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When your gut talks, pay attention
When your gut talks, pay attention
When your gut talks, pay attention
Blog
With so many television commercials talking about different health issues, it’s no wonder folks are confused about digestive tract concerns. There are several health conditions that affect the digestive tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine. One disease I often hear about is a group of chronic intestinal diseases called inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). IBD is a group of conditions that cause the body’s own immune system to attack all or part of its digestive tract. Immune cells normally protect the body from infection, but in someone with IBD the immune system mistakes harmless substances for foreign substances and attacks them. This creates inflammation or infection. About 1.6 million Americans have IBD, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). Doctors diagnose 70,000 new cases of IBD in the United States each year. Although anyone can have IBD, most people with the disease are between 15 and 35 years old. The two most common IBDs are ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease. UC affects the large intestine (the colon) and Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. It’s common to confuse Crohn’s disease and UC with other conditions because they share common symptoms. These symptoms may include significant and persistent diarrhea, stomach pain and cramps, bloody stools (more typical with UC), fatigue, reduced appetite and unintended weight loss. There’s not one specific trigger for IBD, and flare-ups are often unpredictable. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, the first step is talking openly with your primary care doctor. Your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for Crohn’s disease and the only cure for UC is removing the large intestine. A gastroenterologist can help pinpoint the best and latest treatment based on your individual needs. Treatment options include changes in diet and nutrition, surgery, alternative therapies and prescribed medicines. Know that self-medication is never a solution. Over-the-counter medications may mask the diarrhea and pain, but they don’t stop intestinal damage. A gastroenterologist can help control your symptoms and help prevent long-term damage. In addition to medication, it’s important to eat healthy, get enough sleep, exercise regularly and manage your stress. With proper care and plenty of patience, many IBD patients achieve long-term remission. Author Dr. Mark Flasar is a gastroenterologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center.
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Women's Health
General Page Tier 3
Don’t Let Bladder Issues Hold You Back
Don’t Let Bladder Issues Hold You Back
Don’t Let Bladder Issues Hold You Back
Blog
Let’s face it, urinary incontinence—the loss of bladder control—is not a sexy subject. But it’s a common problem that women of all ages often find too embarrassing to even talk about. For women affected by this, everyday life things—like going to the gym, sitting in a meeting or a night out with friends—can be extremely difficult, not to mention downright depressing. Think this is an “old person” issue? Not so. Surprisingly, one in four women under the age of 40 experience some form of incontinence. Women tend to suffer two types of incontinence: urge incontinence, the sudden and strong desire to urinate with only a few moments’ warning, OR stress incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine during physical exertion—such as lifting heavy objects and exercise, or even coughing, laughing and sneezing—that puts pressure on the bladder. Carrying and having a baby is not always the cause of urinary incontinence. Sometimes there are anatomical problems in the pelvis or in the back that can contribute. Also, certain medications, medical conditions and lifestyle habits can cause leakage issues. There is a bright side to this; while urinary incontinence isn’t always preventable, you can decrease your risk: Maintain a healthy weight Practice pelvic floor exercises, especially during pregnancy Avoid bladder irritants, such as caffeine and acidic foods Eat more fiber, which can prevent constipation, a cause of urinary incontinence So when do you need to see a doctor? When the leaks become problematic and impact normal everyday living. Make sure to bring up incontinence problems with your primary care doctor or gynecologist so they can refer you to a specialist. To learn more about treating urinary incontinence, visit askAAMC.org/PelvicHealth. Author By Kay Hoskey, MD, urogynecologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Women’s Center for Pelvic Health. She can be reached at 443-481-1199.
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Employee Spotlight
General Page Tier 3
Employee Spotlight: Lyndsey Griffin
Employee Spotlight: Lyndsey Griffin
Employee Spotlight: Lyndsey Griffin
Blog
When Lyndsey Griffin was born, the doctors quickly noticed there was something wrong. After a few tests, the results came back – it was a brain tumor. “I had a rough start,” Lyndsey says. “I had to have two brain surgeries. I was only six weeks old when I had my first surgery and eight months old during my second surgery. The doctors were expecting the worst and they told my family that even if I survived I would likely be mentally delayed or blind. But what parent doesn’t want to give their child every possible chance? Somehow, everything worked out in the end.” Growing up, Lyndsey recalls always being provided for. After all, she was the first child and the first girl. It wasn’t until later that she found out that life wasn’t as easy as her family made it look. Her mother was a stay-at-home mom while her father worked long hours as a jeweler and real estate agent. “He worked really hard to make ends meet,” she says. “I had to go to follow-up appointments, MRI, etc. They received help from our church, they received state assistance and support from family. When I look back now, I realize how good they were at keeping this from me. They did not want me to worry.” That always stuck with Lyndsey, who currently works as an oncology patient financial navigator. Understanding firsthand what it’s like for a family to go through financial struggles caused by health challenges, she knew this role would be the perfect fit for her. “I don’t want people to have to choose between treatment — whether it’s for their spouse, child, or whoever is important to them — and having a life,” Lyndsey says. “I want them to be able to have treatment, thrive, and move on with their life without being financially bereft. I want them to be able to live their lives and not feel like they are a burden. I was fortunate enough to never feel like that.” Lyndsey started working in dialysis with lower income patients in West Baltimore, where she learned about insurance information. Later, she transitioned to working with outpatients. When the role at Anne Arundel Medical Center opened, Lyndsey found an opportunity to bridge her social work background with her finite resource-gathering financial knowledge she learned in school and through years of work. “When I talk to people about what I do and that I work in oncology, they say, ‘Wow, that must be so depressing,’” she says. “I find it strange that people think that because we’ve come so far with treatment, people are living for years and years. I see more successful stories than I see ‘depressing’ stories.” “My patients make me want to wake up and come to work, even when I’m exhausted and don’t want to do anything else,” she says. “I can’t fix everything, but I know that I can make a difference.” Pro tip: “Sometimes as health care professionals we feel so burdened with workload and rushed to get everything done, but we are all human. I think asking someone how they’re doing will just make all the difference to the patient. Take a second, human to human, and ask, ‘What can I do for you today? How are you feeling?’ They could have anything and everything going on. Just level with people.” If you know a great individual or a fantastic team going above and beyond to make a difference, make sure to let us know! Looking for a career in health care? We invite you to join a diverse and collaborative team of professionals working together to innovate the future of health care for our entire region. Check out our career opportunities. *Lyndsey Griffin received an AAMC Champion award for the month of July.
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Behavioral Health, Senior Care
General Page Tier 3
Are Over-The-Counter Medications Safe?
Are Over-The-Counter Medications Safe?
Are Over-The-Counter Medications Safe?
Blog
Studies show four out of five adults take over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat pain, fever, allergies, heartburn and other problems. Most of the thousands of OTC medications on the market are safe when taken as directed, as long as they do not interfere with other medications or health conditions. Many people who take OTC supplements may not realize the Food and Drug Administration does not directly monitor or approve these non-prescription drugs. It is important to do your own research to know what you are taking and why. Taking more than the recommended dose of an OTC medication can be dangerous. For example, taking too much acetaminophen, which can be found in pain relievers, can cause severe liver damage or acute liver failure. Read the labels on your OTC medications carefully to prevent accidental overdose. This is especially important if you take more than one medication at a time to relieve multiple symptoms. Know the ingredients, dosages, timing and other instructions. Along with carefully reading labels, you may want to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before starting a new OTC medication. Sometimes OTC drugs interact with medications you’ve been prescribed. Those with chronic health conditions are at greater risk of serious adverse reactions while taking OTC medications. Adults age 65 and older are likely to have additional health issues, and take roughly 40 percent of OTC medications consumed. Because of this, seniors should take extra precaution. In general, do not take OTC medications longer than 10 days for pain or longer than three days for fever without consulting your physician. If you have concerns about medications, it’s important to talk to your doctor. To find a primary care doctor near you, visit findadoc.aahs.org or call 443-481-5555. Originally published Jan. 28, 2016. Last updated April 25, 2018.
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Endocrinology, Wellness
General Page Tier 3
Do You Know the Signs of Type 2 Diabetes? 
Do You Know the Signs of Type 2 Diabetes? 
Do You Know the Signs of Type 2 Diabetes? 
Blog
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, highlighting a crucial health issue that affects more than 38 million Americans. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90 to 95% of those with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, a chronic metabolic condition where the body doesn’t use insulin effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Each year, 1.9 million new cases are diagnosed, yet more than 8 million Americans remain undiagnosed. If current trends persist, one in every three people born in the year 2000 will develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. In Prince George’s County, adult diabetes diagnoses exceed the state average, with higher rates of diabetes-related deaths and hospitalizations further underscoring the seriousness of this issue locally. Type 2 diabetes symptoms often develop gradually, causing some people to misattribute them to other factors or remain unaware of the signs. This lack of awareness can delay diagnosis and the opportunity to learn to manage the condition effectively. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes Left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to several complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, loss of vision, neuropathy, reduced circulation, loss of limbs, and more. That’s why you should see a physician as quickly as possible if you see any of the signs of type 2 diabetes. Here are some of the critical signs of type 2 diabetes:  Frequent urination. Type 2 diabetes can increase your need to urinate, particularly at night. Your kidneys are working to filter out excess glucose from your bloodstream, leading to frequent urination. Increased thirst. When your kidneys filter excess glucose from your blood, it can cause dehydration and make you feel thirsty. If you drink more fluids than usual and still feel thirsty, it could be a sign of type 2 diabetes. Unexplained weight loss. Sudden unintentional weight loss is another sign of possible type 2 diabetes. When your body can't use glucose efficiently due to insulin resistance, it may break down body fat and muscle for energy, leading to weight loss. Fatigue. Persistent fatigue, particularly after meals, is a common symptom of type 2 diabetes. Your body can’t use insulin effectively for energy, so you may feel tired and sluggish. This fatigue can affect your daily activities. Blurred vision. High glucose levels can lead to changes in your body's fluid levels. Those changes can cause the lenses of your eyes to swell, resulting in blurred vision. Vision changes may come and go, or you may have persistent blurry vision. Slow-healing wounds. Type 2 diabetes can influence your body's ability to heal wounds. That’s because high blood sugar can affect blood flow and cause nerve damage, making it more difficult for your body to heal. Frequent Infections. Type 2 diabetes can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections of the skin, gums, urinary tract, or other common infections. If you notice you are getting more infections than in the past, it could be a sign of type 2 diabetes.  When to see a doctor  You should see a physician if you have one or more of these symptoms. Early detection and treatment of type 2 diabetes can help you maintain a good quality of life and avoid serious complications. You can learn to manage type 2 diabetes by making lifestyle changes, monitoring blood sugar levels, and taking medication, if necessary. Doctors test for type 2 diabetes primarily through blood tests that measure blood glucose levels. The most common tests include the A1C test, which shows average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months, and the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, which measures blood sugar after an overnight fast. If these levels are elevated, a diagnosis of diabetes may be confirmed. Recognizing the signs of type 2 diabetes is the first step in managing the disease so you can lead a healthy and fulfilling life. The diabetes program at Luminis Health can provide everything you need to manage type 2 diabetes and any complications, including education, monitoring, and treatments.    Pedram Javanmard is an endocrinologist at Luminis Health with expertise in a wide range of endocrine-related diseases. 
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