Rochester, Michigan is an idyllic community in northeast Oakland County, on the edge of the metropolitan Detroit area. Downtown Rochester is a flurry of activity throughout the year—both as a result of the many businesses that flourish there, and the calendar of events that keeps residents connected through recreation and relaxation. One popular program creates a list of kid-safe adventures for Rochester’s youngest citizens to embark upon, with prizes and treats for participants who complete the full list of tasks. This celebration of accomplishments is sponsored by local businesses and takes place at another of Rochester’s popular, family-friendly community events, “Movies in the Moonlight.” Throughout the summer, neighbors and families gather downtown for an evening of outdoor cinema, featuring recent releases and a full line of concessions. For each film shown, there is a themed activity before the film starts that ranges from dressing as your favorite film character, to trivia nights and scavenger hunts. The longest-standing of these community celebrations is the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade, which has been held the first Sunday of every December since 1951. This beloved parade consistently draws over 100 entrants, and was even broadcast on a local station from 2003 until 2011. During the annual “Big, Bright Light Show” the buildings and businesses in downtown Rochester come alive with more than one million brilliant holiday lights. This exciting celebration is funded in part by the Rochester Festival of Trees, where businesses and families are invited to donate their time and talents to creating beautiful holiday displays which are then sold or auctioned during the Big, Bright Light Show. In summer or snow, residents of Rochester enjoy the quiet luxury of rolling hills and picturesque neighborhoods. For more than 15 years, the Rochester Farmers’ Market has served the area by providing access to beautiful, locally grown produce as well as artisanal breads, homemade jams, fresh-cut and potted herbs, local coffee and tea blends and certified organic meats. This affluent suburb features a bustling downtown that has grown to provide homes for more than 350 businesses, 85% of which are proudly independent. Rochester is known for its high-end designer boutiques, gourmet restaurants and specialty eateries, housed in historical buildings that draw visitors from all around Michigan. Rochester has become successful because, as a community, they have found the balance between work and play; they stay connected as a community and care for each other. This same dedication to caring and community is reflected in the health care services available in the area, and can be found in the practice of local rheumatologist, Dr. James Dowd.
Dr. James Dowd left Texas A & M University in 1983 with his undergraduate degree and followed his heart to medical school on a mission to heal the hurting. Following the completion of his medical studies at the University Of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Dr. Dowd completed his residency in combined pediatrics and internal medicine at the State University of New York at Buffalo. It was during this same time that Dr. Dowd was able to serve as chief medical resident at Erie County Medical Center. To continue his medical training and provide the best possible patient care, Dr. Dowd completed fellowship training in adult and pediatric rheumatology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital.
The doctor’s work with superantigens garnered the attention of The American College of Rheumatology, who presented him with the Physician-Scientist Development Award in 1993.
Dr. Dowd recognized a great need within the community for research and treatment into causes and potential cures for the many forms of arthritis. To meet this need, he founded the Arthritis Institute of Michigan in 1998. From a small office in Howell, this first office was the first rheumatologic center of its kind in Livingston County, as well as being the first completely electronic office in the area. November 2003 brought exciting changes to the Arthritis Institute and to the lives of arthritis sufferers in Brighton and the surrounding area. With a move to a new, specially-designed facility, Dr. Dowd was able to bring the latest treatments, provide more comprehensive care and continue his research. This expanded facility provides access and care that is focused on the needs of patients who suffer from swelling and pain. With natural lighting throughout, the infusion suite and clinical research facility create an environment of healing with a gentle touch. Our dedication to your comfort extends to the covered, curbside drop-off area and barrier free campus. Patients of the center come seeking relief for the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Psoriatic Arthritis, Inflammatory Diseases, Scleroderma, Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing-Spondylitis, childhood Arthritis and joint problems, knee, hip, back, neck or shoulder pain, or vitamin D deficiency.
To highlight the issue of vitamin D deficiency, Dr. Dowd wrote “The Vitamin D Cure.” In twenty years of practice and research, Dr. Dowd has learned the significance of vitamin D as it relates to overall health. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to sleep disruption, bladder issues (including urgency and frequency), headaches, chronic pain, high blood pressure, uncontrolled weight gain, bowel problems (including constipation or diarrhea) and memory issues. Loss of energy leads to decreased activity, contributing to depression and weight gain. Patients who have come to Dr. Dowd for answers report feeling tired and ill, and have often lost the ability to enjoy the things that used to make them feel content. Because vitamin D production and absorption is aided by sunlight, patients develop deficiencies in the winter months, with symptoms lasting for months into spring and summer, even becoming chronic. This condition, called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), can become permanent. If your depression and fatigue are caused by deficiency due to climate, it can be difficult to regain normal levels and regain your feeling of wellness. In warmer weather, when fresh fruits and vegetables are in season, we tend to eat a better diet and spend more time outdoors, increasing our vitamin D production and easing symptoms.
Rheumatologist Rochester MI
In addition to contributing to seasonal illness, vitamin D deficiency has been shown to have an adverse affect on patients living with fatigue, heart disease, obesity, depression, gum disease and tooth loss, joint and muscle pain, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and many forms of arthritis. If you awaken in pain and find that you have little or no energy to complete your daily activities, we can help. Dr. Dowd will assess your overall health and guide your path to greater quality of life and increased well-being.
If you are in the Metro Detroit or Ann Arbor area and are for a rheumatologist Rochester MI, then please call 1.810.225.7553 or fill out the form below to learn more about life changing alternatives to pain at the Arthritis Institute of Michigan: