- Men's Health, Plastic Surgery & Skin Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogVashti Myers thought she was making the right choice when she decided to undergo cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic. Myers chose a doctor for her tummy tuck and Brazilian butt lift who had operated successfully on her aunt and cousin. Myers, a mom of three from Upper Marlboro, says she researched the doctor for a few years. She saw two negative reviews, but figured there are always disgruntled customers. Most importantly, getting the work done in the Dominican Republic would save her thousands of dollars. But when she flew to the island last September and prepared for the procedure, she felt something wasn’t right. She says the equipment looked outdated, and the doctor performed the operation in an area of the hospital that looked more like a basement. “To be honest, if I hadn’t been slightly sedated, I probably wouldn’t have gone through with it,” Myers says. She returned to the United States with what she says was a botched tummy tuck. She had major scarring, an off-center belly button, and a lot of pain. Myers went to the Emergency Room (ER) at Anne Arundel Medical Center where a doctor diagnosed her with a kidney infection. The ER doctor then referred her to Tripp Holton, MD, a plastic surgeon with Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Plastic Surgery, to treat the large open wound on her abdomen. “I should have just saved my money and had it here,” Myers says. The risks of medical tourism Medical tourism — the practice of traveling out of the country for discounted medical procedures — may sound tempting. People want to combine an overseas vacation with that plastic surgery they’ve always wanted. Plus they can recover in a beautiful location. But consider the risks before booking those plane tickets, say Dr. Holton, a plastic surgeon with AAMG Plastic Surgery. A 2016 report in the Centers for Disease Control and Population’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal identified 21 people in six states, including Maryland, infected with rapidly growing mycobacteria after traveling to the Dominican Republic for cosmetic surgery. Eight of these people were hospitalized, some more than once, according to the study. In 2014, a Long Island woman died from complications following a liposuction and tummy tuck that she got in the Dominican Republic, according to a news report. AAMG Plastic Surgery sees between five and eight cases of botched plastic surgery each year due to medical tourism. “We see the downside of it very often,” Dr. Holton says. A desire to save money is usually what prompts people to travel outside of the U.S. for plastic surgery. Experts say that plastic surgery has always been a cost-sensitive specialty. But when patients travel to another country for these procedures, they may pay for it in other ways. Dr. Holton says the surgeries patients seek out overseas run the gamut from tummy tucks to breast augmentations and liposuction. But they say patients are gambling with things including a doctor’s medical credentials, the outcome of the surgery, and their own safety. In America, surgeons follow a high standard of care. This includes the “time out” rule, meaning that before any operation, everyone involved must stop and double check that they are working on the right person and the right body part. Dr. Holton says that doesn’t always happen overseas. It’s also highly unlikely you will be able to see your plastic surgeon for regular follow up appointments unless you stay overseas for an extended period of time. The American Board of Plastic Surgery also cautions that patients should avoid typical “vacation activities” after surgery – including sunbathing, swimming and drinking alcohol. The board also says long flights or surgery can increase the risk of developing pulmonary embolism and blood clots. It suggests waiting five to seven days after most procedures before flying. The recommended wait after facial procedures, such as facelifts, eyelid surgery and nose jobs, is longer at seven to 10 days. How to find the right plastic surgeon Dr. Holton has some advice for finding the right plastic surgeon. Check out the doctor’s training and education. Make sure the doctor is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Ask questions about the doctor’s experience. Has he or she done these types of surgeries before? You should be able to see before and after pictures of the doctor’s work. Review the doctor’s licensing history with your state’s medical board and see if he or she has received any disciplinary actions. Myers says people tried to warn her about the dangers of getting plastic surgery in the Dominican Republic, but she didn’t listen. “You are definitely going to get a higher level of care in the United States,” she says.0
- Men's Health, Weight Loss, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogGive up soda, start an exercise regime or start meditation. These might be just a handful of goals you have for the new year. But by the end of January, 36 percent of New Year’s resolvers have thrown their hands up in the air and said, “Better luck next year.” It’s normal to want to reboot your life come Jan. 1, but before you go crazy with your New Year’s resolutions list, you want to consider these common mistakes that could set you up for failure, rather than success. Mistake #1: You set your goals too broad. Goals like losing weight, eating healthy and exercising are too ambiguous to execute. Make sure your resolution passes the SMART goals test. It should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. Instead of aiming to eat more vegetables, commit to incorporate at least one vegetable in at least two meals per day. Mistake #2: You don’t hold yourself accountable. If there are no consequences surrounding your goal, you are more likely to make excuses, fall behind or give up. You have to put yourself in a situation that makes it difficult to slack off. If you thrive on encouragement, ask a friend, family member or a trusted health expert to make sure you are on track with your goal. For example, if your resolution involves exercise, participate in a team challenge or set non-negotiable exercise dates with a friend so you can’t bail at the last minute. Mistake #3: You’re not tracking your progress. Monitor your progress. Whether it’s stepping on the scale, tracking your workouts or journaling your activities, tracking what you do can increase your chances of following through with the changes you need to make. It also allows you to recognize and celebrate milestones along the way, a process that’s vital to keeping you confident and motivated. Mistake #4: You allow lapses to become relapses. Slip ups will happen, but successful resolvers use these to strengthen their determination. Recognize your mistake and learn from it. Confidence is a strong predictor of success. To boost your ‘can do’ attitude, focus on playing up your strengths and don’t get hung up on your weak spots or missteps. If you are dining at a friend’s house or are at a party, you can bring a side of fruits or vegetables next time to ensure you have healthy options available. Mistake #5: You do not develop realistic plans to achieve your goal. A goal without a plan is just a wish. Before you take action, make a list of things you can do each day to achieve your goal. Then, include weekly and monthly milestones you want to hit. Breaking your goal down into several smaller short-term goals helps you stay focused and feel accomplished, even on hard days. Effective New Year’s resolution ideas to get you started: Do your daily workout in the morning. You’ll be less likely to schedule something over your exercise time or skip it because of a last-minute change in your schedule. Make a workout date with a friend. If weather precludes outdoor activities, invite your friend to your house and get your sweat on in your living room with a streaming fitness program. Slowly change your diet. Eat two extra servings of vegetables every day for a month. Get creative. Try one new dinner idea every week that has a lot of vegetables. Make a slow-cooker meal every Sunday. Eat the leftovers or repurpose the rest for meals later in the week. Turn to homemade food. Bring your lunch to work every day for the next month. Hydrate. Drink a glass of water every morning when you wake up and before every meal. Consume less carbs. When eating out, swap your carb-filled sides (such as fries or rolls) with vegetables or fruit. Pick one or two, but no more than three specific, measurable, attainable yet realistic resolutions that are compatible with your schedule and fitness level. Start small and build on these after they are implemented and habitual. Make this year the one where you accomplish the resolutions you have set for yourself! Authors Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford are nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555. Originally published Jan. 7, 2019. Last updated Dec. 30, 2019.0
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHere’s an age-old truth: Maryland’s population is aging slightly faster than the rest of the country, meaning more families here are navigating the complexities of caring for older loved ones. At Luminis Health, we are committed to Age-Friendly Care—an approach that centers on what matters most to older adults and their families. We follow the nationally recognized 4M’s framework: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility. Aquí va una verdad de toda la sangre: La población de Maryland envejece ligeramente más rápido que en el resto del país, lo que significa que más familias aquí están enfrentándose a las complejidades del cuidado de seres queridos mayores. En Luminis Health, estamos comprometidos con la Atención Amigable con la Edad, un enfoque que se centra en lo que más importa para los adultos mayores y sus familias. Seguimos el marco nacionalmente reconocido las 4M: Lo que importa: medicación, mentalidad y movilidad. ¿Qué es la bacteriuria asintomática? Un tema importante que puede ser difícil de tratar y que causa confusión es la bacteriuria asintomática. Esto ocurre cuando se encuentran bacterias en la orina, pero no hay síntomas de infección. Esta condición es muy común en adultos mayores, especialmente en mujeres después de la menopausia, cuando niveles bajos de estrógeno reducen las bacterias protectoras. Desafortunadamente, la bacteriuria asintomática suele confundirse con una infección urinaria (ITU), lo que lleva a recetar antibióticos innecesariamente. Esto es lo que usted debería saber sobre la bacteriuria asintomática: No es una infección urinaria. La bacteriuria asintomática es diferente de una infección. Un cultivo de orina positivo o un recuento alto de glóbulos blancos no siempre significa que se necesiten antibióticos. No causa confusión, caídas ni debilidad. Si su ser querido experimenta estos síntomas, podría tratarse de deshidratación, desequilibrio electrolítico o medicación. Los antibióticos suelen ser innecesarios y pueden ser perjudiciales. El uso excesivo de antibióticos no aporta ningún beneficio para tratar esta condición y puede aumentar los riesgos de diarrea, colitis, reacciones alérgicas, interacciones farmacológicas e infecciones resistentes a fármacos y peores. Hay alternativas más seguras. Una buena higiene diaria con limpieza perineal, cremas vaginales y probióticos puede ayudar a restaurar las bacterias protectoras y el pH sin los riesgos de los antibióticos. Entonces, ¿cuándo tienen sentido los antibióticos? Solo cuando su profesional médico evalúe cuidadosamente los síntomas, revise el historial médico y determine que existen signos reales de infección. Aquí es donde las 4M guían nuestra atención centrada en el paciente. Las 4M a la atención centrada en el paciente Lo que importa Escuchar a los pacientes y a sus familias sobre sus objetivos, comodidad y preferencias. Medicamentos Evitar antibióticos innecesarios que pueden hacer más daño que bien. Actividad mental Reconocer que la confusión en los adultos mayores tiene muchas causas, no solo bacterias en la orina. Movilidad Ayudar a los adultos mayores a mantenerse activos y seguros, en lugar de quedar marginados por los efectos secundarios de tratamientos inadecuados. Siguiendo este enfoque basado en la evidencia, garantizamos que las personas mayores reciban la atención adecuada en el momento adecuado, protegiendo su salud, independencia y calidad de vida. Cuidados respetuosos con la edad Luminis Health está comprometida a defender la atención amiga de la edad para nuestra comunidad. Nos enorgullece que el Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center en Annapolis sea uno de los cinco hospitales a nivel nacional reconocidos como Pioneros en el Sistema de Salud Amigable con la Edad por el Institute for Healthcare Improvement. El Centro Médico Comunitario Luminis Health Doctors en Lanham, junto con nuestras consultas de atención primaria, han obtenido la distinción de Sistema Saludable Amigable con la Edad Nivel 2 – Compromiso con la Excelencia en la Atención. A medida que Maryland sigue envejeciendo más rápido que el promedio nacional, estas conversaciones importan más que nunca—para nuestros padres, abuelos y todos los que los queremos. Consulte y comparta nuestro folleto sobre antibióticos para mujeres mayores, que también está disponible en español. Authors Mary Clance, MD MPH es epidemióloga hospitalaria en Luminis Health.0
- Cancer Care, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogPhysicians across the U.S. will diagnose almost 100,000 new cases of colorectal cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Of those cases, the ACS estimates that 40,000 people will die. The good news is that colorectal cancer, also referred to as colon (large bowel) cancer, is preventable and curable if diagnosed early. The best way to achieve this is by getting a screening colonoscopy. Let’s start with the basics – what is a colonoscopy? Most colorectal cancers start from ‘silent’ growths within the colon called polyps. We use a screening colonoscopy to detect and remove polyps. The procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Once we sedate the patient, we insert a colonoscope that goes to the end of the colon. We remove any polyps seen during the procedure. Next, we collect the polyps for analysis. Removal of these polyps prevents the development of colorectal cancer. There are alternative screenings. There are many stool-based tests used for screening. Among these is the Cologuard test. For this test, the patient collects their stool at home and then ships it to a lab. Cologuard is very good for screening and is less invasive. Other tests check for blood in the stool. These tests occur in a doctor’s office or at home. Talk to your provider. You should get your first screening at age 50, but we recommend talking to your provider about screening beginning at the age of 45. An earlier screening is recommended at age 40 for people with a family history of colon cancer, and some research suggests African-Americans should get a colonoscopy at age 45. Diet can play a role in colon health. A diet low in fat and high in fiber can improve colon health. This type of diet may reduce your colorectal cancer risk. Signs and symptoms. Patients with early colorectal cancer usually don’t have symptoms. In later stages of undiagnosed colorectal cancer, symptoms may include: Rectal bleeding Anemia Abdominal pain Loose stools Constipation Weight loss Screening for early detection of colorectal cancer is crucial. Even for advanced colorectal cancers, a 95% cure rate is possible with the latest surgical and cancer therapies. Colorectal cancer is preventable. Don’t wait if you are over 50. Call your primary care provider to set up a colonoscopy screening. Doctors’ offices are safe, ready and open to care for you. Author Showkat Bashir, MD, specializes in gastroenterology at Doctors Community Hospital.0
- NutritionGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt has been more than five years since coconut oil began its meteoric rise in the United States marketplace. However, there’s still much confusion about it. According to a 2016 survey published in the New York Times, 72 percent of Americans think coconut oil is healthy. Health claims about coconut oil range from reducing heart disease and reversing Alzheimer’s to promoting weight loss and preventing diabetes. But there is virtually no evidence to support the health hype. So where’s the disconnect? Most of the health benefits attributed to coconut oil are associated with its high content of medium-chain fatty acids, also called medium-chain triglycerides or MCTs. Your body absorbs or metabolizes these more efficiently than other fats. But that’s not the case when it comes to coconut oil. Mostly because the major MCT in coconut oil is lauric acid and, when processed in your body, lauric acid behaves as a long-chain saturated fatty acid or LCSFA. Your body has a more difficult time breaking these down and they are predominantly stored as fat. Coconut oil is 92 percent saturated fat. Saturated fat raises your LDL cholesterol, the bad cholesterol linked to heart disease. In comparison, butter is 64 percent saturated fat. While butter also raises your LDL cholesterol, it doesn’t to the extent of coconut oil. The American Heart Association recently updated its guidelines on fats to include the suggestion that people avoid saturated fats. There are many alternatives to substitute for coconut oil that has the opposite ratio of bad to good fats. A tablespoon of olive oil, for instance, has one gram of saturated fat while the same amount of coconut oil has 12 grams. Research right now supports the unsaturated fats found in olive oil, corn oil and vegetable oils as being healthier options. As with most things, consuming coconut oil is okay in moderation. But don’t believe the marketing hype that it’s a miracle cure. There is no strong scientific evidence to support health benefits from eating coconut oil. Now what to do with that coconut oil stocked in your pantry? There are still good uses for it. In small amounts you can try using it as massage oil, as moisturizer for your skin or as conditioner for your hair. While coconut oil can be super for these applications, it’s not a superfood. Authors By Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford, nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them call 443-481-5555. Originally published Aug. 7, 2017. Last updated Aug. 12, 2019.0
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