<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zD_LK59FSvM" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Keeping an eye on your kids’ eye health <br> <br> Why does your newborn’s eye look like it’s drifting sometimes? Could your first grader need reading glasses? If you wear glasses, is there anything you can do to reduce the likelihood that your children will need glasses too one day? Dr. Allison Jensen, a board-certified pediatric and adolescent ophthalmologist at GBMC, answered these questions and many others during a discussion with Reagan Warfield of MIX 106.5, who’s a new father himself and had a few questions of his own. <br> <br> Dr. Jensen stressed the value of seeing a pediatric ophthalmologist early if you think your child might have eye problems. “There is no ‘too young’ for children to be seen by a pediatric ophthalmologist,” explains Dr. Jensen. “We see children in the pre-term NICU. We’re able to accurately assess eye conditions in the youngest children. When we find eye problems earlier, it can affect how long your child needs treatment, what type of treatment can be effective, and your child’s long-term visual outcome. When certain types of vision problems are left untreated, they frequently cannot be treated in adulthood, so early diagnosis and treatment are important.” <br> <br> Among the most common eye issues Dr. Jensen treats are muscle problems that cause the eye to drift outward or inward, crossed eyes, blurry vision when reading, and amblyopia, a condition where one eye has significantly better focus than the other. Treatments for these common conditions can range from special eye exercises and glasses to surgery, depending the type and severity of the problem. If your child develops a sudden change in vision or double vision, it’s important to see a pediatric ophthalmologist as soon as possible, because these types of changes can be caused by other potentially serious health problems. And while there aren’t any particular steps parents who wear glasses can take to lower the likelihood that their children will need glasses one day, Dr. Jensen says that some studies have found that children who spend more time looking at screens each day have an increased risk of becoming nearsighted. Her advice? Limit screen time to 30 minutes for younger children and encourage them to take part in other activities, including playing outdoors. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gzr4pXOixd8" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> GBMC is one of the first community hospitals in Maryland to provide a Child Life Program for its pediatric patients. Jennifer Seiler, Certified Child Life Specialist, and Cristin Bailey, Nurse Manager, explain this important program at GBMC with host Jeff St. Pierre from 93.1 WPOC. <br> <br> Child Life Specialists (CLS) are part of a multidisciplinary team that strive to help families and children cope with hospitalization. They are active in GBMC's Pediatric Inpatient Unit and Emergency Department as well as the Pediatric SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) Program. <br> <br> When a CLS enters the room with a patient, he or she immediately begins a rapport to gauge the child’s physical and emotional state. An individual coping plan is then created, which almost always involves some kind of play. "Play is the foundation of the Child Life Program. It's the universal language for children," says Jennifer. This can involve anything from blowing bubbles to calm breathing to going on scavenger hunts throughout the unit to help a child practice walking. The CLS also plays a critical role in preparing children for any procedures (like x-rays, blood drawing, or stitches) that need to be done — the goal is to have no surprises. <br> <br> One of the ways they achieve this is through the use of plain cloth dolls, which they call “hospital buddies.” When explaining how a procedure is going to go, the CLS will show the child what will happen to them on one of these dolls. If appropriate, the child can help to perform the mock procedure on the doll. This allows them to familiarize themselves with the medical equipment and gives them back a sense of control. Many times, a trip to the emergency room is a child's first experience with healthcare. GBMC’s CLS team does everything it can to make sure that it is a good experience. "We want kids to know that the hospital is somewhere they go to feel better," Jennifer explains. When they have a good experience early on, parents and children are more likely to utilize healthcare throughout their lives. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p7Rt1vQE0aA" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Why winter is all about preparation <br> <br> Love it or hate it, winter is here and it’s a cold one. Dr. Jeffrey Sternlicht, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at GBMC, recently shared his advice on how to avoid the health hazards that cold weather, snow, and ice can bring with them. From why people over 40 should get help with shoveling to how to stay safe and warm if you get stranded in your car this winter, Dr. Sternlicht’s tips can help you have a safer, healthier winter. <br> <br> “Winter is all about preparation,” says Dr. Sternlicht. “You need to know what the forecast is before you head out, dress in loose fitting layers of synthetics and wool to stay warm and dry, and make sure your home and vehicle are stocked with the supplies you need in an emergency. For your car, that means keeping an extra hat, pair of gloves, warm socks, and even a blanket or sleeping bag in the trunk. You can survive for three weeks without food, three days without water, but only three hours when you’re exposed to extreme cold, so being prepared can save your life.” <br> <br> He explained that people with heart conditions, vascular disease, the elderly, and those who take medicines that affect circulation can get frostbite and hypothermia more quickly, so it’s important to dress warmly, stay dry, and limit your time outdoors when it’s very cold. And while he and other physicians suggest that anyone over 40 or who is out of shape or living with a chronic health condition avoid shoveling snow, he says that if you must shovel, go slowly, use a small shovel, push the snow rather than lifting it, and take frequent rests indoors. <br> <br> Dr. Sternlicht also talked about how to reduce your risk of coming down with colds, flu, and other infections this winter. “I never have and never will miss my flu shot,” he explains. “That’s the number one strategy for lowering your risk of getting the flu.” Beyond the annual flu vaccine, he recommends eating healthy, getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, and 7.5 to 8 hours of good sleep per night to boost your immune system. Hand washing and avoiding touching your face can also help prevent transmission of colds and flu. But what’s the number one risk of winter weather according to Dr. Sternlicht? Slipping and falling on ice and snow. “Every winter, I see people who are seriously injured falling on ice,” he says. “If you must go out, expect ice, wear shoes with good traction, take slow, short steps, and keep your hands out of pockets.” </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LEO3H0JAMj0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> <strong>Pediatric geneticists help families hone in on complex diagnoses</strong> <br> <br> There are more than 10,000 genetic syndromes, with more being identified regularly, that can affect physical, neurological, and mental health. Dr. Antonie Kline, medical director of pediatric genetics at Harvey Institute for Human Genetics at GBMC, and genetic counselor Marcia Ferguson discussed the genetic conditions that affect children and teens and what tools they use to help find the underlying cause for these conditions. <br> <br> “Our role as pediatric geneticists is to be mystery solvers. For most of the children we see, there is more than one thing that’s unusual going on and that’s why they are referred to us for a genetic assessment,” explains Dr. Kline. “For example, a parent or pediatrician may notice that the child has unusual facial features that don’t match others in the family, has developmental delays, and a heart defect. When we see several factors occurring in the same child, that may indicate that there’s an underlying genetic cause. Through testing, we are often able to find that genetic issue, which can help parents and physicians better manage the child’s condition.” <br> <br> Dr. Kline says that many of her patient’s parents also want to know if their child’s condition has a genetic cause so they’re aware of the risk of the same problem occurring in future children. “Genetics is a rapidly changing field,” she adds. “Since I did my training, there’s now a whole panel of tests for autism and hearing loss that we didn’t have. And we are constantly learning more. If we can’t pinpoint a diagnosis right now, we urge parents to stay in touch with us. As our knowledge grows through research, we’re able to make more diagnoses. For many parents, it’s a long voyage to a diagnosis, but when their child is finally diagnosed, there’s a sense of relief.” Dr. Kline also talked about her career-long research into the rare genetic condition Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, a topic on which she is one of the world’s leading experts, and the recently discovered genetic syndrome that bears her name, Au-Kline Syndrome. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IBQjbKUfCn8" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> <strong>Prenatal genetic testing can now screen for hundreds of health problems</strong> <br> <br> In the past few years, the number of prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic tests has exploded. Dr. Natalie Blagowidow, medical director of the Harvey Institute for Human Genetics at GBMC, and genetic counselor Amy Kimball talked with Mary Beth Marsden and Don Scott about the impact of the growing number of prenatal genetic tests and how a geneticist can help parents-to-be understand the results of these tests and make informed decisions. <br> <br> “We now have more than 200 prenatal genetic tests that can help determine the risk for a wide range of conditions, from Down syndrome to cystic fibrosis,” says Dr. Blagowidow. “A number of these tests, which are non-invasive, are offered to all pregnant women. The benefit of genetic testing and screening, especially for people who have a family history of genetically-based health problems, is that we can identify problems earlier. And for some of these conditions, there are treatments that can be given in the first few months of life that can have a positive impact on the baby’s health.” <br> <br> Dr. Blagowidow and Amy also fielded questions on whether popular testing services like Ancestry DNA and 23andMe provide helpful information for people planning to have a family, what support services are available if testing does find genetic abnormalities, and new blood tests for expectant mothers that can sometimes take the place of invasive prenatal tests such as amniocentesis. “Faced with all the information we can now get about genetics, it’s important to have a discussion with your OB/GYN or a genetic counselor so that you can understand the results of any tests you choose to undergo and make informed decisions,” explains Amy. “And if you do have a family history of genetic conditions, consider talking to a geneticist before you get pregnant about screening tests for recessive genes that can cause genetic abnormalities if both parents carry the gene. With the information and counseling, you’ll be better prepared to make the right choice for your family.” </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ANV8kA9W6vo" 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, December 19</strong> at 6pm for another live cooking demonstration with Michael and Jana! <br> <br> <strong>Ingredients</strong> <br> <br> 2 lbs of 93% lean ground turkey <br> 1 yellow onion, minced <br> 2 celery stalks, minced <br> 2 carrots, peeled and minced <br> 4 oz. dried cranberries <br> 1 bunch fresh sage <br> 1 bunch fresh thyme <br> 1 bunch fresh rosemary <br> Kosher salt to taste <br> Black pepper to taste <br> 8 slices low-fat extra sharp cheddar <br> <br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANV8kA9W6vo" target="_blank" alt="Watch the Thanksgiving Turkey Burger Coking Demonstration">Watch the Thanksgiving turkey burger cooking demonstration here!</a> <br> <br> <strong>Directions</strong> <br> <br> 1. Sauté the onion in extra virgin olive oil over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Add the celery and carrots and sauté until they soften. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set vegetables aside on a plate. <br> 2. Mix ground turkey, herbs, cranberries, vegetables, salt and pepper until well combined. <br> 3. Form the meat and vegetable combination into 4oz patties. <br> 4. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a pan and add the burgers. Cook for 2 minutes before flipping them. Continue to cook until burgers are browned on each side and the meat measures 165 degrees’ internal temperature. <br> 5. Top with sliced low-fat cheddar cheese until melted. <br> <br> <strong>Nutrition</strong> <br> <br> Recipe yields 8 servings <br> Calories: 200 <br> Total Fat: 9g <br> Saturated Fat: 3g <br> Cholesterol: 65mg <br> Sodium: 240mg <br> Protein: 22g Carbohydrate: 9g </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tgAJYCYL-nE" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> The opioid crisis has recently been declared a public health emergency. Dr. Robin Motter-Mast, DO, Medical Director of Primary Care at GBMC discussed what GBMC is doing to prevent over-prescription with Michael J from 93.1 WPOC </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yI-c_u6d0kg" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Before you indulge in another holiday cookie, digest this fact: On average, people gain about one to five pounds during the holiday season. And, according to Jana Wolff, RD, LDN, Director of Nutrition at GBMC’s Bariatric Surgery & Comprehensive Obesity Management Program (COMP), these are the pounds that most people keep on over the years. <br> <br> With parties, family gatherings, and sweet indulgences seemingly everywhere, Wolff explains that many people often feel out of control with eating during the holidays. <br> <br> What’s one of Wolff’s hot tips for surviving holiday parties? “Don’t go to a party on an empty stomach,” she says. “Eat regular meals throughout the day. Don’t save up all of your calories for the big meal only to find yourself overindulging and consuming many more calories in that one meal than if you ate three normal meals that day.” Wolff also gives invaluable tips and secrets to winning the battle of the bulge and surviving the deluge of holiday foods including: </p> <ul> <li> How to practice self-control around common foods that lead to overeating </li> <li> Healthy swaps and substitutions for cooking lighter and healthier (think skim milk instead of heavy cream) </li> <li> Better choices for alcoholic beverages </li> <li> How to enjoy dessert without all the guilt </li> <li> Finding balance in your diet </li> <li> Practicing “mindful eating” </li> </ul> “During the holidays, enjoy time with family and friends and practice mindful eating,” says Wolff. “It’s all about taking the time to slow down, enjoying the food of the season, and being present in the moment.”
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lzRGGMVeOXo" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> <strong>Is it the blues or something more?</strong> <br> <br> A seemingly endless supply of heartbreaking pictures of disaster victims on the news and social media. Worrying political news. The stress of balancing work and family. We all feel sad or worried sometimes, but how can you tell if those feelings are actually signs of depression or anxiety? Dr. Robin Motter-Mast, Medical Director of Primary Care at GBMC and Dr. Catherine Harrison-Restelli, a psychiatrist with the Sheppard Pratt Health System and Chair of Psychiatry at GBMC, talked with 93.1 WPOC host Michael J. about the causes, signs, and treatments for these common mental health issues that affect almost a quarter of Americans. <br> <br> They also highlighted a new, innovative partnership between GBMC and Sheppard Pratt that helps people who may be dealing with these issues get immediate access to mental health providers. Here’s how that partnership works. There are now full-time behavioral health specialists in nine of GBMC’s 10 primary care practices, along with visiting Sheppard Pratt psychiatrists and substance use counselors from Kolmac Outpatient Recovery Centers. Primary care doctors ask all their patients a few simple questions to find out if they might be living with undiagnosed depression or anxiety. If so, the patient can immediately talk with one of the mental health professionals in the office. <br> <br> Explains Dr. Motter-Mast, “The idea is to remove the stigma of seeking help with mental health concerns and make it easy for our patients to get access to mental health professionals. People feel more comfortable in their primary care doctor’s office, so this integrated team approach helps people get the care they need to get the right diagnosis and treatment, which can also have a positive impact on their physical health.” Dr. Motter-Mast and Dr. Harrison-Restelli also shared their advice on how to cope with the stress of the 24-hour news cycle (turn it off, focus on the people and things you care about, and take steps to stay connected with your family and community), what to say when you think someone you care about may need help with a mental health issue, and what anxiety does to your body. “If you’re concerned that you may be depressed or anxious, talking with your primary care doctor is a good place to start,” says Dr. Harrison-Restelli. “The highs and lows make life rich, but if they’re interfering with your life, work, or relationships, it’s now easier to get help.” </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i-Du6SQUv2M" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> <strong>Busting the myth of no pain no gain</strong> <br> <br> Whether your knees ache after a weekend game of soccer, your shoulder hurts after raking leaves, or your kid’s elbow is causing pain after baseball practice, there’s no denying that an active life can come with aches and pains. But Dr. Todd Melegari, an orthopaedic surgeon and fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist at Orthopaedic Specialists of Maryland at GBMC, says you don’t have to buy into the no pain no gain mindset. He talked with Rob Long of 105.7 The Fan about how to prevent injuries to your joints, bones, and muscles and how an orthopaedic specialist can help. <br> <br> He and Rob, a former college athlete and current high school coach, discussed the rise in orthopaedic injuries in young athletes. “You used to switch sports every season,” says Dr. Melegari, “But now you have kids specializing in one sport at a very young age and playing year-round, basically without a break. That leads to a lot of overuse injuries in the shoulders, elbows, and knees.” He recommends paying attention to what your body is trying to tell you. <br> <br> “Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a young athlete, if you’re in pain after every game and anti-inflammatory medicines and ice or heat aren’t helping, you should consider getting evaluated by an orthopaedist.” He also recommends rotating sports, which can help strengthen different muscles and reduce the amount of repeated stress on joints. Dr. Melegari and Rob also talked about whether ice or heat is best for achy joints and muscles (Dr. Melegari says you really can’t go wrong with either, but they each have a role to play depending on the type of injury you’re facing), why strengthening the muscles around joints like your neck, shoulders, and knees can help decrease chronic pain (find great exercises in the Patient Education section of the <a href="https://aaos.org/Default.aspx?ssopc=1" target="_blank">American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons</a> website), and why once a young athlete suffers a dislocated shoulder, he or she is at risk for repeated dislocations. He recommended partnering with a physical therapist to build a safe and effective strengthening routine that can help protect your muscles and joints from injury and shared advice on how an active 60-year-old can avoid shoulder pain after an intense session of pushups and planks. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DquH24Y4NpM" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Most people know that smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but did you also know that smoking has long lasting effects throughout the entire body? April Watts, multi-media personality from Magic 95.9 sits down with Dr. Joi Johnson-Weaver, Family Physician at GBMC at Owings Mills, to discuss the health effects of smoking and tips for quitting. <br> <br> Dr. Johnson-Weaver says that smoking has negative health effects from head to toe. She notes that in addition to causing lung cancer, smoking can lead to: </p> <ul> <li> Premature aging (think skin problems and wrinkles) </li> <li> Vision problems </li> <li> Oral and throat cancers </li> <li> Osteoporosis, a decrease in bone density </li> <li> Heart disease; smoking accelerates a person’s risk of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries </li> <li> Bladder cancer </li> </ul> As for lung cancer, Dr. Johnson-Weaver says that this disease is one of top cancers among men and women in the United States, and about 90% of cases are due to smoking. <br> <br> “In the practice of primary care medicine, our goal is prevention,” adds Dr. Johnson-Weaver. “Primary care physicians will address smoking, the health risks, and ways to stop smoking.” Dr. Johnson-Weaver talks about the tools smokers have to support them in quitting including nicotine patches and gums and oral medications that have proven successful for many people. Dr. Johnson-Weaver also discusses: <ul> <li> Screening for lung cancer — guidelines for screening, who is a candidate, and when insurance covers lung cancer screening. </li> <li> Risk factors for lung cancer </li> <li> Vaping — is it safer than smoking? Can it help long-term smokers quit? Is vaping a gateway to cigarette smoking for young people? </li> <li> Marijuana smoking — is it safe? Does it cause lung cancer? </li> <li> The effects of second hand smoke </li> </ul> “When it comes to smoking and quitting, I tell my patients that it’s about health first – love yourself; love your body.”
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rFRtC6K2Ou0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Eating healthy during the holidays can be a real challenge, but for people with diabetes the temptations can be disastrous. In this segment of "To Your Health," Lisa Davis, RDN, LDN, CDE, a registered and licensed dietitian with the GBMC Geckle Diabetes & Nutrition Center, offers guidelines and strategies to create a healthy life for you during the holidays, and every day. <br> <br> "Staying healthy doesn't mean that diabetes sufferers can't enjoy the holidays," says Davis, "But, with parties, family gatherings, and travel demands, managing blood sugar levels can be more challenging than ever." <br> <br> What does Davis recommend keeping top-of-mind? Food balance and glucose testing. "When preparing or choosing holiday meals, don't overload with heavy carbohydrates," she says. "Choose protein and non-starchy vegetables, with limited whole grain options. If you're traveling, don't forget supplies so you can monitor your blood sugar as you normally would." Davis offers a variety of ways to plan ahead so people with diabetes can enjoy the holidays and avoid the oftentimes unlimited temptations, including: </p> <ul> <li> Keeping balance in mind when preparing the holiday meal </li> <li> Creating appetizers that are low in carbohydrates and delicious </li> <li> Focusing on the special foods that go with the holiday menu </li> <li> Pairing unsweetened and sugar-free drinks with fresh fruit </li> <li> Choosing desserts without added sugar such as baked apples with cinnamon and nuts </li> <li> Eating a healthy snack before a gathering to tide you over, and help pace yourself </li> <li> Packing a small meal and sparkling water if you're traveling </li> </ul> "Watch what you eat and check your glucose levels," adds Davis, "but most of all, enjoy the holiday time you spend with family and friends."
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gy15IxKS9Qc" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> In this segment of Greater Living, GBMC's Dr. Ruth Horowitz discusses pre-diabetes, and talks in-depth about diabetes diagnosis and treatment, with hosts Mary Beth Marsden and Don Scott. <br> <br> "Measuring, monitoring, and controlling blood sugar levels are the major goals of diabetes treatment to prevent complications from the disease," says Ruth Horowitz, MD, Chief, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at GBMC and partner with Bay West Endocrinology Associates. During this "live" session, Dr. Horowitz provides answers to these and many other questions related to managing this all too common condition: </p> <ul> <li> What's the difference between a diagnosis of pre-diabetes, Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes? </li> <li> What does the term "diabetes" mean? </li> <li> What are some of the common symptoms to watch for? </li> <li> Do you consider pre-diabetes "a wake-up call?” Can the condition be slowed or stopped? </li> <li> What are the typical triggers that motivate people to get help? </li> <li> What is the hemoglobin A1C test, and what does it measure? </li> <li> Is there something better than "pricking your finger" to test glucose levels? </li> <li> Is insulin still the main treatment for diabetes? What are the choices? </li> <li> What should I do if I'm diabetic and having symptoms of hypoglycemia? </li> <li> What treatments are covered by insurance? </li> </ul> Dr. Horowitz strongly recommends that people over the age of 45 be screened for diabetes every three years, and for those with a genetic predisposition to the condition or other risk factors, she recommends a more frequent screening. "Unfortunately, this disease is too common and often under-diagnosed. The sooner we know, the more we can do to prevent the terrible complications that stem from it," she says. <br> <br> "Further, if pre-diabetes is left untreated, it can commonly become diabetes, and the health risks increase as your glucose becomes more abnormal." Tune in to the video above for details on how diabetes is diagnosed and specific recommendations for the pre-diabetic, and individuals with Type 1 and 2 diabetes.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j73hfrk0SoA" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> For so many individuals battling the ups and downs of weight loss and obesity, losing weight, keeping it off, and maintaining good health is a journey that lasts a lifetime. <br> <br> To help inspire others thinking about or beginning this journey, GBMC bariatric patient, Jake Rinnier, shares <a href="/node/3782" target="_blank">his weight loss story</a> and experience with GBMC’s <a href="/node/2332" target="_blank">Comprehensive Obesity Management Program</a> (COMP). Medical Director of the program and bariatric surgeon, Dr. Elizabeth Dovec, also discusses healthy lifestyle changes for losing weight and the bariatric surgery experience in this GBMC Greater Living segment. <br> <br> Jake started his journey at 375 pounds, the heaviest he had been in his life. Battling type 2 diabetes that was out of control, high blood pressure, and lack of energy, Jake’s doctor told him it was time to get serious about weight loss. “My doctor told me that he couldn’t guarantee 10 years if I didn’t do something now about my weight,” recalls Jake. “I knew I had to do something so that I could be around for my son.” That’s when Jake turned to GBMC’s Comprehensive Obesity Management Program and Dr. Dovec to begin the bariatric surgery process. <br> <br> Today, Jake, 42, has lost 130 pounds, is off many of the medications he had been taking for his various medical conditions, and has taken up running. He credits Dr. Dovec and the amazing support system at GBMC and COMP. <br> <br> “My story isn’t over. It’s always going to be a journey. It’s not one quick fix and done. It’s a lifetime of work,” says Jake. <br> <br> Dr. Elizabeth Dovec also sat down with the Greater Living hosts to discuss the “world’s most staggering epidemic — obesity.” <br> <br> She explains that obesity impacts everything from high cholesterol, diabetes, and migraines, to self-esteem issues and high blood pressure, and says that bariatric surgery is the most effective tool for weight loss. Dr. Dovec discusses the important information anyone interested in weight loss surgery needs to know including: </p> <ul> <li> The process required before and after weight loss surgery </li> <li> What makes someone a good candidate for weight loss surgery </li> <li> What to expect from weight loss surgery and the journey that follows </li> <li> Education about GBMC’s Comprehensive Obesity Management Program (COMP) that begins seven to eight months before surgery </li> <li> The various surgical options and the differences between them </li> <li> The proper diet and nutrition to fuel your body and accelerate weight loss </li> <li> How to keep your weight off for good </li> <li> The mental and emotional aspects of the weight loss process and how GBMC’s program addresses these important issues </li> <li> Available support groups at GBMC to motivate and keep patients on track, even during “bad days” </li> <li> How to change your relationship with food </li> <li> How you feel after the surgery </li> </ul> “I tell all my patients, the first step is always the hardest,” says Dr. Dovec. Tune in to the video above to hear more about Jake’s journey and Dr. Dovec’s goal for eradicating obesity not only in her patients, but throughout the Baltimore region, and the country.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ngz9I0SkSYg" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h2> Facebook Live with Don Scott </h2> Host Don Scott and Anna-Maria Palmer, GBMC's Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, discussed YOUR future in healthcare, live on Facebook.
