<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wsT_CJWf4sg" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Whether you have a sore throat, high blood pressure, or questions about COVID-19, a family physician can be your family’s one-stop source for care and information to help you manage your health. Priya Little, MD, family medicine physician at GBMC talked with Good Morning Maryland’s Ashley James about what types of care family medicine doctors provide, why it’s so important that every member of your family has a relationship with a primary care physician, and GBMC’s new primary care location downtown in the Jonestown neighborhood. <br> <br> “Family medicine physicians care for everyone, from newborns through adults,” explained Dr. Little. “We are trained in the broader spectrum of medical care, so we not only provide typical primary care services like check-ups, vaccinations, and sick care, we also can perform minor surgical procedures in the office and are trained in obstetrics and gynecology, so many family medicine physicians can provide prenatal care through labor and delivery as well as women’s health services.” <br> <br> Dr. Little shared information about the downtown GBMC primary care office in Jonestown, near Little Italy where she sees her patients. It began as a partnership with the Helping Up Mission and has recently expanded to provide care for anyone who would like to be seen there. When asked why it’s important that each of us has a relationship with a primary care physician, Dr. Little explained, “Your primary care physician is the gateway to all other healthcare, including mental health care. We’re the starting point if you have a concern. We can assess your issue and, if needed, refer you to a specialist for additional care. As a family medicine physician, I take a holistic approach to caring for each patient. I look at the whole body and the whole person and work with each patient to make a shared and informed decision about care.” </p>
<figure class="image-full"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/b198550aea4d8506b4e4d8d262e5a68b.jpg" alt="Neck Pain graphic"> </figure> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Dr. D. Allan Lanzo, an orthopaedic surgeon and head of sports medicine at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, is quickly becoming known around the halls of the hospital as the “reverse shoulder replacement” guy. <br> <br> This nickname is not surprising at all, as he’s the only person in his practice who performs the increasingly popular surgery. Reverse shoulder replacement happens to be one of the fastest-growing orthopaedic surgery options within the sports medicine department at GBMC. <br> <br> Though Dr. Lanzo says total knee replacement surgeries are still his most common procedure, reverse shoulder replacement is growing in popularity. Over the last few years, he has performed about 30 to 40 per year at GBMC. <br> <br> “When surgeons first started performing this surgery, it had a very high complication rate,” Dr. Lanzo explained. “But some really smart people figured it out, and now we see extraordinarily high results.” <br> <br> <strong>What is reverse shoulder replacement?</strong> <br> <br> In a reverse shoulder replacement, the ball and socket parts of the shoulder joint switch sides — meaning their natural position is reversed. And while the recovery time for a standard shoulder replacement is typically four to six weeks with your arm in a sling, recovery from reverse shoulder replacement is much quicker. <br> <br> “This surgery is a game-changer,” Dr. Lanzo explained. “With rotator cuff surgery, it’s six weeks in a sling with restrictions in place for many months while the tendon heals. Reverse shoulder replacement is open surgery, not through a scope [like rotator cuff surgery]. So even though we are replacing the whole shoulder, patients heal faster with the reverse option because we don’t have to wait for the tendons to heal. Because of the reversal of the geometry of this surgery, you get rid of the arthritis and we put the joint in a better position for the deltoid to work on its own. We no longer need the rotator cuff for the shoulder to function at a high level.” <br> <br> But before you book this surgery, know that reverse total shoulder replacement is a complex procedure and best for patients with the following conditions: </p> <ul> <li> Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (a severe and complex form of shoulder arthritis) </li> <li> Large or massive tears (for people approximately 60 and older, typically chronic) </li> <li> Shoulder fractures (usually from a fall or other accident) </li> </ul> Another thing Dr. Lanzo and his patients like about reverse shoulder replacement surgery is there are predictable results with faster recovery. <br> <br> “The people who need reverse shoulder replacement are a small subset of patients who we know won’t be successful with traditional surgery,” he said. “But this surgery is so successful that people sometimes choose this over other available options like physical therapy, cortisone shots and other surgical procedures.” <br> <br> “Of all my patients,” he added, “people who have a reverse shoulder replacement are the happiest, the quickest.” <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jWI3GTpYQf4" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Dr. Robin Motter-Mast is excited. <br> <br> Not only is she a practicing family medicine physician at GBMC Health Partners Primary Care - Hunt Manor, one of GBMC’s 12 primary care facilities, she’s also the healthcare system’s Chief of Staff and Medical Director of Care Transformation. <br> <br> She’s excited because there’s a sea of change taking place in primary care, and GBMC is part of it. <br> <br> Why primary care matters <br> <br> In today’s fee-for-service model of healthcare, primary care gets short shrift. Well visits and prevention planning, which does not have to be done at a face-to-face visit, don’t typically involve a lot of reimbursement, but they are the foundation of a plan to improve and support a patient’s overall health. <br> <br> “We pay for sick medicine,” explains Dr. Motter-Mast — meaning that doctors get paid for treating people who are actively sick. “We don’t pay very well, in our healthcare system, for keeping people healthy.” <br> <br> As someone responsible for the care models at GBMC’s primary care facilities, Dr. Motter-Mast wants to change that. Instead of paying the specialist to treat someone with congestive heart failure, for instance, pay for the primary care interventions that could — and should — have come beforehand to prevent the heart failure. <br> <br> These new value-based models of care are less focused on acute care occurring today, but more attuned to health outcomes, higher quality, better patient care and lower costs. <br> <br> And those things matter. <br> <br> According to one study, for every dollar spent in primary care, $13 is saved in the long run. That means primary care is a sound investment. It keeps people healthier by partnering with them in their care. And it keeps people out of emergency rooms, where up to two-thirds of the costly visits are avoidable. <br> <br> What is advanced primary care? <br> <br> GBMC practices advanced primary care, which is one of the reasons it’s recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for having patient-centered medical homes. <br> <br> The term patient-centered medical home (PCMH) refers to a practice where a patient’s team-based care and treatment is coordinated through their primary care physician. The physician works closely with an extended team of specialists and providers, resulting in patient care that goes beyond typical business hours. <br> <br> “We’ve worked a lot in the last nine years to become more patient-centered and do a lot of care redesign within our primary care footprint,” says Dr. Motter-Mast. <br> <br> A few key developments have made a difference. </p> <ul> <li> Electronic medical records. With its cloud-based EMR system, GBMC can share information seamlessly across its facilities, and patients can get streamlined care at whichever clinic or hospital or with whichever doctor is available to them. According to Dr. Motter-Mast, “EMRs have been a huge improvement in receiving information in a more timely manner, and being able to share the information in real time.” </li> <li> Telehealth. Using <a href="/node/4383" target="_blank">telehealth video visits</a> allows you to talk with your doctor without leaving home. This is especially helpful for those who have mobility limitations. It also reduces the number of patients coming through the office and decreases the potential for inadvertent exposure of patients and staff to COVID-19. Dr. Motter-Mast encourages patients to <a href="/node/2209" target="_blank">utilize MyChart for their telehealth needs,</a> and to call their doctor's office if they need help. </li> <li> Population health. There was a time when a doctor might not be able to answer a simple question like, “How many of your patients have uncontrolled diabetes?” The healthcare data that drives population health has changed all of that. “With population health, I can tell you exactly those statistics,” says Dr. Motter-Mast. “I can tell you how many patients you are caring for, how well you're doing with the care that you're delivering and how many of your patients have care gaps that need to be closed.” </li> <li> Team-based care. A decade ago, Dr. Motter-Mast practiced alongside a medical assistant and someone at the front desk. Now she works hand-in-hand with a social worker, a nurse care manager, a care coordinator, data analysts, a population health team, diabetes educators, and psychiatrists. “I have people and teams that are put together to try to help care for you even when you're not sitting in front of me,” she says. </li> </ul> Making a difference <br> <br> The patient-centered approach is transformative, not just for the patient, but for doctors like Dr. Motter-Mast as well. “You go into primary care because you really feel like you can make a difference,” says Dr. Motter-Mast. “You want to be ahead of the problem, not just treating someone who has an active medical condition. It’s about working with families, having long-term relationships with patients and impacting the well-being and health of your community.”
<p class="article-body"> It’s no secret that summer looks very different this year. But with vacation season in full swing, many are left wondering how to safely enjoy their upcoming trip. For most, this includes a trip to the beach. While the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the way people vacation and travel, there are still ways to have fun and stay safe. Molly Hyde, MHS, CIC, Infection Control Practitioner at GBMC, spoke with Fox 45 News’ Patrice Sanders about precautions people should take at the beach. <br> <br> There has been a lot of confusion about when masks should and should not be worn at the beach, particularly when people are going in and out of the water. Molly clarified that masks should not be worn in the water. “When masks become wet, they can be difficult to breathe through, which puts you at risk in other ways,” she explained. Because of this, it is especially important to maintain physical distance by staying six feet away from others in the water. While the virus doesn’t spread through water itself, infected droplets can still spread from person to person the way they would if those people were on land. <br> <br> When asked about wearing masks outside of the water, Molly responded that it depends on how crowded the beach is. “If the beach is fairly empty and you’re not around a lot of people, it’s safe to take your mask off as long as you can stay away from others,” she said. The situation changes if it becomes difficult to physically distance. “If the beach is extremely crowded and you’re running into people or constantly walking past people, then you really want to have your mask on,” Molly advised. <br> <br> Unfortunately, masks are only effective when everyone wears them, and it isn’t always possible to uphold physical distancing. If you feel like you’re in a high-risk situation because of others’ behavior, Molly suggested leaving the beach and exploring alternative activities that you may not have otherwise looked into. <br> <br> The conversation then shifted to staying safe in hotels and rental properties. These spaces should be disinfected in between guests, but Molly recommended doing your own cleaning just in case something was missed. “I’m not suggesting that you have to spend your entire vacation scrubbing every square inch of the space,” she explained, “but you do want to make sure you’re giving everything a good wipe down.” She suggested bringing personal disinfectant wipes to clean high-touch surfaces such as light switches, doorknobs, and tabletops prior to the entire family entering the room. <br> <br> <a href="https://foxbaltimore.com/morning/monday-morning-house-call-beach-safety" target="_blank">Click here to watch the full interview</a>. </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> <em>*This is a rapidly changing situation. This article was written on July 21, 2020. For the most up-to-date information, visit the CDC website at <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/" target="_blank">www.cdc.gov</a>*</em> <br> <br> The use of <a href="/node/4252" target="_blank">face masks or cloth coverings</a> to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has become a common part of our daily routine. But as summer progresses and temperatures rise, many have become resistant to them and are left wondering if alternatives exist. One of the alternatives in question is the use of a face shield (a piece of clear plastic worn like a visor that surrounds the face) to substitute a cloth face covering. While shields may feel more comfortable in the heat, <strong>they are not a viable replacement for masks at this time</strong>. This has sparked some debate among the medical community, but there is simply not enough data to know if shields worn by themselves are effective. <br> <br> While a significant amount of research has been performed around cloth face coverings, almost no research has been done about the effectiveness of face shields alone for prevention. Cloth face coverings and masks are proven to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but the same cannot be said about face shields. Respiratory droplets, which are the primary way the virus spreads, travel in every direction, so a shield that only covers the front and sides of the face may not offer as much protection. <br> <br> Due to their close proximity to infected patients, healthcare workers frequently wear face shields <u>in addition</u> to medical masks as an extra layer of protection. While the risk is lower for the general public, people may choose to use a face shield <u>with a mask</u> as an extra precaution. With that being said, a face shield is not fool proof. “The plastic of a face shield is a much better surface for the virus to survive for extended periods of time (versus cloth, which is not), so it’s significantly more likely to become contaminated and harbor a live virus if it’s not disinfected often and in the proper manner,” explained Molly Hyde, MHS, CIC, Infection Control Practitioner at GBMC. <br> <br> Because there isn’t a standard design for non-medical face shields, there is also no guarantee that a face shield will fit correctly. “Depending on the fit and size of the shield, it may not fully protect the wearer,” said Molly. While face masks may feel hot (<a href="/node/3718" target="_blank">click here for tips to make them more comfortable</a>), they form a tight fit around the face that prevents infected particles from spreading to others – something shields do not necessarily prevent against. <br> <br> “Currently, the CDC is recommending the use of masks for everyday activity – not face shields – because we know masks are a very effective source of control and that universal masking prevents the spread of COVID-19,” Molly explained. While there isn’t data supporting the switch to face shields today, with new innovation and more research they could become a valuable tool in the future to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In addition to <a href="/node/3704" target="_blank">many other safety measures</a>, GBMC requires all people who enter a GBMC HealthCare facility to wear face masks for the protection of patients and staff. <br> <br> It is critical for people to continue to follow public health safety measures regarding masks and other precautions to stop the spread of this virus. “We must hold the ground we have gained and continue to stay at least six feet away from others, wear a face mask in public settings, avoid touching our face, and wash our hands frequently,” said John B. Chessare, MD, MPH, President and CEO of GBMC HealthCare. Until there is a vaccine, it is up to the public to stop COVID-19. GBMC urges everyone to stay vigilant, uphold their guard, and proceed with caution as states begin to reopen. <br> <br> <em>*Click here for more information and articles about the coronavirus (COVID-19)*</em> </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bv3xeitv0a4" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Rachel Plotnick, MD, pediatrician at GBMC, explains why vaccines are essential for children and the <a href="/node/3704" target="_blank">safety precautions</a> being taken at GBMC to protect patients from COVID-19. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MMkdMLwPpXE" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Nina Ferraris, MD, Colon and Rectal Surgeon at GBMC, explains the difference between colon and rectal cancer, the symptoms of these diseases, and when patients need to be screened. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZrKGw4IaeGw" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Maybe you burned your hand while making dinner or accidentally whacked your shin on the car door. In most cases, if you clean the injury and put on a Band-Aid, it will heal within a few days to a week. But in some cases, wounds don’t heal the way they should. That’s when Dr. Jennifer Heller, Medical Director at the Wound Center at GBMC and her team of specialists can help. Dr. Heller talked with Christian Schaffer of WMAR-TV’s Good Morning Maryland about how the Wound Center has been serving patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, what types of wounds she and her colleagues treat, and when a non-healing wound requires the care of a wound specialist. <br> <br> “There are a variety of issues that can cause a wound not to heal properly,” she explained. “Being immunocompromised or having a condition like diabetes that interferes with effective wound healing are two common causes of non-healing wounds. We see patients with many different types of wounds caused by accidents, trauma, burns, surgery, and conditions like diabetes. The goal of our multidisciplinary team of specialists is to work together to heal these wounds.” <br> <br> Dr. Heller explained how she and her team of podiatrists, infectious disease specialists, plastic surgeons, and vascular surgeons assess and treat wounds that won’t heal. She also shared some common wound care mistakes that you should avoid if you have an injury that breaks the skin. Her top tip—don’t use hydrogen peroxide to clean wounds. Plain soap and water are best. And while using an antibiotic cream or ointment can be helpful, don’t slather it on. “It’s important to track the progress of your wound,” she added. “Look at it every day and check for signs of trouble such as the wound getting bigger, looking red or infected, or causing changes in the skin around the wound. If you’re not sure if you should be concerned, call us. It’s better to err on the side of caution.” </p>
<p class="article-body"> Did you know that women are three times more likely to experience migraines? 37% of Americans suffer from migraines in their lifetime, and for those who have them, there is an obvious difference between a migraine and a normal headache. But, for people who have never experienced a migraine, it’s not always as clear. So, what’s the difference between a headache and a migraine? GBMC neurologist Oluwatosin Thompson, MD, appeared on Fox 45 to explain. <br> <br> Migraines are a type of headache that Dr. Thompson defines as a “recurrent syndrome of head pain with signs of neurological dysfunction.” While normal headaches cause pain and discomfort, migraines can cause severe and sometimes debilitating symptoms. While these symptoms may vary from person to person, the most common include extreme sensitivity to light and sound or even nausea and vomiting. Migraines are strenuous on the body and people can be tired for days after experiencing one. <br> <br> When asked why some people get migraines and others don’t, Dr. Thompson responded by saying that there can be a genetic factor involved. “If there is a family history of migraines, a person is certainly more likely to experience them,” he explained. In addition to genetic predisposition, migraine triggers can include: </p> <ul> <li> Emotional or physical stress </li> <li> Strong smells </li> <li> Loud sounds </li> <li> Changes in barometric pressure </li> <li> Alcohol consumption </li> </ul> The good news is that there are many things a person can do to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Because stress is often a trigger, basic self-care and lifestyle changes can significantly decrease the effects of migraines. Dr. Thompson suggests that patients make sure they get adequate sleep and hydration as well as maintain a healthy diet and exercise. Stress-reducing methods such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, can also be very helpful. <br> <br> If these changes are not enough to manage a patient’s migraines, medication is the next step. Both preventative and pain-relieving options are available. For those who suffer from migraines, the team at GBMC will work with each patient to determine the best individual treatment plan. <br> <br> <a href="https://foxbaltimore.com/morning/differences-between-migraines-and-headahces" target="_blank">Click here to watch the full interview</a>. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> With Father’s Day around the corner, it’s a great time to talk about men’s health. In American culture, women tend to embrace their health with events such as breast cancer awareness month, but men often resist healthcare unless there is an acute medical problem. Kevin Ferentz, MD, Chairman, Department of Family Medicine at GBMC spoke with Fox 45 host, Tom Rodgers, to explain why men need to make their health a priority and how you can help protect the men in your life from illness. <br> <br> “It’s very important that men, especially as they get older, see their doctor to talk about health issues,” Dr. Ferentz said. “Many men’s issues are completely asymptomatic, so you need to come to your doctor every year to get the appropriate screenings and talk about things like stopping smoking or managing obesity.” Dr. Ferentz, who ran a smoking cessation clinic for many years, cited quitting smoking as the single best thing a person can do for their health. He also mentioned obesity as one of the most common issues he addresses with his patients. “More than 40% of Americans are obese and obesity can have unbelievable negative impacts on your health,” he explained. <br> <br> It’s impossible to provide preventative healthcare if men don’t create a relationship with a primary care provider who they can see regularly. “I tell people that the choices that we make have an impact on how long we’re going to live and how well we are going to feel,” Dr. Ferentz said. To help the men in your life stay well, encourage them to <a href="/node/2531" target="_blank">see a primary care provider</a> and establish healthy eating and exercise habits. <br> <br> This Father’s Day weekend, GBMC is hosting the VIRTUAL 32nd annual <a href="https://www.classy.org/event/gbmc-fathers-day-virtual-5k-and-1-mile-fun-walk/e265001" target="_blank">Father’s Day 5K and 1-Mile Fun Walk</a> to support the <a href="/node/2487" target="_blank">Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)</a>. We encourage you (and the important men in your life!) to sign up for either distance and participate from your favorite running spot! This is a wonderful opportunity to both get active and support the tiniest patients at GBMC. We hope to “see” you this weekend! <a href="https://www.classy.org/event/gbmc-fathers-day-virtual-5k-and-1-mile-fun-walk/e265001" target="_blank">Click here</a> to learn more about the Father’s Day 5K and register to participate or make a donation! <br> <br> <a href="https://foxbaltimore.com/morning/fathers-day-health" target="_blank">Click here to watch the full interview.</a> </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Your body's largest organ can also be one of the hardest to protect. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. About 3.3 million Americans are diagnosed with either basal or squamous cell skin cancers each year, and some people have more than one diagnosis. <br> <br> According to GBMC HealthCare surgical oncologist Arun Mavanur, M.D., MS, FRCS, these diagnoses have one thing in common: long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays. <br> <br> "Ultraviolet ray exposure has something to do with these cancers. It also, to some extent, depends on the person's skin – how it reacts to ultraviolet rays or sunlight." <br> <br> Mavanur says the easiest way to protect yourself from the damaging rays is to wear sunscreen every day. That's right, every single day. <br> <br> Dr. Mavanur explains that most people know that too much sun isn't good for their skin, but it's the UV rays that are harmful. <br> <br> "The UV index is much more important than looking out and not seeing obvious sunlight," he says. "Anything more than 3 on the UV index is an indication to protect yourself." <br> <br> Dr. Mavanur also mentions these types of skin cancer don't appear after one summer season but are a result of prolonged exposure to UV rays over a period of time. <br> <br> "Most of the people with basal cell skin cancer are older because it's taken decades of sun damage to lead to a diagnosis," Dr. Mavanur says. <br> <br> The key to effective protection is less about the SPF number and how often you apply it. <br> <br> "30 to 50 SPF is more than enough. Anything higher is not worth the money. Some sunscreens claim to be waterproof, but make sure you reapply often," Dr. Mavanur says. He also mentions that you'll want to apply in less obvious places, including the back of your hands, neck, and scalp if you have thin or no hair on your head. <br> <br> In addition to sunscreen, there are other ways to protect your skin, including wearing hats, especially ones with a full brim, and clothing with SPF built into the fabric. You should also avoid being outside during peak hours for UV exposure, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, Dr. Mavanur emphasizes the best way to keep yourself safe is to make a daily habit of applying SPF to exposed areas. <br> <br> Completing monthly skin checks is another useful habit that can protect you from developing advanced stages of skin cancer. Keep an eye out for any new moles or changes to existing spots. Follow the ABCDE guidelines when looking at your moles: <br> <br> <strong>Asymmetry</strong>: One half should match the other. <br> <br> <strong>Border</strong>: Moles should have a well-defined border. <br> <br> <strong>Color</strong>: Watch out for differing shades within each spot. <br> <br> <strong>Diameter</strong>: Pay attention to anything larger than a pencil eraser. <br> <br> <strong>Evolve</strong>: Has there been any change in size, shape or color? <br> <br> Dr. Mavanur recommends checking for moles in commonly missed areas like the back of the ears, the bottom of your feet, and in between your toes. He says if anything looks off, make a note and ask an expert to look at it. <br> <br> "Take a picture (of the mole) to keep a record. If anything looks worrisome, go and see a dermatologist." </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many have had to move to a new workplace – their own home. While there are many advantages to working from home, some have found it significantly challenging. For those who were not prepared for the transition, being thrown into a new environment can have negative impacts on mental health and work-life balance. <br> <br> The most important thing you can do – and the best thing for your productivity – is to take care of yourself first. Working from home presents the opportunity to work many more hours than a typical day in the office, which can have a very negative effect on well-being and make it difficult to disconnect from your job. Here are a few tips for separating “work” from your home: <br> <br> <strong>#1: Keep a consistent schedule. </strong> <br> <br> When you have set work hours and a consistent schedule, it’s easier to disconnect from work at the end of the day. Start and end at the same time every day and build in breaks to go on walks or physically move. Sitting at your computer for eight hours, five days per week, is both physically and mentally unhealthy. <br> <br> <strong>#2: Communicate and maintain boundaries with yourself and others.</strong> <br> <br> In many jobs, working from home allows for varied hours. Communicate your hours with your coworkers and ask that they do not contact you about work-related tasks outside of that timeframe. You should also follow the boundaries you are asking of others. If you have a work device, put it away after hours. It is also important to try, as best as you can, to avoid using your personal devices to answer emails after the workday is complete. Ask your coworkers and friends to hold you accountable if you are struggling with this. <br> <br> <strong>#3: Don’t work if you are sick.</strong> <br> <br> Just because you are already home doesn’t mean you should work when you are sick. When you are ill, your mind and body need to rest, and you may also need medical care. GBMC is a safe place (<a href="/node/3704" target="_blank">click here to learn more about our safety measures and protocols</a>) and we are here to care for you when you need it. You may also want to <a href="/node/4383" target="_blank">consider telehealth</a>, which allows direct communication with your care team from the comfort of your own home. <br> <br> <strong>#4: Create a designated workspace and only go there to work.</strong> <br> <br> Depending on your home environment, it can be challenging to create a space solely designated to work. If you have the luxury of an office in your home, take advantage of it and make sure that space is used only for work purposes. If you don’t have an office, try to find a table or specific space on your couch where you feel the most productive. If you have children or other people living in your home, make sure they know where your workspace is and the hours in which you will be unavailable. <br> <br> <strong>#5: Find little things that make you happy.</strong> <br> <br> During stressful times, the little things in life can make a huge difference in the way you feel. Find something (or several things!) that makes you happy and do it every day. It can be anything from enjoying a quiet morning cup of coffee, a cute mousepad, or listening to your favorite music during work. Find what works for you and stick with it. <br> <br> For more tips on maintaining mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, <a href="/node/3874" target="_blank">watch this interview</a> with Dr. Anthony Chico, Chief, Emergency Psychiatry at GBMC. <br> <br> <em>*Click here for more information and articles about the coronavirus (COVID-19)*</em> </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> As the conversation surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic shifts to re-opening, many remain concerned about their safety in public. One of the primary reasons for this is the inability to ensure that others follow safe practices. Unfortunately, there are some who ignore the health guidelines, but there are things that people can do to keep themselves safe regardless of the actions of others. Here is a reminder of five things that you can control to protect your safety: <br> <br> <strong>#1: Keep a distance of six feet between yourself and others</strong> <br> <br> While it is impossible to control the actions of others, continuing to physically distance will help to protect you. COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets, which are believed to only be able to travel six feet through the air. If you are that distance or further from someone who is not wearing a face covering, it is unlikely that you will contract the virus from that person. <br> <br> <strong>#2: Wash your hands frequently</strong> <br> <br> Good hand hygiene will protect you and your family from infected droplets that others may have left on objects. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html" target="_blank">Click here to see the CDC’s guidelines for proper hand washing</a>. <br> <br> <strong>#3: Avoid touching your face</strong> <br> <br> COVID-19 is contracted by inhaling infected droplets. These droplets are microscopic and can be transferred from objects to your face, where they can easily be inhaled. If you avoid touching your face, the risk of this happening is very low. <br> <br> <strong>#4: Regularly disinfect "high-touch" surfaces like doorknobs and light switches</strong> <br> <br> High-touch surfaces are much more likely to hold infected droplets because of how many people use them. Regularly disinfecting these objects significantly reduces your risk of contracting the virus from them. <br> <br> <strong>#5: Wear a face covering in public</strong> <br> <br> When <a href="/node/4252" target="_blank">used correctly</a>, face coverings do provide you with additional protection; however, the primary purpose of wearing a face covering is to protect others. This is critically important for stopping the spread of COVID-19. <br> <br> The fear of going out in public during this time is understandable, but if you follow these guidelines, you can stay safe. Rest assured that GBMC HealthCare is <a href="/node/3704" target="_blank">doing everything possible</a> to safeguard your health and you will be protected when you come for your medical care. In addition to regular cleaning and physical distancing measures, GBMC is conducting temperature screenings and requiring the use of masks. Please do not stay home if you need care. GBMC is a safe place to be, and we are here to take care of you. <br> <br> <em>*Click here for more information and articles about the coronavirus (COVID-19)*</em> </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the importance of colonoscopies may be common knowledge, but Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist James Sciubba, DMD, Ph.D., a consultant with the Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head and Neck Center at GBMC, says the prevalence of head and neck cancer deserves some attention as well. </p> <blockquote> It's the sixth most common cancer of all. It's by no means a rare finding </blockquote> In fact, experts estimate that more than 65,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with head and neck cancer this year. They also estimate that about 14,500 people will die from this type of cancer. Early detection is key to successfully treating cancers of the head and neck. Dr. Sciubba recommends looking in the mirror weekly for any noticeable changes to the inside of your mouth. He recommends using a penlight or flashlight to help look at the inside of your cheeks and lips, the top of your tongue, and most importantly, along the sides and underneath your tongue. <br> <br> Sciubba says oropharyngeal cancer can be more difficult to detect but recommends feeling along the sides of your neck, from behind your ear down to your collarbone, for any lumps or bumps. Other symptoms to watch out for include a change in your voice, an earache that won't go away, or difficulty swallowing. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, Dr. Sciubba recommends reaching out to your dental provider or primary care doctor, who can perform a thorough examination and then refer you to a specialist if a follow-up appointment is necessary. <br> <br> One of the major risk factors for head and neck cancers is the use of alcohol and tobacco. <br> <br> "I don't mean a glass of wine a day. It's heavy drinking and heavy smoking over several years," Dr. Sciubba says. "There's a cumulative risk that you accrue over years of significant amounts of alcohol and tobacco use." <br> <br> Another risk factor is the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV), especially type 16. Oropharyngeal cancer associated with HPV infection has increased dramatically over the past 20 years in patients without traditional risk factors. <br> <br> The quickest way to lower your risk of these type of cancers is to stop smoking. Studies have shown that when people stop smoking cigarettes, their risk of oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal cancer decreases by 50% within five to nine years. This is especially important for head and neck cancer survivors, Dr. Sciubba says. <br> <br> "People who have had mouth cancer, who continue to smoke, are at a greater risk for a secondary primary cancer. They must continue to be followed very carefully after treatment." <br> <br> Most importantly, Dr. Sciubba urges anyone with concerns to schedule an appointment with their primary care provider or their dentist as soon as possible. <br> <br> "A dental examination in a chair with a good light and a well-informed dentist should easily pick up oral cavity and mouth cancers. Early detection makes all the difference in the world in terms of survival." <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
