riding high - medstar health...reflux drugs, called proton pump inhibitors or ppis, to try to reduce...

1MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

WIN

TER

2018

Riding HighSpecialized Treatment Cures Complex Condition

HEALTHY HABITSKeeping Your Brain Healthy as You Age

The Gift of Life Collaboration Enhances Outcomes for Patients with Liver Disease

A Fresh PerspectiveSecond Opinion Gives Grateful Patient a New Outlook on Life

2 Discover | WINTER 2018

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, a member of MedStar Health, provides safe, high-quality care, excellent service and education to improve the health of those we serve. We offer a diverse array of specialties and advanced technologies not traditionally found at community hospitals, and make quality health care easy to find with more than 40 primary- and specialty-care locations throughout eastern Baltimore and Harford counties.

Discover is published by the Public Affairs and Marketing department of MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. 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 855-546-0972. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2018.

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.

On the cover: Tony French, with his horse, Sembagare, is feeling great thanks to the specialized care he received at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center.

[CONTENTS]

WINTER 2018

FEATURES

4 Riding High Specialized Treatment Cures Complex Condition

8 A Fresh Perspective Second Opinion Gives Grateful Patient a New Outlook on Life

10 The Gift of Life Collaboration Enhances Outcomes for Patients with Liver Disease

DEPARTMENTS

3 WHAT’S NEW

7 HEALTHY HABITS

12 EATING WELL

13 CARING FOR YOU

Gluten-Free?

“Gluten is a protein found in wheat and barley that is indigestible. Individuals with celiac disease may have adverse side effects from consuming gluten such as bloating and diarrhea,” explains Dr. McMullan. “Many of the symptoms parallel those experienced by individuals with irritable bowel syndrome. There’s also evidence suggesting

that people without celiac disease can be sensitive to gluten.”

But as long as they don’t consume any foods containing gluten, individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity can live a relatively normal life.

“There is a lot of gluten in the traditional diet, making it difficult to cut out,” notes Dr. McMullan. “It’s in everything from frozen vegetables to soy sauces to even medications. For example, a lot of ingredients that say, ‘natural flavorings’ have barley as a base. To eliminate gluten from your diet, you need to scour food labels.”

Today, many people choose to go gluten-free in hopes of feeling better. “But following a truly gluten-free diet is extremely difficult and can lead to deficiencies of important vitamins and minerals,” Dr. McMullan notes. “Being tested for celiac disease can be as simple as having your blood drawn. I suggest you find out if you have the condition before you make the effort to go gluten-free.”

A lot of people are “going gluten-free” these

days. For some, a gluten-free diet translates

to better health. For people who suffer with

gastrointestinal disorders such as celiac disease, the

benefits of a gluten-free diet can be life changing,

says G. Shelton McMullan, MD, a gastroenterologist at

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center.

Should You Go

For more information or a physician referral, visit MedStarFranklinSquare.org/Discover or call 855-546-0972.

G. Shelton McMullan, MD


Mimi Novello, MD, MBA

M edStar Franklin Square Medical Center recently promoted

Mimi Novello, MD, MBA, to the position of vice president of Medical

Affairs and chief medical officer. Dr. Novello previously served as

associate vice president of Medical Affairs and has been an attending physician in

the Emergency Department at MedStar Franklin Square since 2009, where she will

continue to see patients. In her new role, Dr. Novello oversees quality, safety and risk management, clinical process improvement, programmatic growth, physician strategic development, Graduate Medical Education and Continuing Medical Education at the institutional level, and medical staff relations for the hospital. She also assists as a liaison between senior management team, hospital presidents, board of directors, medical staff officers and members, and department chairs.

She is a member of numerous professional healthcare organizations, including the American College of Emergency Physicians, the American College of Physician Executives, the Association of Medical Directors of Information Systems, the National Hispanic Medical Association, and the American College of Healthcare Executives, among others. Please join us in wishing her success in her new position.

For a referral to a MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center physician, visit MedStarFranklinSquare.org/Discover or call 855-546-0972.

Named Vice President of Medical Affairs

[WHAT’S new]

Should You Go

Mimi Novello, MD, MBA, FACEP

Congratulations to Our

Baltimore Magazine Top Doctors!

M edStar Health is proud to announce that 127 of its physicians were named

to Baltimore magazine’s “Top Doctors” list for 2017.

These individuals were chosen based on a mailed survey that went to nearly

10,000 physicians in the region as well as an online poll to augment the mailed

survey responses. The magazine then published the top physicians named in each

of the specialties. Of the physicians from MedStar Health, 65 were from MedStar

Franklin Square Medical Center, who were recognized in 46 specialty areas.

To find out who made the list go to: MedStarHealth.org/BaltimoreTopDocs


Riding High Specialized Treatment Cures Complex Condition

WHEN TONY FRENCH, RN, turned 50 last year, he did what many of us are told we should do. He made an appointment with a gastroenterologist for a checkup.

“My doctor recommended a full workup since I was experiencing heartburn. This included an upper endoscopy, so he could examine the top part of my gastrointestinal tract for any problems that could be causing my symptoms,” French says.

During an upper endoscopy, a long, flexible tube with a camera attached is inserted down the throat to examine the esophagus. Once inserted, the lining of the esophagus can be studied for any abnormalities. If necessary, small tissue samples can also be removed for examination in a lab.

After the procedure, French was told he had Barrett’s esophagus (BE), a disorder in which the lining of the esophagus—the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach—is damaged by chronic exposure to stomach acid. BE is common among those who suffer from symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease

(GERD), which includes heartburn. It occurs most often among white males over the age of 50 and about 10 to 15 percent of individuals with GERD develop BE.

“While the condition itself is not life-threatening, having BE slightly increases the risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma, an aggressive form of cancer,” says A. Stephen Fleisher, MD, chief of Gastroenterology and director of Interventional Endoscopy at the Center for Digestive Disease at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. “That’s why it’s important for individuals diagnosed with BE to have regular exams to detect precancerous cells.”

French also had low-grade dysplasia, the earliest precancerous stage of BE in which a few of the cells in the epithelial tissue lining the esophagus develop abnormal features. He was put on acid reflux drugs, called proton pump inhibitors or PPIs, to try to reduce the inflammation and scheduled a follow-up endoscopic procedure.

A few months later, a second endoscopy revealed that his condition had progressed. He now had high-grade dysplasia, a further step on the precancerous continuum of tissue changes before the development of cancer. His doctor referred him to Dr. Fleisher.

“The Center for Digestive Disease is leading the charge for conditions requiring advanced intervention for MedStar Health in

When he is not riding, French works as a nurse at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital.


the Baltimore region,” says Dr. Fleisher. “Here, we have nationally recognized physicians who are dedicated to providing highly specialized, extensive, and compassionate patient care for a full range of digestive system disorders, including the most complex.”

Dr. Fleisher is one of a handful of specialists in the region trained to treat patients with BE using radiofrequency ablation or RFA, which works by using heat to destroy precancerous cells. “Before RFA, non-surgical treatment options were limited,” Dr. Fleisher notes. “And with few effective treatments, many patients faced major surgery to remove all or part of the esophagus. RFA can actually prevent the development of cancer.”

The RFA treatment is most effective when the lining of the esophagus is smooth. In French’s case there were nodules that would interfere with treatment. So Dr. Fleisher first used a procedure called endoscopic

mucosal resection to remove the dysplastic tissue. He then eradicated the remaining abnormal cell growths using RFA.

“RFA, performed on an outpatient basis, is a FDA-approved, minimally invasive treatment that involves inserting a small balloon catheter into the esophagus, and, once it has been correctly positioned, delivering radiofrequency waves into the esophageal lining, causing a thermal injury or ‘burn,’” Dr. Fleisher explains. “The diseased tissue is destroyed, and healthy esophageal tissue is formed as a part of the natural healing. RFA eliminates BE in the majority of patients with two to three treatments.”

“I had a little discomfort with swallowing after one of the procedures, but it was temporary. My Barrett’s esophagus is gone, and I feel good,” adds French, who, when he is not riding his horse Sembagare, works as a nurse in the medical/surgical unit at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital. “Dr. Fleisher was

French says that spending time with his horse, Sembagare, keeps him grounded.

A. Stephen Fleisher, MD

FAST FACT: Barrett’s esophagus occurs most often among white males over the age of 50 and about 10 to 15 percent of individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease develop it.



DIAGNOSING ESOPHAGEAL PROBLEMSIndividuals of all ages can suffer from esophageal disorders. For most, they are temporary issues that can be managed with over-the-counter medicines and lifestyle changes. But for others, they can lead to more serious conditions.

“Some of the most common symptoms of esophageal

disorders are difficulty swallowing, chest or back pain, heartburn and acid regurgitation. These are usually signs that there are other problems,” explains Abhinav Sankineni, MD, MPH, an interventional gastroenterologist at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center.

The good news is that esophageal disorders often can be successfully treated before long-term damage occurs. At MedStar Franklin Square, patients can get the help they need through our new Manometry Program.

Manometry, also called esophageal testing, is designed to assess whether the esophagus is working properly.

It’s a 30-minute outpatient procedure that involves introducing a thin tube through the nose into the esophagus and stomach. Patients are asked to swallow liquid while esophageal contractions are recorded. This helps diagnose unique esophageal issues so the appropriate treatment can be offered.

Dr. Sankineni and his team see patients from MedStar Franklin Square as well as individuals referred by other area providers. To learn more, call 443-777-2475.

Abhinav Sankineni, MD

French, who competes in riding competitions, trains with his horse several times a week.

great … he was meticulous, he communicated well, and I could tell he was truly interested in helping me.”

French continues to take acid reflux drugs to prevent his heartburn from recurring and sees Dr. Fleisher regularly for checkups.

The Center for Digestive Disease at MedStar Franklin Square has been recognized by U.S.News & World Report as high performing in gastroenterology and GI surgery. The center specializes in offering patients and their referring physicians non-invasive and minimally invasive robotic surgery options to reduce complications, decrease hospital stays, and reduce health risks so patients and their families can regain their lives sooner.


[HEALTHY habits]


A s we grow older, we all start to notice changes in our ability to remember things.

Maybe you’ve gone into the kitchen and forgotten why, or couldn’t recall a familiar

name during a conversation.

“Memory lapses can occur at any age, but we get more upset by them as we get older because we fear they’re a sign of dementia,” explains Jeffrey Kaufmann, MD, a neurologist at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. “Most of the memory problems we experience with age reflect normal changes in the brain.”

The good news is that cognitive decline is not inevitable. Dr. Kaufmann offers these tips to help reduce your risk of age-related memory loss.

CHALLENGE YOUR MIND. Learning new skills and doing other mentally stimulating activities can help your brain become more adaptable and compensate for age-related changes.

“Challenging your brain is believed to activate processes that help maintain individual brain cells and stimulate communication among them,” Dr. Kaufmann says. “The more senses you use, the more your brain is engaged. Listen to a new music genre or try a new cuisine. Building and preserving brain connections is an ongoing process, so make lifelong learning a priority.”

STAY CONNECTED. Remaining socially connected is key in preventing depression and feelings of

isolation. Pursue activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community, volunteer, and spend time with friends and family.

“For many people, aging is a time of loss and adjustment,” says Dr. Kaufmann. “Being with others benefits many people emotionally. It can also stimulate the brain, enliven the spirit and foster companionships. Staying in touch with others is so important.”

KEEP MOVING. Using your muscles is good for your mind too. “Regular cardiovascular activity helps increase blood flow to your brain. And strength building and balance exercises are essential to preventing falls and helping a person remain independent,” he says.

“Exercise also helps lower dementia risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, and reduces mental stress. Engage in regular exercise that elevates your heart rate and builds muscle such as brisk walking, doing squats or lunges, or lifting hand weights.”

Dr. Kaufmann notes that eating well and getting enough sleep are good habits everyone should adopt. And if you smoke, stop. Living a healthy lifestyle is good for both your body and your mind.

Jeffrey Kaufmann, MD

Keeping Your Brain Healthy as You Age


A Fresh Perspective Second Opinion Gives Grateful

Patient a New Outlook on Life

of my age. He made me feel confident that he could fix the problem.”

Dr. Ferris notes that special considerations must be taken when evaluating elderly patients and determining if they are viable candidates for surgery. As people age, their risk for complications in the operating room and throughout the recovery process goes up.

“There is a great responsibility that comes along with making the decision to operate on a patient and incur the risks that go

along with it,” Dr. Ferris explains. “Surgeons must establish a high level of trust with the patient and family in a short amount of time. Part of my job is to make sure they are aware of the risks, as they consider their options and make important medical decisions.”

Hess’ surgery took more than seven hours to complete, but went well. She left the hospital with Dr. Ferris’ personal cell phone number, just in case she needed to reach him urgently, and a fresh, new perspective on what life could look like, moving forward.

FOR AS LONG AS SHE COULD remember, Marie Hess’ life had been impacted by gastrointestinal issues. Diagnosed with both irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis, she found herself in and out of the hospital for many years. Finally, at the age of 87, it became clear to her that the only long-term solution was surgery to remove her colon. Then she ran into another challenge.

“The doctor I was seeing wasn’t very encouraging,” says Hess. “He didn’t want to operate on me because of my age. But I wanted to do whatever it would take to get better, even if that meant a risky surgery. I realized I needed to find a new doctor.”

She turned to Jeffrey Ferris, MD, a colorectal surgeon at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, for a second opinion—one that turned out to be a lot more promising.

“I liked Dr. Ferris immediately,” Hess says. “He explained there were certainly risks involved with having surgery at my age, but he also pointed out that every surgery comes with risks. He wanted to help me, regardless

Hess is grateful to be healthy enough to spend time with her family.


David Lisle, MD, a colorectal and general surgeon at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center,

notes that there are steps everyone can take to prevent colorectal disease. We asked him to elaborate.

What “red flags” indicate a potential gastrointestinal or colorectal medical problem?

For more information or physician referral, visit MedStarFranklinSquare.org/Discover or call 855-546-0972.

Second Opinion Gives Grateful Patient a New Outlook on Life

PREVENTING COLORECTAL DISEASE

David Lisle, MD

“He saved my life,” says Hess. “I’ve not had a minute’s problem since then.”

A few months after her surgery, Hess’ husband, Dale, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His illness was extremely aggressive, and just four months later he passed away. Having the ability to care for her husband during his time of need made Hess and her family even more grateful for the care she received.

“I am thankful to this day that I was strong and well enough to take care of Dale when he got sick,” Hess notes.

These days, Hess enjoys quiet days at home with knitting, reading, and cooking being a few of her favorite hobbies. But her best days are the ones when her children, grandchildren,

and great grandchildren come bustling through the door, to spend time with their “Nan.”

“Family is everything” she adds. “I am very grateful that I am still here to be with the people I love.”

Dr. Ferris says that Hess’ personal story is a good example of the type of personalized, collaborative care patients can expect to receive when they choose the Center for Digestive Disease at MedStar Franklin Square.

“Ms. Hess has reached out to us a few times following her surgery to express her appreciation,” says Dr. Ferris. “It’s heartwarming when we receive these messages from our patients and their families, and we are happy that our work has given Marie more good time to spend with her family.”

Jeffrey Ferris, MD

Some of the most common issues are abdominal pain that comes and goes frequently, chronic diarrhea, and blood in the stool. People with a history of anemia are also more prone to GI or colorectal medical challenges.

Who should have a colonoscopy?

People should have the screening once every 10 years starting at age 50. However, those at high risk, which includes individuals with a family history of colon cancer, should begin earlier.

What happens if the screening shows polyps or other areas of concern?

The Center for Digestive Disease offers comprehensive care—from screenings and office procedures to surgical services. If a problem is detected, you’re in the right place. Our team works together to manage the needs of all our patients. Plus patients who come here for care benefit from the tremendous technologies that MedStar Franklin Square has to offer.


The Gift of Life

TEN YEARS AGO, BRIAN CANOLES was diagnosed with cirrhosis and told he may eventually need a liver transplant. Six years later, with his health in decline, a transplant was inevitable.

Then in March 2017, he became so ill his life was on the line. He was rushed by ambulance to MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, then transported to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., home to the MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, one of the largest liver transplant centers in the region. Here, patients on the wait list receive transplants faster than any other center in Maryland and D.C., and nearly

three times as fast as other transplant centers.

There he remained, waiting for a suitable liver to become available. Time was ticking and if a solid match from an organ donor didn’t become available quickly, he would lose his life; in fact, he was given just three weeks to live.

On April 11, 2017, the match he desperately needed became available and the donor was a healthy, young person. Canoles had liver transplant surgery the same day at MedStar Georgetown,

Collaboration Enhances Outcomes for Patients with Liver Disease

Thomas Faust, MD

DID YOU KNOW?

Having a healthy liver is essential to longevity because your liver is responsible for filtering blood and removing toxins from your body. A liver transplant is a last-resort measure for long-term liver diseases and sudden-onset liver diseases. It involves replacing the diseased organ with a healthy liver from a living or deceased donor.

Canoles and his wife hope to encourage more people to become organ donors.

with Thomas Faust, MD, of the MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute serving as the hepatologist consultant—a specialist in liver disease—during the procedure.

“I was so sick I don’t remember much of what happened,” says Canoles, age 52. “Now that I am recovering, my wife has told me the story, and it feels unreal; it seems like it must be someone else’s story. But it’s mine.”

Dr. Faust, a professor of clinical medicine who specializes in caring for patients with liver disease or cancer, has devoted his career to helping patients just like Canoles. Streamlining the care process, and making it easier for patients to complete a liver transplant evaluation, has been a key priority for him over the past few years.

In fact, it’s no longer necessary for patients who reside in the Baltimore area to travel back and forth to MedStar Georgetown for liver disease care and transplant evaluation. Dr. Faust now spends a portion of his time every week caring for patients at MedStar Franklin Square.

“Think about driving from Baltimore to Washington D.C. when you are feeling well; that drive is hard enough,” explains Dr. Faust. “Now imagine doing



it over and over when you are extremely sick. We are building a program that avoids the need for so much back and forth travel for patients who are diagnosed with liver disease, and who are candidates for liver transplant. It’s positively impacting both the patient experience and outcomes.”

Aside from easier access to Dr. Faust, patients are able to complete the liver transplant evaluation process at MedStar Franklin Square using telehealth technologies. Every part of the process can be conducted virtually, using a computer, the same way it would be done in a patient exam room with a doctor physically present.

“We are trying to make MedStar Franklin Square a centralized hub

for liver disease care, while still giving our patients access to the clinical expertise, resources, and technologies that are available elsewhere,” says Dr. Faust. “The care and services we can offer are greater because of the MedStar Health system of care.”

“Words can hardly express my thanks,” Canoles says. “I was going to die. Not only did I live, but I feel good, am enjoying my life and doing the things I want … finally.”

One of those passions Canoles is back to pursuing is his love for music. He has built a state-of-the-art recording studio in the basement of his Parkville home. Whether he is singing, playing the piano or guitar, or just sitting back for a few moments of personal reflection, Canoles

is constantly reminded of just how lucky he was.

“I’ve been given a second chance,” he says. “I can now live a normal, happy, healthy life.”

His wife, Kathleen, echoes that statement, and together they are expressing their appreciation for Canoles’ saved life by looking for ongoing ways to build awareness about the importance and impact of organ donation.

“When people give, others can receive,” she notes. “Many people die waiting for an organ—it never comes. We are doing our part to spread this message and encourage as many people as possible to become organ donors. Giving the gift of life is a beautiful thing. We are so grateful.”

FAST FACT:According to the American Liver Foundation, approximately 6,000 liver transplant surgeries are performed in the United States every year.

Now back in his state-of-the-art recording studio, Canoles is enjoying his life and doing the things he wants.


[EATING well]

SIMPLE FOOD SWAPS for a Healthier You

I f you want to lose weight in 2018, you are not alone. Research shows that weight loss is

the most common New Year’s resolution. Yet few people succeed in meeting their weight

loss goals.

• Replace your morning bagel with one slice of whole-wheat toast. Top with an egg and avocado and add a piece of fruit. You’ll get fewer calories and more fiber and protein to keep you full.

• Instead of warming up a cup of cream of broccoli or mushroom soup for lunch, both of which are high in saturated fat, stick with broth-based soups with chunks of vegetables.

• Opt for mustard on your ham or turkey sandwich instead of mayo. Mustard is much lighter on the calories and you have a variety to choose from such as Dijon, spicy, and yellow.

• For a healthy snack, trade potato chips for air-popped popcorn. Top popcorn with a zero-calorie, butter-flavored spray. Other healthy options include veggies and hummus, and Greek or light yogurt topped with fruit.

• For dessert, replace a cup of strawberry ice cream with a cup of strawberries. Even if you add a little bit of light whipped cream, you’re still consuming fewer calories and saturated fat.

“Losing weight becomes easier when you are mindful in making daily positive, healthy changes,” Kinstlinger says. “You can lose five pounds over the course of one year just by eating 50 calories less than you normally do every day. The goal is to make a habit out of choosing foods that taste good and are good for you.”

“I applaud those who resolve to lose weight. Individuals who are overweight are at higher risk for developing many chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and numerous other conditions,” explains Melissa Kinstlinger, MS, RD, a dietitian educator at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center.

“The reason so many people are unsuccessful in losing weight is that they go about it the wrong way. Healthy weight loss isn’t just about a ‘diet,’ it’s about an ongoing lifestyle that includes long-term changes in daily eating habits,” Kinstlinger says.

She stresses focusing on small simple changes that can make healthy eating more manageable and sustainable over the long term. “There are many ways to cut calories and eat healthier without feeling deprived,” she adds, offering up the following suggestions:

• Plan ahead for meals to cut back on eating out. Make a weekly menu and grocery list. Using a slow cooker or instant cooker for meal prep will help you save calories and money.

• Make vegetables the main event in your meals and snacks. Fill half your plate with a variety of vegetables. Vegetables are high in fiber and nutrients while low in calories.

Melissa Kinstlinger, MS, RD



[STAY active][CARING for you]

SIMPLE FOOD SWAPS for a Healthier You

Y ou know the drill. You’re in your physician’s office and one of the first things that

happens is someone checks your blood pressure. While you may be familiar with

this simple test, you may not understand why your blood pressure is so important.

“Knowing your blood pressure is a critical part of managing your health,” says Britt Gayle, MD, a family practice physician at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. “If it’s high and you don’t know it, or if it goes uncontrolled, you may be at greater risk for heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, or other serious conditions.”

As blood moves through the arteries, it puts pressure on the artery walls. This pressure goes up and down depending on several things, including physical activity, diet, and medication. A person has high blood pressure or hypertension when the pressure remains elevated over a period of time.

When the pressure is too high, the arteries that carry the blood through your body can be damaged, or the pressure can make your heart work too hard and damage it. But many people don’t know they have high blood pressure until something bad happens.

“Most people don’t realize that hypertension can cause damage, even when they can’t feel anything,” explains Dr. Gayle. “The only way to know your blood pressure is high is to have it

checked. Having it checked regularly will help you and your healthcare provider manage it if it is too high.”

Experts consider optimal blood pressure to be lower than 120/80. Blood pressure readings of 130/80 or higher indicate hypertension.

“Blood pressure tends to rise with age,” Dr. Gayle notes. “In addition, people who are obese, who have certain medical problems such as diabetes, or who take certain medications, are also at risk.”

There are things you can do to prevent and/or control high blood pressure:

• Don’t smoke • Maintain a healthy weight • Eat a heart-healthy diet • Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day • Watch your salt and sodium intake • Take your medications as prescribed

“Blood pressure readings can be confusing,” adds Dr. Gayle. “They don’t have to be. Talk to your healthcare provider. Knowing your numbers and what they mean is an important step toward staying healthy.”

Britt Gayle, MD


UNDERSTANDING the RISKS of High Blood Pressure


COMMUNITY LECTURES AND CLASS SCHEDULESAt MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, 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.

BIRTH AND FAMILY EDUCATION To register, call 888-74-OBTLC (888-746-2852) unless otherwise noted.

Birthplace Tours at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center Expecting? Take a free tour of our facilities and learn what we have to offer.

Thursday, Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 1, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22, 6:30 p.m.Thursday, March 29, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 5, 6:30 p.m.Thursday, April 12, 6:30 p.m.Thursday, April 26, 6:30 p.m. Breastfeeding: Facts, Myths, and Techniques at MedStar Franklin Square Medical CenterTaught by a board-certified lactation consultant, this course is designed to help you get breastfeeding off to a good start!

Thursday, Feb. 22, 6 to 9 p.m.Monday, March 12, 6 to 9 p.m.Wednesday, April 25, 6 to 9 p.m.

Fee: $36 (includes parking)

Breastfeeding and New Moms Get support, advice, and tips from newborn providers, lactation staff, and other new moms.

Weekly, Thursdays, 1 to 3 p.m. in the Crawford Conference Center

To register, call 443-777-7427.

Infant Care and Safety Class This class is for expectant parents, new parents, grandparents, and babysitters. Learn bathing, diapering, and other basic infant care and safety skills.

Thursday, April 12 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Fee: $36 (includes parking)

Infant/Child CPR and First AidTwo classes covering infant child CPR and first aid. Classes can be taken separately or together.

Sunday, April 15 Infant/Child CPR 9 a.m. to noon Infant/Child First Aid 1 to 4 p.m.

Fee: $48 per class or $80 both classes per person (includes parking)

Prepared Childbirth ClassFirst-time expectant parents will learn about labor and delivery, the birth partner’s role, and relaxation techniques.

We offer two options:

Four-week series: Mondays, Feb. 5 to 26; Thursdays, March 1 to 22; April 9 to 306:30 to 9 p.m.

Fee: $98 per couple (includes parking)

Weekend Express: Feb. 17, March 24, and April 218:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fee: $110 per couple (includes lunch vouchers, snacks, and parking)

Sibling ClassTeaches children ages 3 to 8 what to anticipate when their new sibling joins the family.

Sunday, Feb. 111 to 2:15 p.m.

Fee: $20 for first child, $10 each additional child

Classes-to-GoPrepare for a new baby in the comfort of your own home with DVDs and books.

Visit MedStarFranklin Square.org/Classes for a list of available titles.

Essex Breastfeeding Moms LuncheonJoin a certified lactation consultant for this special luncheon and get answers to your questions about breastfeeding. Free raffle, gifts, and lunch.

Every Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Essex Library Meeting Room1110 Eastern Blvd., Essex

Call 410-828-7700, ext. 1265, to register as space is limited.

Prenatal and Postpartum Massage Offered through Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Available weekdays by appointment.

Fee: $60 for one hour, $30 for 30 minutes

Call 443-777-7750 for details.

CANCER CARE AND PREVENTION

Lung Cancer Screening Program Lung cancer has no symptoms in early stages. Early detection is possible with a low-cost lung screening CT scan. The scan is painless and takes about five minutes. You may be a candidate if: • You are between the

ages of 55 and 77.• You 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).

• You are either still smoking or quit less than 15 years ago.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for men and women combined. It’s one of the most common, yet preventable, cancers. If you are age 50 or older, schedule your colonoscopy, a painless screening that could save your life.

[CLASSES and events]


To register, visit MedStarFranklinSquare.org/Discover or call 855-546-0972. All classes are free unless noted otherwise.

Breast Cancer Screening For early detection of breast cancer in most women, the MedStar Health Cancer Network recommends: • Yearly mammograms

starting at age 40, or younger if at high risk

• Clinical breast exams (CBEs) every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year starting at age 40

Some women, because of their family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors should be screened earlier, more frequently or with additional tests. Talk with your healthcare provider for recommendations. You can also call MedStar Health’s certified genetic counselor, Emily Kuchinsky, MS, CGC, at 443-777-7656 to arrange for a free consultation. Call MedStar Health Cancer Network at 877-715-HOPE (4673) for more information about cancer screenings or to schedule an appointment at a MedStar Health location near you.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support GroupCo-sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. Caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related disorders are welcome.

Monthly, second Mondays, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Pat Cromer at 410-335-6083.

Bariatric Support GroupFor people who have had or are planning to have bariatric surgery. Spouses, family members and friends are welcome.

Monthly, third Wednesdays, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Breast Cancer Support Group Sharing, support and education for breast cancer patients.

Monthly, fourth Wednesdays, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Breast Cancer: Survivors Offering Support One-on-one mentoring that matches breast cancer survivors with women newly diagnosed with the disease.

Call 443-777-2505 to become a mentor or find your own mentor.

Diabetes Support Group – Lunch and Learn Series Open to all with diabetes and those who support them.

Monthly, second Wednesdays, noon to 1 p.m. in the Crawford Conference Center

Stroke Club For individuals who have had a stroke and their families or caregivers.

Monthly, first Thursdays, 1 to 2:30 p.m.Meetings are held at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center and MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital.

Call 443-777-7900 to register for the bariatric, diabetes, stroke, and breast cancer support groups.

WELLNESS AND PREVENTION

Cancer-fighting Foods Join Diane Herzog, MS, RD, nutritionist at MedStar Franklin Square, to find out how what you eat can play a critical role in preventing cancer. Thursday, Feb. 8, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Call 877-715-HOPE (4673) to register. All patients welcome. Bariatric Education Seminar at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center Get the information you need to determine if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery. Presentations on topics such as diet, nutrition and behavior modifications are provided by the bariatric team. A physician will be on hand to answer questions. Support members are invited as well.

The second Wednesday of each month, 6 to 8 p.m.

The fourth Wednesday of each month, 5 to 7 p.m.

Bariatric Education Seminar at MedStar Health Bel Air Medical Campus The first Friday of each month, 1 to 3 p.m.

Please call 443-777-7900 to register. Stop Smoking Today Get the extra boost you need to quit for good. This FREE six-session cessation program is taught by an experienced certified tobacco treatment specialist with a proven approach to smoking cessation. This program offers small group discussions along with tips for managing the urge to use tobacco, triggers, withdraw symptoms, and stress.

Wednesdays, March 21 to April 25, 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays, March 22 to April 26, 6 to 8 p.m. Registration required. Call 410-933-2030 to register or visit MedStarFranklin Square.org/Classes to register.

[CLASSES and events]

11 National Rankings 1 Standard of Quality

When it comes to your health, you want the best. MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center—your community hospital—has been recognized with 14 rankings from nationally respected accrediting organizations.

And for good reason. Here, you have access to a full range of cancer, surgery, women’s health and digestive disease specialists—backed by the MedStar Health system. We’re honored by the awards. But we’re prouder of the level of care we deliver every day.

MedStarFranklinSquare.org/QualityAwards • 855-546-2050

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riding high - medstar health...reflux drugs, called proton pump inhibitors or ppis, to try to reduce...

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