Dr. Michelle Smith

Physical Therapy: Getting the Job Done Right, Health Matters, Fall 2009
In this day and age of the great healthcare debate, employee health benefits are the fatest growing expense for employers. Workplace injury and illness play a prominent role in skyrocketing healthcare costs, and there is near unanimous agreement that the healthcare system is in dire need of fixing. Two Monterey Peninsula physical therapists share their opinions about the expanding role of physical therapy in on-the-job injury prevention and workplace wellness.

No Gutter Balls Here, SixtyfivePlus, Fall/Winter 2009
Nearly eight years ago, Perry Flicker was diagnosed with macular degenration. He declined retinal repair because of his age. Yet, despite having lost a significant portion of his vision, Perry takes pride in his ability to compete with members of his bowling league who are fully sighted.

What's Age Got to Do With It? Sixtyfive Plus, Fall/Winter 2009
Three years ago, Annie Garnero-Richerts was well on her way to being wheelchair-bound. But with the assistance of a personal trainer and the determination to regain her strength, Annie began a weight training program and never looked back.

Cancer Treatment: A Community Approach Health Matters, Spring 2009
Community Comprehensive Cancer Centers are sufacing in hospitals thoughout the nation and have had an ongoing relationship with their communities here on the Monterey Peninsula. In addition to conventional cancer diagnosis and treatment methods utilizing the latest state-of-the-art technology, comprehensive cancer centers incorporate a holistic approach that includes medical staff from a variety of specialties along with complementary therapies such as guided imagery, hypnosis and acupuncture.

Living with Autism. Health Matters, Fall 2008
In recent years, the number of people diagnosed with autism has been on the rise. Using the examples of two parents with autistic children, learn the warning signs that can lead to early detection and intervention, both of which should occur while a child's brain is still developing.

An Ounce of Prevention. Health Matters, Winter 2008
With an aging Baby Boomer population, never before has an "an ounce of prevention" been worth more. With the assistance of a primary care provider and health guidelines taken from the websites of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute, this article will help you improve your health forecast by starting your New Year with a health tune-up.

The Positive Side of Aging. Sixty-five Plus, a Monterey County Herald Magazine, Fall/Winter 2007
Ruthie Watts, a long-time resident of Seaside, California, is passionate about her work with youth and scholarship organizations. As a senior citizen activist, she encourages other seniors to get involved with their communities.

The Breast Cancer Divide: Why Are So Many African American Women Dying? Ms. Magazine, Fall 2004
Greater use of mammography screening has led to increased breast cancer detection for American women in general. Yet African American women have benefitted less from the same treatment advances that have decreased breast cancer mortality for white women.

Michelle Wie Doesn’t Play with Dolls. Spirit of Aloha, September/October 2003
At six feet tall, Hawaiian teen-golf-phenom Michelle Wie is a remarkable athlete, breaking gender barriers and setting records at an astronomical pace. But her talents also extend to her scholastic achievement, and her parents are supporting her on both fronts.

Cancer Watch: Why Age 40 May Be Too Late for a Mammogram. Upscale, September/October 2002
Conventional medical practice dictates that average risk women needn’t be concerned about getting mammograms before age 40. Two breast cancer survivors speak about being diagnosed in their early 30’s and their struggle to be taken seriously.