<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HmdzzMJQLwM" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> In this segment of Facebook Live, Dr. Timothee Friesen, General Surgeon from GBMC joins Michael J On Air from 93.1 WPOC, to discuss why most diets don't work, and healthier ways to lose weight. <br> <br> As a general surgeon who also performs bariatric surgery, Dr. Friesen recognizes people's need for long-term solutions to eating well, losing weight, and staying motivated to exercise. "At GMBC, we don't rely on the scale as a measure as much as Body Mass Index (BMI), which is simply a height-to-weight comparison," says Dr. Friesen. Adding, "This is a good place for anyone to begin, as you can figure out your BMI online or with an app, and use it as a starting point to measure success." Dr. Friesen offers a variety of ways to improve eating habits, how to plan ahead for success, and how to fit exercise into a busy schedule by looking at: </p> <ul> <li> Why most diets don't work </li> <li> If alcohol can be included in a "healthy diet" </li> <li> What to do if a condition is keeping you from exercising </li> <li> Simple day-to-day ways to control your weight </li> <li> How to decide what is a "safe" calorie intake </li> <li> If "real food" is better than substitutes, such as shakes </li> <li> Why drinking water and being hydrated is important </li> <li> What to do if you're an "emotional" eater </li> <li> How to detect if a diet is a fad diet </li> <li> Ways to break the sugar craving habit </li> <li> When bariatric surgery should be considered </li> </ul> "Obesity is such a glaring issue in the United States today, and within each BMI category there are risks of medical problems," says Friesen. So, what does he recommend keeping in mind? "It's a struggle, but each small change you make will have a positive impact."
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/txl2thLG48o" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> If you’re one of the many people who suffers from an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease and colitis, you will want to tune into this important discussion with Greg Carpenter, Co-Host of the 101.9 Morning Show and Dr. Diana Whitehead, GBMC Gastroenterologist. Dr. Whitehead explains the treatment options and services available at GBMC and answers Facebook questions about these common conditions. <br> <br> Dr. Whitehead explains that Crohn’s disease is chronic inflammation and can affect the body anywhere from the mouth, esophagus and down the GI tract to the anus. Colitis is inflammation that affects the rectum to the large bowel, which is commonly known as the colon. These conditions are an autoimmune response in which the body actually attacks its own tissue cells, causing the chronic inflammation. <br> <br> How do you know if you have an inflammatory bowel disease? Dr. Whitehead says that symptoms of bowel irritability can include crampy abdominal pain, bloody stools, diarrhea, and 10 to 15 bowel movements in one day. Fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss can also be symptoms of undiagnosed Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. During this segment, Dr. Whitehead answers the common questions people have about these conditions and explains more about: </p> <ul> <li> Symptoms of inflammatory bowel conditions. </li> <li> How Crohn’s disease and colitis are diagnosed using a colonoscopy and endoscopic biopsy, and the importance of undergoing this simple procedure. </li> <li> How inflammatory bowel diseases are treated. Dr. Whitehead talks about the exciting new medications that are being introduced as well as new, targeted therapies being used to suppress the immune response to improve symptoms. </li> <li> Natural ways to treat the diseases and lower inflammation in the body and how healing the gut through natural therapies and diet can complement more conventional medical therapies to lower inflammation. </li> <li> How doctors help manage these conditions during pregnancy. </li> <li> Important resources and support services available to patients living with inflammatory bowel disease. </li> </ul> Dr. Whitehead adds that there isn’t a true cure to these chronic conditions, but adds that different treatments can manage inflammatory bowel diseases for the long term. “Our goal is to put you into remission. We are focused on making your good days outweigh your bad days. We can’t take the condition away, but we can certainly make you feel better with our interventions.”
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lAWOhJClhuE" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> In this Facebook Live event, Paul Celano, MD, FACP, FASCO, Herman and Walter Samuelson Medical Director of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC and ABC2's Ashley James discuss genitourinary cancers (cancers of the bladder, prostate, and kidney). <br> <br> Dr. Celano provides important answers to burning questions posed by GBMC Facebook followers, explaining that genitourinary cancers are, in fact, prevalent in both men and women. Prostate cancer, for example, ranks as the number one cancer in men. <br> <br> For patients with these diseases, Dr. Celano states that GBMC has an entire team dedicated to the care of each individual. “Thanks to the multidisciplinary cancer care team at GBMC, patients are assured that their issues are being discussed and thought about by many specialists, not just one doctor. From a medical oncologist, urologist, surgeon, and radiation oncologist, to a radiologist, clinical research department, and social support network, we have an entire team dedicated to doing the very best for patients every day.” Dr. Celano and Ashley James discuss several important questions during this special segment, including: </p> <ul> <li> What are the symptoms of the different types of genitourinary cancers, and how do I know when to seek the care of a physician for symptoms? </li> <li> Why is smoking such a major risk factor for bladder cancer? </li> <li> Did you know that family history of cancer is a risk factor that shouldn’t be ignored? </li> <li> What are clinical trials and how does research benefit cancer care and treatment? </li> <li> What’s the deal with cancer screening and guidelines for when men and women should be screened, specifically the PSA test for prostate cancer? </li> <li> If cancer is diagnosed, what is next for me or my loved one? </li> <li> How is prostate cancer treated? Is surgery the only treatment, and what is active surveillance? </li> <li> Can prostate cancer be prevented? </li> </ul> Tune into this important discussion about genitourinary cancers in men and women to hear Dr. Celano talk about the prevalence of these diseases in an aging population, new treatment options, and the hope that GBMC’s multidisciplinary approach to cancer care is providing more patients throughout the community.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G6mE-x3Kjr8" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> <strong>Don Scott and Hillary Scott Murray, CRNP, MBA, GBMC Director of Advanced Practitioners, answered a question many of us have: "What is the role of an Advanced Practitioner and Nurse Practitioner?"</strong> <br> <br> Do you know what the difference is between an advanced practitioner, a nurse practitioner, and a physician’s assistant? <br> <br> Advanced practitioner is a broader term for an nurse practitioner (NP) or a physician’s assistant (PA). These healthcare professionals provide primary care services in inpatient and outpatient settings as well as prescribe medications, similar to a physician. <br> <br> <strong>So, what’s the difference?</strong> <br> <br> An nurse practitioner requires a master’s degree in nursing. An NP education is built under the nursing model and is managed under the board of nursing. Many NPs go back to achieve a master’s degree in a variety of clinical areas such as acute care, adult and family health, neonatal medicine, among other specialties. A PA is managed under the board of medicine and their education and training is built under the medical model. PAs must have a supervising physician in order to see patients and write prescriptions. <br> <br> Nurse practitioners, however, have more independence in patient care and have the ability to run their own practices and prescribe medication without the need for physician oversight. Instead, nurse practitioners typically have a collaborating physician. <br> <br> “With the increasing stress on the healthcare system, advanced practitioners play an important role in delivering high quality, patient-centered care,” explains Murray. Learn more about the growing role of the advanced practitioner as well as the many opportunities available for individuals interested in pursuing advanced degrees and beginning a rewarding career in health care. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wfx9umrS5Go" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> <strong>How doulas help moms and families get prepared for what’s not expected</strong> <br> <br> The smiling, pink-cheeked baby napping in his mother’s arms. The fit mom back in her running tights and out with the jogging stroller just a few weeks after giving birth. The perfectly decorated, immaculate nursery. The picture that social media paints of parenthood bears little or no resemblance to real life. New parents are likely to be short on sleep, showers, and confidence, which can make a tough job even tougher. But there’s someone who can help—a doula. Lanny Dowell, head of GBMC’s Doula Touch Program and parent education coordinator, sat down with Mary Beth Marsden to talk about how a doula can support new moms and families and ease the transition into parenthood. <br> <br> “A doula is a trained specialist who can be present with you during labor and delivery and post-partum to provide support, advocate for you, and answer questions,” says Lanny, who has been a doula at GBMC for more than 20 years. “People used to hear the word doula and get an earthy, crunchy vibe, but it’s really not like that at all. We’re here to make this experience better for mothers and families. You spend nine months preparing for your baby’s birth, but really no time getting ready for the days and months after the birth. We’re here to help you prepare for what’s not expected—the lack of sleep, a baby who’s having trouble nursing or bottle feeding, the chores that it seems you never have the time to get to now that the baby’s here.” <br> <br> Lanny and Mary Beth also talked about the role a doula can play in helping recognize signs of post-partum depression and connecting new mothers with treatment, how doulas also help partners and siblings make the adjustment to a new baby in the house, and why bonding with your baby is a different experience for each woman. “After your baby is born, your OB/GYN schedules you for a check-up in six weeks, but we’re here for what happens during those six transitional weeks and beyond if wanted,” Lanny explains. “Being a parent is hard work and you don’t just automatically know how to handle everything because you’ve given birth. A doula can take things off your plate, helping with the baby and siblings, handling household chores like grocery shopping, cooking, and laundry, and caring for the baby overnight so you can get the good night’s rest you need to recover. We take those things on, so you can enjoy the moments with your family.” </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/irEmmBN5BbE" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Breast cancer treatment isn't "one size fits all," and according to GBMC Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Kruti Patel, "treatment is patient-specific based on what we see in diagnosis, imaging, and surgery. There are clinical, physical, and individual factors that impact the treatment options." <br> <br> In this segment, Dr. Patel discusses radiation oncology breast cancer treatment options with April Watts from Magic 95.9. Tune in as she shares vital information regarding breast cancer diagnosis and treatments, including recent advancements. Among the questions asked and answered are: </p> <ul> <li> At what age is it "safe" to stop or delay getting mammograms? </li> <li> Will I need both chemotherapy and radiation if I have breast cancer? </li> <li> How is radiation treatment delivered to patients? </li> <li> Does radiation treatment make me radioactive? </li> <li> What are the common side effects of radiation treatment? </li> <li> Has there been an increase in radiation treatments? Are there other options? </li> <li> What if I have other health issues such as a prior stroke or diabetes? </li> <li> Will I have to change my diet or other lifestyle habits during treatment? </li> </ul> Dr. Patel also addresses intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), where, during breast cancer surgery, radiation is given as a single dose directly to the area where the cancer was found. The patient may not need any further radiation treatment, but Dr. Patel does stress that "this option is offered to select, low-risk individuals at this time." <br> <br> "Thanks to mammograms, we're catching breast cancer early, and we never want it to be you," says Dr. Patel. She emphasizes that success rates have improved, and "how we deliver treatments and reduce side effects continue to be ongoing challenges that we focus on." While the exact treatment for breast cancer varies from person-to-person, listen to Dr. Patel share information on the guidelines used to help ensure high quality care and treatment.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bc8Q9amqOMM" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Pain. It’s a real problem for millions of people. Individuals suffering from chronic pain do not have to suffer in silence. From non-surgical interventions to surgical innovations, there is help. <br> <br> Mary Beth Marsden discusses interventions to help manage chronic, occasional, as well as post-surgical pain with Dr. Justin Slavin, GBMC Neurosurgeon, and Dr. Charles Simmons, Medical Director of SMART Pain Management at GBMC. <br> <br> Pain in and of itself isn’t a dangerous problem, but it can be debilitating. Drs. Slavin and Simmons emphasize that one of the most important aspects of pain management is identifying the cause of a person’s pain and developing the most effective solution. <br> <br> <strong>Who should you see for your chronic pain?</strong> <br> <br> The answer is, it depends. A neurosurgeon or other type of surgeon is typically involved in initiating a pain evaluation. “We want to make sure there isn’t anything dangerous (e.g. something impacting a nerve, the spinal cord, or other structure that requires immediate treatment) that is causing pain,” says Dr. Slavin. “After ruling out a dangerous issue, we typically work with our colleagues in pain management to find an effective, non-surgical treatment option. If these interventions aren’t productive, surgery might be indicated.” <br> <br> Oftentimes, when a dangerous problem is ruled out, pain management is an important non-surgical tool for treatment. <br> <br> Dr. Simmons explains, “My job is to identify the cause of the pain and a find solution. A person who is not a surgical candidate, for example, will often be referred to a pain management specialist. We make a comprehensive pain plan that may include physical therapy and short term, mild anti-inflammatories or even injections to alleviate the pain.” <br> <br> <strong>How does pain management fit into a patient’s overall care?</strong> <br> <br> “We can see patients as soon as they have pain, after they see a surgeon, and after surgery to manage post-surgical pain,” adds Dr. Simmons. “We can see patients at every point in their pain journey, in fact. Many times, a pain management specialist can identify the cause of the problem, and if we can’t treat the individual, we get them to the appropriate specialist who can.” “Pain is a warning sign from your body telling you that something is not right and it warrants a medical work-up to identify the cause,” says Dr. Slavin. “If the problem is chronic or prolonged, it’s time to see a specialist.” </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r5_kKbH1fCs" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Finding out that you have breast cancer is something no one wants to hear, and many women avoid scheduling a mammogram for fear of the diagnosis and potential treatments. GBMC’s primary care practices and the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center at GBMC want to change the way people think about breast cancer because getting an annual mammogram screening is one of the most important things you can do for your health. <br> <br> October is breast cancer awareness month, but any time of year is a good time to talk about the disease with your primary care provider. Your physician will work with you to decide how often you should be screened depending on your individual risk factors (age, family history, body mass index, etc.). If necessary, a mammogram will be recommended for you, which can be performed at the Advanced Radiology practice located conveniently on the GBMC campus. <br> <br> In the event a breast cancer is diagnosed, one should remember that most breast cancers are curable when detected early and when small. GBMC’s Breast Care Center offers a multidisciplinary approach to treatment that is tailored to each patient’s needs in a healing and supportive environment. A team of experts in surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, plastic surgery, lymphedema, nutrition, and genetics works together closely to get patients the information and care they need. If your doctor determines that you meet clinical criteria for genetic testing, you will have access to a full evaluation with our specialists at The Harvey Institute for Human Genetics. A nurse navigator and Oncology Support Services staff members are also available onsite to guide patients through the journey. <br> <br> Fear of needing multiple or complex surgeries is another reason why some people may avoid breast cancer screening. In the past, a breast cancer diagnosis almost always resulted in a mastectomy, but that is no longer the case. Improved surgical techniques have made it so that the majority of breast cancer surgeries are small outpatient procedures. It is now the standard of care that women undergo breast-conserving therapy defined as a lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy for small tumors in the breast. Reconstructive surgery is often not needed. Dr. Sara Fogarty, DO, Associate Director of the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center, recently sat down with Gina Crash, Co-host of Today's 101.9 Morning Show, to share updates in breast cancer care and the many services her team provides. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YqPHmPV6Ywk" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Is spiritual support the same as religion but simply disguised? "No," says GBMC Chaplain (The Reverend) J. Joseph Hart, Director of Spiritual Support Services. <br> <br> So, what is spiritual support? According to Reverend Hart, Spiritual Support services are a bridge for a gap in people's lives when they come to the hospital, whether it's an emergency or a scheduled appointment or a crisis. "We are there to spiritually and emotionally comfort our patients as they define it. We want to support their needs and beliefs, based on their definition." In this conversation, Reverend Hart highlights: </p> <ul> <li> The breadth of services provided -- from spiritual assessment visits to prayer shawls, pet therapy and a music ministry. "Studies show that anxiety is reduced when you hear music that comforts," he said. </li> <li> The challenges his team addresses with end-of-life issues, where "we try to make those goodbyes as memorable as possible." </li> <li> The Medical Ethics Committee at GBMC, comprised of doctors, nurses, social workers, and clergy who grapple with issues of medicine, ethics, beliefs, and theology to come to an understanding that will give perspective to patients and staff. </li> <li> The launch of spiritual TV and media in-house at GBMC for further outreach, so patients and their families will know there is support and an avenue to navigate the tough questions. </li> </ul> GBMC Spiritual Support Services includes three full-time staff members, as well as more than 110 volunteer chaplains who are available 24-hours-a-day as part of every patient's care team.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mBRD4ipmXv0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> What impacts at least one person every 20 minutes and affects 1 in 4 families in Baltimore County? The answer is domestic violence. Laura Clary, RN, FNE-A/P, SANE-A, CPEN, Clinical Program Manager for GBMC's Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) program, discusses domestic violence in the latest installment of "To Your Health." <br> <br> <strong>What is intimate partner violence?</strong> <br> <br> Intimate partner violence is the repeated abusive behavior that one partner uses against another in order to gain, or maintain, control over the other person. Clary explains that this type of abuse is about having control and power over another person. It can come in the form of physical, sexual, emotional, and even financial abuse. Intimate partner violence does not discriminate. “It’s a crime that affects all communities, genders, races, ages, and individuals of all socioeconomic backgrounds.” <br> <br> <strong>Teen Dating Violence Rises with Social Media</strong> <br> <br> With the rise of social media, teen dating violence has become more prevalent. Yet, because of their young age and inexperience in relationships, teen victims might not understand that what is happening to them is abuse and that the controlling behavior of their partner is not normal. In many cases, teens do not know what to do about their situation, may feel embarrassed and try to hide the abuse from friends and family, and may refuse to report the abusive situation. <br> <br> <strong>Where to Go for Help</strong> <br> <br> GBMC’s SAFE Program is a team of forensic nurses and victim advocates that care for patients who are victims of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and child abuse who come into the hospital. In many instances, a victim of abuse is more likely to come to the hospital before they go to the police. <br> <br> Clary adds, “All of our patients come in through the Emergency Department (ED) and are a priority. The SAFE nurse will care for the patient, take them to a private area that is separate from the ED, and perform a sexual assault forensic exam. When we treat these patients, we want to give them back control. The crime that happened to them took away their control. They make the decisions about what we do during the exam and how we help them.” The message to all victims of intimate partner abuse, teen dating violence and sexual assault is clear – you are not alone. There is help. Tune into this important conversation where Laura Clary details the red flags and warning signs that everyone should be aware of to potentially help victims of intimate partner and teen dating violence and how victims can find the help they need. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9f5Upu1h3tw" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> <strong>What’s in your lunchbox?</strong> <br> <br> Sandwich or salad? Juice or water? A cookie or two? If you’re wondering what to pack your kids (and yourself) for a healthy lunch, Nancy Glaser, registered dietitian and diabetes educator at GBMC’s Geckle Diabetes and Nutrition Center has some great advice. She shares how to build a healthy, tasty lunch that your kids will actually eat, how to get breakfast into the breakfast hater, and options for healthy dinners on busy evenings with April Watts at Magic 95.9. <br> <br> “The key to healthier eating is planning ahead,” Nancy explains. “I know that plan is a four-letter word, but it’s one we should use more! When you’re rushing to get out the door in the morning or have busy evenings packed with activities, having a plan for what you’ll eat can go a long way and keep you from relying on fast food and less than healthy takeout. You can prepare meals ahead of time and just heat them up or use a crockpot. And remember, you’re a role model for your kids. If you make healthier eating choices, they will too eventually.” <br> <br> Nancy answered listeners’ questions about healthy options for snacks (fruits, veggies, cheese sticks, low-sugar cereal, and a small serving of nuts are all on her list), how many calories and grams of sugar are really in that juice box or “natural” iced tea, and how to get your child off the X-box, computer, or phone to make sure they’re getting at least an hour of activity each day. <br> <br> The two things she recommends you and your family avoid are sugary drinks and processed foods, which are high in calories and very low in nutritional value. “While water is the best drink option, followed by low-fat or skim milk, not everybody likes those choices. Check the nutrition label of your drink to make sure it’s low in calories and note whether it contains artificial sweeteners,” she adds. Nancy is not anti-snack, she just reminds us that snack should be a noun, not a verb. “Of course you can have a snack, even a cookie or two now and then. If you completely eliminate treats, you crave them more. But you shouldn’t be snacking, that is, going back to the fridge or pantry over and over. That’s where we get in trouble.” </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mvi9AL8zo-Q" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Sleeved Chef and GBMC Dietitian, Jana Wolff, RD, LDN prepare a delicious AND healthy dish: Pan-Seared Rockfish. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D3KFFeo4k7s" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Do you have questions about why GBMC started using an electronic medical record and how it will impact your medical care? Join the discussion with Dr. Harold Tucker, GBMC Chief Medical Officer and Cindy Ellis, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, IT Applications Director for Epic about our new medical record system with Mary Beth Marsden. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XcnmSqXCUyo" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> <strong>What all men need to know about prostate health:</strong> <br> <br> While most men would prefer to skip their prostate exam, Dr. Ronald Tutrone, Chief of the Division of Urology at GBMC and Medical Director of Chesapeake Urology Research Associates, says that’s not a good plan. “Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men after lung cancer,” explains Dr. Tutrone. “So recommended screening is important for early detection.” In addition to talking about prostate cancer, he also shares the key steps men should take throughout their lives to protect their urologic health, including practicing safe sex to lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections, and the three most common prostate health issues men face throughout their lives — prostatitis (an infection or inflammation of the prostate), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer. <br> <br> He explains that as men reach the age of 40, their prostate, a walnut-sized gland at the base of the bladder, has a growth spurt. That can lead to a more frequent need to urinate, especially at night, and a slowing of the urine stream, signs of BPH. In fact, 60% of men are living with BPH by age 60. Dr. Tutrone emphasizes that BPH is a benign, though often frustrating, condition and having it does not increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. <br> <br> He highlights the risk factors for prostate cancer (older age, being African American, having a family history of prostate cancer) and the tests and treatments for the disease, including new, more sensitive genetic urine tests for prostate cancer that GBMC is participating in clinical trials for. “Getting screened for prostate cancer is important, because the disease usually doesn’t have any symptoms until it’s advanced and more difficult to treat,” Dr. Tutrone adds. “Screening matters. It saves men’s lives when done properly. I remind my patients that for most men, prostate cancer is not a death sentence. It’s more of a speedbump. Most men are diagnosed with prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate and the survival rates are very good—a 96% 10-year survival rate. So, talk with your doctor about when you should be screened and how often.” </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GAr_KomqDbg" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> <strong>Broken bone after 50? Why you should be evaluated for osteoporosis</strong> <br> <br> You tripped over the edge of the rug and broke your wrist. What you may not know is that broken bone could be more than a nuisance. Dr. Jamie Johnston, an orthopaedic surgeon at GBMC talked with Don Scott about why, if you’re 50 years old or older, a low energy fracture like this (which is different from a fracture you might get from the impact of a car accident, for example) could be a clue about your overall bone health and what you should do next. <br> <br> “Half of women and 25% of men have one of these fragility fractures during their lifetime,” explains Dr. Johnston. “What most people don’t know is that once you’ve had a fracture like this, you’re two to three times more likely to have another fracture, often a hip fracture. The underlying cause is a loss of bone density due to osteoporosis, so my message is if you have this type of fracture, your primary care doctor or an endocrinologist should evaluate you for osteoporosis.” <br> <br> Dr. Johnston says that preventing hip fractures as people get older is especially important. In fact, 25% of older people who fracture a hip die within a year and 50% never regain the same level of function, often requiring a cane or walker to get around. <br> <br> What can you do? Start with a DEXA scan to find out if your bone is thinning. If you do have osteoporosis, Dr. Johnston says there are a variety of safe, effective medications available that can slow or stop bone loss or even build new bone. Fall prevention is also important, so get rid of throw rugs, keep electric cords out of walkways, and make sure there’s plenty of light if you need to use the bathroom at night. Even if you’re in your 20s or 30s, you can work to make your bones strong and healthy by getting regular weight bearing exercise, quitting smoking, and not drinking too much alcohol. Dr. Johnston also answered questions about whether men can get osteoporosis, what health conditions may increase your risk of the disease, and why if you’re getting shorter, you should be evaluated for osteoporosis. </p>
