<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oTC7qMJwzt4" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Registered Dietitian Rebecca Denison, of GBMC's Geckle Diabetes & Nutrition Center, provides some healthy holiday eating tips for people who have diabetes </p>
<figure class="image-left"> <img alt="Dr. James Baronas, MD, speaking at Jemma Financial Services event" src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/7ed3296e2164505e5ed94ea20b7f7e24.jpg"> <figcaption> Dr. James Baronas, MD, speaking at Jemma Financial Services event </figcaption> </figure> Dr. James Baronas, Primary Care Physician and Sports Injury Specialist at GBMC, recently spoke at a <a href="https://jemmafinancial.com/" target="_blank" alt="Jemma Financial Services" title="Jemma Financial Services">Jemma Financial Services</a> event for families of student athletes to discuss sports injury prevention among adolescents. Dr. Baronas explained how families should keep a healthy balance of staying active by participating in athletics while also being mindful of not over exercising to avoid injuries. <br> <br> <h3> Reasons for Children to Be Active </h3> Dr. Baronas explains that one of the most important things for parents to do for their children is to let your children see you be active. Research has shown that active kids perform better in academics by almost 40% and those children are 15% more likely to attend college, compared to children who are not active. Outside of academics, active children have also shown to be less likely to smoke, consume drugs, and experience teen pregnancy. <h3> When Should My Child Specialize in A Sport? </h3> Parents can sign their children up for recreational sports leagues as young as 3 years of age, depending on where you live. As your children get older, you may discover that your child excels in one particular sport but how soon is too soon to specialize in one sport? Dr. Baronas shares that, “Age is not a good predictor for how parents should decide when their kids should start specializing in sports. The decision should be based on the individual child.” He emphasizes that “Collisions [typically] happen among younger child athletes whose fine motor skills are not fully developed” so it’s important to not have your child start specializing before he or she is ready. <figure class="image-right"> <img alt="Dr. James Baronas, MD" src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/c8d504d8adc3c5181c5d970d7e0d2b95.jpg"> <figcaption> Dr. James Baronas, MD </figcaption> </figure> <h3> What Are the Most Common Sports Injuries Among Adolescent Athletes? </h3> “Over 50% of injuries in children are overuse injuries. An overuse injury is a repetitive trauma to any part of the body without giving the body enough time to heal,” Dr. Baronas explains. “And for female athletes, the most common injury tends to be stress fractures, which is an injury that will likely occur again in the future.” <h3> Tips to Avoid Injuries </h3> <ol> <li> Focus on good mechanics </li> <li> Invest in proper footwear </li> <li> Avoid training on certain surfaces </li> </ol> <h3> How Much Sports Participation Is Too Much? </h3> According to Dr. Baronas, “Your child should not be doing more than 16 hours per week of any particular sport, or else they could experience a higher chance of injury. Athletes who play one sport all year-round are 45% more likely to get injured in comparison to child athletes who take time off throughout the year [9 months or less of playing].” Dr. Baronas shared with parents of student athletes that whatever your child’s main sport is, it’s important that they take a break throughout the year. During that break, they could focus on cross training or something else that keeps them active but avoids overusing the same muscles and repetitive movements. <h3> Tip for Working with A Personal Trainer or Performance Coach During Off-Season </h3> <ul> <li> Define your goals before starting (i.e. increasing speed, agility). Don’t just do it to do it. </li> </ul> <h3> How Do You Know If You Should Take Your Child to The Doctor? </h3> As a rule of thumb, “If you think it’s a head injury, bring them to the doctor right away. I tell parents, if your kid can’t do regular activities, like walk or go to the gym, after a week, they need to see a doctor.” Dr. Baronas clarifies, “If your child can’t bear weight, and that persists for a day or two, bring them in.” <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<figure class="image-full"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/5d52dc7de7f2dfc59e7c98c67e66d2a0.jpg" alt="Should I get Screen for Lung Cancer Infographic"> </figure> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YDjxWbgvDEM" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Psychiatrist Catherine Harrison-Restelli, MD, at Sheppard Pratt, discusses on BMORE Lifestyle discusses some of the facts and resources for you or any loved ones experiencing or suffering from depression. </p>
<p class="article-body"> Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Cigarettes are a proven contributing factor to a number of health risks. And although people may think smokeless tobacco products are not as dangerous simply because they don’t involve actual smoke, they aren’t necessarily a safer choice. </p> <h3> Smoking vs. smokeless </h3> According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics, smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, causing harm to nearly every major organ in the body and responsible for more than 480,000 deaths yearly in the U.S. Smokeless tobacco research, however, is a little harder to come by. <br> <br> “Smoking’s been going on for centuries, but smokeless tobacco is still relatively new, so not much data has been collected on it yet,” said Ari Zaiman, M.D., director of pulmonary medicine at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center. “The surgeon general has studied the progression from cigarette smoking to lung cancer for decades. The newer smokeless products have really only taken off in the past 15 years or so.” <h3> Danger now has many disguises </h3> There are a number of smokeless tobacco products available, many designed to appeal to a younger demographic through flavorings and sleek packaging. Instead of delivering nicotine through smoke inhalation like regular cigarettes, vaping uses a battery-powered e-cigarette device to heat a nicotine-laden liquid, transforming it into aerosol particles that users breathe in. “Juuling” refers to a specific brand of e-cigarette that resembles a USB flash drive. <br> <br> “Vaping is becoming more and more popular among high-schoolers and even middle-school students,” Dr. Zaiman said. “The vast majority of smokers start smoking in their teens to early adulthood, and although that may be leveling off, the use of e-cigarettes is growing exponentially among that age group. The FDA just declared electronic cigarette use among teens an epidemic.” <h3> The health risks of vaping </h3> Many e-cigarette users believe vaping to be healthier than smoking, and while this may be true to a degree, it doesn’t make vaping healthy. Nicotine poses health risks, no matter what the delivery method. <br> <br> “Addiction is the biggest risk for adults and teens who vape recreationally, and there are a number of toxic chemicals associated with the practice,” Dr. Zaiman said. “Nicotine levels in e-cigarettes can vary tremendously depending on the product, how deeply and slowly you inhale, and other factors.” <br> <br> Other vaping risks can include lung damage, pneumonia and reduced ability to fight off infections. Burns and bodily injuries have also occurred in some instances where e-cigarette batteries have exploded or caught on fire. <br> <br> Chewing tobacco is another form of smokeless tobacco that carries its own specific risks. In addition to nicotine addiction, usage can lead to increased incidence of mouth, tongue, cheek, gum, esophageal and pancreatic cancers. <h3> How to quit </h3> As with smoking, the best way to avoid nicotine addiction through smokeless tobacco is to never try it in the first place. If you’re already a user, though, it is entirely possible to kick the habit. <br> <br> “With e-cigarettes, you can step down your nicotine intake by gradually reducing the amount or how often you’re using it,” Dr. Zaiman suggested. “Weaning off the nicotine is just one aspect; you’ve also got to recognize and address the social cues and associations that make you want to e-smoke.” <br> <br> Nicotine withdrawal symptoms depend on the level of addiction and may include feelings of irritability, anger, anxiety and hunger, as well as trouble thinking clearly and intense cravings. Consult your doctor if you need help dealing with these issues. <br> <br> “There are cessation clinics and support groups out there, and a great deal of help is available online,” Dr. Zaiman added. Primary care practices are often well equipped to assist people with quitting. Visit www.gbmc.org/mydoctor to find a GBMC Health Partners practice near you. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to schedule your yearly mammogram if you haven't already done so. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 women will be personally affected by breast cancer during their lifetime, and early detection can improve prognosis and survival. <br> <br> “Mammograms are considered the gold-standard for detecting small, early stage breast cancers, and they remain the only screening modality that’s been proven to reduce mortality from breast cancer,” says Dr. Sara Fogarty, Associate Director and breast surgeon at the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center, part of the GBMC HealthCare system. “Effectiveness has markedly changed over time thanks to the advent of digital mammograms with computer-assisted detection and 3D capabilities.” <br> <br> In tandem with monthly breast self-exams, mammography remains the first line of defense in early breast cancer detection. <br> <br> “The sensitivity of mammography across the country is around 80 percent in finding breast cancers,” radiologist Dr. Judy Destouet points out. “The data at GBMC shows our sensitivity for finding breast cancer is between 92 and 95 percent. We’re very good at early detection.” </p> <h3> Different types of mammograms </h3> By simplest definition, a mammogram is an X-ray that radiologists use to look for cancer in breast tissue. <br> <br> The American College of Radiology recommends women begin yearly screening with mammograms at age 40, even if they’re not exhibiting any signs or symptoms of breast cancer. Women who are at higher risk due to previous cancers, extensive exposure to radiation, positive testing for the BRCA gene or a strong family history of breast cancer may want to start annual screenings at an earlier age. A physician referral isn’t necessary for a screening mammogram in women age 40 and over; women can make the appointment themselves at any time. <br> <br> A more comprehensive evaluation, diagnostic mammograms, are ordered by physicians when a patient has a breast concern, such as a lump. The results are viewed by a radiologist at the time of the appointment so additional imaging can be performed immediately if needed. <br> <br> Technological advances in 3D mammography now let radiologists view digital “slices” of the breast rather than one static image, improving cancer detection rates among women with dense tissue. <br> <br> Annual screening mammograms after age 40 are usually covered by insurance plans and Medicare; a copay may sometimes be required if a 3D mammogram is completed (at GBMC, it’s $60). <h3> How to prepare for your mammogram </h3> There’s not much women need to do to get ready for mammograms beyond skipping their usual lotion and deodorant applications, both of which contain particles that can mimic cancer on an X-ray. <br> <br> “You should also go to a facility that does mammograms all day long, every day and try to have your screening at the same facility every year for consistency,” Dr. Fogarty says. <br> <br> Menstrual cycles don’t have any effect on mammogram results. Women can feel free to schedule their appointment at any time of the month. <br> <br> “However, women would most likely benefit from planning to have their mammograms towards the end or after their cycle, as breast tenderness and swelling is usually at its worst the week before menstruation,” Dr. Fogarty suggests. <h3> Don’t put it off </h3> With work, family and busy lifestyles, it’s easy for women to forget about having an annual mammogram. Some want to avoid the radiation exposure (which is very minimal), and some complain that it hurts, but Dr. Destouet says the biggest reason women put it off is fear of getting bad news. <br> <br> “Women are much more afraid of breast cancer than they are of other cancers,” she says. “They worry that breast cancer detection will lead to a mastectomy, impairing their appearance and damaging their self-image. But, if the cancer is found when it’s small, they usually have options for breast conservation that don’t involve radical surgery.” <br> <br> If your mammogram does reveal an abnormality, try not to immediately leap to worst-case-scenario conclusions. <br> <br> “If we find something suspicious, we’ll do additional imaging to better analyze what’s going on,” Dr. Destouet says. “Most of the time, it turns out to be normal tissue.” <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/75V1ZgdORxE" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> For many people, controlling weight gain is a daily struggle, but with learning and support, winning that battle gets a little easier. GBMC is combating diabetes and obesity by starting with education at our primary care practices. <br> <br> Our team provides the resources and guidance patients need to live healthier lives. We offer individual counseling or group sessions to educate patients on how to manage their diabetes; from nutrition and meal planning to properly using medications. Our team works with individuals to coordinate a plan specific to their needs. It could be a radical diet change, and incorporating exercise into their daily routine. Or if surgery is the right choice, we can seamlessly connect patients to the needed resources. Patients aren't just losing weight, they're gaining a ton of confidence. They're empowered and in control because of the support they receive. Intervention and education is what's going to keep our community healthy, out of the hospital, and at home with what matters most. </p>
<p class="article-body"> It might come as a surprise for some to know that GBMC HealthCare’s primary goal is to keep people from being admitted to the hospital in the first place, unless absolutely needed. A core building block of the GBMC HealthCare System is the <a target="_blank" alt="Care-integration with GBMC Health Partners" href="/node/3129">patient-centered medical home</a>, which delivers advanced primary care to our patients. Advanced primary care is designed to be accountable with you for your health over time. It’s not about a visit to the doctor only when you’re sick; it’s about developing a relationship between the patient and the entire care team, managing chronic conditions, and preventing illnesses before they occur by promoting a healthy lifestyle, administration of vaccines, and use of screening tests. <br> <br> Committing to overseeing your health in one of our convenient <a target="_blank" alt="My GBMC Doctor" href="/node/2531">GBMC Health Partners – Primary Care</a> practices is one of the ways we keep members of the community healthy. Primary care practices are open early in the day, until late in the evening, on weekends and holidays so that should you develop a problem, you have access to your providers or their associates, who have your medical record. This increased availability helps you avoid unnecessary visits to an Emergency Room or urgent care center (which are often unfamiliar with you and your medical problems), and potentially helps you avoid hospitalization. <br> <br> Another way GBMC keeps the community healthy is by providing the highest quality care for those who are already in the hospital, so they don’t have an unfavorable outcome or need to be re-admitted for a preventable complication. Team members carefully monitor and measure safety and quality performance on a number of metrics – such as surgical site infections, hand hygiene, and patient experience – using a process called Lean Daily Management, and results are shared on the website, <a href="/node/6125" target="_blank" alt="Patient Safety and Quality Measures">www.gbmc.org/quality</a>. This directly supports the organization’s vision phrase of "To every patient, every time, we will provide the care that we would want for our own loved ones." <br> <br> Please feel free to visit the <a href="/node/6125" target="_blank" alt="Patient Safety and Quality Measures">Patient Safety & Quality Measures</a> webpage yourself, follow the President & CEO’s weekly blog, <a target="_blank" alt="A Healthy Dialogue" href="http://ahealthydialogue.blogspot.com/"><em>A Healthy Dialogue</em></a>, and watch recent episodes of the <a href="/node/3500" target="_blank" alt="Lean Daily Management Explained"><em>To Your Health</em></a> and <a href="/node/3281" target="_blank" alt="Discussing patient safety and lean daily management"><em>Greater Living</em></a> Live broadcasts on Facebook to learn more about the important work being done to keep you, your family, and the community healthy. </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VIahVxmM34E" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Dr. Samuel Hahn of GBMC spoke with Elsa M. on Midday Maryland about the Face to Face Program. GBMC is a proud partner of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) Face to Face Program. Learn more about this plus other cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries during a Facebook Live on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 10:00am on WMAR-2 News Baltimore's Facebook page! </p>
<p class="article-body"> Arteries carry blood throughout the body, but veins are tasked with the more difficult, gravity-fighting job of transporting blood back up to the heart. Venous insufficiency is the main cause of leg vein diseases; meaning the valves in your leg veins aren’t working as efficiently as they should. If you’re experiencing leg vein issues, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor to determine just how serious the situation is and what the most appropriate treatment options are. </p> <h3> When to go for help </h3> Early indications of a leg vein problem can include pain, heaviness, itching and swelling; in more advanced cases, patients may develop thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the vein walls), a rash-like condition called venous stasis dermatitis, venous ulcers or severe bleeding after scratching inflamed areas. <br> <br> Dr. Jennifer Heller, director of the Vein Center at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, recommends patients seek help as soon as leg vein issues begin to limit your ability to do the things you want to do. <br> <br> “The longer blood sits, the more likely the vein is to become inflamed or irritated,” Dr. Heller says. <blockquote> “By the time some patients finally get around to making an appointment, they already have advanced vein disease because they’ve left issues untreated for so long and now they have complications.” </blockquote> <h3> Who’s most at risk </h3> People whose work requires them to spend long stretches of time on their feet — chefs, teachers, police officers and hairdressers, for instance — may find themselves at increased risk of developing leg vein problems. Other risk factors include advancing age, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, genetics, previous trauma to the leg or prior deep vein thrombosis (DVT). <br> <br> “Women are at higher risk than men, especially if they’ve had multiple children,” Dr. Heller adds. “Hormonal changes, particularly progesterone, tend to exacerbate vein problems.” <h3> Varicose veins vs. spider veins </h3> Some patients confuse varicose veins with spider veins, but the two conditions are not one in the same. <br> <br> Although often considered unattractive, flat pink or blue spider veins don’t pose any significant health risks. Injection sclerotherapy performed in a doctor’s office is the standard FDA-approved treatment, but because the procedure is considered cosmetic, it isn’t covered by insurance. <br> <br> Varicose veins, on the other hand, have a visibly raised corkscrew or rope-like appearance. Doctors can perform a noninvasive ultrasound test to find out which veins are affected, and then determine the best treatment. If patients are experiencing minimal symptoms, the doctor may recommend measures such as increased physical activity, weight loss, better blood pressure control or wearing compression stockings. <br> <br> “If there’s no improvement after that, the veins can be surgically removed during an outpatient procedure that usually takes about 30 minutes,” Dr. Heller says. “Most insurance companies do cover this treatment.” <h3> Thrombophlebitis and DVTs </h3> More serious in nature, thrombophlebitis can lead to DVT — a blood clot in the leg which, if left untreated, can grow, break off and travel to other parts of the body where it can cause a heart attack or stroke. <br> <br> “Commonly, I’ll see patients in the summer who drive long distances for vacation and develop thrombophlebitis,” Dr. Heller notes. “It’s hot, they get dehydrated, they’re sitting in the car for long periods of time — it’s the perfect storm.” <br> <br> Patients with a history of blood clots or DVT should be vigilant and seek help immediately at a doctor’s office or emergency room if their leg becomes swollen, painful, red or just doesn't feel right, particularly after traveling. <h3> How to reduce your risks </h3> There isn’t much you can do about your age or your sex, but patients can still take steps to reduce their chances of developing leg vein problems. <br> <br> “Any exercise that activates the calf muscles helps, especially walking,” says Dr. Heller. “When taking driving trips, try to get out of the car every two hours to walk around and stretch, and wear compression stockings if needed. On airplanes, aisle seats make it easier to get up and down, and there are a lot of great calf muscle exercises you can do from a seated position.” <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KQaClTDgLCM" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> The popular Baltimore Running Festival is Oct. 20, and thousands of runners will take part. Unfortunately, lower back injuries like an irritated nerve or a pulled muscle can sideline even the best runners. <br> <br> Some injuries like stress fractures or nerve irritation may require you to take time off from running, while others may require a modification of your training program. Here are ways to recover from your injury, plus what you can do to make sure you can be ready to lace up your sneakers in October. Keep in mind that the following suggestions don’t replace the need to see a physical therapist for personalized guidance on returning to running and exercise training. </p> <h3> Everything takes time </h3> First, give it time, says Christina Penny, physical therapist for Active Life Physical Therapy, a GBMC affiliate. Full recovery time can range from four weeks to three months depending on the tissues involved; this can be determined by a physical therapist or physician. However, it is essential to keep up cardio during that time, says Penny. This exercise might include walking, biking swimming or water jogging. <br> <br> If those weeks go by without cardio, you will be starting from ground zero as opposed to maintaining a healthy baseline. <h3> Start stretching </h3> You can begin stretching after an injury as soon as possible, as long as it is within a comfortable pain-free range. Stretching should be a mild to moderate sensation without pain. <br> <br> “Movement and stretching early leads to a better recovery,” says Penny. <br> <br> There are a variety of stretches you can do: Knee to chest (lie on your back and pull one knee to your chest at a time), thoracic extension (lie on your back on top of a foam roller or rolled towel) or the piriformis stretch. Do this by lying on your back with feet flat on the floor and knees bent. Pull the right knee up to your chest, grasp it with your left hand and pull it toward your left shoulder. Hold the stretch. Repeat with left knee and pull it toward your right shoulder. <br> <br> Or try kneeling hip flexor stretching. Kneel on one knee, keeping your chest up tall and lower back flat. Gently lean your body forward into the stretch, and feel this in the front of your kneeling hip. <br> <br> Of course, it is necessary to note that stretching is just one way to get the body back into healthy running condition. Strengthening is important and should be included in your recovery program as well. <h3> Walk this way </h3> Next? Start walking. One critical indicator that you are ready to return to running is whether you can walk with a normal gait. The ability to walk normally is a significant milestone. <br> <br> “Once you can walk at least 2 miles within 35 minutes without increased pain, you are ready to begin walking or jogging,” says Penny. “Tissue has progressed into the next phase of healing and is now ready for loading.” <br> <br> Loading is the amount of force that goes into joints and muscles as your body interacts with the ground. Walking is less of a loading activity because there is more time spent with two feet on the ground. Running loads more on the body because there is increased time spent on one foot. <h3> Ready to run </h3> Ready to run? To start, hop on a treadmill or go around the block for a 10-minute cycle, two to three times per week. Penny suggests a 30-second jog, followed by a one-minute walk, then repeat. <br> <br> Increase time spent running and see how you feel. Do you have pain in your legs, neck or lower back? If so, switch back to walking and try running again in a few days. If there’s no pain, you can resume your running routine. If you’re planning to participate in the Baltimore Running Festival, consider joining Team RUN GBMC to benefit Gilchrist Hospice Baltimore.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2_8RA7cSNxE" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h5 style="text-align: right"> * For closed captioning, click the <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/edd9ba121c174d97705f2b40e511e38b.png" style="width: 20px;"> button in the bottom-right of the video. * </h5> Over one million children in the U.S. have hearing problems, with ear infections being the most common cause of hearing loss in kids. <br> <br> For this reason and since hearing plays a major role in a child’s learning as well as speech and language development, physicians within GBMC’s Department of Otolaryngology are urging parents to make sure that their child has his or her hearing checked before the start of the new school year. Signs of ear infections include ear pulling, fever, and irritability. Signs of hearing loss include underdeveloped speech and language skills, underdeveloped social skills, asking others to repeat themselves, and not responding when spoken to.
<p class="article-body"> Aching back? Pain down your legs? You’re not alone. In fact, back pain and its side effects are some of the most common types of chronic pain in the United States, according to Dr. Justin Slavin, a neurosurgeon at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. <br> <br> We talked with Slavin and his colleague, neurosurgeon Dr. Mark Iguchi, about the reasons for back pain. “A lot of people experience back pain in their lifetime,” says Iguchi. “We listen to their symptoms to help evaluate for the different causes of back pain.” <br> <br> If you’re living with severe back pain, you might be thinking about surgery. Take this quiz to find out if it could help. <br> <br> </p> <h4> 1. What conservative treatments have you already tried? </h4> <ul> <li> Heat </li> <li> Physical therapy </li> <li> Anti-inflammatory medications </li> <li> Visiting a chiropractor </li> </ul> Answers: All of the above. If you’ve tried heat, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication and a visit to a chiropractor without relief, surgery may be something to consider. Now it’s time to see a neurosurgeon and get his or her opinion. Your pain could be caused by a pinched nerve from a bulging disk and might require surgery to fix. <br> <br> <h4> 2. How long has your back pain lasted? </h4> <ul> <li> Three hours </li> <li> Three days </li> <li> Three weeks </li> <li> Three months </li> </ul> Answer: “Most back pain clears up in three months,” says Slavin. If the pain has lasted longer, it’s time to talk to a doctor and see if surgery is an option. Iguchi adds that if the pain is worsening instead of improving over several weeks, it’s safest to get to a physician quickly to determine the cause. <br> <br> <h4> 3. What activities have caused pain? </h4> <ul> <li> Walking </li> <li> Running </li> <li> Bicycling </li> <li> Dancing </li> </ul> Answer: Any of the above. If daily activities are causing intolerable pain, speak to a neurosurgeon about the best options. He or she will most likely order imaging like an MRI or a CT scan and suggest options — possibly surgery — to relieve the pain. <br> <br> <h4> 4. Do you have pain/burning/tingling in your leg/foot? </h4> <ul> <li> Yes </li> <li> No </li> </ul> Answer: Yes. If you have pain in your foot or symptoms like weakness throughout your extremities, you might have nerve issues that require surgery. See a physician to learn treatment options. “However,” says Iguchi. “Pain in your feet can happen for a lot of different reasons, like nerve damage from diabetes or an injury from strenuous exercising. Issues with blood flow to the legs can also cause pain. Seeing your doctor can help to diagnose the causes of your pain.” <br> <br> <h4> 5. Do you have weakness in your legs or feet? </h4> <ul> <li> Yes </li> <li> No </li> </ul> Answer: If your answer is yes, then back surgery could be in your future. “Weakness in your legs or the loss of control means the nerve is no longer functioning correctly,” explains Slavin. “If you are already experiencing some weakness, then it’s time to do something.” In most cases, weakness is caused by a pinched nerve and can be fixed with surgery. <br> <br> <h4> 6. Do any of the following pertain to you? </h4> <ul> <li> Back pain and a history of cancer </li> <li> Back pain, are over 65 and have recently fallen </li> <li> Back pain and a fever </li> </ul> Answer: Any or all of the above. In each situation, back pain could be a symptom of a serious condition. Before surgery is even considered, see your regular physician for a full checkup. Broken bones, an infection or a recurrence of cancer could be the culprit, explains Dr. Iguchi. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> There are a lot of myths surrounding the topic of vaccines and it's important to know the truth about them. Getting vaccinated has a hugely positive effect on your health and the health of those around you. Vaccines are the reason that we no longer have to worry about many dangerous diseases like polio and smallpox and they greatly reduce your likelihood of catching the flu, pneumonia, shingles, and other viruses. <br> <br> Contrary to what you may have heard, vaccinations do not cause autism in children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no link between the two, and leaving your children unvaccinated puts them at risk when they are most vulnerable. Diseases that may make a healthy adult uncomfortable for a couple of days can be devastating to young children, especially those with a compromised immune system. <br> <br> There is a small population of children unable to get vaccinated due to other health problems; they are particularly vulnerable. One of the ways that we can protect them is through what is called "herd immunity." This is when the majority of the population becomes immune to a disease, stopping its spread and protecting those who can't be vaccinated. However, it only works when healthy people get vaccinated. <br> <br> Many people have heard that getting a flu shot actually causes the flu. As stated by the CDC, this simply isn't true. You may experience some side effects, but the mild and short-lived symptoms are nothing compared to coming down with the full-blown flu virus. <br> <br> If you had chickenpox as a child or were never given the vaccine, you are at risk for getting shingles, a painful, blistering rash that appears on your skin. Shingles mostly occurs in adults over the age of 50 and is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you were infected when you were young, it's possible for the virus to reactivate and cause shingles. The newest shingles vaccine is a 2-dose vaccine, separated by 2-6 months between doses, and is up to 90% effective in preventing shingles. It is not yet covered by Medicare, but is covered by other insurers, so please check with your provider or pharmacist about the cost. <br> <br> Another easily preventable disease is pneumonia. A majority of pneumonia cases are caused by a bacterial infection that can most often be prevented by the pneumonia vaccine (however, vaccination does not prevent pneumonias caused by a viral infection). Pneumonia frequently causes complications for the elderly and for those who are already ill and is the number one cause of vaccine-preventable deaths in the United States. This fact can be easy to disregard if it isn't relevant to your situation. However, the purpose of vaccines is prevention. Getting vaccinated not only prevents infection in the future, it can give you peace of mind knowing that you've done what you can to protect yourself and others around you. <a href="/node/3180" target="_blank">Watch related content featuring Dr. Theodore Bailey, infectious disease specialist for GBMC Health Partners – Infectious Disease</a>. <br> <br> If you have not been vaccinated against the flu, pneumonia, or shingles, or you are not sure, speak to your primary care physician about scheduling an appointment for vaccination. Your doctor will consider your risk factors and advise you about when it’s appropriate to receive each vaccination. <br> <br> Current patients of GBMC Health Partners – Primary Care practices are welcome to attend one of the following drive-through flu vaccination events at <a href="/node/2397" target="_blank">Family Care Associates</a>: </p> <ul> <strong> <li> Saturday, September 22, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. </li> <li> Saturday, October 13, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. </li> <li> Saturday, November 3, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. </li> </strong> </ul> <strong><u>This flu vaccine program is open to all patients of GBMC Health Partners primary care practices.</u></strong> We will bill your insurance for the cost of the vaccine. For those paying with cash, the cost will be $46. There is no need to call for an appointment - simply drive through! Our staff will bring the vaccine(s) to your car. Please bring your insurance card and a photo ID; you will be asked to complete a flu vaccine consent form. <br> <br> If you don’t have a primary care physician, visit <a href="/node/2531" target="_blank">www.gbmc.org/mydoctor</a> to find one who is right for you. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> No one likes to think about it, but as you age, your risk of falling and injuring yourself increases. Activity levels often decrease, especially around retirement age, and other health issues can affect your balance. Be careful when reaching for things. It's easy to lose your balance when stretching up high or bending over. Don't hesitate to ask a family member, friend, or neighbor to help you if you think something is out of your reach. Your loved ones don't want you to get hurt! <br> <br> Here are some other tips for preventing falls: </p> <ul> <li> Make sure your home is well-lit. </li> <li> Keep pathways clear – things like shoes, power cords and small rugs are easy to trip over if you’re not paying attention. </li> <li> Be extra cautious when going to then bathroom at night; falls are particularly common then. The mere urge to go to the bathroom can lower one's blood pressure, causing light-headedness and loss of balance, so get out of bed slowly to avoid becoming dizzy. Holding onto railings is helpful. </li> <li> Consider installing “grab bars” in the restroom and applying non-slip strips to the bottom of your shower/tub. </li> <li> Wear shoes that are comfortable and fit properly. Flip flops are great for going to the pool or the beach, but wearing them for extended periods of time can cause or exacerbate pain in your legs, hips, and back. </li> <li> Exercise! Any type of activity is helpful, but weight-bearing exercises are known to boost bone and muscle strength. Be cautious with alcohol consumption and use of over-the-counter medications. </li> <li> Talk to your primary care physician or pharmacist about medications you’re taking, how the drugs interact with each other and side effects they may cause. </li> </ul> Life can be unpredictable, so <a href="/node/2494" target="_blank">GBMC Health Partners Orthopaedics</a> has added walk-in hours and same-day appointments. If you or a family member falls and gets a twisted ankle, has a painful wrist, hand, elbow, hip, back, knee, shoulder, or is experiencing some other form of acute joint pain, you may now come straight to an orthopaedic specialist rather than going to the Emergency Department. <br> <br> In a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department. If you are unsure whether or not you are experiencing a true emergency, always use caution and seek care right away. <br> <br> To learn more about the orthopaedic services offered at GBMC, go to <a href="/node/2494">https://www.gbmc.org/orthopaedics</a>. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
