- Senior CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogPneumonia can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection that affects one or both lungs. How long it lasts depends on the case, but symptoms normally last about two weeks. Antibiotics can often treat bacterial pneumonia, but are not effective for viral strains. Certain severe cases may require a hospital stay. About 1 million Americans end up in the hospital due to pneumonia each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is important to be aware of how you’re feeling. If cold-like symptoms do not improve, visit your primary care provider for an evaluation. MYTH: Pneumonia only affects very old and very young people. TRUTH: While pneumonia affects these people most often, anyone at any age can get it. Pneumonia tends to be worse among older people because they may have chronic conditions, like heart disease or diabetes, that make it harder to fight off infection. Those at a greater risk include: Children 2 years old or younger People 65 years or older Smokers People who have been in the intensive care unit of a hospital People with a weakened or suppressed immune system MYTH: Pneumonia is only a threat in the winter. TRUTH: Pneumonia can strike any time of the year. It’s more common during winter since the flu and other respiratory infections are common then. MYTH: Pneumonia is just a bad cold. TRUTH: Symptoms are similar to a cold or flu but may be more severe and last longer. Symptoms include shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, fever, chest pain when you breathe or cough, and a cough that produces a thick mucus. If these symptoms continue or get worse over a five-day period, it’s time to see a doctor. MYTH: Pneumonia isn’t contagious. TRUTH: Pneumonia is contagious. But exposure to it doesn’t mean you’ll get it. Use common-sense care if you think you have pneumonia: Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough and stay home if you’re sick. To help lower your risk of getting bacterial pneumonia, get vaccinated. Talk to your primary care doctor about the pneumonia vaccine. Find a doctor at askAAMC.org/FindaDoc or call 443-481-5555. Originally published Feb. 15, 2017. Last updated Jan. 14, 2019.0
- Primary CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs the new year begins, many across the country are looking to improve their health. You may hear about family, friends or colleagues trying a “Dry January,” a growing trend to abstain from alcohol for the first 31 days of the year. This movement continues to grow in the US, especially as the World Health Organization emphasizes that no level of alcohol consumption is safe for health. However, any month can be a dry month. Taking a break can provide some significant health benefits and offer you a chance to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol. Benefits of a Dry Month The impact of a month without alcohol can be profound. Studies reveal that participants experience numerous benefits from a dry month, including improved sleep, weight loss, increased energy, and even noticeable enhancements in skin quality. Mental health and overall well-being can also undergo positive transformations. Let’s not overlook the obvious perks: financial savings and the welcome lack of hangovers. Exploring Alternatives Discover various substitutes, social strategies and activities to make the dry month experience enjoyable and sustainable. Prepare by having alternative beverages on hand; flavored seltzer water and low-sugar beverages make a great substitute in social situations. Challenging your friends and family to participate in a dry month can make the experience fun and competitive. You can also opt for outdoor activities away from alcohol-serving venues to add exercise to your routine as well. It may be helpful to keep a weekly journal to document the personal health milestones and benefits that you experience. Preparing for Success Considering a dry month? Just like any challenge, preparation significantly boosts your chance of success. Most importantly, if you drink every day, are concerned about your alcohol use or have experienced withdraw symptoms in previous attempts to quit, it is important to talk to your doctor or seek professional help before stopping alcohol. Taking a break from alcohol can be a great way to kickstart a healthier version of yourself in 2024. Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the US, behind tobacco consumption, and illegal drug use. While complete abstinence is the healthiest choice, even a reduction can have positive effects. Thinking about New Year’s resolutions? Challenge yourself and explore the health benefits that a dry month can bring about. If you find yourself struggling with avoiding alcohol, this is a great opportunity to talk to your health care provider about your challenges. For those seeking professional assistance or guidance on alcohol use, Luminis Health Pathways is a comprehensive addiction treatment center, offering a range of services to support individuals on their journey towards recovery and a healthier lifestyle. Your journey to better health matters. Connect with our primary care teams for continual support in achieving a longer, healthier life. Author Dr. Andrew McGlone is the executive medical director of Luminis Health Primary Care and Population Health.0
- Senior CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogBeing a caregiver is an important and demanding job. As the level of care your loved one needs increases, it may be time to consider whether a nursing home is the next logical step. “Each situation is unique,” says AAMC Associate Chair of Medicine Jeanette Abell, MD. “It depends a lot on the person, family, overall condition and symptoms. In general, it might be time if there are home safety issues, problems with falling or needs beyond what the caregiver can provide.” It may also be time to consider a nursing home or extra support if you are experiencing burnout as a caregiver. Caregiver burnout can include feelings of frustration or anxiety, physical illness or negative impacts on your other relationships. “These situations are never easy. One of the most important things is letting caregivers know that it’s OK to ask for help,” says Dr. Abell. It’s normal to feel stressed, guilty or anxious. It’s important to get appropriate support for what you need. You can’t continue to be a caregiver if you are not healthy yourself. If it doesn’t seem like quite the right time to move your loved one to care outside the home, Dr. Abell notes that there are several options to consider. She suggests adding support in “layers.” These could include making sure your house is safe, having someone to go grocery shopping or cook meals, or putting in place an alert system to notify the right people if your loved one falls. There are also adult daycare facilities, where older adults can go during the day for socialization, recreation, meals, and occupational or physical therapy. When possible, Dr. Abell suggests discussing your loved one’s wishes ahead of time. Have a conversation with your loved one and write down who should make healthcare decisions when he or she is unable to do so. Additionally, you may want to research and visit care facilities in your area, so you are prepared before a crisis strikes. “There is a real disconnect in the importance of these conversations and who is actually having them,” says Dr. Abell. “That’s why it’s important to have these conversations before a crisis. I like to refer to them as ‘kitchen table conversations.’” Author Jeanette Abell, MD, is the AAMC Associate Chair of Medicine. Originally published Dec. 5, 2016. Last updated Sept. 30, 2019.0
- Men's Health, Women's Health, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYou may have seen people walking around toting a gallon of water that they sip from all day long, in hopes of staying properly hydrated. Others believe they need to drink eight 8-oz. glasses of water per day. Have you ever wondered if all that water is necessary for your body? It depends. Hydration is important. According to the National Kidney Foundation, about 60 to 70 percent of your body weight is made up of water, which is necessary for good kidney health. Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration. This can make you feel tired, cause headaches and lead to other health problems, including kidney damage. Water also helps prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections, the Kidney Foundation says. Drinking enough water helps flush out bacteria that causes infections. The National Academy of Medicine recommends that men drink about 13 cups, or three liters, of fluids daily. Women should drink about nine cups, or 2.2 liters, each day. Doctors recommend more water when exercising. An extra 1.5 to 2.5 cups of water is fine for shorter rounds of exercise, though you’ll need more for exercise that lasts longer than an hour. You’ll also need to drink more water if you’re in a hot, humid environment, or if you’re experiencing fever, diarrhea or vomiting. Pregnant or breast-feeding women also need additional fluids, according to the National Academy of Medicine. Pregnant women should drink about 10 cups, or 2.3 liters, of water every day. Women who are breast-feeding need about 13 cups each day. You don’t have to drink only water – unsweetened juice or low-fat milk are other healthier options. But water is your best choice because it has no calories. If you’re in doubt about whether you are drinking enough water, look at your urine. Urine that is light yellow or clear indicates that you are properly hydrated. Dark yellow urine signals dehydration. Author By Lauren Parmer, DO, a primary care physician at AAMG Pasadena Primary Care. She can be reached at 443-270-8600. Originally published July 11, 2017. Last updated July 17, 2020.0
- OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you’re suffering from a back condition and considering surgery, then chances are you’ve heard about laser spine surgery. TV and Internet ads suggest a quick, easy treatment for patients with chronic pain. The idea of a less invasive procedure to cure pain is very enticing. The marketing of laser surgery is so successful that my patients routinely ask about the use of lasers, despite limited medical evidence and their relative infrequent use in spine surgery. The truth is, laser spine surgery seen in ads usually refers to minimally invasive surgery or a spinal injection using a needle. Neither necessarily means a surgeon will use a laser. Newer techniques in spine surgery are less invasive. When possible, we attempt to preserve as much of the muscle, soft tissue and spinal anatomy as possible. Compared to traditional techniques, which require larger incisions, modern techniques – or minimally invasive surgery – allow for an easier initial recovery and can often be performed as a same-day surgery. No laser is involved. The use of lasers in surgery has been around for decades. In spine surgery, the use of lasers is only a small portion of procedures. Some surgeons will use a laser in spine surgery to remove tumors or tissue around a nerve. But most painful conditions of the spine involve degenerative conditions like arthritis — where a laser is rarely needed or effective. Medical research on the use of lasers for specific conditions, such as disc herniation, may be effective in some patients. However, this limited approach may not address the underlying cause of pain, such as spinal instability or deformity. Because of this, symptoms may return for some patients, requiring additional surgery to solve the problem. Evaluating your options for spine surgery If you’re evaluating surgical options for your condition, perhaps what’s more important than the technique is surgeon experience. You should seek a fellowship-trained surgeon and hospital that regularly perform both traditional and minimally invasive techniques in order to achieve the best result. Spine treatment is very individualized to specific symptoms and at times can be complicated. A thoughtful, experienced surgeon recommends the most appropriate treatment for each individual patient. Unfortunately, there isn’t a single, easy cure for back pain. If the treatment sounds too good to be true, it’s worth your time to get a second opinion before having spine surgery. Author Chad Patton, MD, is medical director of The Spine Center at AAMC and a spine surgeon with AAMC Orthopedics. To reach his practice, call 410-268-8862. Originally published May 30, 2017. Last updated June 18, 2018.0
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