December 21, 2010 Media contact: Shantell Kirkendoll
E-mail: smkirk@umich.edu
Phone: 734-764-2220

Holiday tip sheet from the University of Michigan Health System

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Looking for a heart-warming story about a grandmother who’s back to backing cookies after the University of Michigan Health System treated her neuromuscular disorder, or how soldiers are helping each other transition back to life at home? You’ve come to the right place.

Reporters, producers and editors, here is our holiday gift to you: Story ideas that relate to the holidays, and some evergreen ideas that can help you fill the newspaper or broadcast during the slow news time ahead.

Family, U-M Trauma Burn Center offer warnings of candle, fire dangers
Nicole Otten's daughter, Amelia, suffered third-degree burns on 35 percent of her body last December after a candle ignited her clothes. A U-M Trauma Burn Center expert offers basic fire safety tips geared toward holiday activities to keep families safe this season. Media contact: Heather Guenther at hguenther@umich.edu, or (734) 764-2220.

Good taste of olive oil supports good cause at U-M Cardiovascular Center
Looking for a healthy holiday or hostess gift? A Sicilian varietal olive oil called Owens Creek and created by Walter Hewlett, whose family changed the world of cardiology and office technology, helps raise money for the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center. After all, a tablespoon or two a day of olive oil helps reduce cardiovascular risk. Bottles are available at Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor and by mail order. Media contact: Shantell M. Kirkendoll at smkirk@umich.edu, or (734) 764-2220.

Buddy-to-Buddy: Veterans help soldiers transition back to civilian life after deployment
No one knows more about the issues facing veterans – in combat or on the home front – than another veteran. That’s why the U-M Depression Center, together with the Michigan Army National Guard, developed the Buddy-to-Buddy program.
Veteran volunteers provide peer support and help finding resources to soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Buddy-to-Buddy experts can talk about the program and the issues surrounding reintegration, especially during the holidays. Media contact: Ian Demsky, idemsky@umich.edu, or (734) 764-2220.

Grandmother gets her life back after U-M treats her neuromuscular disorder
This Christmas, Marie McMillan can bake and decorate holiday cookies with her grandson -- and she won't take the holiday tradition for granted. U-M’s expertise with IVIG treatment lets patient return to normal activities, like baking Christmas cookies with grandson. Media contact: Mary Masson, mfmasson@umich.edu, or (734) 764-2220.

Help Mott, help kids
As the holiday season approaches, the economic strains that often result from having a seriously ill child are felt more deeply. Help make the stay of Mott Children’s Hospital patients a little easier by making a donation of a new item from the Mott Wish List including blankets, Hot Wheel cars musical mobiles and portable DVD players. The Wish List can be found online at www.med.umich.edu/mott/help/gift_wish.html and provides the most up-to-date list of needs and requests of patients. Media contact: Margarita Bauza, mbauza@umich.edu, or (734) 764-2220.