baked with garlic, baked with almond/raisin/coconut, or cheese, or baked with Chicken Tikka. In all, there are 52 meal choices available.
Rufus Bartell has been instrumental in recruiting businesses to the historic district. Bartell opened Simply Casual, a boutique that sells both women’s and men’s clothing, in 1996. He says Simply Casual is a lifestyle store “for people who work hard and play hard.” He believes Detroit’s fashion has a unique style, and though he sells Detroit style clothing, he pushes the limits to bring new ideas to the city. “We have a style very unique on its own, with very different kinds of pockets. Weather influences how a lot of Detroiters dress and their simple style and taste,” Bartell explained. He collaborates with local designers and international designers from all over the world, including London, Italy, and Turkey, to name a few. Bartell says Detroit fashion is all over the place, and considers it a dress-up town. “We’ve always had a very stylish caché, dating back to our late, great Mayor Coleman Young, who was always dressed to the nines anytime you saw him,” Bartell said. In addition to clothing, Simply Casual sells bath and body products and candles made by Detroit companies.
Other boutique owners on the Avenue of Fashion have also been influenced by Detroit’s creative style. Jackie Terry, owner of The Style Gallery, also pushes to the bar on what she considers Detroit fashion. “I don’t conform to what is expected from an inner city boutique. I pride myself on doing cutting edge designs, not the norm.” Terry said. She opened The Style Gallery in 2002, shortly before graduating from Wayne State University with a B.A. in fashion design and merchandising. The posh boutique’s first location was in the New Center One Building. Terry decided to relocate to Avenue of Fashion in 2011 after friends who own salons there convinced her to move. Terry says she’s happy with the area and feels there’s a good camaraderie amongst business owners. She’s also seen an increase in sales and is excited about growing her clientele. Terry creates outfits with two other designers, and works with manufactures from all over the U.S., including New York and California. The Style Gallery predominately sells women’s clothing, but also offers custom ordered men’s pieces such as shirts, suits, blazers, and hats.
There are also stores on the Avenue of Fashion that exclusively sell men’s clothing, for example Flagship Boutique, owned by Tarik Haygood and Joseph Lawton. The pair opened the boutique almost four years ago, and make all their t-shirts on location. Haygood owns the brand District 81 and Lawton owns the brand Joe’s Coney Island, both of which are sold at the boutique. In addition to selling t-shirts, sweatshirts, blue jeans, and jackets, the store also sells CDs by Detroit artists.
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