<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G9TxY5HlRoc" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Get healthy and exciting lunch ideas from Rebecca Denison, RDN, LDN, CDE, Doctor of Integrated Medicine, at the Geckle Diabetes & Nutrition Center at GBMC. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zW0wX3nxeek" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Dr. Kevin Ferentz, Chairman of Family Medicine at GBMC Health Partners, discusses summertime health concerns - sunburns, ticks, and more! </p>
<p class="article-body"> August is known to be one of the hottest months in Maryland. Its high temperatures and humidity can be detrimental to everyone, particularly children and seniors. <br> <br> With school starting soon and young athletes getting ready for another year, you probably have some concerns about how to keep them safe in the heat—no need to worry. Dr. Kevin Ferentz, Chairman of Family Medicine at Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC), has the answers to your questions. </p> <h3> What kind of sunscreen should you use? </h3> When it comes to sunscreen, you want to make sure it has an SPF of 30. An SPF of 30 helps decrease the amount of time it takes to get a sunburn. For instance, say it takes about 15 minutes to get burned. With SPF 30, it will take 30 extra minutes. <br> <br> There's no such thing as "water-proof" sunscreen, according to Dr. Ferentz. If you get into the pool or beach water, the sunscreen will come off. If you're planning to spend long periods outside, remember to re-apply sunscreen every two hours to ensure your skin is protected. <br> <br> Dr. Ferentz also recommends using lotion sunscreen over sprays because you can't massage sprays into your skin. <br> <br> Did you know that you can get skin cancer on your scalp too? Your scalp is one of the first parts of your skin to be exposed to the sun. Wearing a hat reduces the risks of sunburn and skin cancer. <h3> What you need to know about sunburn </h3> There are two degrees of sunburn to look for: <br> <br> <strong><em>First-degree</em></strong> sunburns are the most common. The skin is not blistered and can easily be treated at home. A cold compress and one percent cortisone topical cream along with numbing pain medication, such as Tylenol should help with the healing process. The first-degree sunburn should go away within a week. <br> <br> <strong><em>Second-degree</em></strong> sunburns usually contain blisters. If you do have blisters, don't pop them. Popping them will expose what's inside the blister to bacteria. <br> <br> If the sunburn gets worse, if a large area of your body is burned, or if you lose fluids and contract an infection, see a doctor right away. <br> <br> Make sure to take breaks in the shade when you're out in the sun for hours. If you start to feel faint or tired, get inside where it's cool. Applying ice to the neck, armpits, and groin area will cool you down faster. These areas are where the largest blood vessels reside. <br> <br> Remember, a history of three sunburns can raise the risks of skin cancer. <h3> Stay hydrated </h3> Everyone has heard that you should drink eight glasses of water a day. But this is not scientifically correct, according to Dr. Ferentz. The amount of water you drink depends on how much you sweat, your environment, your daily activities, and how hot it is. In actuality, drink water when you're thirsty. If you're out in the sun, drink more. <br> <br> It's essential to keep children hydrated when they're out in this treacherous heat. Juice contains too many calories and sugar. Parents can offer fruit pops as an alternative for kids who aren't fond of water. <br> <br> What about Gatorade? It seems like a good substitute for water. It tastes good, and it's filled with electrolytes. Gatorade and other sports drinks like Powerade and All Sport are also high in sugar and calories. They won't provide the hydration your child needs when they're out moving around in the heat. Encourage your child to drink water, especially student-athletes. <br> <br> Don't forget your fruits and veggies. Fruits and vegetables are 95 percent water. So, make sure your children are eating them daily as it will help to keep them hydrated. <br> <br> Parents, you may have heard your child's coach tell them to hydrate their bodies a day before the game. While this is true, young athletes should make it a daily task to stay hydrated. Drinking tons of water the day before will not help because they will release it when they go to the bathroom the next morning. They will also sweat it out during practice. You must always make up for what you lose. <h3> Be cautious of heatstroke </h3> Heatstroke occurs when the core temperature gets so high, about 103 or 104, that the nervous system begins to malfunction. This can cause deliriousness and lead to other serious health issues. If your child or a loved one seems out of it, get to the ER right away. <br> <br> The doctors in the ER can give them an ice bath to help cool everything down. <h3> Tick bites and Lyme disease </h3> Several ticks carry Lyme disease. They are tiny like a grain of rice. You can contract Lyme disease when you have a tick that's been on you for about a day or two, and the tick has become enlarged. <br> <br> If a tick bites you, a rash will develop in the same area as the bite, and then It will then begin to expand out. If you treat the bite shortly after, there's no need to worry. About 80 percent experience a rash, which appears within a few days to a month after the bite. Other symptoms include fatigue, a headache, and feeling yucky. If you notice any of these, see your doctor. They can give you an antibiotic to help cure Lyme Disease. <br> <br> Tick bites occur mostly in the woods, so if you plan to be around trees, make sure to use tick repellant. If you see one on you, don't panic and don't swipe it. More than likely, it's latched onto your skin. Instead, cover the tick and pull it straight up. <br> <br> You may have heard of something called Chronic Lyme Disease, but according to Dr. Ferentz, there's no evidence that it exists. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kgf5D7EUBbM" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> If you're concerned your dizziness could be a sign of a serious medical condition, GBMC - Greater Baltimore Medical Center Center for Neurology may be able to help. Find out more in this recent Midday Maryland interview with Dr. Oluwatosin Thompson, Neurologist at GBMC. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3pGE3oPHwg4" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> With temperatures and humidity levels soaring, heat-related illnesses should be top of mind. They occur when the body is not acclimated to heat in the environment and excess heat is generated by the body’s level of exertion. Dr. Jeffrey Sternlicht, Department Chair of Emergency Medicine at GBMC, explains the different types of heat-related illness and gives tips on how to prevent them. </p>
<p class="article-body"> Generally speaking, thoracic surgeons focus on the treatment of diseases within the chest cavity. The lungs, esophagus, ribs and chest wall all fall within the thoracic field. Patients usually see a thoracic surgeon after being referred by another specialist when nonsurgical treatment options have been exhausted. <br> <br> Jennifer Sullivan, MD, a thoracic surgeon at GBMC HealthCare and the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC, says most of the patients she sees either have cancer affecting the lungs or esophagus, or noncancerous conditions such as lung infections, lung disease, rib abnormalities, sternal fractures and hiatal hernias. <br> <br> “It’s very rare that I would be the first stop,” she explains. “By the time patients come to me, they’re in need of surgery, most likely having already seen a gastroenterologist for a work up and endoscopy, or a pulmonologist who has tried to manage their lung condition through medication or other means.” </p> <h2> Do you need thoracic surgery? </h2> To determine whether thoracic surgery is warranted or not, Dr. Sullivan carefully reviews all treatments, studies and imaging that have been performed on a patient related to the issue he or she is experiencing. <br> <br> “The patient may have already had some studies done, but not everything that’s needed to determine a surgical course of action,” she describes. “Cancer patients are evaluated based on their treatment plan thus far to confirm whether surgery is the best option or if it would be more appropriate to pursue chemo or radiation first.” <h2> A team approach to patient care </h2> Thoracic surgeons work collaboratively with oncologists, pulmonologists, radiologists, pathologists, gastroenterologists and other specialists to create an individualized treatment plan for each patient that incorporates multidisciplinary input. <br> <br> The patient’s condition dictates the extent of the thoracic surgery, whether it’s repairing of a hiatal hernia, plating a fractured rib (realigning with titanium plates) or removing tissue from the lung for a biopsy. <h2> The state and future of thoracic surgery </h2> Most contemporary thoracic procedures are now performed using minimally invasive processes through smaller incisions, leading to quicker recovery times and reduced need for pain management. <br> <br> “We often do video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) here at GBMC,” Dr. Sullivan says. “We’re also going to be getting a new machine for robotic-assisted surgeries.” <br> <br> Following thoracic surgeries, GBMC offers pulmonary and physical therapy rehabilitation to help patients heal. <h2> Lifestyle changes to improve thoracic health </h2> There are steps patients can take to support their own thoracic health, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, managing chronic health conditions and seeing their primary-care provider for regular checkups. <br> <br> Like any medical issue, especially when it comes to smoking and lung cancer, proactivity is encouraged. <br> <br> “If you’re now or ever were a heavy smoker, you should get CT scans for lung cancer screening purposes,” Dr. Sullivan adds. “You can’t usually feel cancer growing in the lungs, and it isn’t often discovered until it’s advanced enough to cause symptoms.” <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Those affected by urinary incontinence often find it difficult or embarrassing to talk about, but it’s a much more common problem than most people realize. <br> <br> Simply defined, urinary incontinence is a term used to describe urine leakage or a loss of bladder control. According to the National Association for Continence, more than 25 million Americans experience bladder leakage every day. <br> <br> Although men aren’t immune to the condition, women who have been through childbirth are more likely to experience urinary incontinence, especially those who’ve delivered vaginally. <br> <br> “We believe this is related to the stretching and tearing of tissues that support the pelvis during pregnancy and delivery,” says Joan Blomquist, MD, chief of the division of urogynecology at GBMC. “Other risk factors include genetics, chronic constipation, chronic cough, obesity and smoking.” <br> <br> The chances of developing incontinence also increase with age. </p> <h3> Types of incontinence </h3> There are two main types of incontinence with varying symptoms for each. <br> <br> “Stress incontinence is urine leakage when you do something physical — coughing, sneezing or activities like jumping or jogging,” Dr. Blomquist explains. “When coughing or another force transmits pressure to the bladder, the urethra is supposed to close to keep urine in. If the closing mechanism isn't working properly, urine can leak out.” <br> <br> Symptoms may occur occasionally during a bad cold or vigorous exercise, or frequently during walking or other light movement. <br> <br> The second common form is called urge incontinence, sometimes referred to as overactive bladder. A strong, sudden urge to urinate is the main symptom. <br> <br> “This occurs because the bladder muscle contracts or spasms without warning,” Dr. Blomquist continues. “Some women notice certain triggers such as a change in temperature or the sound of running water. Many women with urge incontinence go to the bathroom frequently and may have to get up several times at night to urinate.” <h3> The effects of incontinence </h3> Although urinary incontinence is a physical ailment, it can affect patients’ emotional and mental health as well, and it can greatly impact their quality of life. <br> <br> “Women who have leakage are frequently embarrassed about the situation and may avoid social activities they used to enjoy,” Dr. Blomquist points out. “They may avoid intimate relationships as well. If leakage occurs with exercise, they may stop working out, which can have negative impacts on their overall health. Incontinence pads can be quite expensive, creating a financial burden for some women. For others, the skin around the vaginal opening can get irritated from chronic leakage.” <h3> What you can do </h3> If you’re experiencing urinary incontinence, the most important thing to know is that support is available. <br> <br> “The first step is to talk to your healthcare provider,” Dr. Blomquist urges. “A primary care physician or gynecologist can help with initial suggestions, or they might recommend you see a specialist such as a urogynecologist or urologist. There are a lot of treatment options; don’t be afraid to ask for help.” <br> <br> Lifestyle modifications like losing weight, quitting smoking and avoiding foods and beverages that irritate the bladder (like coffee, chocolate and spicy food) can help to get symptoms under control. Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor or a pessary device that lifts the bladder and applies compression to the urethra may also help relieve some symptoms. In extreme cases, surgery may be indicated. <br> <br> “Other treatments include medication, Botox injections into the bladder and overstimulation of the nerve that goes to the bladder,” Dr. Blomquist adds. “We offer all available options at GBMC. This allows us to tailor treatment to each patient depending on the type of incontinence, any other medical issues they may have, and their own personal preferences as to what works best with their lifestyle.” <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_qlRbra4GWQ" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> The Wound Center at GBMC uses the latest technology to heal chronic wounds, and the center boasts some of the best healing rates in the area. </p>
<figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/501a7bca65adbaf08ceedd245d4df4b9.jpg"> </figure> According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 700,000 adverse drug events — injuries resulting from the use of medication — that result in hospital emergency room visits each year. Many of these events could have been prevented if information about adverse drug reactions and general medication safety had been more well known. <br> <br> If you're using multiple medications, including powders, ointments, supplements, capsules/tablets, drops, implants, and injectables, it's time to get organized. Making a list is a great way to start. That way, when you visit any health care provider, you won't have to rack your brain about the exact names of your medications and their dosages. Create a table that will help you remember every medication's name, strength, the time(s) of day you take it, and its purpose for you. Share this list with all of your doctors, even if you don't think all of the information is necessarily relevant to them. <br> <br> It's also a good idea to gather all of your medications, including anything over-the-counter you may be taking, in a Ziploc bag and bring them to your appointments. Even if an item seems benign, such as a vitamin, herb, or supplement, you never know what kind of medical interaction could occur without consulting your physician. It's also wise to try to use the same pharmacy to fill your prescriptions, so that they can help you keep track of everything you're taking. You may form a relationship with the pharmacist, who can alert you of any potential issues to raise with your doctor. <br> <br> Sometimes, the medications you are taking together may not necessarily be dangerous, but can cancel each other out. For example, if you are taking an iron supplement, the calcium in your daily multivitamin may inhibit your body from fully absorbing the iron supplement. If your doctor knew you were taking both of these, he or she would likely recommend taking them at different times of the day. This way, you know you aren't wasting your money and effort and are getting the full benefit of both medications. <br> <br> If you think it may be time to update your doctor about your medications and learn about any possible adverse reactions, talk to your primary care provider. If you don’t have a primary care physician, visit <a href="/node/2531">gbmc.org/mydoctor</a> to find one who is right for you. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L6Qw1wRtbVo" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> <strong>You Can Lower Your Risk of Osteoporosis</strong> <br> <br> You may have osteoporosis and not even be aware that your bones are becoming weak and brittle. Ruth Horowitz, MD, Chief of Endocrinology and Metabolism at GBMC, and James Johnson, MD, orthopaedic surgeon at GBMC Health Partners, talked with BMore Lifestyle’s Brandi Proctor about what puts you at risk for osteoporosis, proactive steps you can take to lower your risk, and treatments for this disease that affects almost a quarter of women over age 65. <br> <br> “Osteoporosis is a silent disease,” explained Dr. Johnson. “In fact, you might not know you have it until you fracture a bone. There are about two million low energy fractures (broken bone caused by a fall from standing height) in the U.S. each year and 250,000 hip fractures. And even after people recover from these hip fractures, they often need a cane or require help with the activities of daily living they used to handle independently.” <br> <br> Dr. Horowitz said that as the U.S. population ages, osteoporosis is growing increasingly common. “Osteoporosis affects both women and men,” she noted. “Bone is maintained by the hormones estrogen and testosterone, which decrease as we age, leading to lower bone mineral density. A number of medical conditions can also increase your risk of osteoporosis, including rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease as well as the use of steroid medications and aromatase inhibitors used to treat breast cancer. Many people are diagnosed with osteoporosis when they have a fragility fracture or spontaneous fracture and we perform a bone density scan.” <br> <br> The doctors recommended that post-menopausal women over age 65 and men over age 70 undergo a bone density screening, which is also called a DEXA scan. They also explained that you can lower your risk and protect the health of your bones by doing regular weight bearing exercises like walking or aerobics, resistance exercise, and exercise that strengthens your core like yoga, tai chi, and Pilates. A strong core helps prevent falls. “If you don’t fall, you don’t fracture,” said Dr. Johnson. A healthy diet rich in foods that contain calcium and vitamin D is also important, as is not smoking and limiting the amount of alcohol you drink. The doctors also noted that getting shorter isn’t just a normal part of aging. Loss of height due to undetected compression fractures in the vertebrae can be a sign that you have osteoporosis. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NixRd3xYw0g" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> <strong>Time is Brain: Why Getting to the Hospital Fast Can Make a Difference for Stroke Patients</strong> <br> <br> Since May is stroke awareness month, Oluwatosin Thompson, MD, a neurologist at GBMC, shared important information about how to recognize and prevent strokes, the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, with WMAR2 anchor Christian Schaffer. <br> <br> “If you suspect that you or a loved one may be having a stroke, don’t take an aspirin to see if it helps or try to sleep it off. Call 911 immediately and get to the emergency department,” advised Dr. Thompson. “In neurology we have a saying: ‘Time is brain.’ What this means is that the longer you go without treating a stroke, the more damage occurs to the brain and the less likely it becomes that you will be able to make a full recovery. That’s why getting to the hospital quickly is so important.” <br> <br> Dr. Thompson explained the difference between the two main type of strokes — ischemic stroke, which is the most common type, and hemorrhagic stroke. In an ischemic stroke, a blood clot blocks one of the arteries that brings blood to the brain. The interruption of blood flow to the brain damages brain tissue. In a hemorrhagic stroke, a blood vessel in the brain bursts and blood pools in the brain, damaging tissue. The part of the brain affected by the stroke determines what kinds of problems can result, such as issues with speech and swallowing, paralysis, and memory loss. <br> <br> While there are treatments that can help limit the damage a stroke can cause, Dr. Thompson said that preventing strokes is the best plan. Factors that increase your risk of stroke include diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and smoking, which increases the formation of plaques that block the arteries. <br> <br> How do you know if you or a loved one is having a stroke? The most common signs are loss of sensation and/or strength in your face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, trouble understanding when someone else is speaking, and loss of vision. An easy way to remember this is the acronym FAST, which stands for: <br> <br> <strong>F</strong>ace droops or is numb. <br> <strong>A</strong>rm is weak or numb. <br> <strong>S</strong>peech is difficult or slurred. <br> <strong>T</strong>ime to call 911. “Stroke is very preventable,” added Dr. Thompson. “It’s all about working with your primary care physician to manage your risk factors and choosing a lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and not smoking.” </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bs2PlqbhoMg" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Jana Wolff, RDN, LDN, GBMC’s Director of Nutrition at the Comprehensive Obesity Management Program (COMP), shares important information about foods that can sabotage your healthy diet. </p>
<p class="article-body"> A stroke is oftentimes thought of as a tragedy that only hits the elderly. <br> <br> According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, strokes strike 795,000 Americans — and result in 140,000 deaths — annually. Risks do increase with age, but a stroke can affect anyone at any time, and they’re a leading cause of disability in those who survive. </p> <h3> Different strokes </h3> Strokes occur when there’s a sudden interruption in blood flow to the brain. The majority of strokes are ischemic, meaning an artery in the brain becomes blocked by plaque or a clot that develops at the site (thrombotic) or breaks free from elsewhere in the body and travels to the brain (embolic). Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds, often due to high blood pressure. <h3> Who’s most at risk? </h3> Michael Sellman, MD, chief of neurology at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Primary Stroke Center, says high blood pressure and diabetes are the two biggest concerns that can put patients at risk for stroke. <br> <br> “We spend a lot of time monitoring and aggressively treating these conditions,” he explains. “High cholesterol/triglycerides, cigarette smoking and heart disease can also raise stroke risks; and in younger populations, cocaine and IV drug use can be a factor.” <br> <br> It’s unclear whether a direct genetic link exists, although Dr. Sellman says predispositions toward high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes can play a role in upping chances of a stroke. And if you’ve already had a stroke, you’re at higher risk for a recurrence, particularly within 30 days of the initial event. <h3> Warning signs and symptoms </h3> Stroke symptoms depend on the area of brain that’s affected and can range from subtle to dramatic. <br> <br> “The most common presenting factor is sudden onset of weakness in the arms, legs or face, notably on one side of the body,” Dr. Sellman describes. “You may suddenly be unable to walk or speak, or you may experience a loss of vision in one eye.” <br> <br> The National Stroke Association offers an easy way to remember and recognize indications of a stroke called “FAST.” <ul> <li> Face droops or is numb. </li> <li> Arm is weak or numb. </li> <li> Speech is difficult or slurred. </li> <li> Time to call 911. </li> </ul> Seek treatment ASAP even if symptoms seem mild or go away after a few minutes. “If you think you’re having a stroke, call 911,” Dr. Sellman urges. “There’s a golden window of opportunity when treatment has the best potential to reverse a stroke. The first three hours are the most crucial, but we can still intervene even up to 24 hours after symptoms appear.” <br> <br> As a Certified Primary Stroke Center, GBMC has a strong working relationship with EMS, which notifies the hospital of incoming stroke patients before they arrive, giving the care team more time to prepare. <h3> During and after a stroke </h3> Stroke treatment can include infusing medication to break up blood clots and addressing underlying factors like high blood pressure, blood sugar or atrial fibrillation. <br> <br> “Patients usually need physical, occupational and speech therapy as part of their recovery,” Dr. Sellman adds. “These treatments should be offered in the hospital and continue at a rehabilitation center or at home.” <br> <br> Depending on the degree of disability following a stroke, patients may need to make modifications at home such as increasing accessibility with ramps or bars. Aspirin therapy routines are recommended to reduce future risk of stroke. <h3> Stroke prevention </h3> Dr. Sellman advises a holistic, long-view approach to maintain healthy blood pressure, weight, cholesterol and blood sugar levels as the best way to lower stroke risks, along with measures to quit smoking and reduce stress. <br> <br> “All these efforts work together to improve overall well-being,” he says. “There’s no magic pill; it’s up to the patient to make wise lifestyle choices.” <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9p9Lva1WqCU" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> People with diabetes are susceptible to two serious types of foot problems that result from extended periods of high blood sugar levels: nerve damage and poor circulation. Dana Maniuszko, BSN, RN, ONC, Program Manager with The Wound Center at GBMC, discusses diabetic foot care and GBMC's "Wound Wednesday" lunch and learn series. <a href="/node/2586">Click here for information on upcoming Wound Wednesdays!</a> </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DhRKPsPGu4s" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> James Johnston, MD, orthopaedic surgeon for GBMC Health Partners – Orthopaedics, explains osteoporosis risk factors and treatments available. </p>
