<p class="article-body"> “If you have bone-on-bone arthritis, and you can’t walk to get your mail, a hip replacement can be life-changing,” says James C. Johnston, M.D., a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee replacement at GBMC Health Partners - Orthopaedics. But the type of hip replacement a patient might need can vary — and what works for a friend or neighbor might not work for you. <br> <br> Johnston often has patients come in specifically asking for direct anterior hip replacement, a somewhat new procedure that has been heavily marketed. And he’s not surprised. “It’s one of the most talked-about things in orthopaedics,” he says. <br> <br> Johnston was trained in the anterior approach during his fellowship at the Mayo Clinic as it was being developed. And now anterior hip replacement comprises about 20% of Johnston’s practice. But the newest “new” thing isn’t always best for any given patient. <br> <br> Here are some questions to consider before talking to your orthopaedic surgeon. </p> <h3> What exactly is direct anterior hip replacement? </h3> Direct anterior hip replacement was developed in the 1970s as a less invasive method of performing the procedure. Instead of making incisions through the side of the hip (lateral), the surgeon enters through the front of the hip (anterior). <h3> Am I a good candidate for one? </h3> The anterior approach is not for everyone — but it can be a great option for some. The primary benefit of the anterior approach is that patients do not have hip precautions post operatively, meaning they can move the hip more freely. Patients of the anterior approach tend to be slightly more confident and have slightly better early function. But whatever approach is used, patients are usually at about the same function two to three months after surgery. <h3> Weight, bony anatomy, skin status and wound healing </h3> “The posterior approach gives fantastic results, so we have to be careful about using the anterior approach in high-risk patients who might have a complication they might be less likely to experience with another approach” says Dr. Johnston. Being overweight or being very muscular makes the anterior approach more difficult and can require a surgeon to release more tissue around the hip, including muscles, to gain access to the hip. This negates a lot of the benefits of the anterior procedure. “In addition, the area in front of the hip where the incision is made can have trouble healing, so we have to be careful in patients who might have wound problems such as smokers, people who have diabetes or vascular disease and patients taking certain medications.” <h3> What are the benefits? </h3> “With the right patient selection, patients with anterior approach are usually walking slightly farther distances and a bit more independently than their peers with other approaches in the first month or so. In early recovery — the first six weeks — it’s a little easier to get around,” explains Johnston. <br> <br> The confidence is key. Patients who are not advised to limit their hip movement tend to be more active patients, which can make recovery easier and faster. <h3> What are the drawbacks? </h3> While the term “minimally-invasive” and the promise of a shorter, easier recovery time make the anterior approach to hip replacement sound too good to be true, there are, of course, drawbacks. <br> <br> What hip replacement patients gain in terms of early recovery time, says Johnston, they are more likely to give up in terms of tendonitis and nerve pain, especially early on. But like other potential side effects of hip replacement surgery, regardless of the approach, by six weeks out, the recovery is typically the same. <h3> Which hip replacement is right for me? </h3> That’s a question to discuss with your orthopaedic surgeon. The answer depends on so many factors, including which procedure your surgeon is most comfortable doing and balancing short-term and long-term benefits. <br> <br> It is important for surgeons to listen to the patient with empathy to get an understanding of their goals and desires, and then tailor the approach for hip surgery to their needs while minimizing the chance of complications. “What we care about most as orthopaedic surgeons when we do joint replacements is ensuring long-term, dependable results for our patients that stand up to the test of time,” says Johnston. “We have traditionally measured our success in terms of years and decades, but listening to patients has taught us that they want faster recovery, so it is exciting to have the direct anterior approach, and it’s always better for patients to have more options.” <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than 30 million Americans have diabetes, 7.2 million of whom haven’t been diagnosed. Another 84 million people are prediabetic, putting them at risk for full progression into the disease. What is diabetes? By definition, diabetes mellitus is a disorder that causes blood sugar (glucose) to rise because the body either isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t using the insulin it’s making to process glucose effectively. “Glucose is our primary energy source. If it just sits in the bloodstream, it may cause thicker, stickier blood that doesn’t flow through the body well, leaving organs and tissues deprived of the oxygen or nutrients they need,” says Ellen Wallace, clinical program coordinator for the Geckle Diabetes and Nutrition Center at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC). Diabetes is classified into several types, each requiring different approaches to treatment. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body produces little to no insulin. These patients must take daily insulin and closely monitor their diet to manage their blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is much more common, affecting 90% to 95% of those with the disease. In this case, the body does produce some insulin, but not enough to regulate blood sugar without support. Other less-common types of diabetes include gestational diabetes during pregnancy, genetically attributable monogenetic diabetes of the young, and more rarely, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults. Who’s most at risk? While heredity, illness, autoimmunity and environmental influences can play a part, the risk factors for type 1 diabetes aren’t fully understood. It’s much easier to pinpoint the risks for developing type 2 diabetes, including genetics, being overweight, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, sedentary lifestyle and depression. “The symptoms of type 2 diabetes may be absent or develop gradually at the onset of disease,” says Nancy Glaser, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at the Geckle Center. “Type 1 diabetes symptoms usually develop rapidly and can be dramatic.” For both type 1 and type 2, patients may experience increased thirst, frequent urination, weakness and fatigue, blurred vision and infections that are slow to heal. If left untreated, symptoms may progress to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dehydration. Diagnosis and treatment Diabetes is diagnosed through one of several blood tests that measure glucose levels over a specific period of time. “Management always includes a personalized carbohydrate-controlled, calorie-appropriate meal plan, which should be developed with a certified diabetes educator to allow flexibility and provide a healthy, sustainable strategy,” Glaser says. Exercise is another important aspect of diabetes management. Patients should aim to get 150 minutes of moderately vigorous activity each week. “People over age 40 or anyone with a history of heart disease should be cleared by their doctor before engaging in a vigorous activity,” Wallace adds. Keeping a close eye on blood glucose is critical to managing diabetes and can usually be done at home through continuous monitoring or a finger-stick glucose meter. Results determine the amount of insulin needed to maintain the appropriate blood sugar levels, administered either by injection or in pill form. Recent advances and technologies including longer-lasting insulin and insulin pumps worn under the skin, and a new class of medication called SGLT2 inhibitors are making it much easier to manage diabetes, especially in younger patients. “Continuous glucose monitoring has revolutionized home monitoring, taking the place of inconvenient finger sticks,” Wallace says. “It provides either real-time or intermittent scanning so patients can see changes in their glucose levels every five minutes.” How to lower your risks Getting regular exercise and watching what you eat are two of the best ways to prevent diabetes, although these goals can be particularly challenging around the holidays. Wallace and Glaser suggest keeping these tips in mind: Stick with your exercise plan, even if it’s just taking a walk after a meal. Don’t go to parties hungry. Fill your plate with non-starchy veggies first, then add spoon-sized portions of other higher-calorie dishes. Move away from the buffet while eating and don’t go back for seconds. Avoid the punch bowl and sugary drinks, and limit your alcohol intake. Opt for seltzers, tea, coffee or water instead.
<p class="article-body"> Marketed as a "safe" alternative to smoking tobacco, e-cigarettes or "vapes" are now under serious scrutiny after <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html" target="_blank">a recent report by the CDC</a>. As of October 2019, vaping, or the use of e-cigarettes to "vaporize" nicotine and other various liquid concentrates, has been linked to nearly 2,000 cases of lung injuries and 34 deaths across the United States. <br> <br> Vaping has grown in popularity over the years, starting as an alternative to smoking cigarettes and more recently becoming a means to ingest marijuana and other concentrates. At this time, the FDA and CDC have not identified the cause of the lung injuries in these cases, but the major commonality among all the cases is that patients report the use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products. The demographics are also similar in many of the reports. <br> <br> "People who've been getting sick are young, male adults under the age of 35. This should serve as a warning for teenagers," says Matthew Woodford, M.D., a pulmonologist with GBMC HealthCare. <br> <br> E-cigarette use is especially prevalent among high school students, <a href="https://khn.org/news/vaping-by-the-numbers/" target="_blank" alt="CDC Reporting on Vaping">with the CDC reporting</a> more high schoolers using the devices than adults in the United States. And the number of teenage users is on the rise. More than 20% of high school students reported vaping in 2018, almost twice the 2017 rate. The legal age to buy e-cigarettes is 18 in most states, but the products are widely available online, and not all sellers require proof of age. <br> <br> Dr. Woodford says there are several reasons why it's hard to pinpoint what's causing the lung disease. <br> <br> "As of right now we don't have enough information to say there's one specific product, additive, or flavoring and say that that is the definite cause," he says. "Additionally, the companies that produce these [vapor liquids] aren't required to divulge all of the additives that are in there. It makes it difficult to know what's even in these products." <br> <br> He says it will likely be several years before we truly know the effects vaping can have on long-term lung health. <br> <br> In addition to the unknown health risks associated with inhaling the vapor itself, <a target="_blank" alt="E-cigarette smoke induces lung adenocarcinoma" href="https://www.pnas.org/content/116/43/21727">a study published in October 2019</a> found that nine out of 40 mice exposed to e-cigarette smoke with nicotine for 54 weeks developed lung cancer. While Dr. Woodford advises we must be careful when comparing humans to mice, he adds, "We can at least make an association that this vapor they're breathing has a very high risk of causing cancer in mice, so you can postulate there is probably an increased risk in humans as well." <br> <br> Many adults turn to vaping as a way to stop smoking cigarettes, but Dr. Woodford says just because someone isn't smoking tobacco doesn't mean there aren't health risks. He warns that a healthy checkup today doesn't mean someone is guaranteed fully functioning lungs in the future. "[If you're vaping daily], you're unlikely to see any changes in your lungs for 10 to 20 years. It will be some time before we know the long-term effects on lung function and lung health overall." <br> <br> Bottom line: Steer clear of vaping, or be aware of the risks involved. <br> <br> "I discourage vaping in any shape or form," emphasizes Dr. Woodford. "There's a very clear association with risks to your health. It is not a safe alternative to cigarettes." </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<figure class="image-full"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/7e9bade8b3bf03b86b5b952b9736a80b.png" alt="Infographic"> </figure> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Autumn is officially here, and so is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Everywhere you turn, there are pink ribbons promoting disease awareness, celebrating survivors, and emphasizing the importance of early detection with reminders to schedule your annual mammogram. Every October, we are reminded of how prevalent breast cancer is. In the United States, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. <br> <br> How do you know if you are at risk? Is having an annual mammogram enough? No need to worry. Dr. Sara P. Fogarty, DO, FACS, Associate Program Director of the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center at GBMC, provides insight on some of those worrying questions. </p> <h3> How is my risk of breast cancer determined? </h3> There are a variety of factors that determine risk. The initial risk is assessed through a detailed conversation with your doctor, including family history. Knowing if a family member has ever been diagnosed with breast cancer, specifically your mother, grandmothers, and aunts from both sides of the family, is helpful to your healthcare provider. Knowing the age that they were diagnosed is also helpful. The more information you can give about your family history, the better! <br> <br> Family history is not the only piece of the puzzle. Other questions your doctor will review will pertain more to you and your lifestyle. <ul> <li> At what age did you have your first period? </li> <li> How old were you when you had your first child? </li> <li> Are you overweight? </li> <li> Do you have dense breast tissue? </li> </ul> All of this information creates a story that helps your doctor determine your level of risk. <h3> Who should talk about their risk of developing breast cancer? </h3> Dr. Fogarty recommends that all women ages 25 to 30 years old should have a formal risk assessment. This involves discussing family history and other factors with your primary care physician. <h3> Your mother had breast cancer. What does this mean for you? </h3> The risk for someone whose mother had breast cancer is higher than that of someone whose mother doesn't have breast cancer. However, the fact that your mother was diagnosed with breast cancer does not mean that you are destined to develop it. This is why your age, heritage, menstrual history, and reproduction history are all also considered. <h3> How do I know if I have a gene that could cause breast cancer? </h3> Not everyone needs to be tested for the breast cancer gene (BRCA1, BRCA2). Family history can determine if there is a likelihood of a breast cancer gene being present. Patients with a strong family history of the disease may benefit from a genetic test, which is the only way to definitively determine if you have the mutation. <h3> Should I have genetic testing? </h3> Speak to your provider to find out if you may be a good candidate for genetic testing. In the United States, only 5 percent to 7 percent of women actually have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation that can cause breast cancer. Most people who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. <br> <br> As a result, genetic testing "is a case by case situation," says Dr. Fogarty. For people who have a strong family history of this disease, she would recommend speaking to a breast surgeon about the test. <br> <br> There are a variety of factors to consider when determining if genetic testing is right for you. <ul> <li> Do you have family members who were diagnosed with breast cancer? </li> <li> How many family members were diagnosed? </li> <li> At what age were they diagnosed? Premenopausal or postmenopausal? </li> <li> What type of cancer did they have? (Ovarian, prostate, colon, uterine, melanoma, metastatic, and other cancers similar to breast cancer raise concern) </li> </ul> Each gene mutation can have an associated syndrome. Since ovarian and breast cancer are closely linked, a family history of ovarian cancer may indicate an increased list for breast cancer. This same principle can also apply to other cancers. <br> <br> Dr. Fogarty recommends speaking with a specialist, such as a breast surgeon, if you are interested in having genetic testing or if your primary care doctor determines that you could be a good candidate after reviewing your risk history. A breast surgeon is the best person to determine whether or not a genetic test is necessary. <br> <br> Once it is decided that you are a good candidate, a genetic counselor will perform the test. A genetic counselor is part of your healthcare team that provides risk assessment, education, and support to individuals and families at risk for or diagnosed with a variety of inherited conditions. <br> <br> Testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations requires a blood or saliva sample. If there is a determination that you have a risk of other cancers as well, you may be offered more comprehensive genetic testing. <h3> What imaging do I need if I am at a high risk? </h3> You're high risk, so what's next? Dr. Fogarty recommends having an annual 3D mammogram, starting at age 35, followed by supplemental imaging (MRI) six months after the mammogram. <h3> I want a mastectomy to reduce my risk. Is that appropriate? </h3> It depends. If you've had genetic testing, and have BRCA1, BRCA2, P53, or PTEN genetic mutations, a mastectomy is an option, but it should be a last resort. <br> <br> A mastectomy, even if performed prophylactically to reduce risk of contracting breast cancer, is a drastic surgery and should be treated as such. It requires a long recovery time, and it is not a way to reduce your risk of cancer to zero. Even with a mastectomy, you can still develop breast cancer. <br> <br> The effects of this surgery can take a significant toll on your body, both physically and emotionally. Many women who chose to have a bilateral mastectomy (removal of both breasts) struggle with body image after the procedure. All of these factors should be considered and addressed in detail before a decision is made. <br> <br> Patients are encouraged to speak with their provider about options available to them. Alternatives to surgery include the medication tamoxifen, which is a daily hormone blocking pill, and chemoprevention. <h3> What's the first step if I have an irregular mammogram? </h3> If your mammogram comes up back as irregular, the specialist will order a 3D mammogram along with an ultrasound for you. If concern persists, they will recommend a biopsy, and you will work with your provider to determine the best steps after that. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sENxFcL7iSk" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Beverly Ruiz, MS, CRNP, explains the qualifications for patients seeking assistance from the Gilchrist Elder Medical Care Program and the benefits this type of care can have. </p>
<p class="article-body"> More than 300,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer each year — and because of that staggering number, it’s a disease than gets a lot of attention from doctors and researchers. So it’s not surprising that new treatments, medications and surgical techniques are constantly being introduced. <br> <br> While almost everyone diagnosed with breast cancer eventually undergoes some type of surgery — lumpectomy, mastectomy, with or without reconstruction — a newer method of performing these surgeries with a more cosmetically favorable result has joined the mix: Hidden Scar Surgery. <br> <br> “The standard of care for most early stage breast cancer is breast-conserving surgery, which is lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy,” says Dr. Sara Fogarty, a breast surgeon at The Sandra and Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center at Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC). “And recently, there has been a big push to also do more cosmetically favorable incisions — these are called Hidden Scar surgeries, which use small incisions that are hidden.” <br> <br> So, what does that really mean? <br> <br> “We try to make our incisions underneath the breast or around the areola (the colored part around the nipple), or even in the armpit, so that there is no actual scar on the front of the breast,” explain Dr. Fogarty. “Often women don’t see these scars, which is great.” <br> <br> Several decades ago, women with breast cancer underwent a mastectomy potentially followed by a second reconstructive surgery. Now the trend in breast cancer surgery is to offer less invasive procedures with similar or better outcomes. <br> <br> “We’re really moving away from bigger surgery and numerous surgeries,” Dr. Fogarty explains. “A lot of things that used to be surgical aren’t anymore because our other treatments are so much better. For example, nowadays we rarely perform axillary dissection, a procedure for invasive breast cancer where many of the lymph nodes are removed. The data shows it does not affect survival outcomes." <br> <br> Instead, she regularly performs sentinel node biopsies, where she removes a single node or nodes from the armpit. “If there is disease in these nodes, instead of returning to the OR for more surgery, we will extend the radiation fields to include the patient's armpit," she explains. <br> <br> Dr. Fogarty says most of the surgeries she currently performs are lumpectomies and attempts to hide these scars whenever possible, meaning that only the tumor and some surrounding normal tissue is removed — and the scarring is minimal. This means survivors won't have the constant reminder of their breast cancer by seeing a scar for the rest of their lives. <br> <br> Rapid improvements in medicine are also changing the breast cancer surgery landscape. <br> <br> “With chemotherapy, newer immunotherapies and hormone therapy, larger surgeries are not required as in the past, and even less surgery will be done in the future,” explains Dr. Fogarty. “It’s changing so fast. There are always new drugs, and new research is ongoing." <br> <br> The GBMC breast cancer team works together to create a unified treatment plan. <br> <br> “The surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologist and radiation oncologists here at GBMC all work together very closely to treat our patients, remove the cancer and help prevent recurrence.” </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zzmaL0-4la8" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Dr. James Baronas, Sports/Injury Specialist at GBMC, explains symptoms and treatment for childhood sports injuries. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9SclX0UY4PE" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Dr. Allison Jensen, Pediatric Ophthalmologist at GBMC, explains the importance of comprehensive eye exams for children. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pj60CiRyrlk" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Physical Therapist, Christina Penny, DPT, OMPT, Active Life Physical Therapy, explains proper backpack usage. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mzy2jjF5LW0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Dr. Regina Presley, Senior Cochlear Implant Audiologist at the Presbyterian Board of Governors Cochlear Implant Center of Excellence at GBMC, explains the importance of childhood hearing screening and maintenance. </p>
Dr. Kevin Ferentz, Chairman of Family Medicine at GBMC, explains dehydration, tick dangers, and other summer/fall concerns.
<p class="article-body"> Being faced with a prostate cancer diagnosis is an unsettling reality. However, if caught early, there is a lot hope for men with the disease. Prostate cancer typically grows very slowly, earning it the nickname "the snail of cancers," which thankfully means there's lots of time for treatment. <br> <br> Dr. Robert K. Brookland, MD, and Dr. Geoffrey A. Neuner, MD, radiation oncologists with the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC answer some of the pressing questions about prostate cancer. </p> <h3> What kind of cancer is prostate cancer? </h3> Prostate cancer is an abnormal growth of cells within the prostate gland. It's the most common cancer that a man can develop. Doctors have learned that prostate cancer, along with many other forms is not lethal, according to Dr. Neuner. Today, it's rare that a patient is lost to prostate cancer. <br> <br> Very often, it's not known why a man gets prostate cancer. In about 15 percent of cases, genetics may play a role, and there are no known lifestyle causes, according to Dr. Brookland. <br> <br> Prostate cancer is not an aggressive disease. On the other hand, in some cases, it can become a problem if it has a higher risk of metastasis and begins spreading into the lymph nodes and bones. <h3> What are the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer? </h3> According to both Dr. Brookland and Dr. Neuner, most men feel fine and experience no symptoms for years. In most cases, prostate cancer is very slow-growing. In the past, urinary obstructions or blood in the urine were signs of prostate cancer, but regular care and screenings are now able to detect those symptoms early on. <br> <br> If the cancer is an aggressive form and spreads to the bones, high calcium levels within the blood is a sign, says Dr. Neuner. Regular screenings and PSA blood tests have helped doctors find and treat aggressive cancers. <h3> When should men start getting screen tests? </h3> Men are encouraged to start getting prostate cancer screenings by age 50. For men who have a family history of the disease, they can begin as early as age 45 at least once a year. Patients are encouraged to talk with their doctor to determine what is best for them. <h3> What is the mortality rate of prostate cancer? </h3> It depends on the risk or grade, but even for men who have a higher risk or a higher grade, the mortality rate is less than five percent. They are likely to be cured of prostate cancer. If it spreads into the bones, it could shorten the years for some patients, another indication that early screenings are crucial. <br> <br> For patients who are in the remission stage, Dr. Brookland recommends routine checks for any possible signs of the cancer returning. If nothing shows after 10 years, the patient is considered cured. <h3> What are the treatment options after the diagnosis? </h3> Today, there are many treatment options for men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Patients can discuss with their doctors the best route to take. The decision depends on side effects, personal preferences, convenience, and comfortability. Some of these options include radical prostatectomy or radiation treatments: <ul> <li> <strong>Radical prostatectomy (RP)</strong> is the surgical removal of the prostate gland. The recovery time for surgery is about three to four weeks. </li> <li> <strong>Radiation treatments</strong> </li> </ul> <strong><em>External beam radiation therapy (EBRT)</em></strong> uses beams of radiation that are focused on the prostate gland using a machine from outside the body.<strong><em>Brachytherapy</em></strong> is small radioactive pellets or seeds placed near or on the prostate. <br> <br> There are also many methods for maintaining cancer or if it returns. Some treatments are combined depending on its severity. Other options include cryosurgery (freezing of the prostate) and high-intensity ultrasound. <br> <br> <strong>Should men call their primary care physician or a specialist if they suspect something is wrong?</strong> <br> <br> Patients should always inform their primary care physician if they suspect a problem. Your primary care doctor will access your concerns and recommend a specialist for proper testing, if necessary. <br> <br> Cancer tends to spark a lot of fear and dread among people. The good news is that there are a variety of tests and treatment options available when it comes to prostate cancer, to give patients a hope of along and healthy life even after a diagnosis. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i9VNSTZw35c" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Take a ride in the Nancy Amato's "Colonoscopy Cab" and she'll do everything she can to make sure it's not a pain in your behind. The idea came to Amato during one of her chemotherapy treatments for colon cancer nine years ago. She was 48, just two years shy of the recommended age to get tested, when she did the screening before donating a kidney to her sister. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pIUbyg8X-ek" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> <strong>Everything You Need to Know to Protect Your Family This Flu Season</strong> <br> <br> The coughing, the aches, the fever. Have you taken the number one precaution that helps protect you and your family from the misery of the flu this year? GBMC primary care physician, Dr. Jasmine Manley, talked with WMAR News’ Christian Schaffer about why it’s so important for people to get their flu shot every year and the other steps they can take to lower their risk of getting the flu. <br> <br> “Everyone over the age of six months should get a flu shot every year,” explained Dr. Manley. “The vaccine is especially important protection for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, people living with chronic diseases like diabetes, and those with weakened immune systems like people who’ve had an organ transplant, who regularly take steroid medications, or who have HIV. And even if the strain of flu in the vaccine isn’t a perfect match with this year’s virus, studies have shown that the vaccine still plays an important role in preventing the serious complications and deaths the flu can cause.” <br> <br> Dr. Manley urged people to get vaccinated sooner rather than later, when the flu becomes more common, and explained why physicians recommend the shot rather than the FluMist nasal spray. She also debunked the myth that the flu vaccine causes the flu and provided advice on how long you or your kids should stay home when you have the flu. “Even if you’re a healthy person and you’ve never gotten the flu, think about getting the vaccine as being a good Samaritan for the people in your family and community who are more vulnerable to the complications of the flu,” she said. “And if you do happen to get the flu, the vaccine can decrease the severity of the symptoms you experience.” </p>
