- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogDeciding to make a major lifestyle change — like quitting smoking — can be a challenging task. Nicotine is the real culprit in making it difficult to quit. Nicotine is present in all tobacco products, and is the substance that causes dependence on tobacco. Having the right tools to help you quit can lead you to success. Medication is one tool some people use to help quit smoking. As a certified tobacco treatment specialist (TTS), people trying to quit often ask me, “Which medication works the best?” My answer is always, “The best medication is the one that works for you!” Here are the seven FDA-approved medications available to help people quit their smoking habit. But remember, medication isn’t always the answer; in fact, some people are able to successfully quit smoking without using these aids. Before trying any new medication, you should talk with your healthcare provider to make sure the fit is right for you. Take our pledge to love your lungs, and be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card! Chantix (Varenicline) This is the newest medication to treat tobacco dependence. It targets the nicotinic receptors in your brain, which are the source of nicotine addiction. The medication works by gradually lowering a person’s desire to smoke. As with any medication, Chantix affects each individual differently and there may be side effects. Before getting a prescription, talk with your healthcare provider to determine if it’s right for you. Zyban (Wellbutrin, Bupropion) This prescription has been available for several years. Originally prescribed to treat depression, Wellbutrin was found to reduce a person’s desire to smoke. It is often used in combination with nicotine replacement medications. There are five different types of nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs). These medications provide nicotine to the body of someone who is nicotine dependent. Using NRTs allows for a gradual withdrawal from nicotine and helps avoid or reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can include, irritability, intense cravings or urges to smoke, headaches, restlessness and others. The Nicotrol® inhaler This prescription medication isn’t really an inhaler, but more like a “puffer.” The liquid nicotine gets absorbed through the lining of the mouth. It is not inhaled into the lungs. The inhaler is fast-acting, giving quick relief from nicotine cravings. While they may look similar, they inhaler should not be confused with electronic cigarettes or vape cigarettes. Electronic cigarette devices are not yet fully regulated and are not FDA approved for quitting smoking. Nicotine nasal spray This is the fastest working of all the NRTs. The nicotine from the nasal spray is absorbed through the lining of the nasal passages. It should be avoided for anyone who has sinus troubles. These three nicotine replacement medications are over-the-counter. Nicotine patches The patch is the only long-acting nicotine replacement medication. This means it enters the system slowly and stays there longer. Most people tolerate this well with few side effects. Nicotine gums This fast-acting option isn’t chewed like regular gum, but rather chewed until nicotine is released (a tingling or peppery taste on the tongue). Users then keep the gum between the cheek and gum. This process is repeated as needed. Nicotine lozenges These are also fast-acting and dissolve gradually. For both lozenges and gum, the amount used is based on each individual’s level of nicotine dependence. The more severe the dependence is, the higher amount of medication is needed to ease withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine dependence is considered a disease. Just like other diseases, medication can be a solution. Make sure you have all the tools you need to regain control over your health. Talk to your healthcare provider so you have what you need to quit tobacco for good. Ready to quit smoking? Visit askAAMC.org/QuitSmoking or call 443-481-5366 to learn how AAMC can help you. Author By Joanne Ebner, a cancer prevention program supervisor at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published Sept. 20, 2016. Last updated Dec. 13, 2018.0
- Physical TherapyGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs a speech-language pathologist, I’ve become sensitized to some of the challenges my patients’ families face after years of shuttling my kids to therapy appointments. Family schedules are busy and complicated. Finding balance for things most important is always worth it. Here are some tips to make the speech therapy process smoother. READ MORE: Understanding adult speech therapy Schedule appointments around your needs. When choosing therapy appointment times, schedule around your family’s needs. An appointment at seven o’clock in the morning may be appropriate for a five-year old but not a teenager. Also, consider focus and energy levels throughout the day. Some medications, such as stimulants for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have peak effectiveness periods. Caregivers can and should help find the best therapy appointment time for each patient. Come prepared. A pediatric speech evaluation is similar to a doctor’s appointment with more toys and no shots. Come early, as there will be paperwork. Bring a snack, a drink and a favorite toy. And bring any related medical or educational reports. Be supportive, not overbearing. Allow the patient to speak for his or her self. But advocate for them if they are unable to express their concerns. Don’t be afraid to ask for a break. Set realistic goals. Goals need to be easily achievable and simple to understand. Small, incremental, change is more sustainable. Personalize the experience. Patients are more likely to succeed when speech therapy reflects their interest. A speech articulation goal for a child might target the “r” sound when saying their friend Ryan’s name, for example, or when singing Baby Shark. Parents and caregivers can help identify personalized speech therapy targets. Tell the truth. Work with your therapist to modify goals that aren’t working. Tell your therapist if the patient did not follow recommendations or do their homework. I always encourage and appreciate honest feedback. Take homework seriously. Like any exercise program, consistency is the key to lasting change. Speech therapy homework helps to carry over learned strategies to real life. Make homework a part of your existing routine. An additional homework task may seem impossible, so try tucking speech therapy exercises into other activities. I hid my son’s flashcards next to his dinner plate, his car seat and his toothbrush. Add some fun and include the whole family. Homework can be on an iPad or part of a game or craft. Try exercises while watching a favorite TV show.Parents, siblings, grandparents, babysitters, teachers, and friends can all assist with speech therapy homework. Life is hectic. I hope these tips make your family’s speech therapy experience a little easier. After all, we are here to help. Author Chana Breuer is a speech-language pathologist at Anne Arundel Medical Group Physical Therapy in Crofton. To schedule an adult or pediatric speech therapy appointment, please call 443-481-1140.0
- Wellness, Plastic Surgery & Skin CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you’ve shopped for skin care products latlely , you’ve likely noticed a new product popping up everywhere: red light masks. Influencers claim these masks can reduce fine lines, fight acne and brighten your skin. But how do they work, and are they as effective as in-office treatments? Let’s shine a light on what works and what doesn’t. What Is Red Light Therapy? Red light therapy (RLT) uses low-level wavelengths of red or near-infrared light to stimulate cellular energy, which helps repair tissues, reduce inflammation and boost collagen production. Collagen is the protein responsible for keeping skin firm and smooth, and its natural decline over time contributes to wrinkles and sagging. Most red light masks are designed to be worn for 10 to 20 minutes, three to five times per week. While some users may notice subtle improvements within a few weeks, consistent use over several months is typically needed for visible, long-term results. It is important to follow manufacturer instructions, as overuse will not speed up results and could lead to irritation. What to Look for in a Mask If you are shopping for a red light face mask, here are a few things to consider: A flexible design with full-face coverage Built-in eye protection Automatic shut-off for safety Lightweight and portable construction For best results, use the mask on clean, dry skin and wipe it with an alcohol-free disinfectant wipe after each use. This helps prevent buildup from makeup, sweat and skin care products that could irritate your skin or affect performance. You may also want to choose a device that has been cleared by the FDA, which can provide added confidence in its safety and effectiveness. How Are These Masks Different From Laser Therapy? Red light masks and laser therapy both use light to stimulate the skin, but laser therapy is more advanced. It uses focused beams of light that penetrate deeper into the skin, directly targeting collagen and elastin production. This makes in-office laser treatments more effective for concerns like deep wrinkles, significant sun damage and skin tightening. Laser therapy may also deliver faster and more noticeable results, especially for anti-aging treatments. However, these procedures can come with potential downtime, which means your skin will be sensitive and you should avoid the sun for about 48 hours, and they may require multiple sessions to achieve desired results. Are At-Home Devices Worth It? At-home red light masks can be a convenient and affordable option for maintaining healthy skin and addressing mild concerns. They are generally safe for most skin types when used as directed, and they can be a helpful addition to your skin care routine. That said, results tend to be more gradual and less dramatic compared to in-office procedures. Think of red light masks as a supplement to, not a replacement for, professional treatments. A consistent routine that includes sunscreen, a gentle cleanser and moisturizers will still play a key role in overall skin health. The Bottom Line Red light therapy shows promise for gradual improvement, reducing mild inflammation and supporting collagen production over time. These masks, combined with professional treatments like laser therapy, can work together to help you reach your skin care goals. If you are interested in laser therapy or other cosmetic treatments, visit Luminis.Health/PlasticSurgery or call 443-481-3400 to schedule a consultation. Authors Virginia Orlov, MS, is a Physician Assistant for Luminis Health Plastic Surgery.0
- UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAre you thinking of eating a more plant-based diet in the year ahead? You’re not alone. There is a lot of buzz about choosing to go meatless a few times a week, or even considering adopting a wholly plant-based diet. That’s because plant-based diets are, in general, healthier than diets heavy on meat and dairy products. People who eat plant-based diets have lower risks of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. They’re also less likely to be obese. But ‘plant-based’ doesn’t always mean healthy. Vegan foods can sometimes be worse than meat alternatives. Here’s how to reap the rewards and avoid the pitfalls of a plant-based diet. Watch Out For Sodium in Imitation Meats Many plant-based burgers (which come frozen or fresh) aren’t always healthier than beef or chicken burgers. In some cases, they’re just as high in saturated fats and higher in sodium than meat-based burgers. For example, a four-ounce patty of one popular plant-based burger contains 380mg of sodium. By comparison, some frozen four-ounce beef burgers contain 75mg of sodium. Likewise, plant-based deli meat imitations can be just as salty as actual deli meat. Diets high in sodium increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. “Instead of replacing meat with fake meat substitutes, aim to get your protein from beans, lentils and tofu,” says Dr. Arsalan Sheikh, the medical director for diabetes and endocrinology at Luminis Health. If you’re switching to plant-based foods solely for health reasons, you’re better off eating lean, unprocessed meat than a salty imitation. Not all foods labeled plant-based are natural Those who find it hard to cook plant-based or vegetarian meals might turn to the frozen aisle, where they’ll find pizzas, samosas, veggie ‘nuggets’, veggie loaf and more. The problem? Frozen and processed vegan foods can be high in additives and preservatives. In fact, some plant-based meals can have more additives and thickeners to mimic the texture of meat. One 2022 study found men who eat diets heavy in highly processed foods have a 30% higher risk of getting colorectal cancer. Another recent study found that people who ate diets heavy in processed foods were more likely to die of cardiovascular diseases. It’s not clear exactly why processed foods are so bad for your health. One theory is that chemical ingredients added to foods to improve the shelf life, taste or texture of food could be more difficult for the body to break down. Plus, heavily processed foods are higher in sugar, salt and fat than less processed foods. The secret to a healthy plant-based diet is to “avoid foods with long lists of ingredients, especially ingredients you don’t recognize,” says Dr. Sheikh. Rather than buying already-prepared meals, Dr. Sheikh recommends preparing plant-based foods at home with simple ingredients — like fresh or frozen vegetables, canned or dried beans and whole grains. You can miss key nutrients Meat has nutrients that can be hard, but not impossible, to find in plants. For example, iron, zinc and vitamin B12. Likewise, milk and yogurt are full of calcium and fortified with vitamin D. If you’re switching entirely to a plant-based diet, it’s a good idea to consult a dietician or nutritionist. They can help ensure you’re getting these important vitamins and minerals, whether through food or supplements. They can also make sure you’re getting enough protein through soy, beans and other plant-based foods. “Whenever you’re making a big change to your diet, it’s a good idea to get expert advice,” says Dr. Sheikh. After all, changing what you eat is hard work. It helps to have someone in your corner. Bottom line: Plant-based diets are healthier if you stick to the same tried-and-true advice as conventional diets Can you improve your health by incorporating more plant-based meals into your life? Absolutely, but you’ll need to apply the same rules that apply to healthy, conventional diets. That means planning a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables, not just picking up ‘plant-based’ burgers and assuming it’s good for you. It also means choosing whole grains and starches, such as brown rice or pasta, whole grain bread and sweet potatoes. Remember, too, that fried and highly processed foods should be “once in a while” foods, even if they have a ‘plant-based’ label on them. Author Arsalan Sheikh, DO, is the medical director for diabetes and endocrinology at Luminis Health.0
- Cancer Care, Men's Health, Women's Health, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt was finally time to celebrate. Earl Shellner had just received an honorary certificate for completing a long course of chemotherapy. This was the last big hurdle in his cancer treatment. Earl had already been through surgery and radiation to treat an aggressive form of rectal carcinoma. Now he was cancer free. Earl sat down to write thank-you notes to friends and family who’d supported him during his struggle. It was then that he realized something new was seriously wrong. He seemed to have forgotten how to write basic letters. ‘”I was starting on the notes and couldn’t remember how to make a cursive S and a J,” he recalls. “I had to look it up on the internet, how to make the lines and curves for those letters.” Friends and Family May Be the First to Notice Signs Earl didn’t understand what was happening. He spoke to his mother, who’d been staying with him during his cancer treatment. She had even more bad news. She told him it wasn’t just the alphabet he was forgetting. “She told me I’d been telling the same stories over and over again. I’d tell a story and then 15 minutes later I’d tell it again.” And there were other lapses. He couldn’t remember the name of a neighbor’s son who he’d known for years. When he went to brush his teeth, he couldn’t remember how to use the toothbrush. It turns out many of Earl’s friends also noticed his brain seemed muddled. No one wanted to tell him because he’d already been through so much. He was devastated. Before his cancer diagnosis, he’d been a high-energy, multitasking restaurant manager. “Now I didn’t want to leave the house. I didn’t want to socialize, and my mom had to take over my banking. I just couldn’t handle any of my stuff anymore,” he says. AAMC Nurse Identifies Chemo Brain Earl shared his concerns with his radiation oncologist, and a nurse on the team recognized the symptoms. She told him he had what’s known as cancer-related cognitive impairment or “chemo brain.” Estimates vary but studies suggest a significant number of cancer patients who’ve undergone chemo may experience some degree of cognitive impairment. Until recently, however, many doctors tended to dismiss the memory loss as a given side effect of treatment. Their advice was for patients to wait it out and hope the problems diminished over time. “There is a real knowledge gap,” says Matt LeBlanc, the nurse navigator for Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Cancer Rehabilitation Center. “Chemo brain exists but it is under recognized and undertreated.” A little over a year ago, AAMC decided to address the need directly by launching the cancer rehab program. Among other things, it offers cognitive therapy to cancer patients using techniques developed for those who’ve suffered traumatic brain injuries. Speech Therapy Helps Rebecca Gondak is a speech language pathologist at the center. She says many of her cancer patients arrive with significant cognitive impairments, including short-term recall and language retrieval. “Intelligence is not affected, the problem is a patient’s ability to access intelligence,” says Gondak. The good news is that with help, even a brain damaged by chemotherapy can form new pathways to compensate for what’s been lost says Gondak. Earl is a perfect example. When Shellner arrived at the Cancer Rehab Center, he tested far below average for memory and word recall. Gondak began a vigorous course of treatment using a combination of exercises, strategies and tricks to teach the brain new ways to access information. “Since people with chemo brain often have trouble with short-term memory one thing I do is teach them how to connect new information to something they are already familiar with,” says Gondak. Gondak says many effective strategies for recall are quite simple “Let’s say a patient parks on level 3A. How will they remember if they’re having short-term memory loss? Well, I’ll have them think of connections to the level. Maybe they have 3 children and want an A in school. That’s 3A.” Gondak also uses repetition and problem-solving exercises to help jump-start the brain. Rehab Gave Earl His Life Back After twelve sessions, Earl was thrilled with his progress. He’d jumped from the 13th percentile in cognitive function to the 79th percentile. Other patients have seen similar results. Gondak says one of the things she finds most moving is that many of her patients are making huge leaps in memory skills even as they endure cancer treatment. “We get a lot of patients in pain or who aren’t sleeping and still we see improvement, ” Gondak says. Earl says rehab has given him his life back. He’s no longer afraid to go outside or talk in public. He also continues to heed Gondak’s advice. He uses lists so he doesn’t overload his brain with too much information, he takes brain breaks and he puts essentials, like his keys and phone, in a designated place so he doesn’t lose them. The bottom line, says Earl, is the skills he’s acquired in rehab have allowed him to function again. “Rehab has made a tremendous difference in my life,” Earl says. “I can feel it everyday.” Read Earl’s first-person account of his journey on the Huffington Post.0
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