<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/izinThyhMUE" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Steven A. Kulik Jr., MD, a surgeon with GBMC Health Partners Orthopaedics, discusses treatment options for painful and uncomfortable bunions with Ashley James from WMAR-TV - abc2news.com. <br> <br> Bunions are bony bumps that protrude from the base of the big toe. This creates a misalignment in the foot that pushes the big toe towards the adjacent toe. Bunions often run in families, but they are most commonly caused by inappropriate footwear. Consistently wearing shoes that are too narrow or have a heel will put you at a greater risk for getting a bunion. Because of shoe styles, women are nine times more likely than men to develop bunions. <br> <br> The major symptoms of bunions include: </p> <ul> <li> Swelling of the foot </li> <li> Pain and tenderness around the big toe </li> <li> Turning of big toe towards the adjacent toe </li> <li> Change in the shape of the foot </li> <li> Pain and discomfort while walking </li> <li> Restricted movement of the big toe </li> </ul> The easiest treatment for bunions is simply to wear wider shoes. For many patients, this can be enough to alleviate pain and stop the bunion from becoming worse. Ice and anti-inflammatories can also be used to relieve acute pain. If these steps don't work, surgical treatment may be necessary. Most bunion surgeries involve cutting the bone and realigning the foot, so it can take up to 12 weeks to fully recover. It used to be common practice to simply shave down the part of the bone that was protruding from the foot, but it was found that there was a 60% chance of recurrence with this procedure alone. When the actual alignment problem is addressed, there is only a 5% chance of recurrence. Although bunion surgery can be fairly complex — there are more than 10 different operations that can be tailored to each patient — it is almost always an outpatient procedure. A local nerve block is administered to the knee and patients can walk the day of or the day after their surgery. However, just because someone has a bunion, doesn't mean they need surgery. "If someone comes in with a bunion and it doesn't hurt, we don't operate on it. The primary indicator is pain," said Dr. Kulik. If you are concerned about having a bunion, it's always best to talk to your doctor. "It's hard to navigate the medical field on your own, so you really need someone to help you with that. That's what doctors do."
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qffazdvU_Es" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Every month, GBMC holds a Facebook Live cooking demonstration featuring healthy recipes from <a href="http://thesleevedchef.com/" target="_blank">The Sleeved Chef</a>, Michael Salamon. Michael graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and is passionate about “teaching cooking techniques and recipes to pre- and post-operative bariatric patients.” He had a type of bariatric surgery known as a sleeve gastrectomy in September 2016 and enjoys sharing his knowledge of cooking with fellow weight loss patients. Co-hosting the demonstration with him is Jana Wolff, RD, LDN, Director of Nutrition for GBMC’s <a href="/node/2332" target="_blank">Comprehensive Obesity Management Program</a>, where Michael was treated. <br> <br> This month we featured Gustavo Bello, GBMC Bariatric Surgeon! Tune in for bariatric-friendly recipes with Dr. Bello's Venezuelan twist! <br> <br> <strong>Pabellon Criollo – 8 servings</strong> </p> <ul> <li> 2 lb flank steak cut into 4 pieces </li> <li> 8 cups water </li> <li> 1 green onion, rough chopped </li> <li> 1 peppermint sprig, rough chopped </li> <li> 1 parsley sprig, rough chopped </li> <li> 1 celery stalk, rough chopped </li> <li> 1 red bell pepper, halved and deseeded </li> <li> Salt & pepper to taste </li> </ul> Cut the flank steak into 4 pieces, so they fit in a large pot. Place the flank steak in the pot and cover with water. Add the salt, green onion, peppermint, parsley, celery, onion and bell pepper. Cover and cook for about 4 hours at medium heat, until steak softens. Remove from heat and remove the steak from the pot, placing it on a baking sheet and let it cool. Once the beef is cool enough to handle, start shredding or pulling it apart. As you are shredding the beef, remove the fat and hard pieces. <br> <br> Nutrition <br> Recipe yields 8 servings (4 oz. per serving) <br> Calories: 180 <br> Total Fat: 9g <br> Saturated Fat: 4g <br> Cholesterol: 75mg <br> Sodium: 105mg <br> Protein: 24g <br> Carbohydrate: 1g <br> <br> <br> <strong>Sofrito – 8 servings</strong> <ul> <li> 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil </li> <li> 1 yellow onion, sliced </li> <li> 1 bell pepper, julienned </li> <li> 1 garlic clove, minced </li> <li> 3 habaneros, julienned </li> <li> 2 tomatoes, seeded and diced </li> <li> 2 sprigs cilantro, minced </li> <li> 1 tsp soy sauce </li> <li> Salt and pepper, to taste </li> </ul> Add oil to a large pot and sauté the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and habaneros for 5 minutes. Add the beef and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, pepper, cilantro, and soy sauce. Taste everything to make sure you don’t need more salt or soy sauce. Cook at low heat for about 15 minutes. You may also add a bit of the beef stock and cook at medium heat until the liquid is reduced. <br> <br> Nutrition <br> Recipe yields 8 servings (1 tbsp per serving) <br> Calories: 30 <br> Total Fat: 2g <br> Saturated Fat: 0g <br> Cholesterol: 0g <br> Sodium: 80mg <br> Protein: 1g <br> Carbohydrate: 3g <br> <br> <br> <strong>Cauliflower Rice – 8 servings</strong> <ul> <li> 1 head cauliflower, minced and riced </li> <li> 1 garlic clove, minced </li> <li> 1 medium onion, thinly sliced </li> <li> 1 green bell pepper, julienned </li> <li> 1 red bell pepper, julienned </li> <li> Salt and pepper, to taste </li> </ul> Over medium heat, saute garlic, onion and bell peppers until soft. Add cauliflower rice and saute for an additional 5 minutes. <br> <br> Nutrition <br> Recipe yields 6 servings (1/2 cup per serving) <br> Calories: 45 <br> Total Fat: 1g <br> Saturated Fat: 0g <br> Cholesterol: 0g <br> Sodium: 30mg <br> Protein: 2g <br> Carbohydrate: 8g <br> <br> <br> <strong>Guasacaca Salad – 8 servings</strong> <ul> <li> 4 whole large avocados, large dice </li> <li> 1 whole onion, minced </li> <li> 1 whole bell peppers, small dice (red, green, yellow) </li> <li> 2 sticks green onion, thinly sliced </li> <li> 2 whole tomatoes, seeded and small diced </li> <li> 1 handful of cilantro, thinly sliced </li> <li> 1 tbsp hot sauce </li> <li> 1 tbsp vinegar </li> <li> 3 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin </li> <li> 1 tbsp salt </li> <li> ½ tbsp pepper </li> <li> 1 tbsp lime juice </li> </ul> Place cleaned and diced avocados in a stainless steel mixing bowl. Add onion, bell pepper, green onion, tomato, lime juice, and cilantro in mixing bowl and fold together. Add vinegar, olive oil, hot sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. <br> <br> Nutrition <br> Recipe yields 8 servings <br> Calories: 120 <br> Total Fat: 10g <br> Saturated Fat: 1g <br> Cholesterol: 0g <br> Sodium: 900mg <br> Protein: 1g Carbohydrate: 6g
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8GpQaUIJ7sU" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Male sexual dysfunction, also referred to as erectile dysfunction (ED), affects 1 in 5 men by the time they turn 50 years old. ED is the inability to achieve or maintain a rigid erection. In this segment of "To Your Health," Dr. Ronald Tutrone, Chief, Department of Urology at GBMC, and host John Lazarou discuss the causes and treatments of male sexual dysfunction. <br> <br> There are many potential causes for ED, both physical and psychological. "It's a very complex and multifactorial issue," says Dr. Tutrone. Erections happen when blood flow to the penis is increased; anything inhibiting this can lead to ED. Some causes include: </p> <ul> <li> Cardiovascular disease </li> <li> Diabetes </li> <li> High blood pressure </li> <li> High cholesterol </li> <li> Certain thyroid diseases </li> <li> Low testosterone </li> <li> Obesity </li> <li> Alcoholism </li> <li> Smoking </li> <li> Depression </li> </ul> Diagnosis and determination of the cause or causes of ED are usually done during a face-to-face meeting with a primary care provider or a urologist. During the appointment, the doctor will check for external abnormalities and will order any pertinent lab tests. He or she will also discuss sexual history with the patient, as this can be a major indicator of sexual dysfunction. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments for ED, including oral medications called PDE inhibitors, mechanical devices, injection therapy, and implants. Dr. Tutrone describes how each treatment works and when they are appropriate to use. Because ED is such a common issue, primary care providers are well equipped to treat it, so it often isn't necessary to visit a specialist.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UeeMdc_oqOQ" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> It's not easy to talk about, but sexual dysfunction is a very real problem for many women. Compared to male sexual dysfunction, female dysfunction has fewer treatments and more stigmas associated with it. In this episode of "Greater Living," Mary Beth Marsden and Don Scott discuss the causes and treatments for female sexual dysfunction with GBMC Urologist, Dr. Karen Boyle. <br> <br> Sexual dysfunction can start for women as soon as they become sexually active — age isn't the deciding factor. Orgasmic and pain disorders are the most common types of dysfunction for younger women. It can be so severe that women can't even use tampons during their menstrual cycle. <br> <br> Many people believe that sexual dysfunction in women is caused solely by psychological factors, but this simply isn't the case. "This is a physiological issue," said Dr. Boyle. Due to this stigma and the extremely personal nature of the issue, many women don't seek treatment. Dr. Boyle encouraged women to talk to their doctor, saying "if you're having pain during sex, you should be evaluated. It isn't normal, and you don't want to ignore it." <br> <br> Other types of sexual dysfunction include: </p> <ul> <li> Lack of sexual desire </li> <li> Difficulties with arousal and orgasm </li> <li> Dryness and lack of lubrication </li> <li> Vaginal atrophy (thinning of the vaginal walls) </li> <li> STDs </li> </ul> Unfortunately, there has been a lack of research on female sexual dysfunction. This has led to fewer treatments being approved by the FDA and covered by insurance. There are certain treatments available that have proven to be effective, but have not been officially approved by the FDA for treating female sexual dysfunction. These are called "off-label" medications and must be paid for out-of-pocket. The most common approved treatments are topical ointments and creams as well as hormone therapy. Although female sexual dysfunction is not as straightforward as male sexual dysfunction, it is still treatable and women struggling with it shouldn't give up hope. The first step is to talk to your primary care provider about the symptoms you are experiencing. There may be a very simple solution! If you need a primary care provider, visit <a href="http://mygbmcdoctor.com/" target="_blank">http://mygbmcdoctor.com</a> for more information.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NnHtZ6eYkMQ" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> There are a lot of ways to "get rid of" extra hair, but none of them are ideal. Shaving is time consuming, waxing is expensive, and chemical hair removers can burn your skin. Even after all of that, your hair grows back and you have to start over again. If you're sick of this problem, you may want to consider laser hair removal. Cathleen Barenski, CRNP, from The Vein Center at GBMC spoke with Gina Crash, co-host of Today's 101.9 Morning Show, about this state-of-the-art hair removal process. <br> <br> Laser hair removal is a game changer. It's different than other hair removal methods because of its permanence. Within six to eight sessions, 98% of the hair in the treated area will be gone and will not grow back. While other methods remove hair that has already grown in, laser hair removal stops the hair from growing in the first place. <br> <br> The most commonly treated areas are the underarms, bikini area, and legs, but it can be done on almost any part of the body. Before your first session, you will have a free consultation with one of the experts at The Vein Center. This includes a detailed skin typing process that determines the correct laser for your skin and hair color. Each laser targets specific pigments in your hair follicles, so different colors require different laser settings. <br> <br> One of the most common questions is whether or not laser hair removal is painful. The short answer is “no.” While the treatment isn't always comfortable, it is far from painful. Patients often describe the sensation as similar to being snapped by small rubber bands. Ms. Barenski, who was specially trained to deliver laser treatments, uses a cooling wand throughout the session to reduce discomfort and prevent thermal injury. Treatments generally last 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area and the density of the hair. The area may feel slightly sore for a few hours afterwards. If you're interested in learning more, <a href="https://gbmchealthcare.formstack.com/forms/vein_center" target="_blank">sign up for a free consultation here</a> or call The Vein Center at GBMC at 443-849-6123. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QOCKAFq35iE" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> People usually cringe when they hear the words "sexually transmitted diseases" (STDs). It's a problem that is often swept under the rug because people simply aren't comfortable talking about it. When they are discussed, STDs are generally associated with young people, but retirees are the second highest diagnosed population. In this episode of Greater Living Live, Mary Beth Marsden and Don Scott address misconceptions about and treatments for sexually transmitted diseases with GBMC OB/GYN Dr. Lindsay Morrell. <br> <br> There is a false perception that STD cases are decreasing, when in fact, they are increasing at an alarming rate — especially in older populations. Postmenopausal women may stop using protection because they no longer have the risk of becoming pregnant, but that leaves them vulnerable to STDs. "Condoms are the only things that protect against sexually transmitted diseases," says Dr. Morrell. That being said, condoms aren't foolproof, especially for diseases that are spread through skin-to-skin contact. Dr. Morrell also suggests that women who do want to prevent pregnancy use an additional form of contraception along with a condom. Most STDs don't have symptoms, so it’s especially important to get screened regularly and when you have a new partner. Testing has advanced over recent years and now most STD tests are available through your primary care provider. Although not all STDs are curable, they are all treatable. If you are concerned about having an STD, don't hesitate to contact your doctor. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9bdEEeuXOJg" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Dramatic weight loss can greatly improve someone's health and quality of life, but it often leaves excess skin. Depending on its elasticity, the skin may not shrink like the rest of the body, which can result in sagging and drape-like rolls. GBMC’s Chief of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Alyson Wells, spoke with Magic 95.9 multi-media personality April Watts and answered questions about body contouring and plastic surgery following an extreme weight loss. <br> <br> While there are non-surgical treatments, surgery is the most effective method of body shaping because it actually removes the excess tissue. Extra skin can be an issue on any part of the body, but people most often seek treatment for the abdomen, breasts, thighs, and upper arms. There are also more complex surgeries available that address multiple areas at one time. The most common of these procedures is called a body lift, which addresses circumferentially the entire torso including the abdomen, back, thighs, and buttocks. <br> <br> Over the past few years, there has been an increase in body contouring procedures; Dr. Wells believes this is correlated with an increase in bariatric weight loss surgeries. Because of their rapid and significant weight loss, people who have elected to complete bariatric surgery are usually good candidates for body contouring procedures. When deciding whether a patient is a good fit for one of these procedures, Dr. Wells looks at the following things: </p> <ul> <li> Other medical conditions </li> <li> Potential medical impacts of excess skin (chafing, cellulitis, etc.) </li> <li> The amount of excess skin present </li> <li> How long the current weight has been maintained (ideally 3-6 months) </li> <li> Whether or not the patient is at his or her goal weight </li> </ul> According to Dr. Wells, "we see a tremendous uptick in self-esteem after surgery." In some cases, as much as 10 pounds of excess tissue is removed, which drastically changes the appearance of the body. Patients can see the results of their weight loss more clearly and their bodies finally matches the shape they had hoped to achieve. "Plastic surgery is transformational," says Dr. Wells. "In the right circumstances, it absolutely changes people's lives."
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4VTH2vQiZ7U" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is an unfortunately common disease; however, when caught early, it is extremely treatable. During this Facebook Live, Joseph DiRocco, MD, Medical Director of GI Oncology at GBMC, discusses symptoms and treatments for GI cancer with Ashley James from WMAR-TV. <br> <br> GBMC has a multidisciplinary team that focuses on GI oncology, using state-of-the-art technology for testing, surgery, and ongoing treatments. Sam Peraino, a patient of Dr. DiRocco's, joined the conversation to describe his experience receiving care at GBMC. <br> <br> Several years ago, Sam was diagnosed with colon cancer when irregular cells were found during a routine colonoscopy. Sam had shown no symptoms and didn't have a family history of colorectal cancer, so this was an unexpected diagnosis. "The team was great at explaining what was going on," he said. <br> <br> GI cancers, as well as many other cancers, often don't cause symptoms until the disease has become advanced. Some symptoms of GI cancers include: </p> <ul> <li> Rectal bleeding </li> <li> Abdominal pain </li> <li> Change in bowel habits </li> <li> Unexplained weight loss </li> <li> Lack of appetite </li> <li> Unusual bloating </li> </ul> Sam's story is a prime example of why getting screened is so important. Many people avoid screenings, especially colonoscopies, because they fear the procedure will be unpleasant. Although a preparation drink is still required for a colonoscopy, the experience has significantly improved over the years – the amount of liquid intake has been decreased and there are different flavors to choose from. Getting screened may not be fun, but it can save your life. Throughout the conversation, Dr. DiRocco answered live and pre-submitted questions about treatments and about how other GI diseases affect the likelihood of developing GI cancer.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rXYPjB5e7Y8" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> There are a lot of misconceptions about weight-loss surgery. Did you know that, on average, a person tries 22 different methods of losing weight before seeing a bariatric doctor? In this interview with April Watts from Magic 95.9, GBMC bariatric surgeon Elizabeth Dovec addresses some of these misconceptions and explains the surgical options that are available. <br> <br> "Weight-loss surgery is the most effective tool that exists to help you lose weight," says Dr. Dovec. And it's just that: a tool. Many people view weight-loss surgery as an easy way out or as a procedure that is limited to the morbidly obese, but this simply isn't the case. Eligibility is determined by body mass index (BMI), the ratio between height and weight, rather than by weight alone. Most insurances will cover the surgery if you meet the BMI qualifications. Candidates for the surgery must have a BMI of 40 or higher or have a BMI of 35-39 as well as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or sleep apnea. <br> <br> There are two types of weight-loss surgery — sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. Dr. Dovec describes the differences between these procedures, pre-operative preparation, the recovery process, and the metabolic changes that your body experiences post-surgery. <br> <br> Bariatric surgery is not a guaranteed way to lose weight. Although it's an incredibly effective tool, it must be accompanied by significant behavior changes. Patients need to increase their physical activity, modify their eating habits, and perhaps most importantly, they need to change their mindsets. Around 15% of bariatric patients fall back into old habits and are unable to maintain their weight loss. GBMC's <a href="/node/2332" target="_blank">Comprehensive Obesity Management Program</a> (COMP) is striving to push that number down to zero by offering numerous resources to care for the whole patient. With bariatric surgery, mental and emotional health are just as important as physical health. COMP's approach to weight loss focuses on more than just the number on the scale; it's an all-encompassing program. Patients regularly meet with dietitians before and after surgery, something unique to this program, and frequently attend educational and social events held just for them. COMP also offers mental health support and a very active private Facebook support group for all patients. Check out <a href="/node/3782" target="_blank"> Jake's</a>, <a href="/node/4170" target="_blank">Karen's</a>, <a href="/node/3739" target="_blank">Natalie's</a>, and <a href="/node/3759" target="_blank">Sean's</a> stories to see what bariatric surgery and COMP did for them. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fTjvl6pZTNI" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Every month, GBMC holds a Facebook Live cooking demonstration featuring healthy recipes from <a href="http://thesleevedchef.com/" target="_blank" alt="The Sleeved Chef">The Sleeved Chef</a>, Michael Salamon. Michael graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and is passionate about “teaching cooking techniques and recipes to pre- and post-operative bariatric patients.” He had a type of bariatric surgery known as a sleeve gastrectomy in September 2016 and enjoys sharing his knowledge of cooking with fellow weight loss patients. Co-hosting the demonstration with him is Jana Wolff, RD, LDN, Director of Nutrition for GBMC’s Comprehensive Obesity Management Program, where Michael was treated. <br> <br> Please tune in to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gbmcmedia" target="_blank" alt="GBMC on Facebook">GBMC’s Facebook page</a> on <strong>Tuesday, January 23</strong> at 6pm for another live cooking demonstration with Michael and Jana! <br> <br> <strong>Ingredients</strong> <br> <br> Rosemary stems <br> Cherry tomatoes <br> Buffalo milk mozzarella balls <br> 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil <br> 1 tablespoon aged balsamic <br> Basil leaves to taste <br> <br> <a href="https://youtu.be/fTjvl6pZTNI?t=1649" target="_blank">Watch the Caprese Skewers with Aged Balsamic cooking demonstration beginning at the 27:40 mark!</a> <br> <br> <strong>Instructions</strong> <br> <br> 1. Purchase rosemary stems and remove the rosemary leaves <br> 2. Place 3 cherry tomatos and 2 buffalo milk mozzarella balls onto rosemary stem skewers <br> 3. Add basil leaves to taste <br> 4. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil and ½ teaspoon aged balsamic onto the tomatoes and mozzarella <br> <br> <strong>Nutrition</strong> <br> <br> Recipe yields 1 serving <br> Calories: 140 <br> Total Fat: 6g <br> Saturated Fat: 4g <br> Cholesterol: 14mg <br> Sodium: 190mg <br> Protein: 8g Carbohydrate: 4g </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_eIzNX9yzQQ" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Cervical cancer is a highly preventable disease, but more than 13,000 women die from it every year in the United States. <br> <br> In this episode of <em>To Your Health</em>, GBMC's Associate Director of Gynecologic Oncology, Dr. Kimberly Levinson, MD, answers live questions and discusses important information on the signs, symptoms, and prevention of cervical cancer with host John Lazarou. <br> <br> When caught in its early stages, cervical cancer is very treatable. Unfortunately, cervical cancer is mostly asymptomatic, so it's impossible to know if the disease is present without regular screening. These screenings can be done during a yearly "well woman” exam with a gynecologist. There are two types of tests that are used to check for cervical cancer — a pap smear and an HPV test. The pap smear test checks for abnormalities in cervical cells and the HPV test checks for the presence of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). <br> <br> HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that most people have had at some point in their lives. Despite its prevalence, having been exposed to HPV does not mean that you will develop cervical cancer. "HPV is necessary, but not sufficient in and of itself, to cause cervical cancer," explains Dr. Levinson. Most people can fight off the virus on their own; the issue arises for the 20% to 30% of women who cannot naturally fight it off. When HPV is present in the cervix over a period of seven to ten years, it may change the anatomy of the cells and create the opportunity for cancer cells to develop. <br> <br> Because there is no cure for the virus itself, the best way to fight HPV is to be vaccinated before becoming sexually active. The vaccine can be given to children as young as nine years old and is approved for adults through twenty-six years old. Men and boys can also carry HPV, so the vaccination is recommended for boys as well as girls. This helps to prevent the spread of the virus and decreases the likelihood of other cancers related to HPV, such as tonsillar and mouth cancer, from developing. "Male cancers that are associated with HPV are on the rise," says Dr. Levinson. During the conversation, Dr. Levinson also discussed the types of cervical cancer and HPV and how each is treated once it has been diagnosed. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1QQt6Qip1GU" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Falls happen year-round, but they are especially likely during the slippery winter months. One of the most common joints injured in falls is the knee. Others include the elbows, wrists, and hips. In this segment of "Greater Living," Dr. Todd Melegari, orthopaedic surgeon at GBMC, discusses joint replacement following injuries with Mary Beth Marsden and Don Scott. <br> <br> If you fall, it is important to listen to what your body is telling you. Many people avoid going to the doctor even if they are in significant pain; however, this can exacerbate the injury and create complications. Your next step depends on the functionality of the area and the amount of pain after the injury. If the pain can be controlled by over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen or Tylenol, it is usually safe to try that first, but if you can't put weight on the injured area or the pain is overwhelming, you should seek medical attention. Unfortunately, injuries to joints can cause long-term medical problems like arthritis. <br> <br> Here are some tips to avoid falling: </p> <ul> <li> Pay attention to your surroundings — look for spots that are icy or may be slippery and avoid them if possible </li> <li> Shuffle your feet if you do have to go out in the ice </li> <li> Stay off your phone when walking in slippery conditions </li> </ul> Dr. Melegari went on to discuss when and why to get a knee replacement. Although sometimes caused by injury, arthritis is often caused by simple wear and tear. When to get one or both knees replaced simply comes down to quality of life. "It's all about pain and the disruption that it causes in your everyday life," says Dr. Melegari. The amount of arthritis in the knee doesn't necessarily dictate whether a patient should get surgery. If physical therapy and/or medication is enough to manage the pain, then an operation is not always needed. Later that day, Dr. Lee Schmidt, Chief, Division of Orthopaedics, and Director of the Joint Replacement Center at GBMC, talked about recovery after joint replacement surgery. <a href="https://www.gbmc.org/enhanced-recovery-after-knee-surgery-dr-lee-schmidt" target="_blank">Click here </a>to learn more about Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols for knee replacement patients.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sgeSjRadWVE" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Every year, one in one thousand babies is born with a cleft lip and one in two thousand babies is born with a cleft palate. <br> <br> In this Facebook Live segment, experts Dr. Antonie Kline, Director of Pediatric Genetics and Medical Director of the Greater Baltimore Cleft Lip and Palate program and Dr. Patrick Byrne, Co-Director of the Greater Baltimore Cleft Lip and Palate discuss this birth defect and its implications with host, Greg Carpenter from Today's 101.9 Morning Show. The word cleft simply means "an opening." All babies start out with an opening in their mouth that closes over time in the womb. In babies born with a cleft lip or palate, the upper jaw and/or lip did not fully close during fetal development. This causes a host of challenges that require comprehensive care throughout the first 18 to 19 years of life. Doctors Kline and Byrne answer pre-submitted and live questions on topics including: </p> <ul> <li> The potential causes of clefts </li> <li> How a cleft lip or palate can affect a child's development </li> <li> How families cope with having a child born with a cleft lip or palate </li> <li> The basic treatments that are given as the child grows </li> <li> How this condition is treated overseas and why it is such a focus for medical missions </li> </ul> The Greater Baltimore Cleft Lip and Palate program at GBMC is one of three in Maryland. It is made up of a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team that treats patients from infancy through adulthood. Care is provided by a comprehensive team that includes specialists in dental care, speech pathology, nutrition, genetics, psychology, audiology, social work, and more.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Oa8dmFJG2G8" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> <strong>How getting up and moving can make travel safer</strong> <br> <br> We’ve all been there. Tucked a little too snugly into a seat on a plane, train, or automobile for hours. And while the thing you notice most in that situation is your discomfort, there’s something else you should be aware of. Long periods of sitting still, whether while traveling or recovering from an illness, can significantly increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), blood clots in the leg veins that can break free and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. Dr. Jennifer Heller, director of the Vein Center at GBMC, and ABC2 Good Morning Maryland host Ashley James talked about what increases your risk of DVT, steps you can take to lower that risk, and the signs that might mean you have DVT. <br> <br> “DVT is a very common condition,” says Dr. Heller. “About one in 1,000 Americans will have DVT during their lifetime and the risk goes up for travelers. Three to 5% of travelers are affected by the condition. You’re more at risk if you’re 40 or older, have congestive heart failure or inflammatory bowel disease, are overweight, take birth control pills, or are pregnant. If you’re traveling 4 or more hours, you also have an increased risk of developing blood clots in the deep veins of your legs. The best way to combat that is getting up and walking around every 30 minutes and staying hydrated by drinking water. If you can’t do that, calf raises that flex your muscles can also help keep the blood pumping to your heart and prevent it from pooling in the veins in your legs.” <br> <br> Dr. Heller explained that your efforts to prevent DVT should start with a visit to your primary care physician to rule out any underlying conditions that could increase your risk. Getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are also important. You can also ask your doctor whether compression stockings could help lower your risk while traveling. What signs of DVT should you watch for? “If you have any new pain or ache in your leg that you can’t pinpoint the cause for, if there’s an area of warmth or tenderness on your leg, or sudden swelling in the leg, call your doctor immediately or go to the ER if it’s after hours,” adds Dr. Heller. “The signs of pulmonary embolism are also important to know. They include shortness of breath, chest pain, and a cough. See a doctor right away if you have these symptoms.” </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Td9q-T3HBA" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> <strong>What you can do to fight the flu this winter</strong> <br> <br> You feel like crawling under the covers and sleeping for weeks. Your head hurts, you’re feverish, and can’t stop coughing. Your whole body just hurts. If this sounds familiar, then you might have the flu. Each year, between 5% and 20% of people in the U.S. will get the flu, about 200,000 of them will end up in the hospital, and worldwide up to 500,000 people will die as a result of complications of the flu. Dr. Theodore Bailey, an infectious disease specialist at GBMC, talked with Magic 95.9 host April Watts about what you can do to lower your risk of catching the flu, colds, and other viruses that can make you miserable this winter. <br> <br> “No one is invulnerable to the flu,” explains Dr. Bailey. “Anyone, any age can get it. For some people, however, the flu can pose more serious health risks. Children under 2 and people over 65, people on medications that suppress the immune system, and pregnant women all face higher risks of serious complications as a result of the flu. Flu can also be more dangerous for people in nursing homes and those living with chronic health problems like asthma and heart disease. That’s why it’s so important to get a flu shot every year. You’re not only protecting yourself, you’re doing a public service and protecting your loved ones and others for whom the flu can be especially dangerous.” <br> <br> Dr. Bailey talked about why you need to get a flu shot each year, calling the flu a living curveball that’s constantly changing its genetic makeup. He also explained why some people get the flu even after they’re vaccinated, how having the flu can increase your risk of serious respiratory diseases including pneumonia, and why even mid flu season, it’s not too late to get a flu shot. “While the flu shot is key, don’t forget the other low tech, but extremely effective ways that you can protect yourself against the flu and other illnesses all year long,” adds Dr. Bailey. “Good frequent handwashing or the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can significantly lower your risk of getting sick with a range of viruses and bacterial illnesses.” </p>
