Amy Barczy

Detroit

Assistant Managing Editor at Crain's Detroit Business

Assistant Managing Editor @crainsdetroit. Views are my own. Formerly: @bcbsm, @MLive, @hollandsentinel, @thetimesherald

Articles

Henry Ford to staff Rochester hospital with temps as nurses plan 4-day strike

1 day ago | crainsdetroit.com | Amy Barczy

Henry Ford Health is bringing in temporary staff to keep its Rochester hospital running next week as a union is planning a four-day strike starting Monday. More than 300 nurses in the Office and Professional Employees International Union at the Henry Ford Rochester Hospital plan to go on strike 7 a.m. Monday until 6:59 p.m. Thursday, said OPEIU Local 40 Vice President Danielle Drouillard.
Why High-Protein Breakfasts Make a Difference for Women

2 months ago | bcbsm.mibluedaily.com | Amy Barczy

We’ve all done it from time to time: skipping breakfast in a rush to get out the door – or grabbing a bagel, muffin or cereal bar for a quick bite. But for women, missing out on protein in the morning could significantly affect their health in the long term. That’s because protein plays a crucial role for women – both for everyday physical and mental health, as well as in regulating the hormones that control monthly menstrual cycles.
Supporting Employees with Autism in the Workplace

2 months ago | bcbsm.mibluedaily.com | Amy Barczy

By focusing on a potential employee’s abilities – not their diagnosis – employers can help support people on the autism spectrum. Autism is a complex and broad condition in which an individual can face challenges with external stimulation, social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. What is autism? Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means each person with autism has their own individual skills and challenges.
Distance Runners with Diabetes Share How They Stay Fueled

2 months ago | bcbsm.mibluedaily.com | Amy Barczy

For some distance runners, carb-loading before a big race is as simple as eating a plate of spaghetti or some pizza. For Jason Warzecha, 42, a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan member living in Detroit, race preparation is far more meticulous. That’s because Jason has type 1 diabetes, a condition he’s been living with since age 12. It means his body produces little to no insulin, which is the hormone that allows sugar to enter into the cells from the bloodstream.
Colon Cancer Symptoms in Women

2 months ago | bcbsm.mibluedaily.com | Amy Barczy

Cancers of the colon and rectum are the for both men and women – but for women, recognizing signs of cancer may be more difficult. While colon cancer continues to affect men at higher rates than women, women’s natural menstruation cycles may bring symptoms that overlap some of the symptoms of colon cancer. Below are two important, often overlooked, symptoms of colon cancer in women.
The Psychology of Making a Big Lifestyle Change

2 months ago | bcbsm.mibluedaily.com | Amy Barczy

Making changes to our routines is hard – even when it’s for the sake of our long-term health and well-being. Many of us use the turn of the year and New Year's resolutions to commit to major lifestyle changes. Obviously, you can create steps and develop the habits needed to make a lifestyle change any time of the year. But sticking to those healthy habits while trying to break bad ones can be a major challenge. But why is changing our behavior to create new healthy habits so hard?
Millennials vs. Gen Z: Which Generation is Healthier?

2 months ago | bcbsm.mibluedaily.com | Amy Barczy

The oldest member of Gen Z is turning 28 years old this year. They are now required to carry their own health insurance for the first time. Which begs the question: how healthy is Gen Z? And how do they compare to their elders – millennials? Gen Z is defined by the Pew Research Center as anyone who was born from 1997 to 2012, whereas millennials are anyone born from 1981 to 1996.
What’s a Normal Blood Pressure?

2 months ago | bcbsm.mibluedaily.com | Amy Barczy

One of the first things health care providers often do when you visit their office is to take your blood pressure. That’s because blood pressure is an immediate screening tool for providers to be able to tell how your heart is functioning, and how hard it is working to pump blood through your body. Blood pressure readings are divided in two parts. The first number is the systolic blood pressure – the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
Influenza A: What You Need to Know

Feb 15, 2025 | bcbsm.mibluedaily.com | Amy Barczy

Many of us may believe that spring marks the end of flu season, but that’s not quite the case. While flu season typically peaks between December and February, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are cases that occur throughout the year. In recent weeks, health officials in Michigan reported influenza is "very high." Across the country and in Michigan, Influenza A is the main type in circulation.
Prominent cannabis vapes recalled for banned substance

Jan 31, 2025 | crainsdetroit.com | Amy Barczy

A prominent brand of cannabis vape cartridges is being voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer after they were found to contain a banned substance. Nearly 16,000 Platinum Vape cartridges in various flavors are a part of the recall after it was discovered they contained medium-chain triglyceride, or MCT oil, according to the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency. The vapes were sold at more than 100 dispensaries across Michigan.