<p class="article-body"> Wearing masks has become the new normal and, as the summer months grow closer, many are concerned that the heat will make them stuffy and uncomfortable. Dr. Melvin Blanchard, Chairman, Department of Medicine at GBMC, appeared on Fox 45 to provide tips for staying safe and being comfortable this summer: <br> <br> <strong>#1: Choose the right material for your mask and take care of it</strong> <br> <br> Dr. Blanchard recommended choosing masks that are made of cotton fabric because they are breathable but still keep out the virus. The mask should have two layers of fabric and a pocket to insert a filter, if possible. He suggested washing your mask at the end of each day because they are not intended for multiple uses. <a href="/node/4252" target="_blank">Click here to learn more about caring for a mask</a>. <br> <br> <strong>#2: Make sure your mask fits properly</strong> <br> <br> Your mask should have a tight seal around your nose and mouth. But, if it is too tight, it can rub against your skin and cause irritation. If you are having trouble finding a mask that fits properly, look for one with adjustable straps. <br> <br> <strong>#3: Use barrier creams to avoid irritation</strong> <br> <br> It is important to protect your skin from irritation, which may happen even if you take other precautions. Barrier creams that have ceramides as an ingredient often help to avoid and alleviate this irritation. This is especially important for those with sensitive skin. <br> <br> <a href="https://foxbaltimore.com/morning/avoiding-mask-irritation-during-the-summer-months" target="_blank">Click here to watch Dr. Blanchard’s full interview</a>. <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"> For the past two months, the coronavirus (COVID-19) has been the focus of healthcare news, but that doesn’t mean other health issues have disappeared. Heart disease remains the number one killer of Americans – every 37 seconds, a person dies from cardiovascular disease – and chronic conditions such as diabetes need continuous active management. <br> <br> If you have a chronic condition that requires medication and regular checkups, you should continue taking the medication as you normally would and keep in touch with your physician. You still have access to your GBMC Health Partners physicians for management of routine or chronic health concerns. <a href="/node/4383" target="_blank">GBMC’s telehealth services</a> allow you to communicate directly with your care team and even meet with your physician through a video visit. Use the https://www.gbmc.org/mychart at GBMC patient portal, which can be accessed at <a href="/node/2209" target="“_blank”">www.gbmc.org/https://www.gbmc.org/mychart</a>, or downloaded as an app from the App Store or Google Play. <br> <br> Many are also reluctant to go to the Emergency Department (ED) because of the threat of COVID-19, but delaying emergency care is much more dangerous. Hospitals across the country, including GBMC HealthCare, have measures in place to separate COVID-19 patients from others and minimize the spread of illness. This includes temporary triage tents outside of the hospital, and caring for COVID-19 positive or “under investigation” patients in separate units. As always, Environmental Services teams are working around the clock to ensure all areas of the hospital are sanitized, and staff members are taking all appropriate precautions. If you are having a true medical emergency, you should always call 911 or come to the ED. <br> <br> Some signs that you need to go to the ED include but are not limited to: </p> <ul> <li> Shortness of breath </li> <li> Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure </li> <li> Fainting or sudden dizziness </li> <li> Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body </li> <li> Sudden changes in vision </li> <li> Confusion or changes in mental status </li> <li> Any sudden or severe pain </li> <li> Uncontrolled bleeding </li> <li> Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea </li> <li> Coughing or vomiting blood </li> <li> Suicidal thoughts </li> </ul> During this time of crisis, GBMC HealthCare continues to work toward its vision of providing the care we would want for our own loved ones to every patient, every time. The health and safety of our community is our top priority! <br> <br> <em>*Click here for more information about the coronavirus (COVID-19)*</em> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> <em>*This is a rapidly evolving situation and recommendations may change as more information becomes available. This article was written on April 15, 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> Researchers have recently learned that it is likely that asymptomatic (never having symptoms) and pre-symptomatic (developing symptoms later) carriers can spread the coronavirus (COVID-19) to others. To prevent this, the CDC is recommending that people wear cloth face coverings in public. These coverings are not the same as medical-grade masks – which need to be reserved for healthcare professionals who are treating patients. <a href="/node/4247" target="_blank">Click here to learn the difference between the two</a>. <br> <br> It is incredibly important to do everything we can to slow the spread of this virus. Therefore, wearing a face covering should not replace other precautions such as hand washing and social distancing. And, like a seatbelt, a face covering won’t protect you if it’s used incorrectly. Improper use of a face covering could put you at a greater risk of becoming infected and spreading the disease to others. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts of wearing face coverings: <br> <br> <strong>DO –</strong> </p> <ul> <li> Use a homemade cloth face covering. Click <a href="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/ee9e05bb3feeb6838667ed02bad256d1.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> (sew) and <a href="https://blog.japanesecreations.com/no-sew-face-mask-with-handkerchief-and-hair-tie" target="_blank">here</a> (no sew) for instructions on how to make a face covering. </li> <li> Put on the face covering before entering a new environment, making sure it fits snugly and is covering your mouth and nose. </li> <li> Complete your activity without touching the face covering or any part of your face. </li> <li> Take the face covering off from the back when you’re done the activity – touching the front could contaminate your hands. </li> <li> Drop it straight into your washing machine after coming home. </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html" target="_blank">Wash your hands</a> after handling the face covering. </li> </ul> <br> <strong>DON’T –</strong> <ul> <li> Use a medical-grade mask such as an N95. </li> <li> Touch or move the face covering while wearing it. </li> <li> Wear the face covering in any position other than over your mouth and nose. </li> <li> Talk on your cell phone while wearing the face covering. </li> <li> Take the face covering off from the front. </li> <li> Put the face covering down on other surfaces after taking it off. </li> <li> Put a face covering on a child under the age of 2 or someone with breathing problems. </li> </ul> These guidelines must be followed closely to keep you and your family safe. Face coverings can easily become contaminated with COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases such as the flu, making it critical to protect your hands and face from infected droplets. If these germs get on the inside of your covering, they become trapped next to your face resulting in an increased risk of inhalation and infection. It is also possible for the virus to transfer to your hands if you touch a contaminated part of your face covering. Once the virus is on your hands, it can be transferred to your face and other objects. This is one of the reasons why hand hygiene is so important whether you are wearing a face covering or not. <br> <br> If you have N95 or procedure masks (also called surgical or ear-loop masks), please donate them to the healthcare workers who are sacrificing so much to keep us safe. GBMC is accepting supplies and monetary donations to provide much needed services and support to our employees. To learn how you can contribute, go to www.gbmc.org/donations or call 443-849-6219. <br> <br> <em>*Click here for more information about the coronavirus (COVID-19)*</em> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> The title of 'Human Trafficking Liaison' isn't something Ashley McAree, RN, FNE-A/P, SANE-A, envisioned when she began her career in nursing. She says she settled into the role very organically. It wasn't until she started working for the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) program at GBMC Healthcare that she realized the prevalence of human trafficking in Maryland and the Baltimore area. <br> <br> </p> <blockquote> We work so well together, and we're fighting for the same cause </blockquote> "We're a centralized, condensed state, and with lots of sporting events and conventions, big influxes of people going into the city can raise the demand for commercial sex," McAree explains. <br> <br> McAree says it was an emergency room encounter with two young women that exposed a lack of training on how to properly treat them. <br> <br> "I had two 15-year-old human trafficking victims, and I didn't know what to do," she says. "I started researching it and was completely shocked that I'd been a nurse since 2010 and had never had any education on human trafficking." <br> <br> McAree was astounded to learn the majority of human trafficking victims will seek healthcare. A 2014 study found 88% of human trafficking survivors reported having contact with someone in the healthcare system, but none of the victims were identified. After that initial encounter, McAree says she knew something had to change within the system. <br> <br> Together with her program manager, McAree approached the leadership team at GBMC about changing the way they approached human trafficking cases. <br> <br> "Once I started early discussions about having a formal policy and training protocols, they were completely on board," she says. "They've been amazing with their support." <br> <br> GBMC now has mandatory training in place for every nurse on staff and a formal policy on how to treat human trafficking patients. McAree says very few hospitals require training or have specific policies related to human trafficking. She hopes to change that. <br> <br> "One of my big goals is to educate every hospital and healthcare facility in Baltimore County. I want to get the education out there and assist with their policy and protocol development." <br> <br> McAree says the success of these policies comes from a joint effort by law enforcement, Emergency Department nurses, and the SAFE program, recalling a time when a minor came to the Emergency Department and raised a lot of red flags to the nurse treating her. <br> <br> "She had run away from home, had been missing for over a month, and didn't even know she was in the state of Maryland. We were able to call the human trafficking detective directly, and he was there in 15 minutes. She ended up disclosing to him, got the services she needed, and was reunited with her family. If the first nurse wouldn't have noticed the warning signs, the girl would have been discharged with no resources and would have been at a much higher risk to return to human trafficking." <br> <br> She says the teamwork between departments is what makes their policies successful. <br> <br> "We work so well together, and we're fighting for the same cause," she says. <br> <br> McAree hopes both patients and practitioners across the county will benefit from the training and policies they've implemented at GBMC. <br> <br> "We want healthcare providers to know that they're not alone. There is support for them as they're deciding how to treat their patients. We also want patients to know they have confidentiality as an adult. They can seek healthcare without having to worry about being reported without their consent. We want to be a safe place for them." <br> <br> All of GBMC's SAFE and domestic violence services are always free and confidential. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> <em>*This is a rapidly changing situation. This article was written on April 8, 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> On April 3, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a recommendation that encourages the public to wear cloth face coverings while out in the community, especially in places such as grocery stores where it may be hard to maintain social distancing. While a face covering sounds like it is the same thing as a mask, there is a critical difference – <strong>one can be used in a medical setting and the other cannot</strong>. <br> <br> We have learned that it’s possible to spread COVID-19 before showing symptoms (pre-symptomatic) and possibly without showing symptoms at all (asymptomatic). Covering your face can prevent you from spreading the virus if you don’t know you have it. COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets, which are relatively heavy and fall to the ground after travelling about six feet. This is why social distancing, along with good hand hygiene, is an effective way to prevent infection. Wearing face coverings is an additional precaution to stop infected droplets from getting into the environment, but it should not be treated as a substitute for other precautions. When used together, these measures are enough to protect the public. <a href="/node/4252" target="_blank">Click here to learn how to properly use a face covering</a>. <br> <br> Healthcare workers need extra protection. They are in much closer contact with infected persons and sometimes have to perform procedures that break up the droplets into smaller pieces that linger in the air. This is called aerosolization and it <u>significantly increases their risk of becoming infected</u>. Healthcare employees rely on medical-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect them as they work with patients. <br> <br> Hospitals across the country are facing critical shortages of PPE and need your help. “I urge everyone in the general public not to use medical-grade facemasks for personal use. We really need to reserve these for medical professionals who are providing care to patients,” says Molly Hyde, MHS, CIC, Infection Control Practitioner at GBMC. <br> <br> In order to protect yourself and others, use a cloth face covering instead of a medical-grade mask. According to the CDC, cloth face coverings should: </p> <ul> <li> Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face </li> <li> Be secured with ties or ear loops </li> <li> Include multiple layers of fabric </li> <li> Allow for breathing without restriction </li> <li> Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape </li> </ul> <em>*Source: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html</a></em> <br> <br> The CDC also states that "cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance." <br> <br> Cloth face coverings require few materials and can easily be made at home. Click <a href="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/ee9e05bb3feeb6838667ed02bad256d1.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> (sew) and <a href="https://blog.japanesecreations.com/no-sew-face-mask-with-handkerchief-and-hair-tie" target="_blank">here</a> (no sew) for tutorials on how to create them with supplies you probably already have. If you have N95 or procedure masks (also called surgical or ear-loop masks), please donate them to the healthcare workers who are on the frontlines of this pandemic – you could save a life. <br> <br> GBMC is accepting supplies and monetary donations to provide much needed services and support to our employees. To learn how you can contribute, go to www.gbmc.org/donations or call 443-849-6219. <br> <br> <em>*Click here for more information about the coronavirus (COVID-19)*</em> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tz0qNPN1TlI" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> A 15 minute upper body work out using hand weights. The video focuses on working the bicep, tricep, and shoulder muscles. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XRLQxZbTW44" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> A 20-minute low impact cardio dance work out using easy to follow steps and fun music. </p>
<p class="article-body"> Getting older can bring a lot of positives to your life: wisdom, knowledge and confidence, to name a few. Unfortunately, age can also bring changes to your vision and eyes. Age-related eye issues affect millions of Americans every year, but Katherine Duncan, M.D., an ophthalmologist with the Eye Center at GBMC, says early detection can help protect your vision and prevent vision loss. She describes five age-related eye issues to be aware of as you enter your 50s and beyond. </p> <h3> 1. Dry eye </h3> Dry eye is a condition that happens when the oil-producing glands in your eyelid lose their functionality. This can cause the eye to not produce enough tears, which are needed to lubricate and protect the eye from infection. Dry eye can occur in younger individuals, but it's a common and often chronic problem in older adults. Symptoms include redness of the eye and a burning or gritty sensation. <br> <br> "Dry eye is a chronic condition that does require a regimen in order to prevent symptoms from flaring," Dr. Duncan explains. "There's no magic cure, but there are things you can do to prevent it from getting worse and keep your eyes comfortable." <br> <br> She says over-the-counter artificial tears and applying warm compresses to the eye a few times a day can help with dryness. <h3> 2. Droopy eyelids </h3> There are two conditions that can cause the skin of the upper eyelid to droop. One is dermatochalasis, which refers to excess upper eyelid skin that often comes with aging. Another is ptosis, which is a droopy eyelid caused by muscle weakness. Both conditions cause the upper eyelid skin to sag in a way that can impair peripheral vision. Treatment for both involves surgery but according to Dr. Duncan, the procedures are very common and straightforward. <br> <br> "Blepharoplasty is the procedure to remove the excess skin caused by dermatochalasis, while ptosis repair actually tightens the stretched eyelid muscle," she explains. "Both are relatively easy procedures, and blepharoplasty can be done in the operating room or in the office with just local anesthetic." <h3> 3. Diabetic retinopathy </h3> Diabetic retinopathy, caused by changes that occur in the eye over time with diabetes, is the No. 1 cause of blindness in working-age adults in the U.S. The good news is that regular eye exams can catch the early signs of diabetic retinopathy. <br> <br> "For anyone with diabetes, it's really important they come to the eye doctor once a year to get their eyes dilated. Often the earliest signs of diabetic retinopathy don't have symptoms associated with them, but we can catch it during eye exams," Dr. Duncan says. <br> <br> Some of the symptoms to look out for are blurring of central vision, floaters or cobwebs in your vision. Treatment can include controlling your blood sugar (in early stages), laser therapy, medication and surgery. Dr. Duncan reiterates that, for most people, diabetic retinopathy does not mean they will go blind, especially if they stay up to date with their eye exams and keep their diabetes under control. <h3> 4. Macular degeneration </h3> Macular degeneration happens when the small central portion of your retina (the light-sensing nerve tissue at the back of your eye) wears down. <br> <br> "Most patients will notice a distortion or degradation of their central vision. They may be unable to see details of faces, or the straight edges of doors or windows may look wavy or irregular," Dr. Duncan says. <br> <br> Unfortunately, macular degeneration doesn't have a cure. There are treatments available to slow down the loss of vision, including medication injected into the eye, laser therapy and low-vision aids. <h3> 5. Cataracts </h3> Recognizable by a clouding of the eye, cataracts are a common condition in older adults, caused by a buildup of protein in the lens of the eye. The buildup prevents light from passing through clearly and can eventually cause loss of eyesight. Common symptoms include cloudy or blurry vision, changes in the way you see color, or problems with glare. Cataract surgery is really the only option for treatment. <br> <br> "Cataract surgery is the one of the most common procedures done in the United States. It's a very easy, quick procedure, where the cataract is replaced with a lens implant to help the patient see much clearer," Dr. Duncan explains. <br> <br> She adds the surgery generally takes 30 minutes or less, and patients usually see better within 24 hours. <br> <br> Dr. Duncan stresses the importance of seeing an eye doctor annually, especially as you get older. She says the sooner you can catch any of these issues, the better your chance for maintaining your eyesight. <br> <br> "If you have any reduced vision, new floaters or cobwebs in your vision, or loss or change in your peripheral vision, you should see someone right away." <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DpvO8CNiajo" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<p class="article-body"> In this time, more than ever, our local businesses need the community’s support. It may feel like a conflicting message, we’re being told to stay home and to interact with local businesses, but both are incredibly important. Remember, local businesses rely on your purchases to pay their bills and their employees. Supporting them not only helps the business financially, it helps the employees who now find themselves without a paycheck. <br> <br> According to the CDC, there is no evidence that the coronavirus (COVID-19) is living in food. While the food itself poses no danger, there may be some risk as to how you get it. Here are some ways to stay safe when ordering takeout: <br> <br> <strong>Use your own dishes.</strong> When you bring food into your house, immediately remove it from the box and place it on your own dishes. Takeout containers may carry the virus and have been touched by several other people – the dishes in your home have not. <br> <br> <strong>Use no-contact delivery.</strong> Many delivery companies are now offering no-contact delivery in order to reduce unnecessary contact. Take advantage of this service if it’s available. Remember that the person delivering your food is still relying on tips, so make sure to tip them through the ordering platform! <br> <br> <strong>Practice social distancing if you are picking up your food.</strong> Continue to stay six feet or more away from other people when possible. <br> <br> <strong>Throw away containers.</strong> It is possible for COVID-19 to adhere to takeout containers, so it’s important to dispose of them as quickly as possible. Remember to wash your hands after handling them! <br> <br> <strong>Disinfect surfaces that the containers have touched.</strong> Once you’ve thrown away the takeout container, disinfect the surfaces that the container has touched, like your counter or table. This will eliminate the potential of the virus spreading to areas of your home. <br> <br> <strong>Enjoy your meal.</strong> In these uncertain times, it’s easy to become anxious. Celebrate the little pleasures, like having a slice of pizza with your favorite toppings and being able to sit down with your family. <br> <br> Continue to practice social distancing and good hand hygiene and you can protect yourself and your family while helping to keep our local businesses afloat. <br> <br> <em><a href=" https://www.gbmc.org/coronavirus">*Click here for more information about the coronavirus (COVID-19)*</a></em> </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> More than 137,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer in the U.S. every year, many of them much younger than you probably think. <br> <br> "The number of patients under the age of 50 who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer has been climbing, and we don't have any identified reason as to why," says Joseph DiRocco, M.D., MBA, FACS DiRocco is the director of gastrointestinal oncology for the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC. <br> <br> March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and here are three things to consider when assessing your risk for the disease. </p> <h2> Follow screening guidelines </h2> Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the <a alt="Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer" href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html" target="_blank">third most common cancer diagnosis</a> in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the overall rate of colorectal cancer has been dropping steadily for several decades. However, the rate of diagnosis for people under the age of 50 has been increasing up to 2% every year without an exact cause. As a response to this increase, the ACS recently updated their screening guidelines to recommend that testing for adults at average risk should begin at age 45, five years younger than the previous recommendation. <br> <br> "If you have a first-degree relative with colon cancer, especially if they were diagnosed before the age of 65, those people should start screening at age 40, or 10 years before the youngest relative was diagnosed with cancer," DiRocco recommends. "You should be screened once every 10 years if you're someone with no risks factors or symptoms. If you have a history of polyps (abnormal growths) or a family history, screening should happen more often." <br> <br> The most effective form of screening is a colonoscopy, says Dr. DiRocco. <br> <br> "There is a new screening test out there, called Cologuard, but it's not as sensitive as a colonoscopy and there's a risk of false results. The likelihood of missing cancer on a colonoscopy is quite low," he explains. <br> <br> A colonoscopy will detect cancerous tumors and polyps (small tissue growth) that have the potential to turn into cancer, so they can be removed before they become too serious. <h2> Be aware of the signs and symptoms of colon cancer </h2> Colorectal cancer has a high survival rate if caught and treated early. Dr. DiRocco says the problem is that the symptoms of colorectal cancer can often be mistaken for something less serious or discounted if the person is under the age of 50. He says colon cancer isn't on most people's radar when they're young. <br> <br> "Rectal bleeding is typically more common with rectal cancers, but it can occur in colon cancer cases. Any new abdominal pain that's otherwise unexplained and any change in bowel habits are common early symptoms. There are also more generalized symptoms like unexplained weight loss, decreased appetite and fatigue," says Dr. DiRocco. He adds that it's important to not dismiss anything out of the ordinary and stresses that if anything feels off, you should see your doctor right away. <h2> Minimize general risk factors </h2> While the rise in colorectal cancer diagnoses in the younger population can't be blamed on one singular factor, there are some things you can do to lower your risk of getting the disease. <h3> 1. Pay attention to your diet. </h3> "Diet is a big issue when it comes to the intestinal tract, and people like to focus on that," Dr. DiRocco says. "There is some evidence that processed meat can increase your risk of developing colon cancer. Regular alcohol consumption can increase your risk." <br> <br> The ACS says a diet high in fiber and whole foods like fruit and vegetables can minimize this risk. <h3> 2. Keep a healthy lifestyle. </h3> This includes maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking or drinking in excess. The ACS recommends no more than two drinks per day for men and one for women. Obesity and excess body fat have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. People with Type 2 diabetes also have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. <h3> 3. Be aware of your family history </h3> Dr. DiRocco says a genetic history of colorectal cancer should make you more aware to changes in your overall health, but it's not the defining factor of a colon cancer diagnosis. <br> <br> "People with a family history make up 25% of the diagnoses in the U.S.," he explains. "But more than 50% of those diagnosed have no risk factors or family history or anything like that." <br> <br> The key takeaway Dr. DiRocco wants everyone to realize is how serious colon cancer is, and that it can affect anyone. <br> <br> "150,000 people are diagnosed every year and 50,000 people die. You can't just rely on good genes and a good diet." <br> <br> He reiterates that the best way to protect yourself is to get a colonoscopy. <br> <br> "This painless procedure that's very safe, compared to major surgery once a problem is already there, is an easy trade-off. I'm 45 and have had two." <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LcIJLtpnvRQ" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Learn some tips about how to stay safe when ordering or buying food while staying home and practicing social distancing. </p>
*This is a rapidly changing situation. This article was written on March 20, 2020. For the most up-to-date information, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov* UPDATE:On April 3, 2020, the CDC recommended that the public wear cloth face coverings. These are different from medical masks. Click here to learn more. --- Many people don’t understand why the medical community is telling the public to avoid wearing masks during the COVID-19 outbreak. It seems counterintuitive not to take every precaution during a pandemic, but there are some very important reasons why you shouldn’t be wearing a mask. #1: There is a shortage, and masks need to be reserved for healthcare workers. Just like toilet paper and hand sanitizer, people have been buying up and hoarding face masks since the COVID-19 outbreak started. This causes a major problem for the healthcare system. Because COVID-19 is a novel (new) virus, there is no medication to treat those infected and no one has been able to build immunity to it. If there are no masks available to protect our healthcare workers, entire teams could become infected making it impossible to care for the people who need it the most. #2: Social distancing is enough to keep you safe. COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets that can only travel so far. Practicing social distancing and good hand hygiene are, by far, the most effective ways to protect yourself and others. The CDC is now recommending (as of March 20, 2020) that all gatherings of 10 people or more should be cancelled. The fewer people you come into close contact with, the fewer people are put at risk. #3: Incorrectly wearing a mask could make you sick. Wearing a mask in public doesn’t actually make you any safer. Just like a seatbelt, a mask doesn’t work if you don’t use it correctly. There are many ways that a mask can become contaminated and trapping those germs next to your face makes you more likely to get sick – whether it’s from COVID-19 or any other disease. #4: Wearing a mask when you don’t need one can harm people who are vulnerable to COVID-19. The most important thing to remember during this process is that ignoring healthcare guidelines puts vulnerable groups at a heightened risk for COVID-19. Using a mask when you don’t need to takes away that resource from others. For some people, this situation can be life or death. If you don’t fall into the high-risk category, you don’t need a mask. GBMC, like all other hospitals, is always welcoming in-kind donations, but is currently restricted on the number of visitors. If you have N95 masks or other supplies, please call 443-849-6219 before coming to coordinate your donation or fill out this form. *Click here for more information about the coronavirus (COVID-19)*
<div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12"> Sure, the first day is great – you hang out with your pets, lay around, eat your quarantine snacks, watch Netflix, and get a little work done – but as the days go on, you may find yourself looking for things to do to keep you from going stir-crazy. This is where we come in. Because, if Rapunzel can be stuck in a tower for 18 years in Tangled and entertain herself with activities from baking to candle-making, we can get through this. <br> <br> Check out these 8 tips to keep yourself (and your family!) entertained during this time. <div class="row"> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/97c0dcee7780a89d32c074650b8eb104.jpg"> </figure> <h2> Go for a walk or run </h2> Ever wonder how people get so into running? Well, now you can really find out. Maybe you never really explored your neighborhood or there’s a neat trail nearby that you never knew about. Whatever it is, get outside and get some fresh air. Just don't go in groups! </div> <div class="row"> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/1ffc008eda0a21a6c8cba63ba5ddfe36.jpg"> </figure> <h2> Bake something from Pinterest </h2> If you’re anything like me, you have over 1,000 pins of desserts and sweets from Pinterest. So, why not try one? Many Pinterest recipes include ingredients you already have in your house! </div> <div class="row"> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/00ec31aad6335684930ac8c0e7ee1518.jpg"> </figure> <h2> Make a “quarantine playlist” and dance to it </h2> Did someone say dance party? This is a time when you can truly dance like no one is watching! I’m talking the “Risky Business” sock slide into the living room kind of dance. </div> <div class="row"> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/4b9cf4455b60c9b9459da8d9018346ac.jpg"> </figure> <h2> Play a board game </h2> Think about taking a minute to put down all electronics and really get into a classic board game. Sorry, Balderdash, Catch Phrase, Cards, Monopoly, you name it! </div> <div class="row"> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/4730d524a3febf7879d6a364e4d6d961.jpg"> </figure> <h2> Organize a room in your house </h2> We all have that one room in our house that we’ve sworn we would organize and clean out. Well, I can’t think of a better time! Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. </div> <div class="row"> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/35cf97c914ffcdd8e93c4be1a757132a.jpg"> </figure> <h2> Try an at-home yoga class </h2> Yoga really is one of the best ways to relieve stress. It helps you focus on your breathing while helping improve flexibility. And, the plus side is that there are tons of FREE yoga classes on YouTube that you can stream right to your TV! </div> <div class="row"> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/5a72a131b0bfdcb60ad949365220442f.jpg"> </figure> <h2> Make a fort and watch a movie </h2> Ah, the classic fort made of sheets and blankets. This one is easy! Grab those sheets and pillows, make some popcorn, pick a great movie, and you’re all set. </div> <div class="row"> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/31ec907679af479b919b304ea0dfb8db.jpg"> </figure> <h2> Go viral by making a quarantine TikTok </h2> TikTok is the newest craze among young people. It includes making funny videos or dances to sounds and songs that live on the app. Maybe have your kids teach you a new dance? Who knows, you might go viral! </div> <br> <hr> While the information on coronavirus (COVID-19) may be overwhelming, it’s important to remember the key facts: <ul> <li> Practice proper hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds </li> <li> Avoid gathering in groups </li> <li> Know the symptoms – fever, cough, shortness of breath </li> <li> Call your primary care provider if you suspect that you have any of the symptoms. Don't go straight to the hospital unless you're having a true medical emergency. </li> </ul> <br> <br> <em><a href=" https://www.gbmc.org/coronavirus">*Click here for more information about the coronavirus (COVID-19)*</a></em> </div> </div> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Colon and rectal health probably isn’t something you’ll want to bring up at the dinner table or with a friend over coffee, but it is an important topic to discuss with your doctor. <br> <br> “There’s no need to be embarrassed,” says Dr. Nina Ferraris, a colon and rectal surgeon with the Greater Baltimore Medical Center. “Surgeons and gastroenterologists talk about this stuff every single day. There’s nothing you can say that we haven’t heard before, and the sooner you can bring an issue to our attention, the easier it is to address.” <br> <br> The last (and largest) section of the large intestine, the colon is a muscle that connects the small intestine and the anus. The rectum is the last portion of the colon that holds formed stool before elimination. The location of any cancer found in this area determines the most appropriate treatment protocol. <br> <br> “We treat patients with rectal cancers differently than those with colon cancers,” Dr. Ferraris explains. “We’ve found that pre-surgical therapies like chemotherapy and radiation are helpful to improve outcomes for rectal cancer patients. Colon cancer is treated surgically first, and then followed up with chemotherapy afterward if it’s at an advanced stage.” </p> <h2> How Common are Colon and Rectal Cancers? </h2> According to American Cancer Society statistics, colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women. If diagnosed while the cancer is still localized, the five-year survival rate for colon cancer is 90 percent and 89 percent for rectal cancer, supporting the ACS’s recent decision to move its baseline screening recommendation from age 50 to age 45. <br> <br> “With appropriate therapies, early stage cancers have very good survival rates; as stages get higher, survival rates go down,” Dr. Ferraris says. <h2> Who's At Risk? </h2> The chances of developing colon and rectal cancers increase with age, and men, African Americans and people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent may be at slightly higher risk. Those with a family history of the disease or a history of polyps may also be at increased risk, as are patients with certain genetic conditions, those who are obese or inactive and those who smoke, drink alcohol on a regular basis, or eat a diet high in red or processed meat. <br> <br> “Warning signs that should bring you in for an evaluation are changes in bowel habits —particularly narrowing of the stools or frequent constipation, blood during bowel movements and unexplained weight loss,” Dr. Ferraris adds. “It’s not one of the first indications of colon and rectal cancers, but if you are experiencing any kind of abdominal pain, you also should talk to your doctor.” <h2> Diagnosis and Treatment </h2> Colonoscopy remains the gold standard diagnostic procedure for detecting colon and rectal cancers, but depending on your general health, your doctor may recommend a flexible sigmoidoscopy, a virtual colonoscopy performed with a CT scanner or a Cologuard stool screening as an appropriate alternative. <br> <br> “Colonoscopy remains the only test that allows doctors to simultaneously look for and remove polyps that we know based on data will eventually progress into colon cancers,” Dr. Ferraris says. “Everyone’s always nervous about the prep, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s really not that bad.” <br> <br> If results don’t indicate any presence of polyps, colon or rectal cancer, patients should schedule a repeat colonoscopy every 10 years, or more frequently for those with a family history of cancer or a history of polyps. <br> <br> GBMC offers a full scope of screening procedures, surgical interventions and treatment options for colon and rectal cancers including minimally invasive laparoscopic resections, assistive robotic technology, a number of oncology trials, integrative medicine for cancer patients and enhanced recovery pathways. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
