- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogEvery 40 seconds, a person in the United States suffers a heart attack. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women. In my clinical practice, I treat a wide range of heart attack patients, ranging in age from their 30s to 90s. While most of my patients have multiple risk factors for heart disease, others lack traditional risk factors. In fact, I have treated marathon runners and Navy SEALs for heart attacks. No one is “safe” from a heart attack. That’s why it is critical to be aware of warning signs and to seek treatment to minimize damage to heart muscle. What is coronary artery disease, or CAD? The heart is a muscular pump that transports blood to the body, and the coronary arteries deliver oxygenated blood to the heart. Fatty plaque deposits can develop within the arteries and block delivery of blood to the heart. During a heart attack, a plaque ruptures, causing a life-threatening narrowing that damages the heart from lack of blood flow. What are heart attack symptoms? When your heart lacks oxygen, you can develop chest pain that sometimes radiates to the arms, neck or back. If your chest pain becomes more frequent, intense, longer, and/or occurs at rest, you should seek medical attention. Notably, women, diabetic, and elderly individuals sometimes experience “atypical” symptoms. These can include shortness of breath, fatigue or weakness, back pain, jaw pain, nausea and indigestion. When in doubt, get checked out. Opening up narrowed arteries quickly can minimize heart injury. The best and safest way to get to the hospital is by calling 911 and taking an ambulance. How is a heart attack diagnosed? When you arrive at the hospital, doctors will check an electrocardiogram and your blood work to screen for a heart attack. If doctors are concerned that you’re having a heart attack, they may recommend a heart catheterization. This is where a small tube is placed in an artery. The doctor then takes pictures of the coronary arteries to look for blockages. What are the treatment options? If the doctor finds a severe blockage or several blockages, they may recommend stents, which prop open an artery where it narrows. If there are multiple severe blockages, doctors may recommend heart surgery. In addition to these procedures, medications also play a crucial role in improving blood flow to arteries and preventing plaque buildup. What are CAD risk factors? There are certain risk factors you cannot change, such as age and genetics. But there are other risk factors you can control with aggressive therapy and lifestyle modification. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and tobacco use. Exercise, a heart-healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, and taking prescribed medications are the cornerstones for a heart healthy lifestyle. If you have a heart attack, controlling cardiac risk factors is essential for preventing another heart attack. Recognizing CAD symptoms early and getting timely treatment minimizes heart damage. Controlling reversible risk factors for coronary disease also helps prevent heart attacks. Author Elizabeth Reineck, MD, is an interventional cardiologist at AAMC. Originally published March 26, 2018. Last updated March 27, 2019.0
- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThanks to awareness and education campaigns, breast cancer tops the list of well-known cancers. But, unfortunately, millions of women know about breast cancer firsthand — it’s the most common cancer in women. Women diagnosed with breast cancer are typically over the age of 50. But the Centers for Disease Control shares that there isn’t just one face to breast cancer. Breast cancer can and does develop in younger women. When it does, it’s known as early-onset breast cancer. What is early-onset breast cancer? Breast cancer is categorized as early-onset when diagnosed in someone age 45 and younger. And although breast cancer isn’t as common in younger women, one in 10 women diagnosed is under age 45. Black women tend to have a higher rate of early-onset breast cancer than other younger women. A few things set early-onset breast cancer apart from other cancers: It may include worries about body image, fertility, finances and isolation It’s more aggressive and challenging to treat It’s often hereditary (runs in your family) It’s usually at a later stage when found What increases your risk for breast cancer when you’re younger? While anyone with breasts is at risk for breast cancer (yes, even men), different factors increase your risk for breast cancer when you’re younger. If you’re under 45 years old, your risk may be higher if you: Are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, which puts you at a higher risk for changes in genes that fight breast cancer (BRCA1 or BRCA2) Are Black, due to genetics, the biology of the cancer, and/or differences in health care. Are transgender, due to differences in hormones and gender affirmation surgeries. Have a mammogram that reveals you have dense breasts Had other breast health problems, such as lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Had radiation to your breast or chest during early childhood or as a young adult Have changes in the BRCA genes or have close relatives with changes in the BRCA genes Have relatives (parents, siblings, grandparents on both sides) who had breast or ovarian cancer before age 45 What are the symptoms of breast cancer? Breast cancer symptoms can show up differently for everyone. Or you may not have any symptoms at all. In fact, many people don’t know they have breast cancer until it shows up on a mammogram. Some breast cancer warning signs are: A new lump in the breast or the armpit area Any change in the size or shape of the breast Irritation or dimpling of breast skin Nipple discharge (including blood) other than breast milk Nipple pulling in Pain in any area of the breast Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or breast Thickening or swelling of any part of the breast While these symptoms can also be a sign of something other than cancer, it’s crucial to talk with your doctor about these symptoms. How can you reduce your risk of early-onset breast cancer? If you have any risk for early-onset breast cancer, there’s good news. You don’t have to let cancer have the upper hand. You can take action and reduce your risk. Learn about your family’s history of breast and ovarian cancer Your family’s health history is one of those risk factors that’s out of your control. Learn about your family’s history of breast, ovarian and other cancer history (including your immediate family and extended family on both your mom’s and dad’s side). It gives you and your doctor a solid starting point for better understanding your risk for early-onset breast cancer and hereditary cancer. Consider genetic counseling and testing If your family history puts you at greater risk for cancer, your doctor may recommend genetic counseling. You’ll talk with a specialist who can help you and your family decide whether genetic testing for the changes in the BRCA and other inherited genes is right for you. If you have testing and learn you have a mutation (change) in a gene known to cause cancer, you have options that will make it less likely you’ll develop cancer. Those may include having mammograms, clinical breast exams and ovarian cancer screenings at a younger age. Medications to reduce your risk and surgery to remove your breasts, ovaries and fallopian tubes are also options. Focus on a healthy lifestyle Reducing your breast cancer risk is just one of the many benefits of making a healthy lifestyle a priority. Take action and take care of your health. Lower your cancer risks by choosing to: Breastfeed your babies, if possible Exercise regularly Limit or eliminate alcohol Maintain a healthy weight Take charge of your breast health at every age Don’t assume you have to be a certain age to consider your risk for breast cancer. Prevention and early detection save lives. Talk with your primary care provider, or if you need a provider, call Luminis Health at 443-481-5800 to schedule an appointment. This post was originally published on the Enquirer Gazette. Authors Dr. Regina Hampton, Medical Director of the Breast Center at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. She is a breast surgeon with more than 15 years of experience.0
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen the COVID-19 virus emerged in early 2020, we never imagined we’d be living in a masked, socially distanced world almost a year later. The changes to our lives — working and schooling from home, unemployment, limited contact with family and friends — have been challenging. Today, breakthrough vaccines offer hope for a return to “normal.” But continued spikes in positive cases of COVID-19 confirm the need to stay hunkered down to reduce the spread. Although there’s no doubt quarantining reduces the risk of spreading the virus, it can be tough on our mental health. Whether you’re locked down as part of a local or state-wide effort, quarantining after being exposed to someone with the virus — or choosing on your own to avoid people, possible exposure and spreading the virus — these tips can help you care for your mental health. Stick to a routine For millions of people, quarantine has meant working and going to school from home. The need to juggle client meetings over Zoom, walk your fifth-grader through dividing fractions and ignore the pull of all-day access to “Law and Order” reruns can make maintaining a routine seem unreachable. When so much is out of our control, maintaining a routine helps you manage anxiety and feel more in control. Routine also helps reduce “decision fatigue,” and the overwhelming feeling you can get from having too many options. While your pre-pandemic routine of heading off to work or school may be a thing of the past, you can establish a new—more flexible—routine. Try to maintain regular schedules for working, schooling, relaxing, eating and sleeping. Designate specific work areas as best you can to help you focus when you need to and relax when you don’t. Take care of your body Eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly and getting plenty of sleep can not only help you stay physically healthy, they boost your mental health, too. Although a steady diet of Netflix, chips and cookie-baking can feel like good medicine if you’re feeling down, they can leave you feeling worse long term if you don’t limit them to a special treat. Make sure to get healthy, daily doses of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seafood and lean proteins. Also include physical activity every day, whether it’s bundling up for a brisk walk outside or taking advantage of the thousands of exercise options available online for free. Connect with others The pandemic may be keeping us physically apart from family and friends, but technology can help you close the gap. Make a list of family, friends, co-workers you can connect with. Work your way through the list with a daily phone call, text, video chat, or even an old-school hand-written letter to someone. You’ll maintain relationships, get support and offer support, too. Take breaks from the news Access to news 24/7 when you’re isolated can be addicting. Add social media commentary, and you have a recipe for fear and anxiety. It’s important to stay informed, but you need to find the sweet spot of being up to date on what you need to know without feeling overwhelmed. Limit your time to 20 minutes, once or twice a day. Follow trusted news sources and gather advice and information from national and local health and government authorities. Practice mindfulness Mindfulness is focusing on the present moment. That means ignoring the pull to worry about “what-if’s” in the future or beat yourself up over “why-didn’t-I’s” of the past. Meditation, yoga and prayer, or even taking time to focus on a single breath, can help reduce stress and shut down unproductive thoughts. Be kind to yourself Despite your best efforts to do everything right, there will be days when it all falls apart, with Disney+ marathons, Netflix bingeing or empty junk food bags leaving you feeling like a failure. When it does, give yourself a break. Perfection isn’t realistic, especially during a pandemic. Remember, you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world are like you — trying to make the best of a tough situation. Being mad at yourself doesn’t do any good. In fact, the best way to get back on track may even be an impromptu dance party and ice cream for lunch. Ask for help when you need it By now, we all know how challenging quarantining can be. You may find yourself feeling overwhelmed despite your best efforts. The Centers for Disease Control says these common signs of distress signal you may need help: Changes in sleep or eating patterns Difficulty sleeping or concentrating Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on Increased use of tobacco or alcohol and other substances Worsening of chronic health problems Worsening of mental health conditions Don’t wait to get help. Talk with your primary care doctor or reach out to AAMG Mental Health Specialists. Author Jennifer Williams, MA, LPC, LCPC, is a mental health professional at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Mental Health Specialists, located in Annapolis. To reach her, call 410-573-9000.0
- Weight LossGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLosing weight can be tough for most of us. You’ve seen the buzz about weight loss drugs, especially the constant speculation that some of the world’s most rich and famous are using them to drop large amounts of weight fast. But are weight loss drugs right for you or is this just another craze? And how do these drugs compare to weight-loss surgery in terms of effectiveness and safety? Can the two be used together? Here’s what you need to know: Weight Loss Drugs A weight-loss drug called Ozempic has been receiving the bulk of hype in the news and on social media. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Ozempic as a medication for treating diabetes in 2017. Ozempic’s active ingredient is semaglutide, which the FDA approved in 2021 to treat obesity. Similar new medications are expected soon. Semaglutide works by mimicking the hormone that is responsible for sending signals to our brains that say, “I’m full.” This allows you to burn calories and fat without feeling hungry. It also reduces the speed at which food passes through your digestive system, helping maintain a feeling of fullness longer. Semaglutide is designed to be injected once a week under the skin of the stomach, thigh or upper arm. Semaglutide is not a miracle drug and it’s not for everyone. You should consult your doctor first, beware buying the drug online, and be mindful that it might not be covered by insurance for losing weight. Side effects can include nausea, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea and vomiting. Because these drugs are fairly new, there are still a lot of unanswered questions, such as: When people come off weight-loss drugs after a set number of months, will they maintain their weight? Or will they have to take the medications for the rest of their life? Weight Loss Surgery Here in the United States, weight loss—also known as bariatric—surgery continues to be a popular option to help people lose weight and manage conditions related to obesity. There are various surgical procedures for weight loss, and all of them help you lose weight by limiting how much food you can eat and working on a hormonal level to assist with sensitivity to sugars and feeling full. Weight-loss surgery has been around for a long time with established and proven success.After weight-loss surgery, eating habits must be adjusted, with smaller portion sizes and a focus on protein since it is a building block of all cells in our bodies. In addition, fruits, vegetables and whole grains can be eaten, with the goal of avoiding added sugars. Combining the Two If you are preparing for weight-loss surgery, it’s common to take weight-loss medications beforehand. Whether taking these medications for Type 2 diabetes or specifically for weight loss makes no difference: Losing extra pounds before surgery will help make the surgery safer. Weight-loss drugs may also help patients lose weight if they’ve gained a few pounds after weight-loss surgery. Final Thoughts Both weight-loss surgery and weight-loss drugs are only part of an overall treatment plan you should create with your healthcare provider. An effective weight-loss plan will also include nutrition, exercise and mental health care. It can be challenging at times, but we are here to help you achieve your weight-loss goals. Remember, there are no quick fixes, obesity is a chronic disease that must be monitored and managed for the rest of your life. To learn more about weight loss surgery, visit Luminis Health’s website or call 443-481-6699. We also have free webinars scheduled in July and August to start your weight loss journey. Click here to register. Authors Jilian Nicholas, DO, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon at Luminis Health. Nowreen Haq, MD, is an endocrinologist at Luminis Health who focuses on cardio metabolic outcomes, complex diabetes, obesity and transgender endocrinology.0
- OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogGoing for a joint replacement or spine surgery can change your life in many positive ways. Freedom from pain and improved mobility are two main advantages, and who wouldn’t want that? There are 719,000 total knee replacements and 332,000 hip replacements performed annually in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, more than 7 million people in the country have had a knee or hip replacement surgery. And about 400,000 people in the U.S. undergo spine surgery each year. If you’re planning for either of these surgeries, it is likely your recovery could take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. Now, a joint replacement or a spine surgery is a big decision and you’re probably thinking about it quite a bit. But it’s also important to think about your comfort after you return home. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your time spent healing: Clear your walking paths! You need enough room to navigate comfortably to all the areas in your home you frequently use. Pick up rugs, remove animal and baby toys, clothing, totes or any other items from the floors. Choose your best chairs. Have a firm, comfortable armchair with an ottoman or a recliner chair to rest in and get your legs up. Low furniture is difficult to move in and out of, so you may need to raise the seat height. Secure railings. If you have to take the stairs to get to your bedroom, bathroom or anywhere else in your home, make sure you have a good railing to use. Loose or incomplete rails will not provide the stability you need to navigate safely your stairs. Adjust your bed height. Have a bed that you can get into and out of that is not too high. If this is not an option, make sure you have a good footstool handy to use as a step to allow you to sit back in your bed when getting into it. Be careful with pets. Keep pets secured away from you when you are moving around your home. Pets can trip you when they are underfoot! Prepare the bathroom for your limited mobility. If you can, install a grab bar next to your toilet and in the shower to assist you with balance and rising from a seated position. Since challenged mobility is a temporary limitation, you may opt to purchase a raised toilet seat with arm rests or a commode seat with multiple uses (like the 3-in-1 commode) in lieu of grab bar installation. A seat for the shower is also helpful and can be as simple as a plastic lawn chair or a specialized bathtub bench to slide into the shower in a seated position. There are a lot of thoughts that cross your mind when you are going to go through surgery, but it’s also important to take some time to think about how you can best take care of yourself once you’re home. Pay attention to the little things that you usually overlook and make sure that the layout will give you the safest and most comfortable environment. But most importantly: make sure you can reach the jar of cookies in the kitchen! A little sweetness always makes things a little better. Author Marilyn Pfeiffer is an outpatient home visit therapist at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Physical Therapy. You can reach her at 443-481-1140. To learn more about PT360 Home Therapy, visit aamgphysicialtherapy.com0
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