a publication from medstar good samaritan hospital …the center for successful aging. “it’s...

Successful AgingARtHRItIS CARe FRom A to Z

StRoke SIGNS tHAt CAN SAve YouR LIFe

A publication from MEDSTAR GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITALSPRING 2015 MedStarGoodSam.org/GoodHealth

Good Health

Knowledge and Compassion

Focused on You

2 Good Health MEDSTAR GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL Spring 2015

contents

FoR MoRE THAN 45 yEARS, MedStar GoodSamaritan Hospital has been committed toproviding compassionate care to each and everypatient and for the many communities we serve.our associates are dedicated to providing safe,high-quality care wrapped in exceptional service.We serve because it’s the right thing to do and ispart of our mission as Good Samaritans, guided by Catholic tradition and trusted to deliver idealhealthcare experiences.

our passion has inspired us to create the Center for Successful Aging to care for the olderpopulation in our community. In this issue of Good Health, you’ll read about the team of geriatricexperts who are helping seniors choose the waythey age—actively, with dignity and with supportfrom families and caregivers.

you can also read about a local business ownerwho suffered a stroke. His life was saved at one ofour MedStar Baltimore hospitals and he came hereto our renowned inpatient rehabilitation unit to, as he says, “get his life back.”

In Good Health, you’ll learn tips to live healthfullyand stay active, as well as how we care for ourcommunity through free and low-cost screeningsand programs.

Simply stated … at MedStar Good SamaritanHospital, we’re Focused on you … and your goodhealth.

Wishing you well,

Jeffrey A. MattonPresident, MedStar Good Samaritan HospitalSenior Vice President, MedStar Health

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 not a substitute for consultationwith a personal physician. For more information, call 855-546-1995.Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2015.

LetteR FRom tHe PReSIdeNt

D e p a r t m e n t s3 Healthy Habits7 Stay Well12 Good Health on the Go

Classes and Events14 News from Around the Region

F e a t u r e s4 Center for Successful Aging8 Learn the Signs of Stroke 10 Arthritis Solutions from A to Z

On the cover: Matthew Adams (far right), his son Gregory (center) and great-grandson Alexander visit the Center for Successful Aging. At the Center, seniors can see all of theirMedStar healthcare providers at one time in a space designedfor their comfort and needs.

Good Health MEDSTAR GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL Spring 2015 3

A: No one knows how much sleep we need to stay healthy. Some people need more than eight hours,while some do fine with just four. If you haven’t had enough sleep, you may become irritable, have impairedcoordination or judgment, or doze while driving. If you haven’t slept well for more than a month, talk withyour doctor.

Here are some tips to improve your sleep routine:• Eliminate naps. • Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco before bedtime.• Don’t use your bedroom for work or watching television.• Never go to bed unless you feel sleepy.• If you wake up in the middle of the night, don’t stay in bed for more than 15 minutes;

get up and read or watch television in another room.

For a free sleep mask or more tips on sleep and sleep disorders, visit MedStarGoodSam.org/GoodHealth,call 855-546-1995 or complete the reply card in the center of this publication.

PReveNtIoNNOW... FoR A LIFetIme oF WeLLNeSS

Q:

Blood Pressure ScreeningBlood pressure screenings check for elevated blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke.Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.No appointment necessary. FREE

Comprehensive Blood Analysis A comprehensive blood analysis is a fasting blood test that helps to screen for a wide range of potential conditions and diseases. $20

Blood Lipid Profile This fasting blood test provides current levels of cholesterol and blood fats (HDL, triglycerides and LDL). $10

Peripheral Vascular Disease This screening measures the pressure response in arms and legs to assess for potential blockages. $10

Osteoporosis Screening This simple, painless, noninvasive test measures bone density. $20

to schedule an appointment for any of these Good Health Center screenings, visit MedStarGoodSam.org/GoodHealth or call 855-546-1995.

Healthy Habits

Howard Steiner, md, director, the Sleep Centerat medStar Good Samaritan Hospital

Ask the Expert

I am 69 years old and have trouble sleeping eight hours a night. What can I do?

Preventive screenings are one of the best tools you canuse to catch problems earlyand stay healthy for life. TheGood Health Center atMedStar Good SamaritanHospital offers a wide range of screenings for some of the most common problems.These screenings, along withregular visits to your doctor,will keep you on the road togood health:


Center for

SUCCESSFULAGING

EDSTAR GooDSamaritan Hospital has beenrecognized for many years as a tophospital for geriatric care—medicaltreatment of the elderly who oftenhave multiple chronic and complexconditions.

According to George Hennawi,MD, director of the Center forSuccessful Aging at MedStar GoodSamaritan Hospital, “The communityaround the hospital is growingolder and the number of elderlyresidents in the area is increasing.”

The majority of patientreferrals andemergencyvisits involveolder seniors.“They are a veryvulnerablegroup andthey have a

lot of medical needs,” says Dr. Hennawi. The Center forSuccessful Aging opened a yearago to help seniors, their familiesand caregivers by providing andcoordinating primary and specialtycare in one convenient location—often in one visit.

“We want to provide the bestcare for elderly patients becausetheir needs are so great. Many have to see six to seven differentdoctors for chronic health issuesbut it’s not easy for them to getthere, and then they don’t get the health care they need.”

Dr. Hennawi believes olderindividuals can age well andremain independent longer if they get easy access to appropriatecare as early as possible. “olderseniors often have few resources to rely on, and we want to make it easier for them to have theirmedical needs met.”

the First Step to Successful Agingone of the first things you do at the Center for Successful Agingis to complete a Life Plan with a geriatrician. This thoughtfuldocument looks at the goalspatients have for themselves as they age. It takes into account the type of setting they want to live in, and how they want to spend their time, as well as theimportance of overall quality of life. It’s this document thatbecomes the foundation for a long-term plan of care that istailored to each individual patient.

A unique Center for mom and dad’s CareWhen the Center opened, it hadabout 50 to 60 patients. Now oneyear later, it has 550 patients. Thisincrease required hiring additional

MHelping Mom and Dad Stay Independent for Years to Come

George Hennawi, MD


staff and finding larger space,which is now under construction.In addition to a geriatrician, eachteam also includes a physician’sassistant or nurse practitioner, a medical assistant, a physicaltherapist, and a social worker.

The Center’s physicians and staff work closely with other specialists such as endocrinologists, who treatdiabetes, and urologists andurogynecologists, who managecontinence issues, along withother experts who treatosteoporosis, anxiety anddepression—all in one office.

“The Center is unique in many other ways,” says JamesParshall, MD, a geriatrician in the Center for Successful Aging.“It’s designed with the comfort of the patient and caregiver in mind. For example, the tables can be lowered to make

it easier for older patients to get on and complete theexamination.”

The Center’s design is special, too. The patient examrooms are on opposite sides of the family meeting room.“Sometimes part of thediscussion involves the socialworker or others in the familymeeting space so this isconvenient,” adds Dr. Parshall.

“There are also plans for a larger community room, thatcan be accessed from theoutside, with resources andspace for meetings,” says AmyFreedman, MD, a geriatrician inthe Center for Successful Aging.“Here, family members andcaregivers can meet withfinancial planners, home careorganizations, attorneys, andindividuals from variouscommunity and patient groups

to organize a variety of patientneeds,” she adds.

early treatment for BetterHealth down the Road“If we can assess older seniorsearly and provide importanteducation and screenings, thenany potential issues can beidentified sooner and managed,”says Dr. Hennawi.

For example, most dementiaisn’t diagnosed until there’s asignificant problem, like someoneleaves the house with the stoveon, or walks out of the house, gets lost and can’t find their wayback home.

The Center for Successful Aginghopes to provide greater outreachby working with families, thecommunity and volunteer groupsto keep seniors healthy and safe intheir homes longer. A coordinatedapproach by an experienced team

Dr. Freedman and the Center for Successful Aging team help local seniors and families get the care and resources they need in one convenient, comfortable location designed for seniors.

leads to less fragmented care,better communication and a widerfocus on the whole patient.

Care Wrapped in Convenience“Part of what we do is to helpcoordinate schedules and patientcare, so if Mom needs to have anappointment with her primary caredoctor and a psychiatrist, we willarrange both visits on the same day with one visit at 10 a.m. andthe next visit at 11 a.m.,” says Dr. Hennawi.

The reaction from patients and caregivers has been positive. “Appointments are convenient,”says odessa Tibbs, 84. “If I call inwith a question, Dr. Hennawi always calls me back the same day or the next morning.”

odessa has been seeing Dr. Hennawi, her primary caredoctor and geriatrician, for morethan nine years since he was inprivate practice. “He’s a gooddoctor, I wouldn’t trade him for a million dollars—I tell you the truth from my heart!”

Sharon Covington takes herfather, Morris, 86, to the Center.She said it was hard to scheduledoctor appointments when he needed them in the past. “The doctors at the Center arealways available to assist us with appointments and my father’s medications. They areconcerned with my father’s total well-being and welfare,” says Sharon.

“My father is managing betternow. He no longer has problemswith congestive heart failure, andhis kidney specialists say he doesnot need dialysis.”

Sharon adds her dad is happier.“Dad likes the idea he doesn’t have to deal with a lot of peopleand it doesn’t tire him out. We are always in the room with him, and what he doesn’t

remember, we tell the doctor. The doctor makes decisions with all of us, tries to make thingsbetter and easier for my father, and talks about our caretakers. He asks about my cousin, who ismy father’s caregiver right now.”

When Sharon broke her ankle,she was not able to help her father. When the staff at the Centerfound out, they talked to a socialworker and located a caretakerbefore Sharon’s cousin wasavailable. “It’s just nice to know you have some kind of support,”she concluded.

odessa sums up how the Centerfor Successful Aging’s teamworkhelps all patients, explaining, “It’s not just about me. Dr. Hennawiand his team treat every patient the same and are personallyconcerned about your health.”

For a physician referral and a free Life Plan or to register for ourCaregiver Support Group, visitMedStarGoodSam.org/GoodHealth,call 855-546-1995 or complete the reply card in the center of this publication.


Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, yetchallenging. It’s important to also care for yourself.The Alzheimer’s Association advises:1. Feelings are neither right nor wrong.

Acknowledge them. There will be good and baddays but eventually the sharp pain will diminish.

2. If possible, don’t make major decisions whilegrieving. If you must make a decision, be sure toobtain support and advice from trusted friends or a counselor.

3. Don’t try to suppress your feelings with alcoholor drugs.

4. Recognize that certain times (holidays,anniversaries, significant days during the

disease like care placement or the day someonedies) can be stressful. Take time for your ownneeds and simplify your life during these times.

5. Since everyone grieves differently, do what iscomfortable for you. Don’t feel you have to gothrough the process like someone else.

6. Get plenty of rest, as various emotions drain us of energy.

7. Allow for times of reflection. Many find solace in their spiritual life.

8. Find people who will let you talk withoutjudging. often, those who have experienced asimilar loss (like members of a support group) can relate especially well.

Caregiver Tips

James Parshall, MD Amy Freedman, MD

When difficult wounds don’t heal properly, patients turn to the MedStar Wound Healing Center at MedStarGood Samaritan Hospital. The experts at the Center use a team approach to your care with experienceddoctors, nurses and therapists who specialize in wound care.

Patients are treated using a variety of options based on their specific needs and type of wound, includinghyperbaric oxygen therapy. Some of the difficult wounds treated include:

• Acute or Chronic Wounds• Bone Infection• Chronic Refractory osteomyelitis• Diabetic Ulcers• Post-operative Infections• Pressure Ulcers• Skin Tears or Lacerations• Slow or Non-healing Surgical Wounds• Soft Tissue Radiation Injury• Venous Stasis Ulcers

For a referral to one of our wound care experts, visit MedStarGoodSam.org/GoodHealth or call 855-546-1995. visit our website for an online virtual tour of the medStar Wound Healing Center.


Stay Well

the bright, sunny days of summer are just aroundthe corner and so is increased exposure to the sun.A few smart choices can mean a lifetime of healthyskin and, most importantly, protect you from skincancer. Here are a few summer sun tips that willhelp to keep you cancer free:

• Limit your exposure to the sun, especiallybetween 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when ultraviolet (UV)rays are the strongest.

• Buy sunscreens labeled “Broad Spectrum” as they protect against all types of sun damage (both UVA and UVB).

• Use sunscreens that are water-resistant and last 40 or 80 minutes before needing to be reapplied.

• Wear loose, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts andlong pants for the best possible protection.

• Contact your doctor if you notice any changes in the size, shape, color, or feel of birthmarks,moles, or spots.

For a physician referral and a free packet of sunscreen, call the medStar Health Cancer Network at 877-715-HOPE (4673).

SPECIALIZED CARE FOR WOUNDS THAT WON’T HEAL

Staying Safe In the Sun is Summer

Charles DeBaufre, owner of Baltimore's Berger Cookie Company, is back at work full-time with his family after recovering from a stroke with the help of MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital.


STRokE

TRokE IS oNE oF THEleading causes of disability in the United States and the fifthleading cause of death but fewpeople know how to recognize the signs and symptoms or what to do when a stroke occurs.

“Responding immediately to a stroke and calling 911 for anambulance is critical to receivingtreatment that can prevent long-term disability,” says TeresaMuns, Do, vice chair of theDepartment of EmergencyMedicine at MedStar GoodSamaritan Hospital and co-directorof the Stroke Program.

MedStar Good SamaritanHospital is nationally recognizedand certified as a Primary StrokeCenter, where physicians and staffare trained in the latest therapies toeffectively treat strokes. “our brain

S

Learn the Signs of

and Call 911 for Emergency Care


attack team is notified immediatelywhen a stroke patient is coming byambulance. We meet you on thestretcher, take you to get a CT scanand determine the type of strokeyou’re having,” says Dr. Muns.

A stroke occurs when a bloodclot forms and blocks an artery, or a blood vessel breaks, reducing blood flow to the brain.When either happens, brain cells die within minutes, causingbrain damage that can affect your ability to perform normal everyday activities.

That’s why it’s important tounderstand the steps for actingFAST (see lower right) and gettingemergency treatment right away.

Stroke symptoms include:• A sudden change in vision

in one or both eyes• A sudden severe headache• Dizziness or loss of balance• Weakness on one side

(face, arm or leg)

Timing is critical during a stroke.“There’s a four and one-half hourwindow of time after the onset ofstroke symptoms in which we canadminister intravenous drugs todissolve a blood clot and restoreblood flow to the brain,” saysNechama Bernhardt, MD,neurologist and co-director of

MedStar Good Samaritan’s Stroke Program.

“The majority of patients whocome in following stroke symptomsdon’t come quickly enough… theydon’t recognize they’ve had astroke, or they wait, hoping theirsymptoms will resolve,” says Dr.Bernhardt. “Don’t wait to call 911 if you think you’re having a stroke.The second that you have apossible stroke symptom, pick upthe phone and call 911. The fasteryou get here, the faster you will get intervention and treatment tolimit the effects of stroke. Eventhose who arrive after four andone-half hours are sometimes ableto receive certain treatments.”

At MedStar Good SamaritanHospital, physicians, nurses andstaff provide not only emergencytreatment of stroke but acutenursing care, as well as inpatientand outpatient rehabilitation.

owner of the famous BergerCookie Company in Baltimore,Charles DeBaufre, 62, is thankful for the rehabilitation he received at MedStar Good SamaritanHospital after he suffered a stroketwo years ago. After undergoing

comprehensive therapy, hereturned to work full-time in hisfamily’s cookie and cake factorywith his two sons.

“I had a good experience during my rehabilitation,” says Charles, who returned to MedStarGood Samaritan Hospital last yearto visit the staff who treated him.“The therapists made it great. I hadphysical therapy, occupationaltherapy and speech therapy.” Whilethe stroke has affected his leftperipheral vision, he has no otherphysical problems from the stroke.

Charles received his initialemergency stroke care at MedStarFranklin Square Medical Centerand was transferred to MedStarGood Samaritan Hospital forinpatient rehabilitation. “FranklinSquare saved my life but GoodSamaritan gave it back to me,” says Charles.

to receive a free stroke preventionkit or to register for our Stroke Club support group, visitMedStarGoodSam.org/GoodHealth,call 855-546-1995 or complete the reply card in the center of this publication.

tHINk You ARe HAvING A StRoke? CALL 911 ImmedIAteLY!

FAST: Stroke Signs and SymptomsFAST is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke.When you can spot the signs, you'll know that you need to call 911 for help right away.

• Face Drooping• Arm Weakness• Speech Diff iculty• T ime To Cal l 911

Teresa Muns, DO Nechama Bernhardt, MD


ArthritisSolutions

from A to Z

STEoARTHRITIS is the most common form ofarthritis, affecting more than 27million Americans. It’s a chronic,painful condition caused by thebreakdown of cartilage, which isthe flexible, connective tissue that covers the ends of your bonesand cushions your joints.

over time, cartilage wears away and causes pain when your bones rub together. As a result, your jointchanges and no longer functionssmoothly. Joints most oftenaffected are your hips, knees, lowerback, feet, fingers, and neck.Common symptoms are pain andstiffness, especially in the morningand when overusing a joint.

However, there is no reason to lose hope. “Just because you havearthritis doesn’t mean you have tosit at home and do nothing,” sayskaren kansler, RN, communityoutreach nurse at MedStar Good

Samaritan Hospital. “The best thing you can do is get up andmove. While there’s no cure for arthritis, you can still have a very full life because this is a manageable disease.”

Ms. kansler teaches severalexercise classes for people living

with arthritis, and gives seminars in the community about the bestways to cope with the disease.

“A variety of regular physicalactivity helps minimize pain andstiffness in joints,” says Ms. kansler.“It also increases your range ofmotion and flexibility.”

O

Karen Kansler, RN, community outreach nurse at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, teaches Tai Chi as a way to cope with arthritis.

Arthritis exercise ClassesAmong the classes Ms. kanslerteaches are “Get Going withArthritis,” held four times a year.Each class features a special topic,such as balance, joint replacementand joint injections. Throughout the year, Ms. kansler also hostsclasses on ways to:

• Control your back pain• Manage osteoporosis

through a support group• Stay active with gentle and

regular Tai Chi

“you don’t have to throw in the towel if you have arthritis.Education is where you need to start and that’s what theseclasses provide,” says Ms. kansler. “Tai Chi is wonderful becauseit gets you gently moving,increases your range of motion and improves balance andcoordination.”

Before starting any exerciseprogram, it’s important to talk with your physician.

easing the Pain of ArthritisWhile you can’t control age andfamily history, you can control some things to help minimizearthritis, including:

• Exercise (Tai Chi is a great way to start)

• Maintain a healthy weight • Eat healthy foods• Balance periods of activity

with rest

Non-Invasive Arthritis Solutions“The first time we see patients with arthritis, we help manage theirpain through either medication,injections, physical therapy, or acombination of all three. Mostpatients respond well to thistherapy and can manage their

arthritis pain for a long time,” says Carmen Pichard, MD,orthopaedic surgeon with MedStarorthopaedics at MedStar GoodSamaritan Hospital.

When these interventions fail, it’s often time to consider jointreplacement surgery. “When apatient’s pain control, mobility andquality of life are not good, andother options have failed, that’swhen we recommend a jointreplacement,” says Dr. Pichard.

Jointexperience: the Road to Recovery MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, part of MedStarorthopaedics, is recognizednationally as a high-performingjoint replacement center withorthopaedic surgeons whospecialize in the replacement and repair of joints including:

• Ankle • Hip• Back • knee• Elbow • Shoulder• Foot• Hand

Patients who need hip and knee replacement are educatedbefore surgery. “We bring

patients in before the procedureand tell them what to expectthrough our JointExperienceprogram,” says Dr. Pichard.“Patients come in prior to

surgery andmeet the joint team,which includesnurses,therapists, acase manager,and adedicatedpharmacist,and tour the

patient care unit where they willstay as well as the gym where they will participate in groupphysical therapy.”

Patients generally stay in thehospital for two to three daysbefore they go home. “Mostpeople are up and walking by the next morning,” says Dr.Pichard, who notes that patientsalso receive physical therapy athome after surgery.

to learn more about Jointexperienceor to register for the Get Going with Arthritis program, visitMedStarGoodSam.org/GoodHealthor call 855-546-1995.


Carmen Pichard, MD

After joint replacement surgery, it is important to work with yoursurgeon and physical therapist to stay moving. Below is a list ofguidelines to help you return to your active life:

• Driving: Three to six weeks• Golfing: Eight weeks• Cruising: Six to 12 weeks• Dancing: Six to eight weeks• Gym Workout: Six to 12 weeks• Walking: Night of surgery or one day after surgery• Bowling: Six to eight weeks

Joint Care After Surgery

HeARt HeALtHCardiac RehabilitationProgramour Phase II cardiacrehabilitation programprovides a carefullymonitored combination of exercise therapy andeducation for patientsrecovering from a heartattack, coronary arterybypass graft, angioplasty or coronary stenting, heart valve replacement/repair, or heart or heart-lung transplant. Call443-444-3874 to register. Three hourly sessions per week, Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays9 or 11 a.m.Good Health Center

keep the Beat Heart HealthThis four-week sessionfocuses on good hearthealth, healthy cooking,fitness, and stress reduction.Tuesdays, May 12 and 19;June 2 and 91 to 2 p.m.Senior Network of North Baltimore5828 York Rd., Baltimore

exeRCISe ANdFItNeSSPhase III exercise ProgramAn exercise program(physician referral required)for those with chronicillnesses such as arthritis,diabetes, hypertension, andhigh cholesterol. Program

includes access to our on-site fitness center. Appointments are availableMonday through Friday bycalling 443-444-3397.7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Good Health CenterFee: $20 per month or $90 for six months

Senior Fitness ClassA low-impact exerciseprogram of aerobics,strength training andflexibility done while sitting or standing.Every Wednesday9:30 a.m.Senior Network of North Baltimore5828 York Rd., Baltimore

Advanced Senior Fitness ClassA strength trainingprogram based onexercises that combineyoga and Pilates as well as low-impact cardiomovements.Thursdays, April 16 to June 1810 to 11 a.m.Senior Network of North Baltimore5828 York Rd., BaltimoreFee: $25 for 10 weeks

Chair exerciseAn exercise programconsisting of aerobics,strength training andflexibility done while sitting in a chair.

Every Friday10 a.m.St. Mary’s Roland ViewTowers3939 Roland Ave., Baltimore

Sign Chi doA registered nurse leadsthis gentle exerciseprogram with a spiritualcomponent.Every Thursday11 a.m.Senior Network of North Baltimore5828 York Rd., Baltimore

YogaThis one-hour yoga classcan improve flexibility andstamina, as well as alleviatestress. Beginners toadvanced participantswelcome.Mondays, April 27; May 4, 11 and 18; June 1, 8 and 15 (no class May 25)6 to 7:15 p.m.Parker CenterFee: $80 for 11 weeks

Gentle YogaA one-hour chair yoga classto help improve balanceand strength.Mondays, April 27; May 4, 11 and 18; June 1, 8, 15, and 22 (no class May 25)3:30 p.m.Parker CenterFee: $65 for 11 weeks

tai ChiThis ancient form ofexercise can help lowerblood pressure, ease stress and improve sleep.Tuesdays, June 16 to July 215:30 to 6:30 p.m.Good Health CenterFee: $25 for six weeks

Gentle tai ChiThese gentle exercises canhelp lower your bloodpressure, ease stress andimprove sleep.Fridays, June 19 to July 241:30 to 2:30 p.m.Good Health CenterFee: $25 for six weeks

JoINt HeALtHGet Going With Arthritis: the Healthy Benefits of tai ChiFriday, June 1910:30 to 11:30 a.m.Good Health CenterThis seminar discussestreatment options forarthritis and what you can do to live pain-free.

SuPPoRt GRouPSosteoporosis educationand Support GroupThursdays, May 14 and June 1110:30 to 11:45 a.m.Russell Morgan Bldg., Conference Room 1 (next to CourtyardCoffeehouse)


Good Health

Community Lectures and Class Schedule At MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, we care about the health and wellness of our community. One of the ways we try to keep youhealthy and active is by offering special classes, lectures and screenings. Join us, and learn how you can stay healthy for life.

on the Go

Stroke ClubA support group for stroke survivors and their caregivers.Thursday, May 71 to 2:30 p.m.Crawford ConferenceCenter at MedStar FranklinSquare Medical Center9000 Franklin Square Dr.,Baltimore

diabetes Support GroupGuest speakers will discusstopics related to diabetesmanagement.Third Monday of each month2:30 to 4 p.m.Good Health Center

Caregiver Support GroupA new support groupdesigned for those whocare for an aging adult.Fridays, May 8; June 12 and July 1010 to 11:30 a.m.Parker Center

Amputee Support GroupWednesdays, May 27;June 24 and July 226:30 to 8 p.m.Good Health Center

WeLLNeSS ANdPReveNtIoNmassage therapy orIntegrative Reflexology

Provided by licensedmassage therapists at our Good Health Center.Day and eveningappointments areavailable. Call 443-444-4663 for more information.Fee: $30 for 30 minutes or $55 for an hour

AcupunctureAncient therapy provided by a licensedacupuncturist thatpromotes healing for those with chronic pain and other conditions.Appointments are available every Friday from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. by calling 443-444-4663.Good Health CenterFee: $150 for initial two-hour evaluation and $85 for additionalappointments

Nicotine Anonymousongoing support andeducation for smokers who want to quit.Mondays, 6:30 to 8 p.m.Good Health Center

Back Pain SeminarThursdays, June 18; Sept. 17 and Nov. 19 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.Good Health Center

think FASt StrokeAwareness educationThis seminar, led by arehabilitation therapist,focuses on risk factors andsigns of stroke, as well aspreventive steps you cantake. Free stroke preventionkit will be offered toparticipants.Tuesday, May 1911 a.m.Liberty Senior Center3525 Resource Dr.,Randallstown

Lifestyle to Live Well:exercise and diet—the dynamic duoA seminar held inpartnership with theBaltimore CountyDepartment of Aging thatdiscusses how you canmaximize your healththrough diet and exercise.Tuesday, May 269:30 a.m.Seven Oaks Senior Center9210 Seven Courts Dr.,Nottingham

Tuesday, June 910:30 a.m.Ateaze Senior Center7401 Holabird Ave.,Dundalk

Thursday, July 2312:30 p.m.Victory Villa Senior Center403 Compass Rd., Baltimore

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

Wednesdays, May 20; June 17 and July 15

9:30 a.m.Parkville Senior Center8601 Harford Rd., Parkville

Fridays, May 8; June 12 and July 109:30 a.m.Seven Oaks Senior Center9210 Seven Courts Dr.,Baltimore

Fridays, May 8; June 12 and July 1011 a.m.Overlea-Fullerton SeniorCenter4314 Fullerton Ave.,Baltimore

Tuesdays, May 26 and June 2312:30 p.m.Harford Senior Center4920 Harford Rd., Baltimore

Red Hot mamas®menopause education Series:making Fitness FunEnjoy an exciting night ofmovement and learn somegreat ways to get aworkout...without feelinglike you did.Thursday, June 46 p.m.Parker Center

iConnect Generations expo 2015This event will offer health screenings,exercise, music, food, and more.Saturday, May 210 a.m. to 3 p.m.Stadium Place1000 East 33rd St.,Baltimore


to register, visitMedStarGoodSam.org/GoodHealthor call 855-546-1995. All classes are free unlessnoted otherwise.

The experts at MedStar Heart & Vascular Instituteare taking the care of

patients with irregular heartrhythms to a new level—using thesmallest heart monitor available.The LINQ™ Insertable Cardiac Monitoring System measures aninch-and-a-half long by less than a centimeter wide and helps MedStar cardiologists quickly diagnose and treat irregular heartrhythms. “The device is placedjust under the skin in a simple outpatient procedure,” says electrophysiologist Dr. GlennMeininger. “once implanted, itautomatically detects and records

abnormal heart rhythms for up to three years.”

The tiny device records heartbeats around the clock and wirelessly transmits the data from a person’s home to a secureweb page. The data is checked regularly by specially trainednurses who identify and addressany potential problems.

“The LINQ device can catch a number of heart-rhythm disorders,” says Angela Drozd,RN, who monitors the incomingdata. “The most common uses areto evaluate patients who have a history of fainting without anyidentifiable cause or those with

a history of palpitations, and tomanage patients who have atrialfibrillation, or irregular heartbeat.”

LINQ offers peace of mind andconvenience, allowing patients to live normally, even as their condition is being monitored.“Now we don’t have to wait forpatients to come into the office to check their device, which saves time,” says Ms. Drozd. Dr. Meininger agrees: “The LINQis more effective and more convenient for the patient.”

Get a grip on a healthy rhythm: Call 877-74-HEART (43278) for a free jar grip and A-fib brochure.


Keeping A Steady B eatNew Technology Improves Treatment of Heart Rhythm Disorders

Lung Screening Saves Lives

News from Around the Region

ARe You A SmokeR? Have youever wondered if you might havelung cancer? you may qualify for alung screening. (See box at right.)

The MedStar Health CancerNetwork offers low-cost lungscreenings for long-time smokersand former smokers to detectlung cancer early at its mosttreatable stage. Lung cancer is thenumber-one cause of death fromcancer in the U.S. each year. Morepeople die from it than from othercancers combined includingbreast, colon and prostate cancer.

“Lung cancer is a deadlydisease with nearly no symptomsto detect early,” says NathanielMcElhaney, MD, Thoracic Surgery

at MedStar Good SamaritanHospital and MedStar FranklinSquare Medical Center. “often,when we do make a diagnosis, itis too late to have a potentiallycurative treatment.”

Currently, more than half of the lung cancer in America isdiagnosed in an advanced ormetastasized state, with very poor chances of survival,according to Dr. McElhaney. “With lung screening, like breastand colon screening, we will beable to diagnose lung cancerearlier, potentially savingthousands of lives.”

“I encourage anyone whoknows, or is, someone who fits the

If you meet these criteria, you could be a candidate for our Lung Screening Program:

• You are 55 to 74 years of age. • You smoked a pack of cigarettes

a day for 30 years or more, or twopacks a day for 15 years.

• You are still a smoker—or have quitless than 15 years ago.

HEART

CANCER

criteria, to get screened. you maybe saving a life. Even your own.”

to schedule a lung screening at a medStar location near you, call877-715-HOPE (4673).


medStAR oRtHoPAedICShas developed a comprehensivenetwork of orthopaedic andsports medicine centers at more than 20 convenient arealocations for patients throughoutCentral Maryland. This is inaddition to the renownedorthopaedic care at MedStarFranklin Square Medical Center,MedStar Good SamaritanHospital, MedStar Harbor Hospital, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, and The Curtis National Hand Center.

MedStar’s experts include morethan 80 specialists providing thelatest orthopaedic treatmentsinvolving all aspects of sportsmedicine, spine surgery and joint

replacements of the ankle, knee,hip, and shoulder.

“our physicians are collaboratingregionally to maximize patientaccess to top-quality care, resourcesand technology throughout thearea,” says Les Mathews, MD,medical director, MedStarorthopaedics in Central Maryland.

“We’ve become less hospital-centric and that has enabled us to provide greater coordination of care, more consistent servicesand a better patient experience at every MedStar facility.”

over the past two years,changes at MedStar orthopaedicshave eliminated duplicativeservices and generated financialsavings. This has helped MedStar

create a more sophisticated andintegrated care-delivery system,according to Dr. Mathews. “Forpatients, that means seamless and easier access to orthopaediccare in the community.”

Dr. Mathews says similarinitiatives also are underway toregionalize MedStar’s nationallyrecognized heart and cancerservices.

For more information, visitMedStarOrtho.org or call 877-34-ORTHO (67846).

Comprehensive and Renowned CareORTHOPAEDICS

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDBaltimore, MD

Permit No. 5941

5601 Loch Raven Blvd., Baltimore, md 21239

MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, located at the cornerof Loch Raven Blvd. and Belvedere Ave., is minutes fromTowson and parking is free. U.S.News & World Reportnamed MedStar Good Samaritan high ranking in diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology and GI surgery, geriatrics, orthopaedics, nephrology, neurology and neurosurgery, pulmonology, and urology.

MedStarGoodSam.org/GoodHealth855-546-1995

a publication from medstar good samaritan hospital …the center for successful aging. “it’s...

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