DESTINATION - MedStar Health · 2019. 6. 3. · Community Health Spotlight. Preventing Diabetes...

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Restoring Rhythm to Ailing HeartsNovel Procedure Results in More Natural Response

Fighting Lung CancerTeam Approach Key to Best Patient Experience

The Curtis National Hand Center Providing World-Class Care for Common and Complex Conditions

HEALTHY HABITSWhy Downtime Is Good for Your Health

News from MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

D E S T I N AT I O N :

2 DESTINATION: Good Health | SUMMER 2019

FEATURES

4 Restoring Rhythm to Ailing Hearts Novel Procedure Results in More Natural Response

8 The Curtis National Hand Center Providing World-Class Care for Common and Complex Conditions

10 Fighting Lung Cancer Team Approach Key to Best Patient Experience

14 Treating Fragile Bones Program Aims to Improve Long-Term Outcomes

19 Community Health Spotlight Preventing Diabetes Through Positive Change

DEPARTMENTS

3 WHAT’S NEW

7 HEALTHY HABITS

12 STAYING ACTIVE

13 CARING FOR YOU

16 CLASSES AND EVENTS

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

In this season of sun and warm temperatures, it’s time for rest and renewal, as we vacation, enjoy local produce, and some Maryland crabs. At MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, we are also in a stage of renewal, as we are committed to making

a difference every day to provide you with an exceptional patient experience.

At MedStar Good Samaritan, we continue work on a new, 60,000-square-foot inpatient rehabilitation facility, which will feature the latest in therapy and treatment for patients who are recovering from amputations, brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injuries, and more. Our team, led by Kritis Dasgupta, MD, from MedStar National Rehabilitation Network, is among the best in the nation, and we are proud to offer this new facility as part of our 50 years of caring for rehabilitation patients. The rehabilitation facility will open later this summer.

MedStar Union Memorial has also enhanced patient care with dedicated orthopaedic centers for hip and knee, spine, shoulder, and foot and ankle. New operating rooms are under construction and a new waiting area for families has been completed, offering comfort while waiting for surgical patients.

At MedStar Health, we continue to work to help you stay healthy from head to toe with expert, compassionate care. I hope you have a relaxing, stress-free summer.

In good health,

Bradley S. Chambers President, MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital President, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital Senior Vice President, MedStar Health

On the cover: Bill Bartholomew is back to doing the things he enjoys after having his heart implanted with an innovative alternative to a traditional pacemaker at MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute.

MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, located at the corner of Loch Raven Boulevard and Belvedere Avenue, is minutes from Towson and parking is free. Since 1968, MedStar Good Samaritan has provided compassionate, high-quality care to the community. Recognized as a specialty center for rehabilitation, our services also include geriatrics, diabetes care, cancer care, emergency medicine, orthopaedics, vascular care, wellness, and wound healing.

MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, located in northeast Baltimore City, is a regional specialty and teaching hospital. It is known for The Curtis National Hand Center, MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute, MedStar Orthopaedic Institute, and the development of the first hospital-based sports medicine program in the country.

Destination: Good Health is published by the Marketing and Communications department of MedStar Good Samaritan and MedStar Union Memorial hospitals. The information provided in this publication is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health and is not a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. For more information, call 855-212-8202. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2019.

MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

SUMMER 2019

[CONTENTS]

3MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

[WHAT’S new]

C ongratulations to Philberta Noble, RN, Shannon Queen, RN, and

Michelle Sauter, RN, who received Baltimore magazine’s 2019 Excellence

in Nursing Award. The three are among 75 nurses honored with this

annual award, which salutes the region’s top nurses.

If you’ve experienced great nursing care, tell us about it by visiting MedStarHealth.org/DestinationGoodHealth.

Philberta Noble, RN

Join Us in Congratulating Our Excellence in Nursing Honorees

“Philberta, Shannon, and Michelle are well deserving of this recognition for their excellence in providing patient-centered care and for their leadership and mentoring skills,” says Karen Owings, MSN, RN, vice president, Patient Care Services, and chief nursing officer at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital. “I am extremely proud that our nurses were well represented in this year’s awards from Baltimore magazine. It is a testament to the quality and compassionate care we provide.”

The nomination for Noble, who is on the medical-surgical unit at MedStar Union Memorial, noted, “She is an instrument in the facilitation of family-centered care and embraces challenges and change with innovative strategies. She has become an excellent preceptor, and her orientees talk endlessly about her nurturing ways and how she always inspires them to do their best. She is the person you want at your side when times become challenging.”

Queen, from the medical-surgical unit at MedStar Good Samaritan, was recognized

in her nomination as “a mentor to new staff who recently started a new role within the hospital as the nursing supervisor. She is always willing to step up to any project presented on the unit.” In addition, “She is active in the clinical ladder program, serves on the workplace violence committee, and is a member of the MedStar Health patient and family education committee.”

A member of the comprehensive cardio pulmonary care unit at MedStar Good Samaritan, Sauter’s nomination stated “She is a true patient advocate, often contacting the doctor with patient concerns and following back up with the patient. She takes time to listen to our patients and is empathetic. She is also our contemporary primary nursing champion and sets the standard for following interdisciplinary model of care principles. She can be counted on by leadership and her peers.”

The three award winners are listed in Baltimore magazine’s May issue, which features all the 2019 Excellence in Nursing honorees across 18 specialties.

Shannon Queen, RN

Michelle Sauter, RN


Bartholomew and his wife, Brenda, are looking forward to celebrating their 61st anniversary this year, now that he is stronger and healthier.

Restoring Rhythm to Ailing HeartsNovel Procedure Results in More Natural Response

MILLIONS OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCE abnormal heart rhythms, called arrhythmias, at some point in their lives. While arrhythmias can happen in healthy people free of heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms may accompany other serious cardiac conditions, such as heart failure.

Often, abnormal heart rhythms can be treated successfully with lifestyle changes and medications, but sometimes the best treatment for a heart rhythm that is abnormally slow is a permanent pacemaker.

Pacemakers regulate heart rhythms by generating electric currents. The traditional device is implanted in the chest and sends a current through wires embedded in the upper and lower chambers of the heart. Unfortunately, the constant electrical current can lead to uncoordinated contractions and cause the main pumping chamber of the heart to wear out, resulting in pacing-induced heart failure.


At MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, there is now an innovative alternative to traditional pacemakers that restores the regular heart rhythm more naturally. It’s called His bundle pacing.

“The His bundle, named after anatomist Wilhelm His Jr., is a collection of heart muscle cells that are an important component of the electrical

wiring of the heart,” says Aditya Saini, MD, a fellowship-trained cardiac electrophysiologist with MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute and one of the first of just a few physicians in the region with expertise performing this procedure.

“With a His bundle pacemaker, one of the wires that would normally be implanted in the right ventricle or lower chamber of the heart is implanted directly into the bundle of His,” Dr. Saini explains. “This takes advantage of natural conduction fibers to pace the heart, allowing for coordinated and perfectly timed heart contractions. This electrically synchronized contraction makes all the difference when it comes to the proper functioning of the heart and the benefit adds up as time goes on.”

A Superior Pacing Technique Recent studies have found His bundle pacing to be a safe, feasible, and superior pacing technique, reducing hospitalizations for heart failure, or the need for future pacemaker upgrades when compared to traditional cardiac pacing.

In some patients, such as William Bartholomew, it may even eliminate the need for open heart surgery. The 78-year-old, who suffers from heart failure, was scheduled to have an older pacemaker replaced with a newer, upgraded version with the hope of improving his heart function and quality of life. Then it was determined that the veins

Being on the water with his fishing rod in hand is a hobby Bartholomew has been able to resume as a result of the expert care he received at MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute.

outside his heart could not accommodate the wire due to anatomic challenges. Traditionally, in such cases, cardiac surgery would be recommended.

He was referred by Tomas Ayala, MD, a general cardiologist at MedStar Health in Federal Hill, to Dr. Saini, who came to MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute last year with extensive experience in the latest pacing techniques, including His bundle pacing. After reviewing his files, Dr. Saini determined that Bartholomew was, in fact, a candidate for His bundle pacing and performed the procedure.

Aditya Saini, MD

DESTINATION: Good Health | SUMMER 2019

For more information or to make an appointment with a cardiac electrophysiologist at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, call 410-554-6727.

6

“I truly appreciate the level of care I received. I know it was challenging for the doctors, but they wouldn’t give up,” Bartholomew says. “I am very grateful that I didn’t have to go through open heart surgery.”

Though His bundle pacing has been in existence for years, technical limitations had restricted its use. But recently, tools dedicated to His bundle pacing have been developed, which have improved the ease with which it can be delivered.

It is now technically feasible in most patients and has resulted in promising outcomes.

“The electrical activation is natural, and in the ideal case can look exactly like it would without a pacemaker,” Dr. Saini says. “It’s like rewiring the heart rather than artificially stimulating it. So it should not result in the heart failure that can develop as a result of excessive wear and tear with a traditional pacemaker. It is also a superior pacemaker if you already have heart failure.”

RESPECTED JOURNAL HIGHLIGHTS EFFORTS TO ENHANCE PACEMAKER TECHNOLOGY

The efforts of Aditya Saini, MD, to solve a practical barrier to the adoption of His bundle pacing were recently featured in the respected medical journal Circulation-Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology.

In an article published on the front page of the February issue, Dr. Saini proposes an algorithm, a set of guidelines, that may pave the way for His bundle pacing, seen by many as a superior method of installing pacemakers, to become widely adopted around the world.

The algorithm, developed as part of a multicenter effort in collaboration with Medtronic, which manufactures His bundle pacemakers, streamlines the process for ensuring the devices are performing properly during implant and patient follow up.

When the algorithm is incorporated into the devices, doctors can monitor patients remotely and more accurately diagnose and treat potential pacemaker problems. The application of the algorithm

may help make patient follow up safe and efficient, removing a principal obstacle to widespread adoption of His bundle pacing.

“One of the drawbacks to His bundle pacing was the complexity of routine patient follow up,” says Dr. Saini, who is first author on the Circulation article. “Those challenges definitely acted as a barrier for His bundle pacing to be widely utilized. Our work is the first novel step toward resolving those issues.”

The Bartholomews take a break from fishing for a stroll through Fort Smallwood Park.

[HEALTHY habits]

MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital 7

Now is the perfect time of year for vacations and doing the things you enjoy with family

and friends—time for having fun. What many people don’t realize is that taking a break

from the responsibilities of daily life has proven health benefits.

“Research has shown that taking time off results in definite physical and psychological health benefits including lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and more motivation,” says Kritis Dasgupta, MD, chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital.

“While you might think people would be happy to take time off, in reality, many Americans find it difficult to get away from their non-stop responsibilities. Downtime is essential to staying physically healthy and mentally balanced. Even a little bit of downtime works wonders.”

Dr. Dasgupta cites the following reasons why downtime is good for you:

Boosts heart health. There are clear cardiovascular benefits to taking a vacation according to numerous studies, especially for individuals already at risk for heart disease. In fact, one study showed that the likelihood of having a heart attack among at-risk men who skipped vacations five years in a row was 30 percent higher than those who took an annual week-long break. Similar results have been found with women.

Kritis Dasgupta, MD

For a free mini-relaxation kit, visit MedStarHealth.org/DestinationGoodHealth or call 855-212-8202.

Why Downtime Is Good for Your Health

Reduces stress and depression. Getting away from the people, places, and activities that result in stress is another big benefit of taking a vacation. In fact, neuroscientists have found that brain structure is altered by chronic exposure to the stress hormone cortisol, which can be a major contributing factor to anxiety and depression. Time away allows the body and mind to heal and even reduces stress-related physical complaints for weeks after the vacation is over.

Improves sleep. Nearly everyone has trouble sleeping now and then. Whether it’s the result of bad habits or just having too much to think about, a lack of sleep makes it difficult to fully function in everyday life. Vacations have been proven to help people break the bad habits that keep them awake at night and get back to normal.

“Taking vacation time away from the stress of daily life can improve your health, relationships, job performance, and overall perspective,” Dr. Dasgupta adds. “In addition, try taking ‘mini-vacations’ every day by setting aside time for meditation, exercise, and recreation. Afterward, you will return to your daily activities recharged and reinvigorated.”


other damage that we needed to repair. We took him into the operating room just after 5 p.m. on Sunday evening and didn’t wheel him out until nine hours later.”

To most of us, it sounds extraordinary. But it’s just a day in the life of a hand surgeon at the Hand Center.

“We usually start our mornings seeing patients with routine types of problems, such as hand and wrist arthritis and tendon conditions,” says Dr. Giladi, who also serves as research director. “Non-surgical treatments are

Avi Giladi, MD, a fellowship-trained hand surgeon at the Hand Center.

It’s a well-deserved designation. The 23,000-square-foot facility is home to the country’s largest collection of hand surgeons and specially trained hand therapists, who treat approximately 25,000 patients each year. The experts here also care for more than 1,600 hand trauma patients annually.

Dr. Giladi was the surgeon on call the day of Kirby’s accident. “As soon as Cody arrived, he was stabilized and prepped for surgery. Replanting fingers is extremely complex, plus there was a lot of

IT WAS SUNDAY AFTERNOON, Dec. 30, 2018. Cody Kirby, along with several members of his family, was outside splitting wood and enjoying the last few days of the holiday season. Then the unthinkable happened. Kirby was positioning a log to be split when the splitter blade was accidentally released. He didn’t have time to move his hand. Three of his fingers were severed and his hand was seriously damaged.

Within minutes, emergency medical technicians from the local fire department were on site. When they saw his injuries, they knew exactly where to take him—The Curtis National Hand Center at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital.

“Most people don’t know we are the designated hand and upper extremity trauma center for the state of Maryland. That means any time a patient has a trauma involving the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, or upper arm, they are transported to us,” says

Providing World-Class Care for Common and Complex Conditions

FAST FACT: Since it was founded in 1975, the specialists at The Curtis National Hand Center have treated people from all over the world.

Thanks to the expertise of the specialists at the Hand Center, Kirby is regaining his strength and once again able to take Sophia on her daily walks.

The Curtis National Hand Center


Avi Giladi, MD

For more information or to make an appointment with a hand specialist at The Curtis National Hand Center, visit MedStarUnionMemorial.org/Hand or call 877-864-HAND (4263).

explored first in most cases. Our goal is to help patients avoid surgery. We draw on our extensive research experience to guide us in identifying the best treatment options for each patient.”

As the day evolves, the experts at the Hand Center frequently deal with more complex cases, too. “We often see patients with unique problems, or individuals who have been treated elsewhere and are not happy with their outcomes,” Dr. Giladi explains. “For example, we recently had one patient whose fracture had been inadequately treated. The bones had been partially fused rather than healing properly. That left him with limited mobility and pain. We were able to do a joint replacement using implants and now he has his mobility back and is lifting weights again.”

Then there are the traumas. “As the state-designated trauma center, we take transfers from all over Maryland, as well as from surrounding states. If another facility sees an injury and it’s severe, they send the patient to us. We always have hand surgeons on call and our operating room is fully staffed at all times,” he notes.

“What we do is not always lifesaving, but it is life changing. It requires a fully integrated network that is very unique. A successful recovery from hand surgery is dependent on identifying potential complications as soon as possible and getting the patient additional treatment or into therapy,” says

Dr. Giladi. “We provide a network for care all the way through the recovery period, which reduces complications and improves outcomes. Our expert therapy team, the largest group of certified hand therapists in the nation, makes recovery faster and easier.”

Kirby is now benefiting from this integrated approach to care. The 21-year-old had just started an electrical apprenticeship and was looking forward to getting to work. Now, he is receiving the comprehensive care he needs to ultimately resume his trade. This includes additional surgical procedures to restore his flexibility and regular therapy sessions.

Needless to say, Kirby is grateful to be recovering from his ordeal. “Dr. Giladi has such a great bedside manner. He explains things in terms I can understand and is always calm and relaxed,” he says. “If you have to go through something like this, you can count on the team at the Hand Center to do their best for you.”

“With our unparalleled clinical experience, we have access to an immense database of valuable information that is instrumental to defining best practices. We are always looking at ways to take the newest research findings and apply them toward the cutting-edge treatment of patients,” Dr. Giladi adds. “This further ensures that patients receive the highest quality care from the time they walk in our doors until they are fully recovered.”

Kirby, pictured with his mother, Michelle, and Thumper the goat, is grateful for the care he received from the team at the Hand Center.


diagnosed with this disease,” says Ziv Gamliel, MD, FACS, chief of Thoracic Surgery at MedStar Franklin Square Cancer Center at Loch Raven Campus, which opened last year on the grounds of MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital.

“The treatment of lung cancer has become increasingly complex in recent years, requiring the comprehensive review and assessment of multiple issues, such as genetics, radiology, surgery, reconstruction, chemotherapy, and more. Because of this, a multidisciplinary team approach

Fighting Lung Cancer

DID YOU KNOW THAT LUNG cancer claims more lives each year than colon, prostate, ovarian, and breast cancer combined? It’s an unfortunate fact. But there is good news … lung cancer death rates are on the decline.

“This decline is due, in part, to a reduction in the number of people smoking, the cause of approximately 80 percent of lung cancer deaths. But there have also been significant advances in screening and treatment that have played a big role in improving survival rates for individuals

Team Approach Key to Best Patient Experience

in caring for lung cancer patients is the best approach to treatment,” he notes.

“In our cancer center, each patient’s case is reviewed by a core group of lung cancer experts that includes a thoracic surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, interventional pulmonologist, and genetic counselor,” Dr. Gamliel explains. “We work as a team to consider all options and develop an individualized treatment plan that will deliver the best possible outcome.”

Research has shown that multidisciplinary care improves care coordination, resulting in a better patient experience. Evidence also suggests that the multidisciplinary model of care overcomes barriers to treatment, promotes standardized treatment through more stringent adherence to guidelines, and fosters collaboration in the delivery of clinical services … all leading to higher quality care.

Gwen Horrey is one of the patients who is now benefiting from the comprehensive care the cancer center offers. It started when the 73-year-old came to the Emergency department at MedStar Good Samaritan with pain in her lower back, chest, and left arm. Suspecting a cardiac problem, her doctors ordered a CT angiogram, which enabled them to rule out a heart issue. Horrey’s pain eventually subsided on its own and the cause was never determined.

The comprehensive services provided at MedStar Franklin Square Cancer Center at Loch Raven Campus have enabled Horrey to receive all the care she needs in one place.


But the CT did reveal a suspicious mass in the upper left lobe of her lung. A subsequent biopsy identified the tumor as lung cancer. She was referred to Dr. Gamliel for evaluation and he recommended surgery to remove it.

Fortunately for Horrey, Dr. Gamliel specializes in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), an alternative to open surgery that is minimally invasive and results in a quicker recovery. He performed a VATS lobectomy, removing the mass with just three small incisions.

LUNG CANCER SCREENING PROGRAM

The early detection of lung cancer makes a significant difference in survivorship. MedStar Health Cancer Network provides potentially lifesaving, low-dose CT lung screening for smokers, former smokers, and other high-risk individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Are between the ages of 55 and 77

• Have a smoking history of at least 30 pack years (i.e., a pack of cigarettes per day for at least 30 years, or two packs a day for at least 15 years)

• Are an active smoker or quit less than 15 years ago

Most insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, covers the cost of the screening but a physician referral is needed. Call 443-348-8336 to determine if you are eligible.

Horrey is now seeing Charles Padgett, MD, chief of Medical Oncology at the cancer center, for adjuvant treatment to reduce the risk of lung cancer recurrence.

“In the course of the last decade, lung cancer treatment has evolved quite rapidly. New scientific and clinical advances have modified the standard of care and led to improved patient outcomes,” says Dr. Padgett. “Integrating our oncology services encourages collaboration among our clinical experts, enhancing our multidisciplinary care model and further ensuring that patients get the personalized care they need.”

Visit MedStarCancer.org/Baltimore or call 877-715-HOPE (4673) for more information about our cancer services or a physician referral.

Horrey meets with Dr. Gamliel and Dr. Padgett, two key members of her multidisciplinary care team.

DID YOU KNOW?

MedStar Health offers free smoking cessation programs throughout Baltimore. Visit MedStarHealth.org/StopSmoking for dates and locations or call 410-933-2030.

[STAYING active]


Less Damage to Joints Often, people are interested in increasing their fitness level, or becoming more active, but knee, hip, or ankle pain restricts them from doing high-impact activities. Low-impact workouts are equally beneficial and some may actually promote the healing and recovery of damaged joints.

Weight Management Carrying excess weight puts a lot of stress on your body, particularly your joints. Participating in low-impact fitness activities is a good way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. While many people diet to lose weight, exercises such as swimming and biking can help burn a lot of calories.

“Anyone can enjoy and benefit from low-impact exercise, especially individuals who struggle with high-intensity exercises. You can take part in a low-impact activity every day and enjoy a healthy lifestyle without making existing conditions worse,” Dr. Moore notes. “But if you have health concerns, talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine.”

“Good nutrition, ample sleep, and exercise are all vital for whole-body health,” says Melita Moore, MD, a fellowship-trained sports medicine physiatrist at MedStar Orthopaedic Institute. “Unfortunately, many types of exercise put a lot of strain on our bodies, potentially causing problems down the line. That’s why I recommend low-impact exercises for many of my patients.”

What’s the difference between high- and low-impact exercise? High-impact exercise usually involves more direct force on the body and includes everything from team sports, such as football and lacrosse, to individual sports like running and gymnastics. Low-impact exercises, such as swimming, yoga, walking, and cycling, are gentler on the body, thus reducing the risk of injury.

“Low-impact exercise offers all the benefits of high-impact exercise while having a less deteriorating effect,” says Dr. Moore. Among the benefits of low-impact exercise:

Improved Cardiovascular Health Research has shown that participating in low-impact fitness activities can help prevent the development of cardiovascular disease. This means that swimming, using an elliptical machine, or riding your bike can be just as beneficial to your heart health as high-impact activities.

Melita Moore, MD

To schedule an appointment with Melita Moore, MD, visit MedStarOrtho.org or call 877-34-ORTHO (877-346-7846).

E xercising regularly is an important part of overall wellness. But traditional high-

impact exercises can be challenging if you are dealing with joint discomfort, an

injury, or an illness. Consider an option that is just as effective—a low-impact workout.

Staying Active The Benefits of Low-Impact Exercise


[STAY active][CARING for you]

Tiffany Hoh, DPM

“We all know that we need to pay extra attention to our skin during the summer months, but the way we care for our feet is important, too,” says Tiffany Hoh, DPM, a podiatric surgeon with the Center for Wound Healing, Hyperbaric Medicine, and Limb Salvage at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital. “Giving your feet the attention they need can help you avoid many unpleasant infections and painful foot injuries.”

Dr. Hoh offers these tips for keeping your feet healthy as temperatures rise.

• Keep sunscreen handy. Don’t forget to put sunscreen on the tops of your feet and on your toes. It’s an area that is often overlooked, but if you’re barefoot or wearing sandals, your feet are exposed to damaging ultraviolet rays.

• Limit going barefoot. Walking around a pool, park, or locker room in bare feet puts you at risk of picking up a virus like plantar warts or a fungal infection like athlete’s foot, both of which tend to thrive in warm, moist environments. Going shoeless also raises the risk of stepping on glass or getting splinters. It’s especially important for individuals with diabetes to always wear shoes since even minor injuries, like cutting your foot on a seashell, may lead to serious infections or non-healing wounds.

• Rethink your flip flops. Wearing this summertime staple can cause stress fractures, arch pain, heel pain, tendinitis, and can make hammertoes worse. To make flip flops a safer footwear choice, look for a pair with thick soles and built-in arch support.

• Pamper your feet. Dry summer feet are common. Treat them with an exfoliating moisturizer every day and run a pumice stone over them once or twice a week when bathing. If you develop any deep cracks where you can see dried blood, treat the area with an antibiotic topical cream and cover it with a bandage.

• Take pedicure precautions. Choose a salon that sterilizes tools and equipment between each client. Better yet, if you get frequent pedicures, bring your own pedicure kit and be sure to sanitize it at home after the appointment. If you see any clues that the salon isn’t sanitary, head for the exit.

“We rely on our feet all year. While you’re having fun in the sun, don’t neglect your feet or you may pay for it with pain, injuries, and other foot problems later,” says Dr. Hoh. “Keep these simple tips in mind as you enjoy the summer months. And if you experience any foot problems, they should be evaluated and treated by a podiatrist.”

How to Keep Your Feet Healthy All Summer Long

Visit MedStarHealth.org/DestinationGoodHealth or call 855-212-8202 for a free sample of foot cream and a referral to Tiffany Hoh, DPM.

S ummer is here and after months of being confined in shoes, your feet can finally

be set free. While for many of us going barefoot is one of the great pleasures of

the season, you should be aware that summer can be very tough on the feet.


OUR BONES. WE TAKE THEM for granted. But bones are living tissue and, as we get older, the structure of our bones changes, resulting in a loss of bone mass. That means the bones are weaker, placing a person at greater risk of fractures from a fall.

“Bones become less dense as we age for a number of reasons,” says Mark Richardson, MD, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic trauma surgeon with MedStar Orthopaedic Institute. “Inactivity is one reason … bones respond to stress. Being physically active stimulates bones to rebuild themselves. Hormonal changes, as well as a lack of the essential nutrients needed for strong bones play a critical role too.”

At MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, a collaborative effort between MedStar Orthopaedic Institute and the Center for Successful Aging called the Secondary Fracture Prevention program, is helping to ensure that patients who have experienced a fracture that may have been due, in part, to bone loss get the treatment they need to prevent future breaks and improve long-term outcomes.

Program Aims to Improve Long-Term Outcomes

Malek Cheikh, MDMark Richardson, MD

Treating Fragile Bones

“Simply fixing a broken bone is not enough. In the case of a fragility fracture, identifying the underlying cause can help us to minimize the chances of that patient having a repeat episode,” Dr. Richardson says.

He cites as an example Jessie Mink, a 66-year-old woman who was sent to him after presenting at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center with two broken bones in her lower right leg and a broken left ankle. Two months earlier, she had fractured her femur and was still recovering from that injury. She also suffers from radiation neuropathy, a side effect of cancer treatments she went through when she was age 39. Because of the neuropathy, she has limited feeling in her lower legs and uses a walker.

“Jessie is an impressive and courageous individual. Her complex case was made even more complicated by the fact that her bones were so fragile. It can be more difficult for weak or fragile bones to hold the implants that we use to fix fractures,” explains Dr. Richardson, who is noted for his extensive experience treating traumas. “We were able to repair

the fractures but, due to the extent of her injuries and the fragility of her bones, she could not put any significant weight on either of her legs for two months.” She spent that time in a rehabilitation facility.

During her ordeal, Mink felt fortunate to be in Dr. Richardson’s care. “I was so lucky to be sent to him. I always felt that he was truly looking after me, and still do. He treated me like a member of his family,” she notes. “When I was able to walk again, he highly recommended that I see one of his colleagues at MedStar Good Samaritan to address my bone issues. I didn’t want to spend more time in a doctor’s office, especially since the hospital is pretty far from my home. However, Dr. Richardson was insistent, and I value his opinion. So I agreed.”


She was referred to Malek Cheikh, MD, an endocrinologist who specializes in caring for patients with osteoporosis at the Center for Successful Aging. Mink soon felt as comfortable with him as she does with Dr. Richardson.

“In just one visit, I knew I was in such good hands. He really listened to me and picked up on things I was thinking,” she says.

Dr. Cheikh scheduled Mink for a bone density test called a DEXA scan, to determine the extent of her bone loss. “As we suspected, she had osteoporosis, a debilitating disease particularly common in post-menopausal women, in which the bones become fragile and are more likely to break. Other testing revealed that she had low Vitamin D levels and was not absorbing nutrients,” he says.

“We are taking steps now to slow the bone loss, increase her bone density, and reduce her risk of fractures in the future,” Dr. Cheikh explains, “Dietary changes, appropriate exercise, and medication are all essential to this.”

Today, Mink is getting around just fine. She especially enjoys spending time with her 87-year-old dad, who she refers to as her best friend; the rest of her family, which includes six grandchildren; and the many other friends who support her.

“Unfortunately, falls and fractures are common as people get older and the consequences can be devastating. The gold standard

today is to try to prevent future breaks by preventing falls and improving bone health,” Dr. Richardson adds. “Working with geriatricians and having endocrinology consultants like Dr. Cheikh and his colleagues helps achieve better outcomes. That’s what the Secondary Fracture Prevention program is all about.”

For more information about the Center for Successful Aging and our Secondary Fracture Prevention program, visit MedStar Health.org/DestinationGoodHealth or call 855-212-8202.

FAST FACT:Approximately 54 million Americans, half of all adults ages 50 and older, have osteoporosis or low bone density, placing them at increased risk for fractures.

Mink is grateful for the care she received throughout her recovery process, noting that every member of her team treated her like family.


COMMUNITY LECTURES AND CLASS SCHEDULESAt MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, we care about the health and wellness of our community. One of the ways we try to keep you healthy and active is by offering special classes, events, and screenings. Join us, and learn how you can stay healthy for life.

HEART HEALTH

Free Blood Pressure Screenings Mondays through Fridays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital Good Health Center

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, Phase IIThis is an individualized, carefully monitored combination of exercise therapy and education for those recovering from a heart attack, coronary artery bypass graft, angioplasty or coronary stenting, heart valve replacement/repair, or heart or heart-lung transplant.

Mondays through Fridays8 a.m. to 3 p.m. MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

Call 410-554-2167 for details.

Three hourly sessions per week, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays9 or 11 a.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health Center

Call 443-444-3874 to register.

EXERCISE AND FITNESS

YogaImprove your flexibility and reduce stress. Beginners to advanced participants welcome.

Mondays, July 1 to Sept. 16; Sept. 30 to Dec. 196 to 7:15 p.m. MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalParker Center


Fee: $80 for 11-week session

Joy YogaEnjoy a fun-flowing class, accessible to all levels. Learn to move the breath and body in sync with yoga postures that help to calm the mind and stretch the body.

Mondays, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.Shepherd’s Clinic/ Joy Wellness Center2800 Kirk Ave., Baltimore

Call 410-467-7140, ext. 240 to register.

Suggested donation: $3 to $5

Gentle YogaA gentler yoga class to improve balance and strength, mostly done in a chair, standing, or with a mat (optional).

Wednesdays, June 19 to Aug. 7; Sept. 25 to Nov. 132:30 to 3:30 p.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalParker Center


Fee: $60 for eight-week session

Gentle Tai ChiSmooth, gentle movements can help lower blood pressure, ease stress, and improve sleep.

Tuesdays and Fridays, Sept. 24 to Oct. 18 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health Center


Fee: $35 for a twice-a-week session over four weeks

Regular Tai ChiThis ancient form of exercise can help lower blood pressure, ease stress, and improve sleep.

Tuesdays, July 2 to Aug. 6; Thursdays, Sept. 26 to Nov. 21 (no class Oct. 31)5:30 to 6:30 p.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health Center


Fee: $25 for July six-week session

$35 for Sept. eight-week session

Advanced Senior FitnessThis fitness class includes 20 minutes of low-impact exercise, followed by an “on the mat” yoga session.

Thursdays, 10 to 11:15 a.m.Senior Network of North Baltimore5828 York Rd., Baltimore

Call 410-323-7131 to register. Space is limited.

Fee: $20 for 10 classes

[CLASSES and events]

Phyllis Feldmann, a 93-year-old who is a regular participant in Gentle Tai Chi at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, is proof that taking the class has positive health benefits.

Phase III Exercise Program

This is for patients with arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic illnesses and includes access to an on-site fitness center (physician referral required).

Mondays through Thursdays7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Fridays7 a.m. to 4 p.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health Center

To register, call 443-444-3881.

Fee: $20 per month or $90 for six months

Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s

This is a non-contact boxing program that aims to enhance the quality of life for people with Parkinson's. It has been scientifically proven to slow the progression of the disease, reduce tremors, and improve functional abilities.

Wednesdays, 2:30 p.m.; Fridays, 11 a.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalOutpatient Rehabilitation

Call 443-444-4822 for more information.

Fee: $15 per class

To register, visit MedStarHealth.org/DestinationGoodHealth or call toll-free 855-212-8202, unless noted otherwise. Many classes are free; however, some have a fee that will be discussed when you call to register.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Amputee Support GroupShare experiences and resources about how to live independently.

Fourth Wednesday of each month 1:30 to 3 p.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health Center, Room B

For details, call 443-444-5500.

Aphasia Support GroupLanguage support for those recovering from stroke and other conditions.

Second and fourth Mondays of each month1 to 2 p.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health Center, Room B


Arm-in-Arm Open to breast cancer survivors and those newly diagnosed.

MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital

Call 443-444-6420 for details.

Diabetes Support Group Join guest speakers for topics relating to diabetes.

Third Monday of each month2:30 to 4 p.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health Center


Caregiver Support GroupLearn how to thrive while caring for a loved one. You can bring your loved one to socialize in our activity group for people with dementia, which is held at the same time as the caregiver group. Hosted by the Center for Successful Aging.

Second Thursdays, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, and Sept. 123:30 to 5 p.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalRussell Morgan Bldg., Suite 502

Register online or call 443-444-4720.

Stroke Support Group Meet with stroke survivors and caregivers to help one another.

First Thursdays 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Call 855-212-8202 for locations and to register.

LUNG CARE

Pulmonary RehabilitationA monitored exercise program to help if you have lung diseases, such as COPD, asthma, and chronic bronchitis.

MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health Center


WELLNESS AND PREVENTION

Massage Therapy or Integrative ReflexologyProvided by licensed massage therapists at the Good Health Center. Day and evening appointments are available.

Call 443-444-GOOD (4663) for details.

Fee: $30 for 30 minutes, $60 for 60 minutes, or $90 for 90 minutes




To register, visit MedStarHealth.org/DestinationGoodHealth or call toll-free 855-212-8202, unless noted otherwise. Many classes are free; however, some have a fee that will be discussed when you call to register.

ENT ClinicIf you have conditions of the ears, nose, and throat, such as dizziness, pain due to hearing loss or infections, and sinusitis, we can help.


Freshstart® Smoking Cessation Program

This program is designed to help smokers plan a successful quit attempt by providing essential information, skills for coping with cravings, and group support.

Thursdays, July 11 to Aug. 1 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health Center


Living Well with Hypertension This free workshop is designed for people who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, wanting to learn how to better manage their condition.

Wednesday, June 26 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Joy Wellness Center 2800 Kirk Ave., Baltimore

Tuesday, Aug. 65 to 7 p.m.Hampden Family Center1104 W. 36th St., Baltimore


Hepatitis ClinicPeople can have Hepatitis B and C and not know they are infected. New treatment options are available to improve recovery.


Life Balance Weight Management This one-year program is based on the National Diabetes Prevention program, designed for individuals who are at risk to develop type 2 diabetes and those who have been diagnosed with prediabetes. With the help of a lifestyle coach, participants are supported in this journey toward making positive changes related to nutrition, exercise, problem-solving, and coping skills.

Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 17 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital Good Health Center


CANCER PREVENTION

Breast and Cervical Cancer ScreeningsFree mammograms, clinical breast exams, and pap tests are available for women who are:

• Ages 40 or older

• Uninsured or underinsured

• Limited income

• Resident of Baltimore City metropolitan area

Call 410-350-2066 to see if you qualify and schedule an appointment.

Colon Cancer ScreeningColon cancer is one of the most common, yet preventable cancers. To detect colon cancer early, when it is easier to treat, free colonoscopies are available for eligible individuals:

• Women and men ages 50 and older

• Under age 50 with symptoms or a family history of colon cancer

• Uninsured or underinsured

• Limited income

• Resident of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, or Anne Arundel County

Call 410-350-8216 to see if you qualify and schedule an appointment.



DIABETES CAN STRIKE ANYONE, from any walk of life. And it does—in numbers that are dramatically increasing. In Baltimore City, nearly 14 percent of the population lives with diabetes, and African Americans are more than twice as likely to have the disease. It’s a big problem, one that MedStar Health has identified as a serious community health issue.

But there are ways those at risk for developing diabetes can help prevent it. That’s the goal of the Life Balance Weight Management program, which was launched at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital in 2014 to address this chronic disease.

Designed specifically for people who have been diagnosed with what is known as prediabetes and those at risk for type 2 diabetes, the year-long program focuses on helping participants develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. One of the program goals is to help participants lose five to seven percent of their body weight, which has been proven to dramatically reduce a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Preventing Diabetes Through Positive Change

Community Health Spotlight

The group-based program is held at sites throughout the community and consists of 16 sessions over six months, followed by six additional monthly sessions. The program is led by trained lifestyle coaches who closely support participants in making positive changes related to nutrition, exercise, problem-solving, and coping skills.

Donna Anderson is one of 30 enthusiastic individuals enrolled in the program at Huber Community Life Center, a new location added this year after the pastor challenged members of his congregation to a New Year’s resolution of losing 15 pounds by July 1. “I have already lost weight and I feel like I have so much more energy,” Anderson says. “Plus, I am learning so much.”

Reverend P.M. Smith, who issued the challenge, is pleased to see so many individuals participating in and benefiting from the program. “Diabetes can be a devastating condition and it’s so prevalent in our community. The impact it can have on families can be staggering. Physical wellness

To learn more about the Community Health programs offered at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, visit MedStarHealth.org/DestinationGoodHealth or call 855-218-2435.

Anderson is among those participating in the Life Balance Weight Management program at Huber Community Life Center, and getting great results.

is just as important as spiritual wellness.”

Since MedStar Good Samaritan started the program five years ago, approximately 300 individuals have enrolled. New programs are offered continuously so that individuals interested in participating don’t have to wait long to get started, and the hospital is always looking for new sites to add.

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Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Baltimore, MD

Permit No. 5941

PO Box 43595 • Baltimore, MD 21236-9841MedStarHealth.org/DestinationGoodHealth855-212-8202

The New Breast Center at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital

The Breast Center at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital is a new, state-of-the-art facility offering the

highest quality care from a multidisciplinary team—all in one convenient location. From the latest

screening technology including 3-D mammograms to improve the early detection of breast cancer,

to the most advanced treatments, we offer a supportive, positive environment. Plus, early morning

and lunchtime appointments are available.

Learn more about the services we offer, our physicians, and their approach to cancer care and

treatment at MedStarCancer.org/NewServices. For an appointment, call 443-444-HOPE (4673).

The Breast Center at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital5601 Loch Raven Blvd. | Smyth Bldg. Suite 403 | Baltimore, MD 21239

The Comprehensive Care You Need—All in One Place

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DESTINATION - MedStar Health · 2019. 6. 3. · Community Health Spotlight. Preventing Diabetes...

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Transcript of DESTINATION - MedStar Health · 2019. 6. 3. · Community Health Spotlight. Preventing Diabetes...