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SUMMER 2017 A Journey Worth Taking Quest for Better Health Leads to a New Outlook on Life Making Specialty Care More Accessible Clinics Offer Treatment Options Not Widely Available Collaborating for the Best Outcomes Orthopaedic and Geriatric Teams Focus on Caring for Fragile Bones HEALTHY HABITS Feeling Stressed? How to Restore Balance in Your Life

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Page 1: A Journey Worth Taking - MedStar Health · 2017-06-17 · “This part of my journey—sharing my story—was never expected. I love talking to people who are on the fence about getting

SUM

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A Journey Worth TakingQuest for Better Health Leads to a New Outlook on Life

Making Specialty Care More AccessibleClinics Offer Treatment Options Not Widely Available

Collaborating for the Best OutcomesOrthopaedic and Geriatric Teams Focus on Caring for Fragile Bones

HEALTHY HABITSFeeling Stressed? How to Restore Balance in Your Life

Page 2: A Journey Worth Taking - MedStar Health · 2017-06-17 · “This part of my journey—sharing my story—was never expected. I love talking to people who are on the fence about getting

2 3MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health | SUMMER 2017

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 care to the community. Recognized as a specialty center for rehabilitation, our services also include geriatrics, diabetes care, cancer care, emergency care, vascular care, wellness and wound healing.

Good Health is published by the Marketing and Communications department of MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital. The information provided in this publication is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health and is nota substitute for consultation with a personal physician. For more information, call 855-546-1995. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2017.

On the cover: Angelo Campanella, pictured with his dog, Sahara, is healthier than ever after losing weight and getting his diabetes under control.

SUMMER 2017

CARE FOR Caregivers

FEATURES

4 A Journey Worth Taking Quest for Better Health Leads to a New Outlook on Life

8 Collaborating for the Best OutcomesOrthopaedic and Geriatric Teams Focus on Caring for Fragile Bones

10 Making Specialty Care More AccessibleClinics Offer Treatment Options Not Widely Available

DEPARTMENTS

3 WHAT’S NEW

7 HEALTHY HABITS

12 STAYING ACTIVE

13 CARING FOR YOU

14 CLASSES AND EVENTS M illions of Americans today provide some form of care for an older adult—either a

family member or friend. According to the National Alliance on Caregiving, most

caregivers of older adults spend an average of 24 hours per week tending to their

loved ones’ needs. It’s a tough job—one that often takes a physical, emotional and fi nancial

toll. Yet the needs of caregivers are often overlooked.

That’s why the Center for Successful Aging at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital established a Caregiver Support Group. This group provides the opportunity to share stories with others going through similar experiences—offering much needed social and emotional support. If you are caring for an older adult, you need to take care of yourself. Afternoon and evening groups are held monthly and everyone is welcome.

[WHAT’S new][CONTENTS]

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Here at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, we are committed to delivering excellent care and positive experiences for all our patients. It requires a team to do that well; a team that is fully engaged with your care,

that is sharing information, and one that is building meaningful relationships with you, your family and one another.

To enhance teamwork in our hospitals, we have recently introduced a new model of care for patients called the Interdisciplinary Model of Care (IMOC). This model allows your team to deliver your care in a highly coordinated manner. Your physician and your nurse will be spending time with you, engaging in open and honest communication so that information is fl owing both ways, which gives you a voice in decisions about your care and a better understanding of your treatment plan.

Our IMOC pilot programs showed that this team process led to shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, lower costs and increased patient satisfaction. We know that you appreciate these results!

At the end of the day, we want to be your partner in your care, sharing information, listening to your questions and those of your family members, and developing relationships that lead to more cohesive healthcare management in an environment that is focused on positive experiences. Your role in this partnership is to share your concerns, ask questions and speak with your caregivers as an active participant in your care team.

With this new patient care approach, we can deliver a higher quality of care that produces better results for patients and creates more meaningful relationships between our caregivers and our patients.

In good health,

Bradley S. ChambersPresident, MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalPresident, MedStar Union Memorial HospitalSenior Vice President, MedStar Health

CONSIDER A

Life Saving Lung Screening

A re you a current or former smoker? MedStar Health Cancer Network offers lung

screenings for long-time smokers and former smokers to detect lung cancer.

A painless procedure, the screening involves the use of low-dose CT scans to

identify cancer in its early stages—when it is most treatable.

Low-dose CT scans are now recommended based on a recent National Cancer Institute study that showed a reduction in lung cancer death rates of 20 percent among those screened with CT scans versus those screened by chest X-ray.

You could be a candidate for our lung screening program if you:

• Are 55 to 74 years old• Smoked a pack a day for 30 years or more, or two packs a day for 15 years• Still smoke or quit less than 15 years ago

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover the cost of screening, but a written order from a healthcare provider is needed. To learn more, call 877-715-HOPE (4673).

-20%

Reduction in lung cancer death rates since screening with CT scans

See the calendar listing on page 14 for the dates and times of the next Caregiver Support Groups at MedStar Good Samaritan. For details, call 443-444-4720.

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4 5MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health | SUMMER 2017

FAST FACT: According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 29 million Americans, or 9.3 percent of the population, have diabetes.

“In addition to being overweight, Angelo was on insulin and many other medications for his diabetes and other related health conditions. I recommended a gastric bypass, which would not only help him lose weight but could also reduce the severity of his diabetes,” Dr. You says.

Gastric bypass surgery works by changing the anatomy of the

gastrointestinal tract to limit the amount of food you can eat. The surgery also changes the absorption rate of food, which results in beneficial metabolic changes.

“When combined with a comprehensive treatment plan, bariatric surgery can be an effective tool for achieving long-term weight loss and a better quality of life.

FOUR YEARS AGO, ANGELO Campanella was far from the picture of health he is today. Only 53 years old, he weighed close to 400 pounds and had a number of health issues, including diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.

“I made a lot of poor life choices over time and knew I needed to make some changes. But it wasn’t until I developed diabetic foot ulcers that wouldn’t heal that my journey really started,” Campanella says.

“Diabetes can cause a lot of serious problems and foot ulcers are just one of them. It can also affect your heart health and your ability to lose weight,” explains Adline Ghazi, MD, director of the Diabetes Care Program at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, who Campanella sees for his diabetes.

Campanella was referred to the Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Healing Center at

During his journey, Campanella learned to make healthier food choices.

Adline Ghazi, MD

Campanella and his dog, Sahara, exercise together every day.

DID YOU KNOW?

While being overweight is a risk factor for developing diabetes, other risk factors, such as family history, ethnicity and age, also play a role. Yet, many people disregard the other risk factors and think that weight is the only contributing factor.

MedStar Good Samaritan, but ended up needing surgery to effectively treat the ulcers. While recovering, his doctors noticed some abnormalities in his blood work that concerned them and ordered additional tests. They found heart disease so severe, they immediately admitted him to MedStar Union Memorial Hospital for cardiac bypass surgery.

After his bypass, Campanella started to take better care of himself. He enrolled in the cardiac rehabilitation program in the Good Health Center at MedStar Good Samaritan and his diabetes stabilized. But he couldn’t lose weight, which was hindering his efforts to manage his diabetes. He decided to look into weight loss surgery.

At the suggestion of his doctors, he scheduled a consultation with Christopher You, MD, FACS, FASMBS, medical director of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center.

Christopher You, MD, FACS, FASMBS

A Journey Worth TakingQuest for Better Health Leads to a NEW OUTLOOK ON LIFE

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6 7MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health | SUMMER 2017

More importantly, it helps improve many obesity-related conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and more,” adds Dr. You.

Dr. You stresses that individuals considering bariatric surgery need to understand and be committed to the lifestyle changes required after surgery.

“It’s important to remember that weight loss success depends on other factors too, such as nutrition, exercise and behavior modifi cation. Angelo was committed to making the changes needed and was enthusiastic throughout the entire process,” says Dr. You.

Prior to the surgery, Campanella attended MedStar Franklin Square’s preoperative weight management program, dropping quite a bit of weight as a result.

When he went in for the surgery in June 2015, he weighed around 330 pounds. The day after surgery, Campanella’s diabetes was in remission and he no longer needed multiple medications or daily injections. He still sees Dr. Ghazi at MedStar Good Samaritan and is on medication for blood sugar maintenance.

“Angelo had a lot of health problems for someone his age and his quality of life was not good. But, he truly wanted to get better and took charge. That really makes a difference,” Dr. Ghazi notes.

Today, Campanella is 100 pounds lighter and his former 56-inch waist is now just 36 inches.

Healthier than ever, he frequently takes water aerobics classes at the Y, plays billiards with a number of Amateur Pool Player Association teams several nights a week, and enjoys walking his dog, Sahara, a couple of hours every day.

He is extremely grateful for the support he received during the past four years.

“My parents, Vito and Laura, my brother, Pietro and my girlfriend, Marye, all took care of me and helped keep me motivated throughout this process. And my colleagues at Calvert Mechanical Solutions, where I have worked for 29 years, have been great. I was out a lot, especially after my foot and heart surgeries, and there was never any question that my job would be waiting for me,” he says.

He is also thankful for the compassionate care he received from the many healthcare providers at MedStar Health who helped him turn around his life.

“This part of my journey—sharing my story—was never expected. I love talking to people who are on the fence about getting healthier, especially about gastric bypass,” Campanella adds. “I hope my experience encourages others who are struggling with health issues.”

I n today’s fast-paced world, we all feel stress from time to time. While some people are

good at coping with stress, others let it take over their lives, causing extreme anxiety and

potentially harmful side effects.

“Some stress is normal and it’s not always bad. When you are stressed, your body responds as though you are in danger. It makes hormones that increase your strength and stamina, speed up your reaction time and give you a burst of energy—preparing you to more effectively deal with the situation at hand. This is called the stress response,” explains Anita Parr, LCSW-C, a psychotherapist at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital.

But if stress happens too often or lasts too long, it can cause physical and psychological problems. If you frequently fi nd yourself feeling overly stressed, it may be time to work on restoring balance in your life. Here are a few tips:

GET YOUR REST. Feeling tired makes it hard to think clearly and can increase stress. Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep daily.

GET MOVING. Regular exercise can lift your mood and serve as a distraction, allowing you to break out of the cycle of thoughts that feed stress.

CONNECT WITH OTHERS. The simple act of talking with someone else can trigger hormones that relieve stress.

BE MINDFUL.Learn to recognize what causes you to feel stressful. This will prepare you to cope better when faced with a stressful situation.

PRACTICE RELAXING. Relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing, result in a state of restfulness that can increase your ability to stay calm under pressure.

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT AND DRINK. A diet full of processed food, sugary snacks and caffeine can worsen symptoms. So can the excessive use of alcohol, which only masks feelings of stress.

“Stress can help you rise to meet challenges. Too much stress can damage your health and affect your quality of life,” Parr adds. “When stress is having a signifi cant impact on your daily activities, you should see a behavioral health professional. There are treatments that can help.”

Anita Parr, LCSW-C

For more information about diabetes care and to see Angelo’s “before” and “after” photos, visit MedStarGoodSam.org/GoodHealth. For a referral to our experts, call 855-546-1995.

Campanella is grateful for the support he received from his coworkers, including John Smyth, president of Calvert Mechanical Solutions, left, and Leo Howell, a sales representative.

For more information or a provider referral, visit MedStarGoodSam.org/GoodHealth or call 855-546-1995.

Feeling

STRESSED? Tips for Restoring Balance in Your Life

[HEALTHY habits]

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8 9MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health | SUMMER 2017

DID YOU KNOW?

Making your environment fall proof is not diffi cult—here are a few suggestions:

• Wear sturdy, low-healed, soft-soled shoes; avoid fl oppy slippers and sandals.

• Ask your doctor whether any medication you are taking can cause dizziness, light-headedness or loss of balance.

• Minimize the clutter in your home.

• Secure all rugs in your home.

• Keep halls, stairs and entries well lit; use nightlights in the bedroom and bathroom.

• Use grab bars and nonskid tape in the shower or tub.

• Use nonskid rubber mats in the kitchen around the sink and stove.

After her surgery, Kelly spent two days in the orthopaedic surgical unit then completed inpatient rehabilitation. She was home in two weeks.

During her stay, Malek Cheikh, MD, an endocrinologist who specializes in caring for patients with osteoporosis, began working with Kelly and her family. They created a plan to prevent future fractures and improve both her short- and long-term outcomes. Dr. Cheikh also scheduled her for a visit to the Center for Successful Aging, which provides care for older patients with complex medical and social conditions.

There, the fi rst step was a bone density test, called a DEXA scan, to determine if she had osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease common in elderly women in which the bones become fragile and are more likely to break.

Kelly’s test showed that she had experienced signifi cant bone loss.

Dr. Cheikh explains, “We are taking steps to slow the bone loss, increase her bone density and reduce her risk of fractures in the future. Dietary changes, appropriate exercise and medication are all essential to this. Making sure her home environment is safe and as fall proof as possible is important too.”

Today, Kelly is on the mend and her family is grateful for the integrated care she received at MedStar Good Samaritan.

“Falls and fractures go hand-in-hand with aging and are extremely common. That’s why we don’t just patch up a fractured hip and send a patient home. When a geriatrician cares for a patient in concert with an orthopaedic surgeon, the results are much better,” Dr. Hennawi adds.”

geriatric team was there for her every step of the way.

“Hip injuries can be dangerous for the elderly. Older patients have a higher risk of complications, and many need treatment beyond surgery,” says Carmen Pichard-Encina, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon with MedStar Orthopaedics who cared for Kelly.

“The fact that Marie had previous fall-related injuries was a red fl ag that she had other medical conditions. Prior to her hip surgery, we met with members of our geriatrics team and her family to evaluate her medical, cognitive and emotional status so a personalized geriatric-based plan could be developed. This helped to ensure she would have a successful recovery.”

Kelly was wheeled into surgery less than 24 hours after being admitted to MedStar Good Samaritan. This is one of the goals of the program.

“Reducing delays before surgery reduces complications and results in better outcomes, as well as a shorter hospital stay,” Dr. Pichard-Encina notes.

FRACTURES ARE COMMON among the elderly and as the population ages, the incidence of breaking bones increases. At MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, we use a team approach to provide the best care for this population through our Ortho-Geriatric Service.

“Our Ortho-Geriatric Service is a multidisciplinary way of managing the medical needs of elderly patients admitted for fractures and other orthopaedic conditions. Our geriatric team partners with the orthopaedic, nursing and rehabilitation teams to achieve the best function and outcomes for these often-frail patients,” explains George Hennawi, MD, chief of Geriatrics at MedStar Good Samaritan and director of the Center for Successful Aging.

“Simply fi xing a fracture or joint problem does not address the reason a fall or a problem occurred. In the case of a fracture, identifying the underlying cause can help us to minimize the chances of that patient having a repeat episode,” he adds.

When 79-year-old Marie Kelly fell and fractured her hip while cleaning her house, the ortho-

FAST FACT:Approximately 2.8 million older adults are treated in emergency departments every year for fall injuries according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more information about the Center for Successful Aging or to order our Healthy Aging Guide, visit MedStarGoodSam.org/GoodHealth or call 855-546-1995.

Kelly chats with Dr. Carmen Pichard-Encina, her orthopaedic surgeon.

Collaborating for the Best Outcomes Orthopaedic and Geriatric Teams

Focus on Caring for Fragile Bones

Malek Cheikh, MD

George Hennawi, MD

Carmen Pichard-Encina, MD

Romeo Regino, a radiologic technologist, tests Kelly’s bone density using a DEXA scanner, the most accurate method for diagnosing osteoporosis.

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10 11MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health | SUMMER 2017

Center, where she met with Carolina De Jesús-Acosta, MD, the neurologist who leads the program.

“Megan had one of the most disabling forms of headache. Patients with chronic migraines experience a headache more than 14 days of the month, which can greatly affect family, work and social life. So she met the diagnostic criteria for Botox® treatment,” Dr. De Jesús-Acosta explains.

In June of 2016, Mioduzewski began receiving multiple Botox injections around the head and neck every three months to dull future headache symptoms. The treatments worked, and since then she has been nearly headache free. Now age 22, she just graduated from college and is pursuing a career as a medical lab scientist, a profession she chose as a result of her experience.

“The causes of conditions like Megan’s can be very complex, and many patients spend years chasing treatments,” adds Dr. De Jesús-Acosta. “I am glad we were able to help her get her life back.”

DID YOU KNOW?

There are two types of migraine medications, those that help relieve pain and those that help prevent pain.

FAST FACT: The only way to know for sure if you have hepatitis C is to have a screening blood test.

the clinic is run by Lawrence Mills, Jr., MD, the hospital’s chief of Gastroenterology.

“We can cure hepatitis C in the majority of patients we see with almost no side effects. These new treatments work much better and faster than those used in the past,” says Dr. Mills.

Raisa Stefanuca, MD, a 67-year-old retired ophthalmologist, is proof of the effectiveness of the new drugs. She had no idea she had hepatitis C until abnormalities in her liver enzymes were found during routine blood work.

Hepatitis C is transmitted via exposure to infected human blood, most commonly through needles (intravenous drug use, tattoos from unsterilized equipment, accidental needle sticks, etc.) or a blood transfusion prior to 1990. Dr. Stefanuca had always lived a healthy lifestyle and had no idea how she got infected.

Her primary care physician referred her to the Hepatitis Clinic where, after further testing, Dr. Mills put her on a six-month regimen of one of the recently approved medications. During her treatment, her blood was tested regularly. Today, she is healthy and free of the virus.

Making Specialty Care More Accessible

AT MEDSTAR GOOD SAMARITAN Hospital, one of our main goals is to help you take charge of your health so you can get the most out of life. That’s why we established the Good Health Center 25 years ago. One of the most comprehensive, low-cost health enhancement facilities in Maryland, the center provides free and low-cost community screenings, support groups and seminars throughout the year.

The Good Health Center also partners with hospital physicians to make specialized outpatient care easily accessible by offering a variety of clinics focused on specific health conditions. Through these clinics, many individuals are getting the treatments they need to live better lives.

Tackling Hepatitis CHepatitis C is a virus that can damage the liver and cause serious liver disease. Many people don’t know they have hepatitis C because they don’t have symptoms. The good news is that hepatitis C is now curable, thanks to new treatments that have been approved in recent years.

Clinics Offer Treatment Options Not Widely Available“Just a few years ago, hepatitis C patients had to take a combination of pills and injections for almost a year. Most weren’t cured and many experienced serious side effects. Now, we have treatments that offer a very high cure rate even if previous treatments have failed,” notes Dr. Mills.

Battling MigrainesExperiencing a migraine headache once or twice a month is bad enough. Living with a migraine nearly every day can be debilitating. Megan Mioduzewski knows first-hand what it is like.

“I started getting migraines in 2012 during my senior year of high school and they were almost constant. The pain was so bad that I was often hospitalized. But, my headaches did not respond to any of the normal treatments,” Mioduzewski says.

Despite the pain, she went on to college at Stevenson University, struggling for the next three years. When her doctor ran out of options, Mioduzewski was referred to the Migraine Clinic at the Good Health

Thanks to the treatments she received at the Hepatitis Clinic, Dr. Stefanuca is healthy and free of the virus.

For more information, or to arrange an appointment, visit MedStarGoodSam.org/GoodHealth or call 855-546-1995.

Carolina De Jesús-Acosta, MD

Lawrence Mills, Jr., MD

Mioduzewski lived with chronic headaches for years before finding relief at the Migraine Clinic.

These major advances in treatment are now available at the Hepatitis Clinic at the Good Health Center.

Opened in collaboration with the Division of Gastroenterology,

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12 13MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health | SUMMER 2017

HOT Weather and Hydration:

[STAY active][STAYING active]

O ne of the best ways to stay healthy is to stay hydrated. In fact, it’s vital during the

summer months when our bodies need more fl uids to counteract the warmer

temperatures and higher humidity.

Whether you’re an avid athlete or just enjoy getting out during the summer months, Kansler offers these general suggestions to ensure you stay hydrated:

• Drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. You may need more or less based on your age, weight, health and activity level so, if unsure, check with your doctor.

• Carry a reusable water bottle with you and drink from it throughout the day, refi lling as needed.

• Drink water during meals. It will help you stay hydrated and make you feel more full, which can prevent overeating.

• Not a fan of plain water? Consider fl avoring it with veggies, citrus fruit or a splash of real fruit juice. Try fresh mint with sliced cucumber.

• Drink water before, during and after exercise or any physical activity.

“Thirst isn’t always a reliable early indicator of the body’s need for water. Many people don’t feel thirsty until they’re already dehydrated. That’s why it’s so important to increase water intake during hot weather,” Kansler notes.

Heat illnesses can be serious. Call your provider if symptoms persist.

What You Need to Know

“In addition to helping the body function properly, water helps regulate body temperature and fl ush out waste. But most people do not drink enough water. Without suffi cient water in your body, your cells get congested, your skin can’t detox, and your bladder and kidneys can’t work properly. You feel tired and less able to concentrate. People often confuse hunger for thirst and overeat. Drink some water

or a beverage like water that is low in calories, sugar, sodium and fat fi rst,” explains Karen Kansler, RN, nurse wellness coordinator in the Good Health Center at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital.

“Good hydration is especially important if you are active or exercising in the heat. During hot and humid weather, the risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses, including cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, is higher. In severe cases, dehydration can be life-threatening. You need to consume water to replace the fl uids lost during physical activity,” she adds.

Karen Kansler, RN

Y ou sprained an ankle. Or suffered a cut that needs stitches. Or have a nasty rash.

In the past, these conditions might have sent you to the Emergency department (ED).

Today, there is another option—urgent care.

“Emergency departments play a critical role in our healthcare system, but going to the ED may not be the best choice if you have an injury or illness that is not life-threatening. Urgent care centers provide quick and convenient access to health care for minor illnesses and injuries, right when it’s needed,” says Kevin Scruggs, MD, chairman, Emergency Medicine, at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital.

MedStar Health offers urgent care through MedStar PromptCare, a network of centers located in the central Maryland and Washington, D.C., metro regions. The network provides walk-in, extended-hour access to medical care for most illnesses and injuries, as well as physicals for sports, camp and pre-employment, concussion evaluations, fl u shots, laboratory and X-ray services.

“No one ever plans on having a sudden illness or injury. Often, these happen after-hours when your doctor is not available. Choosing the right facility for the right care can be critical to one’s health. That is why when a medical emergency happens, it is important for you to know which type of facility will provide you with the best medical care,” Dr. Scruggs notes.

“Remember that the missions of EDs and urgent care centers differ. Emergency care is meant for serious medical conditions where delaying care could cause permanent

harm or even death. So the ED focuses on seeing the most critical cases fi rst. Urgent care is for more minor problems. If you go to the ED for a minor condition, you may have to wait some time to be seen. Offering both provides greater access to care for everyone, where and when it’s needed,” adds Dr. Scruggs.

MEDICAL EMERGENCYIn Case of a

Extreme Thirst

Fatigue

Dizziness

Confusion

Less Frequent Urination

Dark-colored Urine

SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION:

Visit MedStarGoodSam.org/GoodHealth or call 855-546-1995 for a free water bottle and cool neck wrap.

[CARING for you]

Kevin Scruggs, MD

For illness or injuries that are not life-threatening but still need immediate attention, MedStar PromptCare sees individuals of all ages. When in doubt, call 911.

URGENT CARE

• Bug and minor animal bites

• Cold and fl u symptoms

• Concussions• Ear infections• Mild fevers• Minor allergic

reactions

• Minor broken bones• Minor burns• Minor head injuries• Pink eye• Rashes• Sprains and minor

injuries• Urinary tract

infections

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

• Broken bones • Chest pain• Diffi culty breathing• Extreme pain• High fever

• Loss of consciousness

• Severe burns• Uncontrolled

bleeding

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14 Good Health | SUMMER 2017 15MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital

COMMUNITY LECTURES AND CLASS SCHEDULESAt MedStar Good Samaritan 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

Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation ProgramOur Phase II cardiac rehabilitation program provides 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.

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

Phase III Exercise ProgramOur Phase III exercise program (physician referral required) is for those with chronic illnesses, such as arthritis, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. The program includes access to an onsite fi tness center.

Monday through Friday7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health Center

Call 443-444-3881 for details.

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

Amputee Support GroupShare experiences and resources to live independently.

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

For details, call 443-444-5500.

WELLNESS AND PREVENTION

Blood Pressure ScreeningsMonday through Friday9 a.m. to 4 p.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health CenterNo appointment necessary.

Massage Therapy or Integrative Refl exologyProvided 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 MedStarGoodSam.org/GoodHealth or call 855-546-1995. All classes are free unless noted otherwise.

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

Class limited to 25 participants.

Tuesdays, June 27; July 11, 18, 25; Aug. 1, 155:30 to 6:30 p.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health Center, Room A

Call 855-546-1995 to register.

Fee: $25 for six-week session

Regular Tai Chi Fall SessionThursdays, Oct. 5 to Dec. 145:30 to 6:30 p.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health Center,Room A

Call 855-546-1995 to register.

Fee: $30 for 10-week session

Gentle Tai Chi Summer SessionSmooth, gentle movements can help lower your blood pressure, ease stress and improve sleep.

Fridays, June 9 to July 141:30 to 2:30 p.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health Center,Room A

Call 855-546-1995 to register.

Fee: $25 for six-week session

Gentle Tai Chi Fall SessionFridays, Oct. 13 to Nov. 171:30 to 2:30 p.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health Center,Room A

Call 855-546-1995 to register.

Fee: $25 for six-week session

YogaImprove your fl exibility and reduce stress. Beginners to advanced participants welcome.

Mondays, July 10 to 31; Aug. 7 to 28; Sept. 11 to 256 to 7:15 p.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalParker Center

Call 855-546-1995to register.

Fee: $80 for 11-week session

LUNG CARE

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

For details, call 443-444-3397.

SUPPORT GROUPS

MedStar Stroke Support GroupMeet with stroke survivors and caregivers to help one another.

Thursdays, July 6, Sept. 71 to 2:30 p.m.MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, Room G

Thursday, Aug. 3 1 to 2:30 p.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalGood Health Center, Room A

Call 855-546-1995 to register.

Diabetes Support GroupTalk with others about how to manage your diabetes.

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

Caregiver Support GroupA support group for those who care for an aging adult.

Thursdays, July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 143:30 to 5 p.m.MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalRussell Morgan Building, Suite 502

Wednesdays, July 19, Aug. 16, Sept. 206 to 7:30 p.m. MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalRussell Morgan Building, Suite 502

Register online or call 443-444-4720.

Freshstart® Smoking Cessation ProgramThis evidence-based approach is geared to help you quit smoking through motivational activities, counseling, problem-solving techniques, social support and education about medications.

Thursdays, Sept. 7 to 282 to 3:30 p.m.Shepherd’s Clinic/Joy Wellness Center2800 Kirk Ave., Baltimore

Call 855-546-1995 to register.

Life Balance Weight Management ProgramA free, 16-week program designed to help you eat healthier, exercise daily, lose weight, and improve problem-solving and coping skills. This program is facilitated by a registered nurse/coach who will help you make positive health changes. The information comes from the National Diabetes Prevention Program and is targeted at reversing prediabetes.

Limited to 15 people.

Tuesdays, Sept. 26 to Jan. 305:30 to 6:30 p.m.Good Health Center, Conference Room

Call 855-546-1995 to register.

Living Well: Chronic Disease Self-Management ProgramA free, seven-week, chronic disease management program to help adults who are experiencing chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, chronic pain, heart disease, stroke or cancer. Participants meet weekly to share experiences and help each other solve problems they encounter in creating and implementing their self-management program. Topics covered include hypertension, nutrition, exercise, relaxation methods, dealing with fatigue, pain and frustration, and communicating effectively with healthcare providers. Screenings for blood pressure are offered as well as weight, body mass index and body fat analysis. Classes are co-facilitated with Keswick Community Health.

Mondays, July 10 to Aug. 211:30 to 4 p.m. Keswick Multi-Care Center700 W. 40th St., Baltimore

Wednesdays, Sept. 6 to Oct. 181:30 to 4 p.m.Shepherd’s Clinic/Joy Wellness Center2800 Kirk Ave., Baltimore

Migraine ClinicIf you suffer from frequent headaches, you may be a candidate for a special treatment designed to ease the pain.

For details, call 410-823-3600.

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

For details, call 443-444-1817.

JUST FOR YOU

Better Health by the BookJoin our social book club for lively discussions and expert advice on how to age vibrantly.

Tuesdays, Sept. 19 and Nov. 147 to 8:15 p.m.Greetings & Readings of Hunt ValleyHunt Valley Towne Center

Register online or call 855-546-1995.

[CLASSES and events][CLASSES and events]

Page 9: A Journey Worth Taking - MedStar Health · 2017-06-17 · “This part of my journey—sharing my story—was never expected. I love talking to people who are on the fence about getting

Nonprofi t Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Baltimore, MD

Permit No. 5941

5601 Loch Raven Blvd. • Baltimore, MD 21239MedStarGoodSam.org/GoodHealth855-546-1995

For more than 45 years, MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital has offered a full range of programs and medical professionals to nourish your mind, body and spirit. You can trust our experts to offer advanced, personalized care in your neighborhood that focuses on your health and well being.

We offer:

• Cancer care

• Coordinated geriatric care for people with complex medical and social needs

• Diabetes management, including nutritional counseling, wound healing and support groups

• Free and low-cost screenings, including blood pressure, body mass index and more

• Heart and vascular care, including certifi ed cardiac rehabilitation and congestive heart failure clinic

• On-site, medically supervised fi tness center and health classes

• Primary care

• Rehabilitation, including specialized care for stroke, amputations, spinal cord injuries and more

• Urology care

For a free physician referral, visit MedStarGoodSam.org or call 855-546-1995.

5601 Loch Raven Blvd., BaltimoreMinutes from Towson • Free Parking

Your Good Health.INVEST IN

17-M

GSH

-117

7.06

2017