Low vision, which is different than legal blindness, affects more people than you may expect, including children. One in six adults over 45 has low vision, while one in four people over 75 are living with low vision. The term low vision refers to people who have vision loss that can’t be corrected by glasses or medical or surgical treatments. The most common causes of low vision in adults include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and stroke. “Vision is essential for people to interact with their environment and other people,” explained Janet Sunness, MD, Medical Director of Richard E. Hoover Low Vision Rehabilitation Services at GBMC. “But many people aren’t aware that low vision rehabilitation services can help them become more independent and take charge of their lives. In one study of people with macular degeneration, only 13% had heard of low vision rehabilitation, while 85% said if they had been aware of it, they’d want to have these services.” GBMC has been a pioneer in low vision rehabilitation. The program was established at the hospital in 1985 and has helped countless patients of all ages since that time. Dr. Sunness meets with each patient for an hour at each appointment to help them improve their visual function so they can do the things they want to do and that are most important to them. It’s a patient-driven process, with patients telling Dr. Sunness what issues they want help with. Her team also includes a low vision occupational therapist and a mobility instructor, all of whose services are covered by Medicare. “We’re living in a good time for helping people with low vision,” she adds. “Common technology like smart phones and computers all include features like magnifiers and read aloud programs. There are also special portable lights, telescope-like devices that are fitted to glasses, and more. When people come out of their first appointment with us, they’re optimistic because they now know there are things that can help them do the things they want to do and have a better quality of life.”
<p class="article-body"> With summer vacations and family trips (jam-packed with late nights!) soon ending, GBMC clinicians want to remind parents that now is the best time to re-establish bedtime routines. Studies have shown that students who get enough sleep tend to have the best chances at excelling in the classroom, performing at their highest academic level, and engaging more in after-school activities. <br> <br> Samantha W. Boellner, BSN, MSN, CRNP, Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner at GBMC Health Partners Primary Care – Hunt Manor, offers parents guidelines on how to create a gradual process that will help their kids settle into their back-to-school sleep schedule, how to determine if their child is getting enough sleep, and ways to handle the other major cause of lack of sleep – screen time. <br> <br> To read more about this and view the video interview, visit <a href="https://foxbaltimore.com/morning/reinstating-kids-bed-times" target="_blank">https://foxbaltimore.com/morning/reinstating-kids-bed-times</a>. </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pve7dIOq4kM" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Dr. Zhuoyan Li specializes in benign and malignant hematology and is proud to offer treatment and solutions for people suffering from difficult-to-diagnose blood cancers and disorders. She understands how frustrating it can be for people dealing with blood clots, iron deficiency, bleeding problems, severe fatigue, night sweats, and more to get concrete answers. <br> <br> Alongside colleagues in the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute, Dr. Li ensures each patient is surrounded by a team of experts who all support that patient's treatment choices and wellness goals. Blood cancers and benign blood disorders are her top priority and Dr. Li has dedicated her career and practice to caring for these patients as well as maximizing the latest hematologic therapies and trials. <br> <br> On August 11, Dr. Li answered questions and addressed concerns related to diagnosing and treating blood cancers and disorders. <br> </p> <h3> Three Takeaways </h3> <ol> <li> Hematology refers to the study of blood, including both benign and malignant disorders. Benign disorders include: bleeding and clotting disorders, hemoglobin abnormalities, blood clots, anemia, and more. Malignant disorders are cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. </li> <br> <li> Of the malignant disorders, lymphoma is more common and involves abnormalities that mature into other organs like lymph nodes and the spleen. Understanding the type of lymphoma a patient has (Hodgkin v. Non-Hodgkin) is important as it can effect treatment options. The most common types of Hodgkin occur in younger, adolescent patients while Non-Hodgkin is commonly seen in patients ages 60-70. Both types of lymphoma are treatable. </li> <br> Leukemia, a less common malignant blood disorder, evolves from abnormal white blood cell production in the bone marrow. Depending on the severity of leukemia (chronic versus acute), there are different treatment options available. <br> <br> <li> The symptoms of blood disorders and cancers are individualized but can include new onset fatigue, sudden weight loss, mild fever, or enlarged lymph nodes on the neck, groin, and arm pit area. Dr. Li encourages everyone to have a regular physical and bloodwork done as some of these disorders may present without symptoms. If patients are not comfortable coming to the hospital, GBMC and the team in the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute offer telemedicine visits when applicable. </li> <br> Dr. Li has been impressed with the amount of support she has received in her first year at GBMC from not only her colleagues, but from the community. Programs like Oncology Services in the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute provide support for patients in need such as counseling, transportation, medication assistance and more. To support Dr. Li and oncology patients, <a href="https://www.classy.org/give/288692/#!/donation/checkout">please consider making a contribution to the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute.</a> </ol>
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<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IqYh5RGGPCI" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> In the technology-focused field of radiation oncology, Dr. Kruti Patel, Radiation Oncologist, Medical Oncologist & Hematologist in the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC, finds it meaningful to provide a sense of comfort to her female patients, especially those dealing with breast and gynecological cancers. <br> <br> “Women’s health is very important to me, and no patient should ever feel embarrassed to discuss her symptoms or side effects,” she said. <br> <br> On July 27, Dr. Patel answered questions and addressed concerns about women's health, treating breast and gynecological cancer using radiation, and more. <br> <br> </p> <h3> Top Three Takeaways </h3> <ol> <li> There are many factors that determine whether or not a patient will need radiation treatment. Some are based on the type and stage of cancer, what is found during surgery, and/or the patient's overall health and age. Radiation oncologists work with other members of GBMC’s multi-disciplinary care team to determine the best course of treatment for each patient. </li> <li> Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is a high-dose treatment that focuses on a small target. Oftentimes, the entire tumor is able to be removed from the location using this method. SBRT is proven to be very effective as an alternative for early stage lung cancer patients who opt out of surgery. </li> <li> The future of cancer care is ever evolving and becoming more patient-centered, especially here at GBMC. Dr. Patel is completing an Integrative Oncology fellowship to better serve her patients’ interests in complementary medicine while providing the advanced cancer care they need. She treats the whole patient, combining the latest radiation technology with a commitment to addressing emotional and physical side effects of the diagnosis and necessary treatments. </li> </ol> Community support is vital in continuing to maintain the latest and greatest technology for radiation therapy. Additionally, many patients are required to have daily treatments, which for some, makes it difficult to obtain transportation five days a week for multiple weeks. We are proud to be able to provide vouchers for transportation because of so many generous donations from our community. To support Dr. Patel and radiation oncology patients, <a href="https://www.classy.org/give/288692/#!/donation/checkout">please consider making a contribution to the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute.</a>
<p class="article-body"> When it comes to genetics, physical characteristics like hair and eye color often come to mind. However, genes can also determine your risk for certain types of cancers. <br> <br> "Mutations in the BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene 1) and BRCA2 genes are associated with a predisposition to various cancers, most commonly breast and ovarian carcinomas," explains Priyanka Mittar, DO, medical oncologist and hematologist at the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC. "Approximately 15% of ovarian cancer will be associated with a germline BRCA mutation, and for that reason it is standard care to test all ovarian cancer patients." <br> <br> Those who inherit BRCA1 and BRCA2 tend to develop cancer at a younger age than those who do not have the genetic variant. Knowing about the presence of certain genes goes beyond risk assessment. It can also impact the way a medical team treats a patient who has received a cancer diagnosis. <br> <br> "We have a dedicated formal department for genetic testing at GBMC," Dr. Mittar says. "Each patient is evaluated and consulted by a genetic counselor if we deem them appropriate for testing." <br> <br> While there are national guidelines for which patients should receive genetic testing, Dr. Mittar says the threshold for qualification is relatively low and those interested in getting tested should inquire with their doctor. Receiving a genetic test after a cancer diagnosis can benefit both the patient and their families, she adds. <br> <br> "It may change what we do surgically or enhance our screening strategies if we don't do surgery," she explains. "There are also new medications that we're able to incorporate in a treatment plan if we have that information." <br> <br> Knowing a person's genetic predisposition for certain cancers can also determine whether their children should be screened at an earlier age or potentially undergo preventive surgery to minimize their cancer risk later in life. Genetic testing of both inherited genes and tumor-related genes can allow for a more targeted approach to help better treat advanced-stage tumors in patients, Dr. Mittar explains. <br> <br> "By understanding the genes of a tumor, we can use precision medicine to tailor treatment in a more targeted way that incorporates the specific abnormalities of a patient's tumor," Dr. Mittar says. "We know that we're always in a better position to beat the cancer if we have a target, which is why, at GBMC, we incorporate that precision medicine with standards of care and national clinical trials." <br> <br> Dr. Mittar says, because different cancer types are uniquely treated for each patient, clinical trials play a vital role in developing precision medicine. <br> <br> "For example, immunotherapy revolutionized how we treat melanoma, but it has had disappointing results as an ovarian cancer treatment. Clinical trials help us to both identify targets in more cancerous tumor types and improve our ability to target for more successful treatments." <br> <br> Dr. Mittar says many types of genetic tests are available, but getting tested at an institution like GBMC can make the process less stressful and confusing. <br> <br> "The genetics counselors will meet with you and select which testing panel is appropriate, and they'll follow up with you if there are any changes to the genetic classifications," she says. </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CIJTXeKC4ig" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Christopher Toth, MSBS, PA-C, from GBMC Health Partners at Jarrettsville and Megan Knight from WMAR-2 News, discuss depression and mental health. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1mzNI0huSs4" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> From the moment Dr. Robert Donegan meets each patient, he sees them as a survivor. He knows that a cancer diagnosis is far more than physical and makes it a point to care for the mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Donegan enjoys the support of the multidisciplinary team at the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute and says there is no limit to their creativity in finding solutions for patients’ individual needs. His approach marries the rapidly developing science in medical oncology with a sense of devotion to his patients. Dr. Donegan finds joy practicing close to home because it means caring for his neighbors and seeing them in the community living life to the fullest after cancer. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jXcN9XynZ6U" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> The risk of falls and fractures increases steadily as we age. Osteoporosis or bone weakening is a silent disease; so the first time most people know they have weak bones is when they fall and break one. Our mission at the GBMC Healthy Bones program is to help you prevent fractures, particularly hip and spine fractures, which can be life changing. Learn more about The Healthy Bones Program for Osteoporosis and Fracture Prevention Program at GBMC. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fX_OKqdZhOE" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Medical oncologist and hematologist Dr. Mei Tang brings years of extensive oncology research to her patients at GBMC’s Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute. In such an evolving field, she finds it critical to explore the very latest in targeted oral therapies, immunotherapy, and molecular and genetic testing. Through personalized medicine, Dr. Tang is seeing patients living longer, healthier lives than ever before. In her interactive conversation with Mary Beth Marsden, Dr. Tang discussed lung cancer diagnosis, described the different types of lung cancer, and explained GBMC’s clinical trials program. <br> <br> “Lung cancer is one of the main cancers that is still a life-threatening condition,” she said. While many associate lung cancer with smoking, nonsmokers can also develop the disease. Unfortunately, it has few specific symptoms, which makes imaging and diagnostic testing critical to diagnosis. Dr. Tang advised anyone who has experienced a chronic cough for more than two weeks to see their doctor because this can be a major symptom. “Lung cancer can be sneaky,” she explained, “many patients don’t know they have it until it’s really affecting their breathing.” <br> <br> There are two main types of lung cancer – small cell and non-small cell. Non-small cell cancer is much more common, occurring in approximately 75% of lung cancer patients. Advanced molecular testing has allowed medical researchers to identify nine different subgroups of non-small cell cancer. Oncologists examine the genetic makeup of each patient’s cancer to determine its subgroup and use that knowledge to create an individual, targeted treatment plan. <br> <br> For some patients, this treatment plan may include participation in a clinical trial. GBMC is very active in medical research and is currently participating in multiple studies focused on lung cancer. These trials target patients in various stages of the disease as well as post-surgery patients. “Only by doing clinical trials can we advance treatment methods for our patients,” Dr. Tang expressed. The discussion ended with Dr. Tang answering viewer questions that were submitted beforehand and during the conversation. She covered topics such as the side effects of specific treatments as well as staging and recurrence. </p>
<p class="article-body"> Gynecological cancers can affect any part of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vulva, and vagina. While uterine/endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer, there are several other types that women should be aware of so that they can recognize potential signs and symptoms. <br> <br> Kimberly Levinson, M.D., MPH, is the Director of Johns Hopkins Gynecologic Oncology at GBMC. She says, "Any symptom that you're having or are concerned about, get it looked at. We want to prevent or treat at the earliest stage that we can, which gives patients the best outcomes." <br> <br> </p> <h3> Endometrial cancer </h3> Endometrial cancer is the most common type of uterine cancer, affecting approximately 66,570 women in the United States each year. One major risk factor for endometrial cancer is obesity because of the way excess body fat can affect your hormones. <br> <br> "Obesity causes the body to create excess estrogen. This affects the uterine lining, which is where this type of cancer is formed," Dr. Levinson explains. <br> <br> Other risk factors can include an early menstruation age and older biological age. Fortunately, says Dr. Levinson, endometrial cancer is one of the few gynecological cancers that can be detected at an early stage because it frequently produces abnormal vaginal bleeding. That, she remarks, is a good thing. <br> <br> "Because many of these cancers are identified at early stages, they're often less aggressive types that we can cure with surgery." <br> <br> Treatment for endometrial cancer usually includes a minimally invasive surgery, followed by an assessment to see if additional treatment is needed. If you notice any post-menopausal bleeding or any abnormal pre-menopause bleeding, Dr. Levinson recommends reaching out to your gynecologist to get it checked as quickly as possible. <br> <br> <h3> Ovarian cancer </h3> The American Cancer Society predicts that approximately 21,410 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2021. While it is less common than endometrial cancer, it is usually more serious. <br> <br> "Ovarian cancer tends to present in the later stages and usually requires more challenging treatments," Dr. Levinson says. She adds that this is partly due to the vagueness of signs and symptoms – most tend to be similar symptoms of indigestion – and the lack of an early screening test for ovarian cancer. Risk factors can include age (half of all ovarian cancers are found in women 63 years of age or older), obesity, and having children later in life. <br> <br> Dr. Levinson approaches treating ovarian cancer like treating a chronic disease: with a long-term treatment plan in mind. She emphasizes there have been numerous advances in the treatment of ovarian cancer, including PARP inhibitors, a targeted therapy that helps repair DNA. <br> <br> "It's changed the prognosis for so many patients," she says. "It shows them there is hope even though it is a tough disease to handle." <br> <br> Treatment for ovarian cancer usually includes surgery and chemotherapy. <br> <br> <h3> Vulvar/vaginal cancer </h3> Vaginal cancers are extremely rare, affecting around 6,230 women in the U.S. each year. Dr. Levinson notes that what makes these types of cancers hard to spot is the inability to recognize changes in the affected area. <br> <br> "It's in an area we can see but not many women are accustomed to looking at closely," she explains. "It can look like anything, so anything out-of-the-ordinary on the vulva needs to be biopsied because it's hard for even a trained eye to tell." <br> <br> Risk factors include exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV), age (the average age at diagnosis is 65), and smoking. Dr. Levinson says treatment for vaginal cancer usually includes surgery with radiation and chemotherapy if the cancer has spread. <br> <br> A cancer diagnosis will affect so many parts of a patient's life, and Dr. Levinson believes it's her responsibility to provide care and guidance from diagnosis to remission. Staying with the patients throughout their journey gives her the ability to form a relationship with each patient and make sure they have every option for treatment and care presented to them. <br> <br> "There are so many people that work together to provide the best comprehensive care for our patients. Even if a patient comes in and gets surgery and is cured, we will still follow up with surveillance." <br> <br> She also emphasizes the importance of calling your doctor if anything feels off. <br> <br> "Preventing or treating at the earliest stage that we can gives patients the best outcomes." <br> <br> Learn more about gynecologic oncology at GBMC by <a href="/node/2423">visiting their website.</a> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
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<p class="article-body"> This year, the American Cancer Society lowered the colorectal cancer screening age recommendation from 50 to 45 to help save more lives. <br> <br> Joseph DiRocco, M.D., Medical Director of GI Oncology at GBMC, says, "Colonoscopies can prevent cancer by identifying colorectal cancer when it's small and by finding and removing polyps [pre-cancerous growths]." <br> <br> But even with information on the benefits of colonoscopies readily available, myths surrounding the procedure still exist. <br> <br> </p> <h3> 1. I don't need a colonoscopy if I don't have symptoms. </h3> "Most people who are found to have colon cancer have no symptoms," Dr. DiRocco says. He explains cancer or polyps are usually found during a colonoscopy screening before the patient shows any signs of illness. "By the time people have noticeable symptoms, the cancer is more advanced. Don't wait to get screened." <br> <br> <h3> 2. The prep for a colonoscopy is horrible. </h3> There's no getting around the fact that the point of colonoscopy prep is to clean out your colon, but Dr. DiRocco explains there are now several options available for patients. "There are preps that are low-volume [having to drink 32 ounces or less], pills you can take, better-tasting liquids. Depending on what you hate the most about the prep, we can avoid that." He reiterates the benefits of screening far outweigh the one day of inconvenience leading up to the procedure. <br> <br> <h3> 3. A colonoscopy is painful. </h3> Dr. DiRocco says this is definitely not true. "It's very unusual for people to have pain during or after a colonoscopy." 99% of colonoscopies performed in the U.S. are performed under sedation or general anesthesia, and the most common complaint after a procedure is cramping or bloating because of air used by the doctor to inflate your colon. After the procedure, gas may need to work its way out of your colon, which can cause some discomfort after the procedure. <br> <br> <h3> 4. I'm a woman and less likely to get colon cancer. </h3> While Dr. DiRocco confirms men are at a slightly higher risk for colon cancer than women, he says, "The difference in colorectal cancer rates between men and women is minuscule. It affects them equally." 1 in 24 women will be diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer at some point in her life. <br> <br> <h3> 5. My colonoscopy can wait until after the pandemic. </h3> Dr. DiRocco says the risk of contracting COVID-19 is not a reason to put off getting a colonoscopy. "Many health professionals are vaccinated. We practice handwashing and mask-wearing, and we have social distancing protocols in place, as well as frequent cleanings." He adds, "If you choose to wait to get screened and it turns out you do have cancer, there's a much greater risk that it could be past the point of being treatable or curable." He encourages anyone who's at risk or within the recommended screening guidelines to stay on top of their scheduled screenings. <br> <br> For more information about scheduling a colonoscopy or colorectal cancer treatment, visit <a href="/node/2422">www.gbmc.orghttps://www.gbmc.org/gi-oncology</a>. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KKimJCd313k" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Farzad Masroor, MD, head and neck surgeon at GBMC, makes it a point to listen intently to his patients, truly hearing their priorities and life stories. Then, with their individual goals in mind, he discusses their cases in depth with the specialists throughout the Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head and Neck Center to create personalized treatment plans. He treats all head and neck cancers, with expertise in thyroid surgery, head and neck surgical oncology, and complex reconstructive surgeries. In his interactive discussion with Mary Beth Marsden, Dr. Masroor explained his specialty, the symptoms of head and neck cancer, and how the diagnosis affects patients’ lives. <br> <br> “The area of the head and neck is quite broad,” he said. “It covers problems going from the skull base, which is just below the brain, all the way down to the clavicle.” The eyes and brain have their own specialties and are not included in the work of a head and neck surgeon. Dr. Masroor sees many different kinds of cancers in his practice, ranging from skin cancer, thyroid cancer, and salivary gland cancer to cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract, which include the mouth, throat, voice box, and upper esophagus. <br> <br> Many of Dr. Masroor’s patients are referred by a dentist or ENT, but he noted that an increasing number of patients are self-referring when they become concerned about their symptoms. He encouraged patients to talk with their doctor if they feel something is wrong, even if it may not seem significant. He cited abnormal skin changes, pain or feeling like something is stuck in the throat, voice changes, and swallowing challenges as particular symptoms of concern. Although these symptoms don’t definitively point to cancer, they should be addressed by a healthcare professional. <br> <br> “Head and neck is an intersection of many different specialties,” he explained. “The Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head and Neck Center comprises more than just surgeons. We also have speech language pathologists, dietitians, social workers, and more. My practice exists within this team, and it’s all built to give the best care to the head and neck patient.” <br> <br> These additional specialties are especially helpful for those who experience significant life changes after treatment. For some patients, basic functions like talking and eating become difficult, and therapy is needed to help them regain their quality of life. “The first goal of our treatment is always to remove the patient’s cancer,” Dr. Masroor expressed. “Our secondary goal is to maintain form and function for the patient.” The discussion ended with Dr. Masroor answering viewer questions that were submitted beforehand and during the conversation. He covered topics such as the side effects of specific treatments and how surgery techniques have advanced in recent years. </p>
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