LifeBridge Health Blogs

Celebrate Occupational Therapy Month in April

2011-04-13T06:00:00.002-04:00

In one of the most iconic superhero films of all time, Batman Begins, Bruce Wayne’s father says, “Why do we fall? To pick ourselves back up.” As much as we would all like to be as strong as Batman and have the physical and mental strength to pick ourselves up from a fall, not everyone can do it on their own. That’s where occupational therapists come in and work their magic. Occupational therapists help you both “pick yourself up” so that you can live a fully-functioning, productive life.

April is Occupational Therapy Month. Regardless if you have ever been to an occupational therapist, it is important to know that they exist and are here to help. What exactly is occupational therapy? It’s a service that helps patients with mental, physical, developmental and emotional disabilities perform everyday tasks. Occupational therapists provide these services to everyone, from young children with learning disabilities to elderly adults who have suffered from a stroke.

Natan Berry, MS, OTR/L at Sinai Hospital says, "One of the most satisfying things about being an occupational therapist is being able to see the tremendous progress that people make. A patient can be completely dependent for all of their activities of daily living, but through aggressive rehabilitation, even basic remedial tasks such as putting toothpaste on a toothbrush become possible until maximum independence is achieved. I was recently shopping at BJ's Wholesale Club when I ran into a former patient of mine. She was dependent on a mechanical ventilator for over a month, yet here she was walking and shopping the aisles independently!"

Here is a video that highlights the occupational therapy student program at Sinai Hospital:

At Sinai Hospital there are currently 22 occupational therapists who work in various departments such as NICU and geriatrics, offering both inpatient and outpatient services. “We all do various treatments that relate to the specific area that we work in, but treatments can range from completing basic activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, feeding, and toileting, to instrumental activities of daily living such as cooking, medication management, and laundry. We also do range of motion of the upper extremities, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, splinting, and teaching how to use adaptive equipment to make daily life easier. We work on improving cognitive skills to make functioning in the real world safer and more efficient. We also have specialties, including our outpatient driving rehab program,” Berry says.

The goal of an occupational therapist is to help a patient accomplish their goals and maintain their independence, so help promote Occupational Therapy Month by thanking an occupational therapist or occupational assistant today!

To learn more about Occupational Therapy visit the Sinai Rehabilitation Center, or our previous blog post titled Occupational Therapy Can Be a Rewarding Career.

-Trish Smith

Celebrate National Healthcare Volunteer Week April 10-16

2011-04-12T06:00:00.003-04:00

Every year thousands of people generously donate their time to hospitals. These volunteers assist with the comfort, care and happiness of hospital patients and their families, as well as the needs of hospital staff.

The week of April 10-16 has been designated as National Healthcare Volunteer Week. This week recognizes the significant contributions that volunteers make to the healthcare community. Most importantly, it is a time for people to thank these volunteers for enriching their lives.

LifeBridge Health centers Sinai Hospital, Northwest Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital and Courtland Gardens Nursing & Rehabilitation Center each accept applications for their volunteer programs. People of all ages, from high school seniors to retired senior citizens, are encouraged to apply.

Some of the volunteer positions include:

· Office/clerical positions
· Therapeutic recreation assistants
· Friendly visitors
· Gift cart volunteers
· Book-Mobile volunteers
· Entertainers
· Spiritual support volunteers
· Horticulture therapy assistants
· Adult day care service assistants

Jennifer Terrell, Director of Volunteer Services and Business Outreach at Northwest Hospital, says “Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and help others, and health care facilities are always in need of caring, compassionate people to devote their time and talent as volunteers.”

"Every day Sinai's team of volunteers make meaningful contributions to the patient care and administrative operations of the hospital. They are a constant reminder that helping others is the most important reason for working in health care," says, Beth Markowitz, Volunteer Manager for Sinai Hospital.

Janine Boulad, Volunteer Services Manager at Levindale and Courtland Gardens, says "First I want to say that I as the manager of volunteers I have the best job in the world. I have a job that reaffirms my faith in humanity everyday. Health care volunteers provide the human touch to our patients and residents. They give the gift of time and time can never be repaid. Typically in nursing homes 50 percent of the residents do not get visits, but with the help of our outstanding volunteers, every resident who wants a visit can have one."

Volunteering at a health care facility is a great way to give back to the community and to help the less fortunate. It will also help you gain valuable skills that you can use for the rest of your life.

Learn more about:
Volunteering at Sinai
Volunteering at Northwest
Volunteering at Levindale
Volunteering at Courtland Gardens

-Trish Smith

Congestive Heart Failure

2011-04-11T06:00:00.003-04:00

Elizabeth Taylor died of congestive heart failure (CHF) at the age of 79 on March 23. Her death raises awareness of this serious condition that affects an estimated five million Americans.

Congestive heart failure means that the heart muscle cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. CHF may develop over a long period of time, sometimes over years, or almost immediately.

“There are many different reasons that CHF occurs,” says Dr. Ali Tabrizchi, an interventional cardiologist at the Heart Center at Sinai in Baltimore. “Genetics, which are passed down through families, as well lifestyle choices, can be to blame.”

Among the possible causes:

Coronary artery disease
Problems with the heart’s valves
Thyroid conditions
A heart attack
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Obesity
Diabetes
An infection of the heart muscle
Vitamin deficiencies

People of all ages and of both sexes can have congestive heart failure. Among some people who died from it are actress/dancer Ginger Rogers, makeup founder Max Factor, Jr., jazz musician Lionel Hampton, NBA center Kevin Duckworth, and actor Andy Hallett who had a recurring role in the TV series “Angel.”

Chest pain is only one possible symptom of a heart problem. Other symptoms can be:

Constantly tired or weak
Dizzy spells
Frequent urination during the night
Problems breathing when lying down
Shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing when you exert yourself
Swollen ankles or feet
Waking at night coughing or short of breath

Adds Dr. Tabrizchi, “through intensive treatment, outpatient management and education, many patients improve their health quality of life.”

Based on examinations and tests, your physician will develop a treatment plan for you, which can include:

Increased activity as recommended
Dietary changes to reduce intake of salt and sodium
Medication to help the heart work better
Rest to give the heart a break
Referral for heart transplantation

For more information, contact the Heart Center at Sinai, the Northwest Hospital Division of Cardiology at www.lifebridgehealth.org, or call 410.601.WELL.

-Helene King

National Heimlich Maneuver Week is April 10-16

2011-04-08T06:00:00.002-04:00

Every five days a child in the U.S. dies from choking to death. Most of these deaths could have been prevented if the parents knew how to administer the Heimlich maneuver. This emergency technique, which was developed by American Henry Heimlich, was founded in 1974. Since then it has saved over 100,000 American lives and countless more around the world.

This year National Heimlich Maneuver Week will occur from April 10-16. The week-long observance will celebrate the life-saving technique and educate the public about proper ways to perform it.

Do you want to learn the proper way to administer the Heimlich maneuver? Watch this video:

To learn more about the Heimlich Maneuver visit the Heimlich Institute.

-Trish Smith

April 7 is National Alcohol Screening Day

2011-04-07T06:00:00.004-04:00

Every year thousands of people fall victim to alcohol-related injuries. The scary fact is that many of these injuries are caused by alcoholics who took their first drink when they were underage. The Screening for Mental Health website says “Approximately 20 percent of eighth graders, 35 percent of tenth graders, and 48 percent of twelfth graders report having consumed alcohol during the past month.”

By the time young people graduate college, many of them will be consuming four or five alcoholic drinks in one night. This puts them and their peers at a higher risk for injury, and will likely lead to alcoholism. Before the cycle of alcohol addition occurs, people need to become educated about alcohol use and its health concerns.

National Alcohol Screening Day is an annual event that raises awareness about alcohol consumption. It is a day for people to receive free advice on alcohol use problems, and for them to take anonymous alcohol screenings to determine if they need help.

The following video was created by students from the Gregory School of Pharmacy at Palm Beach Atlantic University to promote National Alcohol Screening Day:

If you think that you or someone you know may have an alcohol addiction, please take an anonymous alcohol self-assessment on How Do You Score or Alcohol Screening, or find an Alcohol Treatment Center Any Place in the U.S. on the National Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Information Center website.

-Trish Smith

LifeBridge Health Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Associates Open New Physical Therapy Clinic in Reisterstown

2011-04-06T16:12:00.005-04:00

LifeBridge Health Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation powered by Physiotherapy Associates announces the grand opening of its sixth physical therapy clinic today in Reisterstown, Md. The Reisterstown facility offers expert, individualized physical therapy treatment from a team of licensed physical therapists in a non-hospital setting.

Patients have access to a comprehensive list of services: back and neck care, orthopedic physical therapy, post-operative rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, work injury rehabilitation and other specialty services.

“We are excited about the opportunity to care for the residents of Reisterstown and to further expand our brand of individualized high-quality physical therapy services to even more people in the Baltimore area,” said Dave Gray, P.T., Area vice president, Physiotherapy Associates.

In addition to the Reisterstown clinic, there are clinic locations in Eldersburg, Owings Mills, Pikesville, Timonium and Towson. Patients have the option of receiving care at any of the clinics within the system. The Pikesville clinic, located within LifeBridge Health & Fitness, offers additional services such as aquatic therapy and a fitness center.

To learn more visit LifeBridge Health & Fitness.

-Noel Lloyd

5 Ways to Eat Healthy at a Ballpark

2011-04-06T06:00:00.002-04:00

Baseball season is officially here! What does that mean? It means going to your local ballpark, watching your favorite team battle it out and eating a lot of unhealthy ballpark food.

Besides paying an arm and a leg for beer and food, you’ll be paying with your health if you keep ingesting all those hot dogs and French fries.

By making a few healthy decisions you can feel good about what you’re eating, even if you don’t feel good about how well your team is playing. Here are five ways that you can eat healthy at your local stadium or arena.

1. Choose Chicken Over Beef or Pork

It might be considered un-American to not eat a hot dog at a baseball game, but since you do have alternatives, you should choose a healthier option. A typical Nathan’s hot dog has 297 calories, a hamburger 273 calories and a grilled skinless chicken breast sandwich has about 120 calories. If you have to choose between a grilled chicken sandwich and fried chicken fingers, always go with the sandwich.

2. Ditch the Ice Cream and Go for Frozen Yogurt

On a hot summer day you might want nothing more than a delicious ice cream cone, but beware the calories. A traditional vanilla ice cream cone has about 145 calories, while vanilla frozen yogurt has about 117 calories.

3. Popcorn vs. Peanuts

If you’re craving a snack to munch on during the game, choose peanuts instead of popcorn. A typical box of popcorn can have up to 2,000 calories, considering all the butter and oil that was used to cook it. A serving of dry roasted peanuts has about 854 calories, which is still high, but much healthier than those kernels.

4. Avoid the Cheese, Please!

Cheese is one of the tastiest, but most high-calorie foods to eat. That being said, as tempting as it may be to get an order of nachos smothered in cheese (over 1,000 calories), cheese-smothered French fries (644 calories) or a super soft pretzel with cheese (569 calories), opt for food without the cheese. Your stomach will thank you later.

5. Eat Beforehand or Bring Your Own Snacks

Whoever said that you have to spend a huge chunk of your hard-earned money at a baseball game? You can always eat before the game to avoid having the urge to splurge on fatty stadium food. Also, you can bring a Ziploc® bag of healthy snacks like granola or fruit to curb your appetite.

Now that you know how to eat healthy at your local sports stadium it’s time for you to put on your favorite jersey and support your local team!

To learn more about healthy food options visit Sinai Hospital's Diet and Nutrition page.

-Trish Smith

Sinai Hospital of Baltimore Earns Designation as Cardiac Interventional Center

2011-04-05T06:00:00.001-04:00

The Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) designated Sinai Hospital of Baltimore as a Cardiac Interventional Center on April 1, 2011.

This distinction means that Sinai complies with state standards so that emergency medical services (EMS) workers can bring patients experiencing the most common type of heart attack, called a STEMI, here. Ambulances bypass hospitals that are not a cardiac interventional center.

It is widely recognized that the sooner a patient is treated for the blockage causing a STEMI, the better the heart muscle will recover. That’s why a well-coordinated effort between EMS providers in the field and the medical staff at a cardiac interventional center is generally associated with fewer complications and better outcomes.

“Maryland’s EMS system continues to be a national model for trauma and emergency care,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “The designation of cardiac interventional centers complements our statewide system and ensure that Marylanders receive the best treatment possible when it comes to heart attacks and STEMI care.”

The American Hospital Association estimates that 400,000 people in the United States and 5,600 in Maryland experience a STEMI each year, so it’s important to recognize the symptoms and call 9-1-1 immediately.

Symptoms can include:

Discomfort in the center of the chest - which can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain - and lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw and/or stomach
Shortness of breath
Sweating
Nausea
Lightheadedness

To learn more about heart-related conditions visit the Heart Center at Sinai.

-Helene King

Jennifer Terrell Earns ROMG Chamber President's Award

2011-04-04T06:00:00.002-04:00

Jennifer Terrell, director of Volunteers and Business Outreach at Northwest Hospital, was the recipient of this year’s Reisterstown-Owings Mills-Glyndon Chamber of Commerce President’s Award.

This is an honor awarded by the chamber’s president and given to the member who has given the most and gone the extra mile for the ROMG Chamber of Commerce.

“Jenn has helped just about every committee we have with events or anything they have needed assistance with,” says Rachel Heird, president of the ROMG Chamber and AVP, branch manager of Farmers & Merchants Bank in Owings Mills. “Jenn also volunteered to co-chair one of our most popular committees, Women In Business. She’s an all around team player who gives over 100 percent to whatever she takes on, and she is a valued member of this organization.”

Jennifer is currently the 1st vice president of the chamber and a very active member of the group. When helping out with chamber events, she’s there from start to end to ensure that everything runs smoothly. She is similarly dedicated to her work in organizing the hospital volunteers at Northwest.

--Holly Hosler

Health Awareness Observances for the Month of April

2011-04-01T06:00:00.004-04:00

What are the symptoms of autism? Do you know the best way to protect your infant against vaccine-preventable diseases? How do you prevent meningitis? If you don’t know the answers to these questions and you want to educate yourself about autism, infant immunization, meningitis and other health-related issues, then get ready to celebrate April Health Awareness Month!

The following health observances are recognized for the entire month of April:

Alcohol Awareness Month

According to Psychology Today, “25% of U.S. children are exposed to alcohol-use disorders in their family.” Considering the millions of children that there are in the U.S., that is a tragically high number. Alcohol Awareness Month was created to educate both children and adults about the devastating effects of alcohol. Individuals and organizations can learn how to recognize the signs of alcohol abuse and help people get the treatment they need.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month

The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders estimates that “IBS affects between 25 and 45 million people in the United States” and “worldwide it's estimated that between 1 in 10 and nearly 1 in 4 people (9% to 23% of populations) has IBS.” What exactly is IBS? It’s a disorder that causes abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month promotes the understanding of IBS, ways to treat it and the raising of money for advancement in IBS research.

Occupational Therapy Month

Did you know that occupational therapy helps people who are suffering from arthritis, diabetes and obesity? Occupational Therapy Month is a celebration to appreciate occupational therapists and assistants. Visit the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. to learn Ten Things You Can Do to Celebrate Occupational Therapy Month.

March for Babies

According to the March of Dimes website, “In the United States, about 12.8 percent of babies (more than half a million a year) are born prematurely. The rate of premature birth has increased by 36 percent since the early 1980s.” March for Babies was created by the March of Dimes to help fund research to prevent premature birth, birth defects and other birth-related conditions associated with newborns.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month

“Over 3 million reports of child abuse are made every year in the United States,” according to ChildHelp.org, an organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect. National Child Abuse Prevention Month raises awareness about these victims and educates people on strengthening families and communities affected by child abuse.

National Autism Awareness Month

“One percent of the population of children in the U.S. ages 3 to 17 have an autism spectrum disorder,” states the Autism Society. Autism is a developmental disorder in the brain that affects a person’s social and communication skills. It usually appears within the first three years of life, but with early and effective treatment, it can help children successfully integrate into society. National Autism Awareness Month educates the public about autism and promotes fundraising for the Autism Society of America.

Sexually Transmitted Disease Awareness Month

The Centers for Disease Control estimates “there are approximately 19 million new cases of STDs each year in the United States, almost half of them among young people ages 15 to 24.” These sexually transmitted diseases can create long-term health illnesses, and eventually lead to death. STD Awareness Month educates people about ways they can prevent STDs, as well as stresses the importance of talking to a healthcare provider if you have an STD.

National Donate Life Month

National Donate Life Month was created in 2003 by Donate Life America, an organization whose goal is to motivate the American public to become organ, eye and tissue donors. According to its website, “An average of 18 people die each day from the lack of available organs for transplant.” Donate Life America proclaimed April as National Donate Life Month to continue its mission of raising awareness for organ donation in America.

National Facial Protection Month

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that mouth guards can prevent up to 200,000 injuries a year. Although it is mandatory for sports players to wear mouth guards in hockey, football and lacrosse, many people believe that it should be mandatory for all athletes in every sport. National Facial Protection Month is sponsored by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and it advocates for mouth guard protection and protective facial gear for all sports players.

Foot Health Awareness Month

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, “a 150 pound person walking one mile can exert a force of 63.5 tons on a single foot? That weight can greatly impact a person’s ability to move around. Foot Health Awareness Month encourages people to take care of their feet and ankles so that they can prevent future foot problems from happening.

National Minority Health Month

Did you know that African American men are 80% more likely to have chronic liver disease than white men, or that Asian American women are 2.4 times more likely to die from chronic liver disease than non-Hispanic white women? These are statistics from the Office of Minority Health, an organization established by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. National Minority Health Month educates the public about ways to improve the health of racial and ethnic minorities in America. Visit the National Minority Quality Forum website for more information.

-Trish Smith

Knowledge is Power: The Know Your Health Program at LifeBridge Health

2011-03-31T07:00:00.000-04:00

The following is an excerpt from MdMD for Life 2011, available now.

For 50-year-old Patricia Smith*, nothing beats a bowl of Cocoa Krispies or a stack of Oreos, paired with a tall glass of whole milk. These days, however, you’re more likely to find her eating Cheerios with soy milk or munching on an apple when cookie cravings strike. She attributes her healthier habits to news she received while attending a low-cost health screening last year at Baltimore’s Woodlawn Senior Center.

“Hypertension and diabetes run in my family, so I figured it was a good idea to go and get checked out,” Patricia recalls. She was working full-time, but did not have health insurance at the time, and hadn’t seen a physician in several years. At the screening, part of LifeBridge Health’s Know Your Health program, a nurse checked her height, weight and blood pressure; calculated her body mass index (BMI) and took a blood sample to measure Patricia's total cholesterol, triglyceride and fasting glucose levels.

Results showed that she was overweight and that her blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar readings were slightly high, suggesting she was on the verge of a battle with the same health problems as her parents.

To read more, click here.

-Amy Novotney

Walking: A Simple and Effective Way to Stay Healthy

2011-03-30T07:00:00.002-04:00

by Jason Bosley-Smith, CSCS, Lead Lifestyle Coach, Live Well @ LifeBridge

Research results could hardly be clearer: Taking a walk is one of the best ways to take charge of your health, so get out there and start your walking workout routine! A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (February 11, 1998) showed that walking briskly for half an hour just six times a month cut the risk of premature death in men and women by 44 percent. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine (January 8, 1997) reported that men 61 to 81 years old sharply reduced their risk of death from all causes, including cancer and heart disease, by walking two miles a day. Other research has shown similar results for women.

The added benefit of walking is that it’s simple to do anywhere, anytime! Walking requires no special equipment and can be performed outdoors or inside through hallways and stairwells. With a walking routine, you can begin at your own pace and find a level of intensity that is appropriate for your own personal starting point; therefore, whether you’re 21 or 61, walking can serve as an ideal form of activity.

Begin by moving at a comfortable pace and use the “talk test” ” to measure your intensity:
Talk Test
- Too Intense – You can barely breathe and can’t carry on light conversation.
- Too Easy – You can recite Shakespeare.
- Just Right – You can speak in short phrases but still feel breathing and heart rate slightly elevated.

Here are some other tips for making the most out of your walking workout:
1. Partner Up – Studies have shown that individuals are more likely to adhere to a routine when paired up with another person. Find a friend or coworker and agree to walk together each day at lunch. Using the “buddy system” like this can also help each of you keep one another accountable.
2. Warm Up First, Then Stretch – Begin your walking workout with a brief 5 minute light walk then stop to stretch before continuing on for your extended routine. Focus on stretching the shoulders, hips and calves as these muscles are most involved in your walking pattern.
3. Practice Posture – As you walk, keep your shoulders back, chest out and chin up. Poor posture creates aches and pains and prevents optimal breathing. By keeping your posture “tall,” you’ll open up your lungs to take deeper, fuller breaths as you walk and prevent tension in the neck, shoulders and back.
4. Arm Action – Pump your arms as you walk to create more motion in your upper body. The more muscles you move, the more calories you burn so get the arms involved in the action.
5. Let Go – Forget about the stress and worries of the day and let your mind focus on what your body is doing. Avoid talking about work or other stressful situations throughout the time of your walk. Give your brain a break, smile and have fun!
Aim for a 10-15 minute walk when you first begin, and then gradually add 2 minutes to your walk each week until you reach a 30 minute walking routine. Now get up, get going, and walk it out!

Baby Fat: Sinai Hospital Helps Women with Gestational Diabetes

2011-03-29T07:00:00.002-04:00

The following is an excerpt from MdMD for Life 2011, available now.

As a nurse, Lakecia Lewis knew what she needed to do to have a healthy pregnancy, including eating better. But when she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes in 2006, Lewis kicked into high gear, becoming more motivated to follow a healthy meal plan and to keep her weight gain minimal.

“I realized it wasn’t just about me now that I was pregnant,” Lewis says. “The gestational diabetes was going to affect the baby, and I wanted both of us to be healthy.”

Lewis received the support she needed through Sinai Hospital’s Diabetes and Pregnancy Education and Management Program. Anna Osztreicher, a certified nurse practitioner and diabetes educator and program manager, meets with each patient to formulate an individualized plan.

“I have a nonjudgmental attitude,” Osztreicher says of the “intimate relationship” she develops with her patients. “I ask about their fears and keep everything in a realistic perspective. These women are obviously very concerned about their baby’s well-being.”

Gestational diabetes occurs as a result of a resistance to insulin during pregnancy. It is estimated that between 6 to 8 percent of all pregnancies involve gestational diabetes, says David Schwartz, M.D., chief of the Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology at Sinai Hospital. Risk factors include being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, or being considered pre-diabetic.

The impact of gestational diabetes on the health of mother and baby should not be minimized, Schwartz says.

“Gestational diabetes can cause the baby to get too big, which can obstruct labor or result in other complications during delivery,” he says. “There’s also a concern about stillbirth. That’s why we help these women get their blood sugar level under control.”

The number of cases are increasing, as Schwartz explains below:

To read more, click here.
-Elizabeth Leis-Newman

Bariatric Services Now Offered at Sinai and Northwest

2011-03-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

While its patients are slimming down, the Bariatrics Program at LifeBridge Health is expanding, with services at Northwest and Sinai hospitals.

Kuldeep Singh, M.D., joined the Division of General Surgery at Northwest Hospital as the division head of Minimally Invasive Surgery, specializing in bariatrics. Cynthia Long, M.D., joined the Department of Surgery at Sinai Hospital, also specializing in bariatrics. Along with Christina Li, M.D., division head of Minimally Invasive Surgery at Sinai Hospital, Singh and Long will offer the following options for patients who are eligible for bariatric surgery: laparoscopic gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure.

Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery involves stapling the stomach and rerouting the small intestine to form a small stomach pouch about the size of an egg. A limb of intestine is attached to the pouch to create a bypass. After surgery, food enters the pouch and empties into the small intestine. As a result, food bypasses almost all of the stomach and a segment of the intestine.

Sleeve gastrectomy is a nonreversible procedure that generates weight loss solely through reduced food intake. Divided vertically, the stomach is reduced by more than 85 percent. The portion of the stomach that remains is shaped like a very slim banana or sleeve. There is no intestinal bypass, only stomach reduction.

With the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure, an inflatable band is placed around the upper part of the stomach increasing the feeling of fullness. When less food is consumed, the body draws on its own fat reserves for energy, which in turn results in weight loss. The procedure is less invasive than the other two procedures. It requires no cutting or stapling of the stomach or bowel, and is also associated with a lower risk of malnutrition. Adjustments to the band can be made without additional surgery, and it is reversible if necessary.

The bariatrics surgeons will educate patients and help them to select the best weight loss surgery that will suit their needs, fit with their health and lifestyle, and match their comfort level.

Each bariatrics physician is board certified. Li specializes in laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Long specializes in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Singh specializes in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic gastric banding; and soon he will offer laparoscopic greater curvature plication.

To meet with a physician, call 410.601.WELL.

LifeBridge Health Heroes

2011-03-25T06:00:00.005-04:00

Health Care Heroes

Congratulations to The Daily Record’s 2011 Health Care Heroes. The LifeBridge Health winners are:

Tamika Gladney, R.N., Northwest Hospital
Rosa Griffith, volunteer, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital
Gerami Seitzman, M.D., ophthalmologist, Krieger Eye Institute, Sinai Hospital
Michael Zollicoffer, M.D., pediatrician, Sinai Hospital

Seitzman, director of Cornea, External Disease and Uveitis at the Krieger Eye Institute at Sinai Hospital, was the top winner in the physician category.

“Just doing my job is an honor in itself,” Seitzman says. “And this honor adds icing to the cake.”

Dr. Seitzman comments on her award:

Here what Tamika Gladney, R.N. has to say about this recognition.

Rosa Griffith’s sons accepted this posthumous award on her behalf. Rosa began volunteering at the age of 77, and continued even after surviving a stroke. In the spring of 2010, at age 82, Rosa was diagnosed with cancer. She continued to volunteer, amassing 1,400 hours during her nearly five years as a Levindale volunteer.

The Daily Record received nearly 150 nominations for its annual Health Care Heroes awards, which recognizes individuals in eight categories including physician, volunteer, community outreach, nurse, midlevel practitioner, health care professional, advancements in health care, and animal care provider

About 400 people attended the award ceremony this week at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Baltimore.

The Daily Record, a daily newspaper published five times a week to provide legal and business news, created Health Care Heroes in 2003 "to honor those heroes in the health care industry who impact the lives of Marylanders." For a full list of the 2011 finalists, visit http://thedailyrecord.com/health-care-heroes/current-winners/

The Body’s Preparation for Labor and Delivery

2011-03-24T07:00:00.001-04:00

Editor's note: This is the latest installment from our mother-to-be who will be delivering at The BirthPlace at Sinai.

I was aware that one of the signs that the body is preparing itself for labor was having the baby drop into one’s pelvis, but I didn’t expect mine to be such a dramatic experience. This phenomenon is also called lightening or engagement, and for first time moms, usually occurs 2 to 4 weeks before the baby is born. (For moms who have already given birth, sometimes it happens right before labor – or not at all.) For many women, lightening provides some relief; they can breathe better and eat larger meals. However, they might also experience added pressure on the pelvic floor or bladder, leading to more frequent bathroom trips.

I was sitting at the dining table, talking with friends, when lightening happened to me: I literally felt my belly slowly fall into my lap. Thinking that it couldn’t possibly be time yet – my due date was 5 weeks away – I said nothing. However, at my OB appointment a couple days later, the doctor confirmed that the baby had indeed dropped, and she could even feel the baby’s head during my pelvic exam.

Apparently, my cervix has also started dilating (opening up) and effacing (getting thinner) in preparation for labor. This doesn’t mean that I will necessarily go into labor in the next few hours or even days (it could take weeks), but it’s an exciting sign that the baby’s almost here!

I’ve been also feeling more of those Braxton Hicks contractions. Last week, I even felt a few in my lower back, but they didn’t move forward towards the front of my uterus like they would in true labor.

Even so, if you’re less than 37 weeks pregnant and experience four or more Braxton Hicks contractions in an hour for two hours or more, contact your OB-GYN. Your doctor will want to make sure that you’re not in premature labor. If you’re 37 weeks pregnant or more and your contractions get closer together, start timing them. If you’re experiencing contractions that last at least 60 seconds and having them every five minutes, call your OB-GYN. You might just be in labor!

Choosing Healthy Drink Options

2011-03-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

by Jason Bosley-Smith, CSCS, Live Well @ LifeBridge

Did you know that a 20-ounce soda has about 17 teaspoons of sugar and over 200 calories? While many of us focus on food when we think of controlling calories, how often do we stop and think about our drinks? Empty calories and high doses of sugar are found in many drink options, stifling our goals of healthy weight maintenance.

Poor drink choices are ones that contain a lot of extra calories without very many vitamins and minerals. Choosing these types of drinks regularly can keep you from maintaining a healthy weight. Beware of sport drinks, sodas and fruit-flavored beverages. These types of drinks contain large amounts of added sugar and are packed with calories without many nutrients. Diet sodas are also problematic as they contain artificial sweeteners that our bodies do not readily recognize, leaving us hungry or thirsty for more.

Drinks and Diabetes
A recent study published in Diabetes Care indicates that soft drinks sweetened with sugar may be contributing to the rise in cases of type 2 diabetes, as these drinks add significant quantities of calories and carbohydrate to the diet. Since these drinks contain large amounts of rapidly absorbable carbohydrates, they may induce a fast and dramatic increase in both glucose and insulin concentrations, compared to drinks made with no sugar or a sugar substitute. If you are diabetic or looking to prevent diabetes, cautiously monitor your sugar and calorie intake of these types of drinks.

Think Before You Drink Tips
1. Drink water throughout the day. Carry a water bottle with you and refill it often.
2. Trade large cream and sugar-filled coffees for lower calorie versions. Downsize your large, calorie-packed mocha latte for a medium coffee with an artificial sweetener like Stevia.
3. If you drink fruit juice, ensure that the label reads “100% juice” and not “fruit beverage” or “fruit drink.” Limit your daily intake of fruit juice - experts recommend getting no more than 4 ounces of fruit juice each day.
4. Switch to plain tea (green, white, black) or plain coffee. An additional bonus? Teas contain high quantities of antioxidants.

Celebrate World Water Day Today!

2011-03-22T10:10:00.001-04:00

Today is World Water Day, which draws attention to critical water issues around the world. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and since then has blossomed into an international day of advocacy and celebration.

Last year the UN dedicated the theme of World Water Day to water quality. This year the theme is “Water for cities: responding to the urban challenge.” This year’s goal is to encourage governments, communities and people around the world to provide urban areas with proper water management systems. The official World Water Day event will be celebrated today in Cape Town, South Africa.

Do you want to learn more about this March 22 event? Here are a few videos created by international non-profit organizations that address World Water Day:

Charity: Water

Sri Lanka Red Cross Society

UNICEF

Here are 10 ways that you can celebrate World Water Day:

1. Turn off the faucet when you’re brushing your teeth.
2. Make your own water filter.
3. Calculate your H2O use with the EPA Water Savings Calculator.
4. Design a World Water Day poster and hang it up in your office.
5. Instead of taking a bath take a short shower.
6. Sign the Sierra Club’s Clean Water Pledge.
7. Post social media status updates from oneweekforwater.org.
8. Fix leaky faucets and toilets in your home.
9. Turn off water when you’re washing dishes.
10. Read the book The Secret of Water by Masaru Emoto.

-Trish Smith

Health Care Hero: Tamika Gladney, Northwest

2011-03-22T07:00:00.001-04:00

The Maryland Daily Record's Health Care Heroes awards ceremony honors special caregivers who exemplify extraordinary commitment to their profession. The breakfast to honor the 2011 finalists, which includes Northwest's Tamika Gladney, is on Wednesday, March 23.

Tamika Gladney, B.S.N., R.N., B.C., is an acute care clinical specialist and an energetic advocate for implementing evidence-based practices into the nursing care delivered at Northwest Hospital. Since May 2006, she has been instrumental in the hospital’s adoption and success of several evidence-based programs. Gladney has a forte for solving problems, and though they may not know it, patients have benefited because of her work to improve the safety conditions surrounding their hospital stays.

Those who know Gladney are quick to say that she possesses self-initiative and is passionate about improving the quality of patient care through applied research. She worked with Johns Hopkins Hospital to share best practices to prevent patient falls and developed a falls risk assessment protocol customized for Northwest Hospital. Thanks to her efforts, all LifeBridge Health hospitals now have implemented the STOP Falls Program, which has dramatically reduced the number of patient falls.

Through her work alongside endocrinologist Bruce Sindler, M.D., Gladney became aware of an issue affecting diabetic patients: while nurses were taking great care to make sure patients’ blood pressures were regulated, the same level of concern was not being applied to the blood sugar levels of diabetic patients. Tamika consulted American Diabetic Association research and assembled an interdisciplinary workgroup that performed a comprehensive literature review and lent their insights to determine the best practices for insulin management. She then helped instruct her fellow nurses about how to implement this protocol.

In 2009, Gladney spearheaded and became the chairwoman of a Practice Board that introduces and maintains evidence-based medicine practices throughout the hospital. She made sure that one of the board’s goals would be to give bedside nurses a greater opportunity to recognize and promote improved practices.

Gladney has been inspirational to her colleagues by being an excellent clinical resource and getting other nurses at Northwest similarly engaged about research and best practices. During the past five years, despite a challenging workload and becoming a mother, Tamika has earned her bachelor's degree in nursing and has nearly completed her Master’s degree in nursing, with an acute care emphasis. She teaches other registered nurses how to conduct literature reviews, and leads new groups on how to structure and execute evidence-based projects. Gladney's presence has made Northwest Hospital a catalyst for nursing innovations, ultimately improving the care and comfort of Northwest’s patients.

-Holly Hosler

Health Care Hero: Rosa Griffith, Levindale

2011-03-21T07:00:00.001-04:00

The Maryland Daily Record's Health Care Heroes awards ceremony honors special caregivers who exemplify extraordinary commitment to their profession. The breakfast to honor the 2011 finalists, which includes Levindale's Rosa Griffith, is on Wednesday, March 23.

by Janine Boulad, Director of Volunteer Services at Levindale and Courtland Gardens

With a twinkle in her eye and a smile, Rosa Griffith showed everyone at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital how much she cared for them, especially the residents who were the most challenging. She didn’t even start volunteering here until the age of 77, after she had survived a stroke. Rosa passed away late last year, but leaves a legacy of love and inspiration with everyone who knew her.

Rosa was one of the most remarkable people I had ever met. When she started visiting residents, she chose those who needed the most tender-loving care; the residents who were unresponsive, the residents who were extremely angry about their situation, as well as the ones with no families. She delighted in the humanity of every living soul. They were “her people,” and she was devoted to them.

As an example, when one particularly angry young man was transferred to another facility, she promised him that she would visit him wherever he went- and she did. This was a woman who used a walker and took public transportation to get where she needed to go. She was always trying to be a better volunteer. She was an example to residents, patients, staff and other volunteers.

Rosa never missed an opportunity to learn the most she could about each patient and resident she visited. She would find out what each one liked before he or she became impaired. She attended every training session offered. She learned skills to work with people who had aphasia and dementia. She learned to feed residents who needed assistance.

After volunteering at Levindale for about a year, I suggested to Rosa that she might be interested in becoming a hospice volunteer. She agreed immediately. Being a hospice volunteer requires a lot of additional training and a lot of extra paperwork for every visit. I thought Rosa might cut back on her other visits…but no, she just worked longer days, sometimes eight or nine hours- or she would come in an extra day to make sure she saw everyone.

In addition, Rosa was gifted with her hands and crocheted beautiful blankets and shawls to give to Levindale residents. She prayed with them, for them and held their hands. She was never bothered by bad smells or odd behaviors. When one of her hospice patients passed she would make the effort to attend his or her funeral service.

One incident I will never forget involved a freelance photographer who was supposed to take a picture of Rosa with a resident. It just so happens, Rosa was reading the Bible to the resident with a magnifying glass because she couldn’t see very well. However, when I turned around, the photographer was outside of the room crying. I asked her what was wrong, she answered through her tears, “no one is that kind.”

In the spring of 2010, at age 82, Rosa was diagnosed with cancer. She continued to volunteer, amassing 1,400 hours during her nearly five years at Levindale. She knew her cancer could not be treated, and sometimes she was too weak to volunteer, but she continued to spend time with our hospice patients whenever she could, never complaining about her own problems. Rosa eventually had to stop volunteering completely last July.

Rosa finally succumbed to cancer late in 2010. However, her spirit lives on in the people she truly cared about. For a time that was entirely too short, she brought real joy to everyone.

Health Care Hero: Gerami Seitzman, Sinai Hospital

2011-03-18T07:00:00.003-04:00

Gerami D. Seitzman, M.D.

Two words come to mind when anyone thinks, or speaks, of Gerami D. Seitzman, M.D., excellence and compassion.

Dr. Seitzman is director of Cornea, External Disease and Uveitis at Sinai Hospital’s Krieger Eye Institute. She is an ophthalmologist skilled in caring for patients with very complicated and various inflammatory eye diseases.

Dr. Seitzman was the first Maryland doctor who implanted an artificial lens and iris into a patient who sustained a terrible screwdriver accident to an eye. She had to secure special FDA approval to implant the device. The outcome is that the patient has regained his pilot's license.

And when it comes to compassion, Dr. Seitzman is unparalleled in her selfless service to those in need. She has volunteered with the Maryland Society for Sight Vision Van for nearly ten years. She began volunteering in 2000 as a resident at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital and continues to this date.

In that role, she provides vision screenings for those some may think of as “the least among us.” The homeless and the indigent people Dr. Seitzman sees at the Vision Van probably are unaware they are being examined by a top-notched medical specialist. If one of these patients needs follow-up care, Dr. Seitzman will make certain they know of the services available at the Krieger Eye Institute.

When she began work as an attending ophthalmologist, Dr. Seitzman learned about the Chase Brexton Organization, a community health care center. She learned that this organization had no medical providers who could evaluate their patients for eye diseases. Dr, Seitzman did not hesitate to step up where she saw a void. Since 2005, every three to four months Dr. Seitzman has been examining Chase Brexton patients at the Vision Van, some with HIV or other illnesses.

Dr. Seitzman, who is described by her peers as “a brilliant resident teacher” and “outstanding surgeon” saw that too may Baltimore residents are going blind from preventable diseases. She decided that as part of Sinai’s ophthalmology residency, residents would have regularly rotations on the Vision Van. She believes it is crucial that doctors know of the barriers some people face in getting decent medical care.

. If looking for a ophthalmologist who is successful with patient outcomes and who also believes in treating every person with respect and dignity, one can do no better than Dr. Gerami Seitzman.

After the Cancer Diagnosis

2011-03-17T15:00:00.001-04:00

"A cancer diagnosis can be scary, but don’t let fear take over your life," says Lavanya Yarlagadda, M.D., a hematologist-oncologist at LifeBridge Health.

Yarlagadda presented “Wellness Tips for Cancer Survivors” this week at the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute at Sinai Hospital. “Fear is a common emotion anytime you hear the word, ‘cancer.’ It is scary, especially if it’s a family member. It’s still scary for me,” she says.

“But fear is manageable. Always choose hope. Always. Even if it is not curable. Enjoy your life as much as possible,” Yarlagadda says.

There are ways of managing the fear including gaining a sense of control over what has happened to you. “Get organized. Know as much as possible about the medicine you have to take. Get as much information as you can about the disease,” she says.

And never underestimate how much your emotions can affect your health. “I tell my patients it is important to keep a very good attitude,” the doctor says. “And that can be with meditation, prayer, whatever it takes.”

Although, she adds, some times cancer happens even if we appear to be doing all the right things. “Some things are out of our control and that is just life,” Yarlagadda says. However, patients can severely lessen their chances of getting cancer by making nutritionally sound choices, exercising, not smoking and controlling stress.

Solicit family help and choose your friends wisely. “A diagnosis of cancer – or any illness – is a very tough time. Get support from your family, from your doctor’s office, through social workers or support groups or through friends.”

A final caution is to choose your friends carefully. “You have to pick your friends,” she says. “Friends who scare you and tell you horror stories, you should stay away from. People who tell you, ‘you can get through this,’ are people you want to be around.”

The Freedom to Have a Healthier Life

2011-03-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

by Jason Bosley-Smith, CSCS Lead Lifestyle Coach, Live Well @ LifeBridge

The 2011 LiveWell@LifeBridge Program is underway! This year, we’re offering even more opportunities for employees to improve their health & well-being.

What is the focus of our LiveWell@LifeBridge wellness program? Capitalizing on 2010, LiveWell@LifeBridge for 2011 will focus on engagement in the wellness program to promote awareness about one's own health, participate in activities, and to drive compliance with preventative screenings like physicals, mammograms, colonoscopies, etc. There will be numerous ways to engage this year through on-line and on-site programs, opportunities to participate in community events, and self-help opportunities like eating better in our system-wide cafeterias. A point system will be introduced this month with the goal of each member of our team reaching 400 points by August 31, 2011. Those employees that meet this goal of 400 points will benefit from lower health insurance costs going into 2012.

How will the LiveWell@LifeBridge wellness program help employees? The goal of the wellness program is to help improve health and well-being. It has been implemented to support action and provide tips and strategies to get us on a path to healthier lifestyles. Employees will save money by participating in the wellness initiatives that commence now through August 31, 2011. There are a number of requirements and options to reach a total of 400 points which once completed, will allow you to keep your premiums for 2012 plan year at 80 percent subsidy from LifeBridge Health. Those employees who do not wish to participate will pay a higher premium in 2012.

For employees: To receive the LiveWell@LifeBridge premium participation rate, you must reach the goal of 400 points as specified on the program outline sheets. Remember, LifeBridge Health has absolutely no access to personal health information in accordance to Federal HIPAA law. All information is managed by third-party wellness partner, Innovative Wellness Solutions (IWS). A detailed explanation of the criteria is located on the 2011 LiveWell@LifeBridge program outline sheet.

For questions regarding the program, please feel free to contact either me, Jason.bosleysmith (at) chooseiws.com or Amy.price (at) chooseiws.com.

We look forward to providing you with the freedom to have a healthier life!

Five Healthy Green Foods to Eat on St. Patrick’s Day

2011-03-15T07:00:00.003-04:00

When you think about the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day, you think about all things green. However, you don’t necessarily think of green food. Most people want to eat traditional Irish food like corned beef, potatoes, Irish stew and soda bread. These aren’t the healthiest of foods, and when you throw in a few pints of Guinness beer, you definitely have a calorie-packed celebration!

But there are many healthy green foods that you can eat on St. Patrick’s Day that won’t disrupt your diet or cause you to pack on the pounds.

Sinai Hospital Clinical Dietician Kelly Bliss, RD, LDN, says that dark green vegetables are "loaded with important vitamins and minerals that can reduce the risk of chronic disease, protect against development of cancer, decrease bone loss and are linked with healthy levels of blood pressure."

"Over the course of a week men and women should aim to consume three servings of dark green vegetables," Bliss says. "On a daily basis try to incorporate vegetables from all colors of the rainbow.”

Here are five green foods that you can eat to celebrate the luck of the Irish:

1. Asparagus

Did you know that asparagus is from the same vegetable family as onions and garlic? It’s true, and luckily it doesn’t smell as bad. Asparagus is jam-packed with vitamins A, B, C and K and is loaded with calcium and fiber.

Health Benefits: Rids your body of excess water and prevents birth defects in pregnant women.

Recipe: Baked Asparagus with Balsamic Butter Sauce

Asparagus with Ginger Video:

2. Broccoli

Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family (and cousin to the cauliflower). It’s a great source of vitamins A and C, as well zinc, calcium and iron.

Health Benefits: Contains phytonutrients that help reduce cancer-related genes.

Recipe: Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli

Cream of Broccoli Soup Video:

3. Arugula

Arugula is an easy-to-grow salad green that has a peppery taste. It contains vitamins A and C, as well as folic acid, which helps form genetic material in the body.

Health Benefits: Helps prevent cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and stroke.

Recipe: Pesto with Arugula

Fresh and Easy Arugula Salad Video:

4. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are edible fruit that are composed of 90 percent water. They are a great source of vitamins A and C, potassium and calcium.

Health Benefits: Regulates blood pressure, helps construct connective tissue, promotes hair growth and helps heal sunburns.

Recipe: Japanese Cucumber Salad

Cool as a Cucumber Soup Video:

5. Spinach

Spinach was the No. 1 food of choice for Popeye, and here’s the reason why: It contains vitamins A, B2, B6 and C, as well as iron, zinc, protein, potassium and fiber.

Health Benefits: Promotes a healthy cardiovascular system, lowers blood pressure and protects against eye diseases.

Recipe: Wilted Spinach with Cherries and Goat Cheese

Garlic Sautéed Spinach Video:

You can have fun on St. Patrick’s Day without sacrificing your health, so how about trying one of these green foods to get the party started!

-Trish Smith

Prostate Cancer: A Roller Coaster of a Ride

2011-03-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer in American men. According to the American Cancer Society, “about 1 man in 6 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.” Out of every 36 American men, one will actually die from prostate cancer.

Although that is an unpleasant statistic, there are at least two million American men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer that are still alive today, thanks to ongoing advancements in cancer treatments.

Prostate cancer is exactly what it sounds like: it’s cancer of the prostate (the male reproductive gland found in the urethra that secretes semen). Slowly over time cells located in the prostate glands begin to mutate into cancerous cells. In some cases, the cancer spreads quickly, but in most cases it spreads slowly over time. In fact, most men live their entire lives without exhibiting symptoms of prostate cancer.

Stanley M. Redwood, M.D. FACS, Chief of the Department of Urology at Sinai Hospital, gave an enthusiastic Grand Rounds presentation last week that addressed prostate cancer, its risk factors and its various methods of treatment titled “The Prostate Cancer: A Roller Coaster.” For those who aren't familiar with the disease, some of the symptoms include:

• Frequent urination
• Burning during urination
• Painful ejaculation
• Inability to have an erection
• Blood in the urine and semen

If left untreated, advanced prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body such as the pelvis, ribs and spine. It can also lead to bone pain and tenderness.

Although prostate cancer causes many physical problems in men, Dr. Redwood explained that it can also be a major cause of male insecurity. Since women naturally go through menstruation, society is more accepting that they need to buy items such as feminine pads. But for a man with prostate cancer who can’t control his bladder, it’s almost always humiliating to walk down an isle in a store to buy male sanitary napkins.

Dr. Redwood also explained the different risk factors for prostate cancer. These include:
• Genetics – Occurs in 5-10 percent of males.
• Diet – A diet higher in fat leads to an increased risk of prostate cancer. Soy products are a great way to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
• Hormones – Using anabolic steroids increases the risk of prostate cancer.
• Race - African American males have a much higher risk for prostate cancer than Caucasian males. In fact, darker pigmented males (such as those of native African descent) are at an even higher risk of getting prostate cancer.

Here is an age-related breakdown of prostate cancer cases found in African American men:

AGE	RISK
0-39	1 in 10149
40-59	1 in 38
60-69	1 in 14
70-79	1 in 7
80-Death	1 in 6

Treatment options for prostate cancer include:

• Anti-Androgen Hormone Therapy – Using hormones to block certain cell receptors.
• Taxotere (Docetaxel Injection) – Used with other medications to stop the spread of cancer cells.
• Brachytherapy – Implanting radioactive “seeds” into the cancerous tissue.
• CyberKnife® – A non-invasive robotic surgery that uses beams of radiation, available at Sinai Hospital.
• Taxotere Chemotherapy – Intravenous chemotherapy.
• Radical Robotic Prostatectomy – Surgery performed remotely using a robot.
• Intensity-Modulate Radiation Therapy - Small radiation beams are aimed at a tumor from different angles.
• Da Vinci Surgical System – Surgeons control a robotic platform with their hands, available at LifeBridge Health.

Even though it’s rare for men to get prostate cancer before they are 40 years old, it is still wise for men in their 20s and 30s to get an exam every few years. Once they hit 45, they should get one every year.

To learn more about prostate cancer and other cancer-related conditions visit the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute.

You can also read these previous blog posts about prostate cancer:
• Prostate Cancer Screening at Northwest Hospital
• Guidelines for Prostate Cancer Screening Revised

-Trish Smith

2011-03-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

Northwest Hospital's domestic violence program coordinator is using new technology to help those who are strangled.

A forensic light can detect bodily fluids, gun shot residence and bone fragments naked to the average eye. It also can pick up fingerprints around a victim's neck, which will help identify and provide documentation for patients who may have been strangled in episodes of domestic violence.

Strangulation is increasingly being taken seriously, as it can cause a person to fall unconscious. A few minutes can cause brain damage, Northwest case manager Cassie Offutt told WYPR this month.

Maryland legislators are currently reviewing House Bill 819 and Senate Bill 593, which would make strangulation a first-degree assault.

-Elizabeth Leis-Newman

Proposed Maryland Legislation to Protect Student Athletes from the Dangerous Effects of Concussions

2011-03-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

In the wake of concussions sidelining high-profile National Football League players such as Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller, public awareness has grown about the detrimental effects a concussion has on the physical and mental well-being of athletes.

Concussions don’t just affect high-profile professional athletes, but student athletes as well.

Each year, U.S. emergency departments treat an estimated 135,000 sports- and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, among children ages 5 to 18, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This has led to a call from doctors, parents and coaches from across the nation for state governments to implement legislation for improved safety and educational standards regarding how concussions are diagnosed and treated.

Maryland is one of a number of states considering such legislation. Legislators in both the House of Delegates and Senate have introduced bills that will protect student athletes from the dangerous effects of concussions.

The House of Delegates bill (HB 858) would require a student athlete to be removed from practice or play following a suspected concussion; he or she will only be allowed to return after clearance by a licensed health care provider. It would also require the Maryland State Department of Education to develop an awareness and training program for coaches, school personnel, student-athletes and parents/guardians. Additionally, a student athlete and parent/guardian would sign an information sheet and acknowledgment statement before participating in a sport. The Senate bill (SB 771) has similar language.

LifeBridge Health has joined the NFL, the Brain Injury Association of Maryland and other organizations in support of this legislation.

Kevin Crutchfield, M.D., a neurologist with at the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute at LifeBridge Health, spoke in support of the legislation at a hearing last week in Annapolis.

“We need the concussion bills passed to protect the children of Maryland today, while we accelerate our education efforts around the state regarding the dangers of athletic participation with an injured brain,” he said.

Crutchfield is director of the Comprehensive Sports Concussion Program at the Brain & Spine Institute. He is considered one of the nation’s leading experts on the effects of concussions on athletes. He serves on the NFL Player Association’s return-to play committee and as an independent neurologist for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens.

Both Maryland bills are expected to go to a vote in the next few weeks.

-Noel Lloyd

A Matter Close to the Heart: Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)

2011-03-09T07:00:00.001-05:00

Most of us are familiar with heart-related conditions such as blood clots, stroke, high blood pressure and heart murmurs. If we haven’t been directly affected by a heart condition, we probably know someone who has had a heart attack or undergone heart surgery. In fact, according an article in CNN Health, “more than 70 million Americans live every day with some form of heart disease, which can include high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, angina (chest pain), heart attack and congenital heart defects.”

One heart condition that you may not be familiar with is patent foramen ovale (PFO). PFO is an opening or flap in the heart. It is present in everyone before birth, but it closes spontaneously in 80 percent of people a few days after birth.

A few other facts about PFO:
• The cause of PFO is unknown
• Cases have been found in 50 percent of people who have suffered a cryptogenic stroke (stroke of unknown origin) and 50 percent of migraine sufferers
• People with PFO usually exhibit no symptoms
• It may be diagnosed when a child or adult has a transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Can only be detected by a specialized test, such as an echocardiogram

Dr. Robert J. Sommer, M.D., Director of the Adult Invasive Congenital Heart Services at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, presented at Sinai Hospital Grand Rounds last week on“The On-Going PFO Controversy: Is Closure I the End of the Line?” In the presentation Sommer addressed the results of the Closure I trial, as well as PFO studies related to decompression illness, obstructive sleep apnea and migraines.

Closure I is a 2-year study that began in June 2003. The study compared the effectiveness of using a medical device against using conventional medication to permanently close PFO openings. It compared STARFlex septal repair implants against conventional medications (aspirin and clopidogrel) in 909 patients. At the end of the study it was found that there was no difference in PFO between patients that had received the STARFlex implants and those that received medication.

Some of the questions that Sommer posed that could have affected the study were:
• What if the wrong patients were studied?
• What if the wrong medical device was used?
• What if the 2-year follow-up was too short?
• What if the samples used were too small?

Although the results of the study were disappointing, there are still trials ongoing in the U.S. and Europe.

In addition to the Closure I study Sommer also addressed PFO’s link to:
• Decompression Illness in Divers – It was concluded that the risk for PFO is 5 times higher in divers. This is because some divers produce bubbles in their venous blood before and after decompression. Sommer personally treated New York City policemen and firefighters who were divers who had an increased PFO.

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea – Sommer had closed a PFO on a patient who was suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. She told him that 3 weeks after the operation she was dreaming again!

• Migraines – The MIST (Migraine Intervention with STARFlex Technology) study was a double-blind study that tested the effects of closed PFO on migraines. Some patients were fitted with the STARFlex implant while others were not. The results were that 37 percent of patients with the STARFlex implant had reduced migraines while 17 percent of those without the implants had reduced migraines. Sommer himself had a patient who instantly stopped having migraines the day after closing his PFO.

To conclude, Sommer stated that certain goals need to be met in order to better understand PFO: Doctors need to establish which syndromes are casually linked to PFO, they need to know the benefits of closure therapy, and they need to create proper methods of treating patients selected for PFO intervention. Although he sees the future of PFO at a crossroads, there are still people out there, like himself, whose goal is to expand interest and public awareness of this heart-related condition.

Here is a heartwarming story of a patient who underwent successful PFO surgery:

To learn more about PFO and other heart-related conditions, call 410-601-WELL (9355).
-Trish Smith

NFL Player Visits Children's Hospital

2011-03-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Baltimore native and NFL Buffalo Bills' player Aaron Maybin spent time at the The Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai on Friday, his second visit in the past year to Sinai to cheer on pediatric patients.

Maybin is the founder of Project Mayhem, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing "aid, both personal and economic, to help underprivileged and at-risk youth excel beyond their current conditions." Maybin was in town for Project Mayhem's 2nd Annual “Celebration of the Arts” week and gala, held on Saturday at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The gala topped off the Project Mayhem “Celebration of the Arts” Week, where Maybin and celebrity friends hosted field trips and art workshops at Baltimore City middle and high schools and community centers.

To view a clip of Aaron’s visit to pediatrics at Sinai, click here. To learn more about the Children's Hospital, call 410-601-WELL(9355).

National Sleep Awareness Week: Not a Snooze

2011-03-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

March 7 - 13 marks National Sleep Awareness Week, an educational campaign to remind people about the importance of sleep. It’s believed that the vast majority of sleep disorder cases go undiagnosed, and therefore many people suffer unnecessarily.

However, a lack of quality sleep can be dangerous and lead to motor vehicle accidents, if not to other types of health risks. If you have one or more of these signs of a sleep disorder, please contact your primary care doctor:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Frequent nighttime urination
• High blood pressure
• Irritability or moodiness
• Loud, irregular snoring
• Memory loss
• Morning headaches
• Poor concentration

If you’re a loud snorer who doesn’t feel rested enough during the day, you may be unwittingly putting your heart at risk. That’s because you could have untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a disorder directly linked to several cardiovascular syndromes that cause premature death. OSA, in which the upper airway becomes blocked repeatedly during sleep, is a condition that’s estimated to affect 24 percent of men and 8 percent of women.

Over the past decade, several studies have linked OSA to high blood pressure. Patients who require three or more medications to control hypertension have an 80 percent chance of having OSA. Also, compared to the general population the prevalence of OSA is significantly higher among patients with chronic heart failure (50 percent higher), atrial fibrillation (50 percent higher) and coronary artery disease (40 percent higher). For patients with these heart conditions, a sleep study is crucial; if their OSA goes undiagnosed and untreated, they will have a doubled risk for death during the next 5 years.

Given OSA’s direct connection to the heart, it’s important for all OSA patients that it be treated as soon as possible. However, it’s believed that between 80 percent and 90 percent of people with OSA have not yet been diagnosed. Please talk with your doctor as soon as possible if you have one or more of these symptoms:

• Cessation of breathing during sleep, and then waking up with a gasp (most often observed by another)
• Loud, irregular snoring
• Restless sleep with frequent (and possibly unnoticed) awakening
• Morning headache, dry mouth and/or sore throat
• Daytime sleepiness
• Irritability and/or impaired concentration
• High blood pressure

A sleep disorder can only be diagnosed through a sleep study, in which things such as one’s breathing, heart rate, muscle movements and blood oxygen levels are measured while he or she sleeps. Both Sinai and Northwest hospitals have American Academy of Sleep Medicine accredited sleep centers, where sleep studies are performed on all nights of the week. For more information about either center, please contact 410-601-WELL (9355).
-Holly Hosler

Toxoplasmosis and Pregnancy: Fact Vs. Fiction

2011-03-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

When a woman becomes or is trying to get pregnant, there is a long list of precautions, such as no cigarettes, cutting back on caffeine, and either avoiding or greatly limiting the amount of alcohol.

But one piece of advice is commonly misunderstood: how to avoid toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasmosis is caused by parasitic protozoa Toxoplasma gondii. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that 22.5 percent of the U.S. population 12 years and older have been infected with Toxoplasma. A cat who gets the parasite passes it through the feces in oocyst form, but once a cat is infected it typically acquires immunity. A cat with the symptoms and diagnosis of toxoplasmosis can be treated with antibiotics.

Yet cats are often surrendered to shelters when a woman becomes pregnant, an act that is unnecessary, experts say.

"It's far more risky for a pregnant mother to eat raw or undercooked meat, drink unfiltered water, or travel to countries with poor sanitation/higher endemic toxoplasmosis risk than it is for them to take care of their cats," says John Cmar, M.D., internist at Sinai Hospita l. "For someone with a normal immune system with established cats that aren't interacting with the outdoor milieu, the risk of being exposed to an active infection via contact with cat feces that your immune system didn't catch and prevent from circulating to the fetus is vastly small."

If the mother-to-be is worried, it's considered reasonable to ask one's partner or other family member to deal with the litter box. That's what Teresa Frost did. She is due in April, and adopted 1-year-old feline Madeline in January. She also has a 13-year-old three-legged calico cat named Hopey.

"Everyone has their own sensitivities," Frost says. "Tim, my husband, took over the litter box as soon as we started to try to get pregnant, and he's been doing it since then. I did talk to my doctor about the cats and she didn't have any concerns."

In fact, her cats have been a comfort when her pregnancy caused her to feel under the weather.

"When I got pregnant we still had Hopey's brother, who has since died, and they were both very sensitive to me when I was sick," Frost continues. "They were very in tune with what was going on. I didn't feel well at first and so they'd come and cuddle with me. They'd put my paws on my belly."

There are situations where a woman may be the only one who can deal with the litter box, which is why hand washing is important, Cmar says. It's also a good idea to keep a cat indoors and to give it canned or commercial cat food, as opposed to sending it outside to hunt down fresh meat.

"If the litter is changed daily, things should be fine (fresh feces are not infectious), and can be done safely by the mother with thorough hand washing after," Cmar says. "Playing or cuddling with a known and established cat carries essentially no risk."

-Elizabeth Leis-Newman

House of Ruth Launches Boutique

2011-03-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

by Audrey Bergin, MA, Coordinator, Domestic Violence(DOVE)Program at Northwest Hospital

The Domestic Violence Program at Northwest Hospital (DOVE) partners with many local agencies, including the House of Ruth, which provides emergency shelter and legal services for many of our clients. We are very excited to find out about a new consignment shop in our backyard which benefits the House of Ruth.

Ruth's Closet is new resale boutique in Owings Mills with women's clothing, shoes, handbags and jewelry. There will be an evening gown trunk show in the Value Village Shopping Center starting today and going through Sunday, and times can be seen here.

We are collaborating with Ruth's Closet, as many domestic violence victims leave their homes with only the clothes on their back. Other times, their abuser destroys their clothes. Some victims may be entering the work force for the first time and need clothes for the work place. We are working with Ruth's Closet to find a way to allow our clients to shop there, with DOVE covering the costs.

This will also be an opportunity for Northwest employees to participate in a clothing drive. Whether it's the trunk show or donating, there are great opportunities to support local victims of domestic violence! To volunteer or donate to Ruth's Closet, click here.

RIAO Orthopedic Surgeon Leads Mission Trip to India

2011-03-02T07:00:00.001-05:00

More than 47 people from the city of Ludhiana in northern India received life-changing joint replacement surgery thanks to a team of 45 dedicated volunteers from Operation Walk Maryland. The hip and knee replacement surgeries were performed at no cost for people who were suffering from disabling arthritis. The recipients would never have had access to this type of care if not for the team of dedicated volunteers.

Operation Walk Maryland was founded by Harpall Khanuja, M.D., Director of Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery at the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics at Sinai Hospital and his wife Maria, an orthopedic nurse. Dr. Khanuja serves as medical director and Maria coordinates the never ending list of logistical details for the organization. Cargo and supplies are managed by Dotsie Czajkowski, a nurse practioner at the RIAO. This is the group’s third medical mission trip and it included volunteers from Sinai Hospital and eight other Baltimore-area medical institutions.

The group from Operation Walk Maryland obviously touched many lives during their time in India, but Dr. Khanuja expressed how the patients they treat also have a profound effect on the lives of the surgeons, doctors, nurses and volunteers that donate their time and expertise.

“There’s no doubt we get a lot of satisfaction from taking care of these patients,” said Dr. Khanuja, “It is quite humbling to have these very, very poor people thanking God for you, for not giving up on them and for treating them and changing their lives.”

“But I also value these trips as a way to introduce new people to this sort of medical mission work and seeing it grow,” he added. “I recently spoke to one of the physicians who went with us to India. He told me that this was the most rewarding thing he’s ever done in his medical career and how he’d like to be more involved in the future. That’s perhaps the most satisfying part for me.”

While there are other Operation Walk organizations throughout the country, each one is independent and self-funded through donations. Each team talks all the supplies and personnel to perform state of the art joint replacement surgery for free for poor people throughout the world. To learn more about Operation Walk Maryland, including photo galleries from their mission trips, click here.

Latest Research Indicates Gastric Bypass Most Effective Weight Loss Surgery

2011-03-01T13:30:00.004-05:00

Two recent studies have been released that indicate the gastric bypass procedure is a more effective weight loss surgery option as compared to other weight loss surgery procedures. More information on the studies can be found here.

Christina Li, M.D, FACS, and Division Head of Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Sinai Hospital, says she concurs with the study results.

"The gastric bypass is generally considered to be the gold standard for weight loss surgery, against which other weight loss surgeries are compared," she said. "It is known that gastric bypass is an excellent metabolic as well as weight loss surgery, making it a powerful tool in combating diabetes; in fact, it is the best known surgical treatment for diabetes and one that has been proposed (but not yet approved) as a surgery for poorly controlled diabetics, regardless of the patient's weight."

Dr. Li says she sees improvements in patients' sugar levels within 24 to 36 hours following surgery, and usually makes changes in patients' medication regimens prior to discharge from the hospital.

"In addition, gastric bypass surgery can be done safely and laparoscopically, allowing patients to be discharged after staying only one to two days in the hospital," she says. "I would also agree with Dr. Khalili's assessment that it is difficult to compare the adjustable gastric band data to the gastric bypass data after only one year. It does take patients longer to lose weight with the gastric band - 3 years or more - but this is usually known to and accepted by patients prior to the device being implanted. It is also known that the gastric band can help to improve diabetes, but this is mainly due to the weight loss that people experience rather than a direct metabolic effect as seen with the gastric bypass."

Dr. Li says each of the surgeries mentioned - gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding - "appeal to each individual for different reasons, and people may have different comfort levels with each of the surgeries."

"Most importantly, potential patients really need to learn about the surgeries via the internet and at informational seminars, such as the ones we have monthly at Sinai Hospital, and discuss their choices with their physicians. Ultimately, we as bariatric surgeons are here to educate patients and help them to select the best weight loss surgery that will suit their needs, fit with their health and lifestyle, and match their comfort level," Dr. Li says.

For more information on the LifeBridge Health Bariatrics Program with Centers at Sinai Hospital and Northwest Hospital, call 410 - 601 - WELL (9355) or click here.

-Betsy Haley

Kicking Off National Nutrition Month

2011-02-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

By Anitra Zaske, RD, LDN, CNSC, Clinical Dietitian, Sinai Hospital

The American Dietetic Association has declared March as National Nutrition Month®. The theme is “Eat Right with Color." What does that statement mean to you? If you painted a picture of your weekly diet, how many colors would your picture have? Are French fries your favorite vegetable?

Throughout the month of March, the Food and Nutrition departments at LifeBridge Health are hoping to color your minds, plates and palettes as we explore what it means to “Eat Right with Color."

The following activities will be happening next month at LifeBridge Health!

Food Drive - ARAMARK and the Maryland Food Bank have teamed up to collect non-perishable food items for donation.

Healthy Recipe Contest - submitted recipes will be combined into an environmentally friendly E-Cookbook to share with LifeBridge Health friends and family!

Employee Kids Coloring Contest, Ages 13 and under (Sinai and Northwest) – get your families involved and teach your children the importance of eating right with color! Completed pictures will be on display at both Sinai and Northwest hospitals.

Nutrition Trivia – Answer the trivia questions presented and enter your name in a raffle for a FREE COOKBOOK!

Weekly Information Booths – Stop by and ask your registered dietitians any nutrition questions you may have, and enter your name in our FREE raffle! Pick up some new, healthy recipes to try at home!

There will also be featured entrées and healthy selections in the retail cafeterias and employees will receive "Tips of the Week" in AllUser emails with recipes and information on the health benefits of eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains!

Also, Wednesday, March 9 is Registered Dietitian Day. Don’t forget to wish the registered dietitians you know or work with a Happy RD Day!

Scholarship Program Available at LifeBridge Health

2011-02-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

One of the benefits of working at LifeBridge Health is tuition assistance. Another is a scholarship program for dependent children and grandchildren of employees.

The LifeBridge Health Scholarship Program is funded by LifeBridge Health and administered by Scholarship Management Services, a department of Scholarship America. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Applicants must be entering their sophomore year of college, and employees must have completed a year of service at LifeBridge Health. If chosen, health care majors receive $2,500 and non-health-care majors receive $1,500. Awards are given based on academic achievement, not financial need.

Interested students must fill out the application and submit a transcript. Applications are due March 15. To learn more, employees can visit the Benefits page on BridgeNet.

Want to work at LifeBridge Health? Click here to see available openings.

-Elizabeth Leis-Newman

Eating on the Go

2011-02-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

by Emilie Hunt and Angie Eshleman, RD, LDN, Clinical Dietitian, Sinai Hospital

It’s no secret that the business of life can get in the way of our healthy eating habits. This may especially hold true if our schedule is pulled in many different directions on a regular basis. Don’t let the stress of eating healthy while on the run leave you discouraged. Believe it or not, it can be easy to find healthier options while you are running errands and finishing last minute tasks.

Consider these tips when dining out:

• Pay attention to portion size. Many of the meals offered can be super-sized or mega-sized. Choose the child’s size portion or substitute an appetizer portion for your normal sized entrée. It may even help to share half of your meal with a friend or take half home!
• Look for a heart symbol next to the choices. Many restaurants provide “Heart Healthy” options which tend to be lower in sodium and fat.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for your meal prepared a certain way. Ask the waiter to hold the rich sauce, or substitute a steamed veggie for French fries.
• Shopping at the mall? Fight the urge to eat high calorie entrees such as Chinese food or a cheeseburger and fries. Grab a flavor packed fresh fruit smoothie instead. Load it up with a variety of fruits and low fat yogurt for maximum flavor.
• Keep healthy, easy to grab snacks in the car or in your purse. Try fruit and nut granola bars, trail mix or a piece of fresh fruit. All are loaded with fiber and will help keep you tied over until you finish your errands.

For more tips about Eating on the Go, click here.

Learning About Braxton Hicks Contractions

2011-02-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

Ed. Note: We asked one of the Birthplace at Sinai's mothers-to-be to blog periodically about her experiences as a future (soon to be new) mother.

My due date is still over five weeks away, but I’m now experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions – or false labor – with growing frequency. My body is warming up for labor and delivery, though I’m not uncomfortably large yet and it’s still strange to think that my baby will be here in just a few weeks!

Uterine contractions are caused when the body releases oxytocin – a hormone that plays a huge role in human reproduction. Also known as the “love hormone,” oxytocin helps lovers bond with one another as the hormone reduces fear and anxiety and increases trust. It’s also a hormone that’s emitted during breastfeeding, causing the breasts to release milk and strengthening the bond between mother and baby. (Incidentally, some women have their pregnancies induced or labor sped up through receiving Pitocin, which is artificial oxytocin.)

Strange as it may be, I can sometimes feel my body release oxytocin; it feels like a wave of unexplained well-being and relaxation rolling over me. It’s not a sexual feeling, but it’s similarly intimate and pleasurable.

These oxytocin-produced sensations became more acute when I approached middle pregnancy, and I get them a lot now. When I do, shortly thereafter my belly feels rock hard to the touch and I may feel minor cramping in the lower part of my uterus. Normally, the uterus has some give and one’s abdomen feels slightly soft. During a contraction, however, if you press on the uterus, it will feel similar to a forehead.

I know these are Braxton Hicks contractions and not true labor because my contractions come with irregularity with no pattern of growing frequency, consist of no or only mild cramping, and don’t last longer and longer. When I do feel cramping, it’s confined to the lower part of my uterus and doesn’t emanate from the lower back and move forward to the upper uterus. That said, every pregnancy is different, and medical experts say that if you experience six or more of these Braxton Hicks contractions in one hour, you should call your OB-GYN. He or she may want to evaluate you to make sure you’re not in true labor.

Northwest Hospital’s Dr. Stacey Berner Recognized for Surgical Excellence

2011-02-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

Stacey Berner, M.D., medical director of the Hand Center at Northwest Hospital, has been recognized as one of the country’s “great hand and upper extremity surgeons to know” by Becker’s Orthopedic and Spine Review.

He joins an elite group of 44 other surgeons on this list. He was selected due to his leadership in and contributions to hand and upper extremity surgery.

Dr. Berner made medical history last year when he became the first surgeon in the United States to perform a new robotic hand surgery procedure using the da Vinci Surgical System.

He earned his degree in medicine from Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Berner completed an internship in general surgery and a residency at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, which he followed with a fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

-Noel Lloyd

Biologics: the New Frontier

2011-02-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

It is not a pleasant subject, but inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a fact of life for many people. That's especially tough when you are a child.

“There are about four million people in the U.S. with IBD,” says Ritu Walia , M.D., pediatric gastroenterologist at Sinai Hospital. “About 5,000 people are diagnosed with IBD each year.
There are 50,000 to 100,000 children in the U.S. with it,” she says.

IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD should not be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), although both are intestinal tract conditions and have similar symptoms of . IBS is not a disease and doesn’t increase the risk of colon cancer. IBD, in constrast, is characterized by inflammation in the small and/or large intestines and can increase the risk of cancer.

Dr. Walia presented "Biologics in the Care of IBD" as part of the Dr. Jennifer Ann Kierson Memorial Pediatric Grand Rounds Series on February 15. Traditionally, physicians have prescribed steroids like Prednisone, which can cause “huge side effects.” Dr. Walia says. Some possible side effects of steroids are slowing growth and bone development, hypertension, osteoporosis, bloating and mood swings, among other things.

Biologics, on the other hand, are proteins that prevent substances in the body that cause inflammation. They do not cause the same side effects of steroids but the patient’s immune system should be monitored. One recent article in Gastroenterology and Endoscopy News pointed out that while every patient is different, "current evidence suggests that biologic therapy will significantly reduce the most severe consequences of [Crohn's Disease]."

Even though biologics are more expensive, perhaps it is time for the medical profession to consider treatment with biologics as the first line of defense in treating IBD and not the last, Dr. Walia concludes.

Treatment with biologics is “steroids-sparing, improves the quality of life and facilitates normal growth and development,” says Dr. Walia, which is especially important for a child with IBD.
-Sandra Crockett

Baltimore County SWAT Team Puts Donated Equipment to Good Use

2011-02-18T10:26:00.002-05:00

Last August, LifeBridge Health & Fitness donated more than 20,000 pounds of weight plates, dumbbells, pre-set dumbbells and adjustable benches to the Baltimore County SWAT team. Just a couple of weeks ago, the team took delivery of another batch of fitness equipment.

The 23-member team has put the equipment to good use, according to SWAT team member, Dan Rose.

“It gets used every day,” said Rose. “Physical fitness is a big part of what we do. Every day we get two hours to work out. Everyone works out at their own level, whatever it takes to stay in shape.”

Rose explained being in top physical condition is paramount due to the sudden and often stressful nature of the job. The SWAT team takes part in 150 or so deployments yearly that can sometimes last up to two days, including hostage situations and high risk warrants. The team even provided security support for President Obama’s recent visit to Baltimore.

Rose expressed his gratitude for the equipment, especially in these times of tight budgets.

“It is fantastic,” he said. “We greatly appreciate the donation.”

To learn more about LifeBridge Health & Fitness, call 410-484-6800.

-Noel Lloyd

Northwest Hospital Subacute Care Unit Receives High Ranking

2011-02-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

The Subacute Care Unit at Northwest Hospital has received a high ranking of five stars overall in U.S. News & World Report’s 2011 Best Nursing Homes.

U.S. News uses government criteria for this list, and in this case, the government defines a nursing home as a Medicare or Medicaid facility that provides 24-hour nursing care and other medical services.

Northwest Hospital’s Subacute Care Unit treats patients who have been discharged from the hospital’s acute care services, but who still need specialized treatment therapies before going home.

The rankings highlight facilities across the country which provide high-quality care and are tools for millions of elderly Americans and their families in search of supervision for the elderly and/or disabled who need more care than is offered in an acute hospital setting.

U.S. News’s Best Nursing Homes profiles more than 15,000 centers and ranks them by state, using data and quality ratings from the federal government. The rankings are updated quarterly.

They rely on information from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency that sets and enforces quality standards for all homes enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid. The overall rating of one to five stars is based on the number of stars earned in three other categories: health inspections, nurse staffing, and quality of care.

Facilities that ranked highest in Best Nursing Homes 2011 earned overall five-star ratings. Only about one home in seven met this standard.

“Choosing a nursing home for your parent or loved one is incredibly difficult,” says Avery Comarow, Health Rankings Editor at U.S. News & World Report. “Homes at the top of our rankings have repeatedly shown high quality and deserve consideration.”

-Helene King

Another Reason to Stop Smoking

2011-02-16T07:00:00.001-05:00

While Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is not fully reversible, patients and physicians can take action to minimize the disease's progression, a pulmonary expert said last week.

COPD, which causes difficulty breathing, is the No. 4 cause of death in the United States, with 12 million people diagnosed each year. Additionally, 24 million people are suspected to be undiagnosed. Thirty-five percent of smokers develop COPD, said Joshua Rubenfeld, M.D., a member of the Sinai Hospital Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.

Dr. Rubenfeld presented a COPD update at Sinai Hospital Grand Rounds last Thursday. Other risk factors for developing the disease include drug use, an HIV diagnosis, a family history, or those with an occupation that exposes them to gas or fumes.

To make a diagnosis, a physician must do a spirometry test, which involves blowing out as hard as one can into a small machine that tests lung capacity, and use a bronchodilator at least one to evaluate the effect. Diseases that can mimic the symptoms of COPD include asthma, pulmonary edema, tuberculosis, or broncostaxis, which is why it's important to nail down a COPD diagnosis.

COPD is a 'global disease', says Rubenfeld, as it can cause skeletal muscle wasting, osteoporosis,
kidney disease and other tobacco-associated diseases like coronary or cerebrovascular problems.

If it sounds like a grim prognosis, there is a way for a patient to take control: stop smoking. This will allow lung function to improve the first year and then allow the lungs to decrease at a normal rate. Additionally, those with COPD benefit the most from oxygen therapy, and physicians will also often prescribe corticosteroids, bronchodilators, or antibiotics. Still, “everything is palliative except for the oxygen,” Rubenfeld said.

The bottom line is that quitting smoking before a COPD diagnosis offers the best chance to breathe easy, and those who are diagnosed should stick with the recommended medications. As Rubenfeld explained, “hospital admissions for COPD exacerbations portend a poor overall prognosis, surgical therapy is risky, bronchoscopic therapy is unproven, and medical therapy is the cornerstone for helping the disease.”

To learn more about Dr. Rubenfeld or Sinai Hospital, call 410-601-WELL (9355).
-Elizabeth Leis-Newman

Valentine’s Day Super Special in the Old Court Café

2011-02-15T10:32:00.006-05:00

Yesterday - Valentine’s Day - patrons of Northwest Hospital’s Old Court Café had the opportunity to purchase a “Super Special” – a deluxe meal consisting of a rib eye steak, three steamed shrimp, a twice-baked potato, a side of steamed broccoli, a chocolate covered strawberry and a fountain drink. Since this was Valentine’s Day, buyers of the special also received one red rose. All this was not a bad deal for $11.99.

My husband John was handling our dinner plans, so I invited him to join me for lunch to take advantage of the Super Special. Though it’s unconventional to start a Valentine’s meal by picking up a tray and walking through a cafeteria line, we were up for an adventure.

The Old Court Café is unaware that I’d be writing this review, and I’m happy to report that John – a former saute chef – had many nice things to say about the food. (I can’t say the same about his assessment of many of Baltimore’s fine dining establishments.) Likewise, I found the food delightful overall. Nothing tasted unpleasant or “off.”

The rib eye – which was partially pre-cooked and then heated in a saute pan to the customer’s desired doneness – was seasoned with spices that reminded John of chimichurri. For a complete meal price of under $12, one cannot realistically expect the best cut of prime rib, but given the quality of the meat, the chef prepared it in a way that was most enjoyable. A-1 steak sauce was provided as an optional condiment, but it was unnecessary and would have overpowered the delicious seasonings.

“The shrimp are good,” said my husband, who usually complains about his fish being over-cooked. My shrimp were slightly more done than his, but they were still tasty with just the tiniest hint of Old Bay. “They should make a sub sandwich with the steak and the shrimp on top of it,” fantasized John.

Despite being lukewarm by the time I ate it (a problem endemic to steamed vegetables), the broccoli was perfectly firm – not at all mushy as one would expect. It was an appetizing color, fresh tasting and didn’t require any additional seasoning. If only all leafy green veggies could taste that way!

The twice-baked potato was not entirely unlike the ones that can be purchased in a grocer’s frozen foods section; indeed the freezer was its likely origin. It was not bad by any means, but it was clearly our least favorite part of the meal. “The potato needs butter,” John suggested. “If they had just melted some butter and poured it over the top, it would be so much better,” he said.

“If they had, our cardiologists would thank them,” I said.

“True. I guess we are in a hospital.”

It was easy to forget that fact.

Take the chocolate strawberry, for instance. It was quite unlike any chocolate strawberry I’d eaten before. My husband concluded that it was the same chocolate used for Berger cookies, but I thought it tasted much, much better. It was pure genius that it had a dark chocolate coating that was just soft enough that when the strawberry was bitten, the chocolate didn’t crack and fall of the fruit and just hard enough that it clung well to the strawberry and didn’t leave a residue on the plate.

“Yum,” John spontaneously uttered at least two or three times during our meal. His biggest complaint was that the café’s standard black Styrofoam plate was too small for all the food. “The roses are a nice touch,” he said, handing his to me. Small plate or not, we both had devoured all of our food.

-Holly Hosler

Mending Hearts at Sinai

2011-02-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

by Beth Markowitz, Manager, Volunteer Services at Sinai

Sinai Hospital is extremely fortunate to host the only Baltimore chapter of Mended Heart Patient Visitors. The volunteers each have personal experience with heart disease, and are able to connect on an emotional level when they visit our patients at the Heart Center at Sinai.

Mended Hearts is a national nonprofit organization affiliated with the American Heart Association, and offering the gift of hope to heart disease patients, their families and caregivers for more than 50 years. Recognized for its role in facilitating a positive patient-care experience, Mended Hearts partners with 460 hospitals and rehabilitation clinics and offers services to heart patients through visiting programs, support group meetings and educational forums. Their mission is to "inspire hope in heart disease patients and their families." There is also a program for families of children with heart disease called Mended Little Hearts.

Sinai currently has seven mended hearts volunteers who visit patients on the second floor and offer support and assurance to patients and families. This connection often inspires the volunteers to go above and beyond. For example, one of our Mended Hearts recently waited for a patient through their procedure when they had no family. Another Mended Heart comforted a patient for more than an hour when the patient was feeling depressed. Pictured above are two of our Mended Hearts volunteers, Fran and Jack Becker.

In my opinion, Mended Hearts are a wonderful complement to the comprehensive care given in the Heart Center at Sinai Hospital!

To learn more about Volunteer Services at Sinai, you can call 410-601-WELL (9355).

Levindale Among Best U.S. Nursing Homes

2011-02-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center has received a ranking of five stars overall in U.S. News & World Report’s 2011 Best Nursing Homes.

The rankings highlight facilities across the nation which provide high-quality care and are a tool for millions of elderly Americans and their families in search of a nursing home.

U.S. News’s Best Nursing Homes profiles more than 15,000 centers and ranks them by state, using data and quality ratings from the federal government. The rankings are updated quarterly.

The rankings rely on information from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency that sets and enforces quality standards for all homes enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid. Long-term care centers receive an overall rating of one to five stars from the government based on the number of stars earned in three other categories: health inspections, nurse staffing, and quality of care.

Facilities that ranked highest in Best Nursing Homes 2011 earned overall five-star ratings. Only about one home in seven met this standard. U.S. News’s Honor Roll highlights 18 homes that received five-star ratings in all three categories in which homes are judged. Honor Roll nursing homes not only got five stars overall, but achieved a perfect 15 stars for four consecutive quarters.

“Choosing a nursing home for your parent or loved one is incredibly difficult,” says Avery Comarow, Health Rankings Editor at U.S. News & World Report. “Homes at the top of our rankings have repeatedly shown high quality and deserve consideration.”

-Helene King

LifeBridge Health Employee of 46 Years Retires

2011-02-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

This past Friday, Northwest Hospital celebrated the career of Bonnie Gibson, telecommunications operator. Though she spent 37 of those years at Northwest, Bonnie started working as a registration clerk at Sinai Hospital in 1965 after she retired as a sergeant in the U.S. Army.

Upon moving to Northwest Hospital (which was still Baltimore County General Hospital at the time), Bonnie worked as a unit clerk and technician in the emergency room (ER) and later as an inpatient unit clerk. For the past 11 or 12 years, Bonnie has worked at the switchboard.

“I loved my switchboard job, but the ER was more exciting,” she says. She enjoyed the diversity of tasks that the ER brought as well as the opportunity to learn new things.

When asked about her plans following retirement, Bonnie says that she plans to “get something else” and perhaps volunteer after she relaxes a while. Relaxing, however, doesn’t involve sleeping in.

“I get up at 5 a.m.,” she says.

She will be missed. Says Telecommunications supervisor Wendy Toussaint, “Bonnie has brought limitless enthusiasm, energy, knowledge, loyalty and dedication to the LifeBridge team.”

-Holly Hosler

Congratulations to our Health Care Hero Finalists!

2011-02-09T14:09:00.003-05:00

A hearty congratulations to the following members of the LifeBridge Health family who are nominated as Maryland Daily Record's Health Care Heroes:

Tamika Gladney, R.N., Northwest Hospital (Nurse)
Rosa Griffith, Levindale (Volunteer)
Gerami Seitzman, M.D., Krieger Eye Institute, Sinai Hospital (Physician)
Michael Zollicoffer, M.D., Sinai Hospital (Physician)

You can see a complete list of the finalists here. The awards ceremony breakfast will be held at 7:15 a.m. on March 23 at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore.

Tuition Assistence Offered At LifeBridge Health

2011-02-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Editor's Note: Tuition assistance is one of the many perks offered for LifeBridge Health employees. We asked one recipient to write about how the benefit helped her achieve her goals.

by Jill Bloom, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications, LifeBridge Health

I had been thinking about going back to school to get a graduate degree for several years, but I always found one excuse after another not to do so. Too busy at work. Too busy outside of work. Taking the dreaded Graduate Record Examination ... the class schedule was inconvenient... I couldn’t find the perfect program to complement my resumé and work experience. See what I mean? The list was endless!

Last year, however, I received information about a new graduate program for Health Communications at Boston University. Not only was the degree in my field of interest but it was an online degree program, which meant I could do the course work as it fit my schedule. The only thing standing in my way, besides being admitted to the program, was the cost of it.

I knew one of the core benefits offered at LifeBridge Health was tuition reimbursement, but I had never fully investigated the specifics. Turns out it was a pretty good deal. While it won’t pay my entire tuition bill, it will certainly be a big help in offsetting the cost of this 18-month program.

Here’s how it works: If you're a LifeBridge Health employee who works at least 20 hours per week, you are eligible to receive tuition assistance. The money is for tuition only, not fees and books.

Courses must be given by an accredited academic institution and directly related to your job and/or enhance skills for your current job or one that you may be promoted to within LifeBridge Health. The amount of assistance varies from institution and by major – nurses receive additional assistance so check with the HR department at your facility for more details.

Once you’ve started your studies, you must complete the course and receive a C or better for undergraduate study, and a B or better for graduate classes, or you must pay the money back.
You must agree to remain employed from six months to one year at your facility once you’ve completed your course. According to LifeBridge Health Benefits Consultant Lori Turner, 550
employees are currently taking advantage of tuition assistance.

As for me, I’m now two courses into my 10-course master's degree, and so far so good. The course work is challenging, but interesting, and directly relates to work I do every day. For me, tuition reimbursement was the incentive to take the next step in my career. I’d encourage all
LifeBridge Health employees to look into it.

Multi-disciplinary Care at Northwest Hospital

2011-02-08T12:23:00.004-05:00

If you are facing a breast cancer diagnosis, you want confidence that your treatment plan is the best one possible. To ensure that each breast cancer patient of the Herman & Walter Samuelson Breast Care Center does, in fact, receive the best care, Northwest Hospital hosts monthly multi-disciplinary conferences that are connected to Sinai Hospital via teleconference.

These conferences are called “multi-disciplinary” because they consist of a meeting of doctors from different cancer specialties, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, pathologists and endocrinologists. A genetic counselor, who can give insight into the chances a patient’s breast cancer will return after treatment, also attends.

Dawn Leonard, M.D., breast surgeon and medical director of the Samuelson Breast Care Center, leads the conferences. After she presents the details of a patient’s case, center radiologist Liba Goldblum, M.D., explains images of the patient’s tumors taken from mammography and breast MRI. Next, a pathologist goes over slides that show the molecular structure of the patient’s biopsied tumor. Finally, the specialists are invited to apply their specific areas of expertise to the case, and a dialogue about treatment ensues.

As each patient’s cancer diagnosis is as unique as that person is, the format is an effective way to make sure that no angle of a patient’s medical condition is left unexplored. Essentially, the monthly conferences give patients the benefit of “being seen” by a dozen or more physicians at the same time.

Through it all, patient privacy is protected. Only pertinent details are shared, such as age, ethnic background, medical history (especially history of breast cancer risk factors) and family history of breast or ovarian cancer. These are all factors that play into a patient’s breast cancer risk.

For patients who have a high chance of breast cancer returning after treatment, doctors may advise them to undergo a mastectomy – even if their breast cancer is at stage 0, the earliest it can be detected – to protect them from a future breast cancer diagnosis. The group of physicians will also make recommendations as to whether a patient should receive chemotherapy, drug therapy or radiation – and in what order. Finally, if a patient needs one or both breasts removed, the doctors will also discuss when and how breast reconstruction should be approached. Reconstruction is always viewed as part of the treatment for breast cancer so that, if she so desires, a woman can have back her original image as much as possible.

Finally, some of the cases handled at the conferences are particularly difficult, such as when the group considers a patient who has a stage 4, triple negative cancer diagnosis, which has a low survival rate. Given that some cancer treatments can be hard on some patients, how aggressively should such a cancer be treated? Is the treatment worse than the disease?

Sometimes the answers are best determined through a conversation between doctor and patient. However, the overall consensus of the cancer doctors is that the patient must always be given hope. Optimism is a powerful force in impacting a patient’s outcome, and, given hope, even some of the sickest patients move onto the road to recovery.
-Holly Hosler

LifeBridge Health Goes Red For Women

2011-02-07T11:32:00.003-05:00

Patients, visitors and employees were literally seeing red at Courtland Gardens Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (pictured above) and Sinai Hospital on Friday. To draw attention to women and heart health, staff members took part in the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women 2011 National Wear Red Day. You can also click below to hear Margaret Ferski, RN, BSN

Manager of Patient Care Services at Sinai.

Cherry, burgundy, ruby and scarlet colored clothes, jewelry and shoes were seen on women and men throughout the hospital.

Coronary heart disease, which can cause heart attacks, is the number one killer of women in the United States. In fact, twice as many women die of heart disease, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases than from all forms of cancer, including breast cancer.

That’s why the annual Go Red for Women Day is so important to LifeBridge Health employees. They want everyone to understand that knowledge is power, and that knowing the risk factors of heart disease and ways to live a healthy lifestyle can make the difference between life and death. Learn more about your risk factors for heart disease here.

In keeping with the idea that there’s no better time to modify our diets, the Employee Activities Committee at Sinai also asked staff members for their most delicious heart healthy recipes to share. Here is one of the favorites.

Honey-Soy Broiled Salmon
Ingredients:
1 scallion, minced
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 pound center-cut salmon fillet, skinned and cut into 4 portions
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Preparation
Whisk scallion, soy sauce, vinegar, honey and ginger in a medium bowl until the honey is dissolved.
Place salmon in a sealable plastic bag, add 3 tablespoons of the sauce and refrigerate; let marinate for 15 minutes. Reserve the remaining sauce.
Preheat broiler. Line a small baking pan with foil and coat with cooking spray.
Transfer the salmon to the pan, skinned-side down. (Discard the marinade.)
Broil the salmon 4 to 6 inches from the heat source until cooked through, 6 to 10 minutes. Drizzle with the reserved sauce and garnish with sesame seeds.
-Helene King

Staying Healthy in Winter Weather

2011-02-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

by Emilie Hunt, RD, LDN, Clinical Dietitian
Sinai Hospital of Baltimore

Every time you listen to the radio, turn on the TV or surf the web, there seems to be another snowstorm brewing. Snow days give us an excuse to skip our workout and cozy up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate.

But whether it's rain, sleet or snow, the USDA recommends all Americans get at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily to maintain weight or 60 minutes if you are trying to lose weight. With children stuck inside, parents may wonder what they can do to keep their family active. In addition, our New Year’s resolutions to eat healthy are often forgotten during the pre-blizzard trips to the store.

Here are a couple of ideas to help keep your family fit and eating healthy through the winter weather.

Exercise away the winter blues:

Encourage kids to play outside- and join them. Building a snow man or pulling a sled can shed those winter pounds.
Shovel your sidewalk or driveway- and offer to help your neighbor! An hour of shoveling snow can burn up to 400 calories.
Try walking at your local mall. Did you know that the lower level of the Owings Mills Mall is one half of a mile?

Fill up on these healthy and hearty winter meal tips:

Soups are a great way to get your kids to eat veggies- try a broth based soup packed with fun-shaped noodles and a bag of frozen mixed vegetables. Serve with whole grain crackers.
Make your own pizza! Keep whole wheat pizza crust in the freezer and get creative with your toppings. Use low-fat lunch meat and a variety of veggies that you already have on hand as toppings.
Craving hot chocolate? Try No Sugar-Added Hot Chocolate with Added Calcium. The added calcium provides as much calcium as a glass of milk!

To learn more about Sinai Hospital, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

New Dietary Guidelines Stress Portion Control, Less Sodium

2011-02-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

While the government has issued new dietary guidelines for us to follow, it's worth asking if anyone is listening.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans has been published jointly every 5 years since 1980 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The recommendations form the backbone of federal nutrition policy, education, outreach, and food assistance programs used by consumers, industry, nutrition educators and health professionals

This year, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advocate portion control and issues specific guidelines for less sodium. But rather than a gentle reminder, both medical experts and government officials take a more direct tone in reminding citizens to cut back on the fat and amp up the fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

“The 2010 Dietary Guidelines are being released at a time when the majority of adults and one in three children is overweight or obese and this is a crisis that we can no longer ignore,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said.

It's not just a question of weight, although certainly the rates of obesity are alarming. Nearly 34 of adults and 18 percent of teenagers are obese. But even those at a lower weight should avoid too much sodium, which can cause high blood pressure, particularly in people who have heart disease and certain illnesses such as kidney disease and diabetes. The maximum sodium intake for everyone should be 2,300 mg daily which is approximately a teaspoon of salt. The dietary guidelines, for example, recommend that all African Americans and anyone over age 51 limit their daily sodium intake to 1,500 mg which is a bit more than half a teaspoon.

In addition to urging less sodium intake, the guidelines recommend water over sugary drinks and switching to fat free or low-fat (1 percent or skim) milk.

“The bottom line is that most Americans need to trim our waistlines to reduce the risk of developing diet-related chronic disease. Improving our eating habits is not only good for every individual and family, but also for our country,” Secretary Vilsack said.

-Sandra Crockett

Bone Marrow Drive for Sinai Patient To Be Held Saturday

2011-02-02T11:24:00.006-05:00

A swab of your cheek may be the ticket to saving a young boy's life.

Harry Friner, age 3, needs a bone marrow transplant in order to survive AML, a rare type of leukemia. Harry was diagnosed a year ago and his cancer recurred in the fall. The photo above was taken of Harry and his father Richard at the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Sinai Hospital.

A bone marrow drive in Harry's honor will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, February 5 at Trinity Church, 2907 Mountain Road, Joppa, MD 21085. All are invited to attend - check out the health and age requirements to see if you are eligible to join the Be the Match registry. If you do not meet the health or age requirements, you can also sponsor somebody who does meet them or make a donation. Frequently Asked Questions about joining the registry are answered here.

Joseph Wiley, M.D., Chief of the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai, was a guest on ABC's Good Morning Maryland on Monday to talk about registering and why it's important. He was joined by Harry's 7-year-old sister, Ella. Click here to see the interview.

-Elizabeth Leis-Newman

Keeping Your Infant Safe

2011-02-01T09:19:00.004-05:00

Since 1989, U.S. hospitals have worked closely with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to implement measures designed to prevent infant abduction, such as the case of Carlina White. Over the last two decades, the number of in-hospital infant abductions has declined due to these preventative efforts.

Sadly, abductors have increasingly targeted homes, shopping centers and other public areas. Between 1983 through 2010, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reports an annual average of 9 to 10 documented infant abductions and that 95% of these abducted infants were located and safely returned to their parents – usually within a few days to two weeks. While this is good news, nonetheless it is important for hospital staff and parents to work together to achieve the goal of making this a never event.

What can parents do to prevent an abduction from occurring? Here are some tips that Sharon M. Rossi, R.N.C., M.S., director of Women’s and Children’s Services at Sinai Hospital, says every parent needs to know and follow. Rossi was on Good Morning Maryland @ 9
on ABC last week.

In the hospital:

Only allow staff wearing a picture hospital ID badge to handle your baby.
When resting or sleeping, place the baby bassinet next to your bed on the window side so it is away from the doorway.
When you plan to shower or sleep, discuss supervision of your baby with your nurse.
Call a nurse at any time if you have questions or feel uncomfortable about the behavior of a staff member.

At home:

In public birth announcements, do not include your home address.
Do not post information about your infant with pictures on social media walls – only share this with those people you know and trust. Because privacy settings can change with little or no notice, don’t assume that anything you post on social media is private.
Avoid using outside decorations (wooden storks, balloons, etc.) to announce the arrival of your newborn.
Verify all home visits with the hospital or home health company or local health department agency before setting up any appointment to be seen in your home.
Check for visible photo ID before opening your door to any utility worker or general repair person. If unsure, do not open the door and instead verify the employee's identification with the company.

While shopping:

Always use an approved car seat that is safely buckled in your shopping cart.
Never leave your infant unattended or turn your attention away from your infant.
Do not allow a person you do not know to “keep an eye on your infant.”
Do not use social media features that tag your location.
Once your shopping is done, secure your infant in the car, lock the doors and then load your groceries. Keep the keys with you and do not leave your infant in a car that is running.

What It's Like to Take Childbirth Classes at Sinai

2011-01-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Ed. Note: We asked one of the Birthplace at Sinai's mothers-to-be to discuss what it's like to take childbirth classes. She'll be blogging periodically on her experiences as a new mother.

I’m expecting a baby, but I don’t know what to expect. I’ll be honest; my initial reaction to my positive pregnancy test was fear. Memories of the “It’s gonna hurt a lot, I bet” line from the movie Knocked Up rang through my head. The only solution, it seemed, was to get educated as much as possible about the process of giving birth so that one is prepared – at least mentally.

The last time I lived with a newborn was 30 years ago, when my brother was born. The last time I cared for a baby (or changed a diaper) was 20 years ago, at the height of my babysitting career. Because my experience with infants is from a generation ago (and my views of labor and delivery have been shaped purely by television), it was a forgone conclusion that I would enroll in the classes offered by The BirthPlace at Sinai.

In my seventh month, my husband and I took the Prepared Childbirth Series to find out what labor was all about as well as to learn the infamous breathing techniques. With a baby on the way we are more cost-conscious than ever, so we were pleased that the series of three evening classes cost $60 per couple; other hospitals in the area were charging anywhere from $80 to $140 for their childbirth classes.

Our class was taught by a certified childbirth instructor who is also a nurse on the Labor and Delivery unit. In detail, she went over the stages of labor (I had no idea that labor had stages), letting us know what would be happening to us moms physically and what we and our support persons could do to make the experience as pleasant as possible. Thanks to the class, I’m (kind of) actually looking forward to labor. Who knew that this feeling would be a surprising, happy result of the class?

Maybe it’s because I know so many women who gave birth a month ahead of their due dates or maybe it’s because I can’t imagine my abdomen getting any larger (how does one reach down to tie her shoes?), but I have a gut feeling (pun intended) that my baby will be born early. Therefore, I rushed to take all my classes during my seventh month. (Besides, I plan to sleep and get as much rest as I can in the last two months of my pregnancy.) We took the Baby Basics 101 – Newborn Appearance and Care ($20 per couple), the Breastfeeding – Best Start for Mother and Baby (free!) classes and a tour of the BirthPlace (also free).

While the Newborn Appearance and Care class echoed a lot of the advice that I was reading about already in the book Heading Home with Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality, it was new information for my husband to digest. Most importantly, the class gave me confidence that I was becoming knowledgeable about how to care for a baby. A very entertaining midwife ran the class, and the men in the class were the ones who had to change the diapers on the dolls and learn how to swaddle the doll in a receiving blanket.

In addition to providing practical instruction and setting realistic expectations, the Breastfeeding class stressed the importance of skin-to-skin contact between mom and baby during the first hour after birth. Thanks to Sinai’s rooming-in policy, in which most moms opt to have their babies stay with them in their rooms rather than the nursery, establishing this skin-to-skin bond is possible, and it increases the chances for successful breastfeeding. We were told that any of the nurses on the Mother/Baby unit can teach new moms how to breastfeed in real time. Sinai also has lactation consultants that can answer questions after a mom has headed home with her newborn. As soon as I have a newborn to feed, I plan to attend some of the free “Mommy and Me” breastfeeding support group meetings held at the hospital every Monday at 10 a.m.
After our baby is born, we also plan to take the hospital’s Infant Safety/CPR class ($40 per couple or $25 per individual). For moms who have previously given birth, Sinai also has a refresher class about the birth process as well as sibling classes so that older children can learn what having a new brother or sister will mean for them.

For more information or to enroll in any of The BirthPlace at Sinai’s Family Education classes, call 410-601-WELL (9355). For the siblings classes (offered for children 2½ years and older), please call the Sinai Auxiliary at 410-601-5032.

Sinai Hospital Successfully Weathers 2011’s “Mini Snowmageddon”

2011-01-27T12:22:00.005-05:00

During last night’s winter storm, once again Sinai Hospital employees pulled together to provide patients with seamless care. A Snow Command Center was enacted to ensure that all patient needs would continue to be met. To help essential staff members who were stuck at home because of the treacherous road conditions, gracious volunteers with AWD vehicles provided transportation to the hospital.

Here’s how Incident Commander Sharon Rossi, RNC, MS (also director of Women's and Children’s Services) summed up last night’s and this morning’s efforts:

Sinai ended its Code Yellow snow emergency at 10:15 this morning, but if you must venture out on the roads today, please be careful and take extra time. There are still plenty of ice, snow and disabled vehicles to watch out for.

As the Sinai staff was busy keeping patients safe, Neil Meltzer, Sinai president and COO, had an incident of his own. While he making his way home from work last night, Meltzer was one of the many unlucky drivers who were stuck on Interstate 83 (JFX) because of the snowy conditions and a jackknifed tractor trailer. For over eight hours, Meltzer was stranded in his car, at times trying to make his way through an obstacle course of abandoned cars. During long periods of idling, he passed the time by talking to family and friends and checking Facebook.

“Since I’m from Massachusetts, I always have an emergency kit in my car,” said Meltzer. “I was prepared but I did not anticipate an eight hour commute home.” Since Meltzer was stranded during the typical dinner hour, he made due by subsisting on two tins of sugar-free mints.

Meltzer stayed in touch with Sinai’s Snow Command Center while he was stranded to ensure that the weather was not causing any problems for the staff or patients. “I felt very confident that Sharon and the entire clinical management team were prepared and managing the situation appropriately.”

Have any snow stories from yesterday’s/this morning’s storm? Share them in the comments section.

-- Betsy Haley and Holly Hosler

Bariatric Surgeon To Discuss Weight Loss Options

2011-01-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

If you are morbidly obese, you may feel like there is no place to turn. Luckily, Sinai Hospital's Bariatric Surgery program offers hope, providing the latest surgical techniques in gastric bypass,, nutritional counseling and emotional support.

Join us for a free seminar at 6 p.m. on Monday, February 7 to learn if bariatric surgery is right for you. This talk is led by bariatric surgeon Christina Li, M.D.

Dr. Li specializes in minimally invasive and obesity surgery. She received her medical degree from the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. She finished her resident training in general surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center, where she also spent a year as a research fellow at the Maryland Center for Videoscopic Surgery. Most recently, Dr. Li completed a one-year fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Attending this talk is the first step to weight loss. Registration is not required. Additional classes will be held March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6, July 7, August 1, September 7, October 3, November 7, December 5. To learn more, call 410-601-4486.

-Elizabeth Leis-Newman

Patient Safety Fair at Sinai on March 8

2011-01-26T07:00:00.001-05:00

Sinai Hospital is proud to sponsor the Annual Patient Safety Fair from noon to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8. This fair shows how different products are used at Sinai, encouraging safer care for every patient, every day.

Products on display will include the VersaCare bed, which helps prevent pressure ulcers. Reducing these ulcers, also known as bed sores, has been a high priority for LifeBridge Health facilities. Both Levindale and Northwest offer wound care.

"It is of paramount importance to Sinai to engage staff and others as we strengthen collaboration and commit to safe health care for all," says Sinai patient safety officer Tina Gionet, RN, MS.

Everyone is invited to attend the fair, from staff to patients. Sponsors will receive lunch and attendees will receive refreshments. There will be a raffle for gift cards and giveaways.

-Elizabeth Leis-Newman

Skin Cancer and the Dark Days of Winter

2011-01-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Winter is here and the days are short. It may not be foremost on your mind, but checking for skin cancer should still be a part of your routine. If you notice any changes in your skin, talk with your primary care physician.

“About a million people in the U.S. are getting skin cancer each year,” says Nelson Goldberg, M.D., a surgeon specializing in plastic surgery and surgical oncology at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Dr. Goldberg presented a lecture on skin cancer and biopsies at Sinai Hospital’s Grand Rounds. “You have a one in three chance of getting skin cancer before you die,” he says.

Most cases of skin cancer – the basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma types - are nonfatal, Dr. Goldberg says. Malignant melanoma skin cancer can be fatal, though not always. Early detection and treatment is advised but biopsies are not always warranted, he says.

Doctors look for certain symptoms before requesting a skin biopsy. Those symptoms include bleeding or crusting of the area. When a biopsy is performed, a piece of the skin is removed for further examination and skin cancer can be diagnosed or ruled out.

“It is not uncommon for patients to ignore skin cancer if it is not bothering them,” Dr. Goldberg says. But small changes can grow into large, disfiguring ones. “It is better to get them off when they are small,” Dr. Goldberg says.

-Sandra Crockett

Once More, With Feeling: Get Your Flu Shot!

2011-01-24T16:37:00.003-05:00

Since January 1, Sinai Hospital physicians have diagnosed 70 cases of influenza, and 37 cases have been diagnosed in the past week. That's more cases of flu in one week than the entire month of December. Sinai ER-7 physician Dov Frankel, M.D., discussed the flu rise on WJZ-TV.

If you have not received your flu shot, it's not too late. All LifeBridge Health employees may come to Employee Health to receive their flu shot, which is free. Those who work in health care are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated, as are children and anyone with a compromised immune system.

Looking for a place to receive the flu shot? You can find a location near your house via flu.gov.
-Elizabeth Leis-Newman

Northwest Advocate Recognized

2011-01-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

By Audrey Bergin, MA, Coordinator
Domestic Violence(DOVE)Program at Northwest Hospital

Baltimore County’s Domestic Violence Coordinating Council has recognized an individual for the leadership they have brought to the challenge of reducing domestic violence in our community. Recently Cassie Offutt, Advocate for the Domestic Violence at Northwest Hospital was awarded this honor at Baltimore County’s Domestic Violence Conference, in front of hundreds of colleagues.

She was nominated by multiple colleagues in the domestic violence community for her dedication to victims. Cassie works with the police in local precincts conducting home visits with victims who have recently been assaulted and scored “high” on a Lethality Assessment (meaning the violence in their life, could become lethal). She follows up with victims until they are safe. Cassie also provides court accompaniment for Protective Orders and criminal cases. The police and lawyers who she works with cannot praise her enough.

One colleague said she is “paramount in assisting us with domestic violence strangulation cases.” Another said, “She does whatever is necessary to make a client safe.” “She is an invaluable asset to our work and to the work of all domestic violence agencies.”

Cassie motivates and inspires others with her enthusiasm and her dedication. She was awarded for leading by her example. As a result of Cassie’s hard work, the Domestic Violence Program at Northwest has been able to serve hundreds more victims each year.

To learn more, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

Sinai Vice President Named to ADA Board

2011-01-21T07:00:00.002-05:00

Sinai Hospital Vice President Lorrie Liang has been named to the Board of Directors of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the country’s largest voluntary health organization battling this debilitating disease.

Nearly 27 million people live with diabetes and 57 million more are pre-diabetic. Not only can this disease be life threatening, but it can take a big toll on families, as well as on those who have it. Diabetes is a serious disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or respond properly to insulin, a hormone that allows blood glucose to be used for energy. The ADA works to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of the people affected by it.

As a member of the ADA board, Liang is responsible for assisting with the organization’s business affairs. She also works closely with its volunteers and staff on activities and initiatives.

Liang has been active with the American Diabetes Association for eight years and has served two terms as the chair of its Community Leadership Board in Maryland and as an Executive Committee member of the Baltimore Community Leadership Board.

Among her many leadership roles at Sinai Hospital, Liang overseas the departments of Medicine, Surgery and Anesthesia; the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics; The Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute; Faculty Practice; Medical Education and research projects.
-Helene King

Parisi Speed School Offers Training

2011-01-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

The Parisi Speed School, powered by LifeBridge Health and Fitness, has training options for everyone from young children to athletes.

Now there's one more benefit to working at LifeBridge Health: for a limited time, employees are entitled to 50 percent discounts on two Parisi programs:

Signature Speed School- Focuses on 4 aspects of training, top speed, acceleration, change of direction (agility), and total conditioning. The discount is 50 percent off initial plan and initial evaluation.

FitKids/Total Conditioning – A high energy program, where kids can exercise, have fun and create good exercise habits, while increasing strength, endurance, balance and flexibility. The discount is for 50 percent off in the first month.

For more information, call Hakeem Clark at 410-318-6808.

Cold Vs. Flu: The Battle

2011-01-19T13:26:00.002-05:00

It’s the bout of the season, and it’s fought at home, at work and in public.

In one corner, the symptoms are suddenly feeling feverish, having a headache, being achy, feeling tired and spiking a fever, sometimes with a scratchy throat.

In the other, the signs are gradually noticing a stuffy nose, frequent sneezing, and a sore throat coupled with a hacking cough. A fever rarely develops.

It’s the battle of the flu verses the cold. No one has to fall victim to a knockout punch from either.

“The flu is a respiratory virus that’s contagious,” says Peter Andrews, P.A., director of Employee Health at Sinai Hospital. “Those at high risk include the elderly, children, health care workers and people with some chronic health conditions. However, everyone is susceptible, so prevention is key.”

There’s no reason to let the flu give you a sucker punch. “The great thing is that the flu is most often preventable,” says Rose Wetzel, R.N., B.S.N., manager of Occupational Health at Northwest Hospital.

“For most people, the flu shot or nasal spray will prevent the virus. Both are quick and easy.” It takes about two weeks before antibodies develop protection against the virus. If you do come down with the flu, rest is the best way to get better, unless you are in a high-risk group.

In that case, check with your doctor immediately to see if medication to lessen the symptoms is needed. On the other side of the ring, the common cold, which can be caused by more than 200 different viruses, is usually mild and rarely turns into other serious health problems, such as infections or pneumonia. A fever is seldom associated with a cold. Again, because a cold is caused by a virus, medicine will only treat the symptoms, not provide a cure.

If you do get sick, stay home, rest, avoid contact with others and contact your doctor if necessary.

“One of the best ways you can avoid a cold and the flu is to wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands,” says Lucia Smedly, infection prevention specialist at Levindale and Courtland Gardens. “Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub for 20 seconds, the time it takes to sing, “Happy Birthday.”

Other ways to stay healthy?

Eat right and exercise.
Get plenty of sleep.
Stop smoking
Talk to your doctor about taking vitamin C or other supplements that can boost your immune system.

-Helene King

Managing Cancer Pain

2011-01-17T10:42:00.006-05:00

When you have an illness, pain management is important. That's especially true for cancer patients, who may experience pain from a tumor, a side effect of treatment, or from another cause.

Luckily, the pain management specialists at LifeBridge Health have innovative ways to help you and your loved ones manage pain. Join Lynn Staggs, M.D., for an informative talk on Thursday, January 27 to discuss the Management of Cancer Pain.

Dr. Staggs received her undergraduate degree in biology from Vanderbilt University. She earned a master's degree in physiology and her medical degree from Georgetown University. Dr. Staggs completed her residencies at the Spain Rehabilitation Center at University of Alabama-Birmingham and the Barnes-Jewish Hospital at Washington University in St. Louis.

This talk will be held at the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute Conference Room from noon to 1 p.m. Pre-registration is required; call 410-601-WELL (9355).

Gardens Help Healing at Hospitals

2011-01-14T11:10:00.004-05:00

In the midst of a cold Maryland winter, it's helpful to visualize spring and blooming gardens at LifeBridge Health facilities.

Building gardens at hospitals is a practice that goes back at least a thousand years in both Eastern and Western medicine. More than just something pretty to look at, this cultivation of plant life produces physiological benefits. Yes, gardens are good for your health.

Studies by Texas A&M architecture professor Roger S. Ulrich, Ph.D., have shown that after viewing nature – even in a garden setting - for as little as three to five minutes, one’s blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension are restored to more optimal levels. In effect, one has been de-stressed. Evidence also demonstrates that patients who have views of gardens or nature from their rooms report less pain.

For employees, gardens often provide a much needed contrast to the stark, sterile, technical hospital environment; plants stimulate the spirit, mind and body in ways the inorganic world cannot. So it’s no wonder that gardens are being incorporated into the landscape at various LifeBridge Health centers.

Earlier this year, right outside of Sinai’s Lowell and Harriet Glazer Atrium, the new Jacqueline H. Hess Memorial Garden was unveiled. Named for a founder of the Sinai Auxiliary and Gift Shop, a gift from George Hess and his sister Diane Pelham Burn established the Hess Garden Fund in 1984. The garden’s flora includes ginkgos, river birches, roses, hydrangeas and nepetas. Diane created the garden’s metal tree sculpture, and Jacqueline’s grandchildren David and Bill Hess made the new sundial. David also crafted the benches.

Northwest Hospital is in the midst of building a garden near its main entrance.

“The creation of the Healing Garden at Northwest is the result of employee feedback,” says Northwest Hospital President Erik Wexler. “Staff have suggested that we have an outdoor area where employees and visitors can go and ‘de-stress’ from the challenges we all face. We seized the opportutunity to construct the garden after the trailers were removed from the front of the hospital.”

In December, the garden’s larger trees and shrubs were planted; additional
plantings are expected in the spring. The entrance walkway to the garden will be paved with bluestone, and heavy benches will allow employees, patients and visitors to relax.

While Sinai and Northwest have what are considered “passive gardens,” through which observers relax and passively enjoy the environment, Levindale has plans to open an “active garden” modeled after Kibbutz Lavi in Israel.

“Levindale’s new garden will open all the senses,” says Betsy Narrow, president
of the Levindale Auxiliary. Lighting, waterfalls and music will combine to create a Zen-like effect. Residents will be encouraged to use all five senses to explore and cultivate the garden.

Even the sense of taste will be covered, as herbs will be planted for residents to enjoy.

“The garden will be built with areas for residents and children to plant together,” Betsy says. Planting beds will be accessible from wheelchair height. Seating areas in the garden will be designed to allow wheelchair-bound residents to pull up and socialize with others.

Levindale’s “sensory garden,” located in a courtyard, will be visable from an interior hallway. That way, residents who don’t care to venture outside can still enjoy the visual aspects of the garden.

Over the years, LifeBridge Health’s new healing gardens will undoubtedly provide for stress reduction and increased well-being for thousands.

-Holly Hosler

Neurosurgery Chief Explains Giffords' Surgery

2011-01-13T09:21:00.005-05:00

Following the Arizona shootings, many have been following the progress of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head. Against the odds, she is holding her own, even breathing by herself after being taken off a respirator.

The lifesaving surgery she underwent included removing part of her skull to allow the bullet in her brain to be taken out and her brain to swell unencumbered.

Neal Naff, M.D., chief of Neurosurgery at the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, has performed the same type of surgery many times and explains that doctors are monitoring her progress very closely.

“At this point, they will be keeping an eye out for increased pressure on the brain as well as any seizure activity and infections," he says.

Giffords' physicians remain encouraged by her progress, saying it is "going as anticipated." Dr. Naff says that once the brain swelling goes down, her doctors will talk about reattaching the portion of the skull that was removed.

According to Dr. Naff, it could take weeks and months to the long-term effects of the injury. However, yesterday Giffords opened her eyes. She can follow commands, move her arms and breathe without help, all of which are encouraging signs of her recovery.

To learn more about Dr. Naff and the Brain and Spine Institute, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

-Helene King

Smoking Increases Risk of High Blood Pressure in Children

2011-01-12T12:12:00.003-05:00

There's yet another reason to quit smoking: parents who smoke may be raising their child's blood pressure.

This week in Circulation, Swiss researchers published their results of a study looking at parents who smoked and their preschool-aged children. The researchers found that systolic and diastolic blood pressure were higher in children of smoking parents. Even when they corrected for body mass index, parental hypertension, birth weight and risk factors, they found that parental smoking is a risk factor for high blood pressure.

In other words, if you smoke, you're putting your child at risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular complications. If you can't quit for yourself, quit for him or her.

Luckily, Northwest Hospital is here to help you kick the habit. Up in Smoke is a FREE six-week smoking cessation program. It includes behavioral modification, support, and nicotine replacement. The next session begins on January 20 and is open to LifeBridge Health employees and members of the community. Pre-registration is required. To register, call 410-601-9355.

-Elizabeth Leis-Newman

Concussions: More Than a Knock on the Head

2011-01-11T11:09:00.002-05:00

Two or more athletes collide on a football field. One hits the ground hard suffering a head impact. The athlete gets up, shakes it off and continues to play. Not always the wise thing to do.

“I often say that football is not a contact sport, it is a collision sport,” says Kevin Crutchfield, M.D., the director of the Comprehensive Sports Concussion Program at the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute. A concussion is not a simple knock on the head but an injury to your brain that should be taken seriously, he says.

Dr. Crutchfield presented a lecture about sports-related concussions at Sinai Hospital’s Grand Rounds last week. Neurology, rehabilitation and other experts collaborate to monitor and treat sports-related concussions in high school- and college-aged athletes to predict when it is safe for an athlete to resume participation in contact sports.

Dr. Crutchfield is an expert in treating concussions, and a former college athlete who himself suffered a concussion. “I understand what is going on in the inside as well as the outside,” he says.

Everyone should remember that if you sustain a hard hit to the head, seek medical attention. Without proper medical attention, particularly from repeat concussions, risks can include insomnia, visual disturbances, and early onset dementia.

And you don’t have to be an athlete to receive the help you need at the Brain & Spine Institute. In addition to sports injuries, common causes of concussions include bicycle accidents, car accidents, and falls, as well as blows to the head. BSI experts will medically manage those individuals who sustain a recent brain injury and to work with those with unresolved long-standing symptoms that relate to mild brain injury.

“A concussion may cause moderate changes in a person's thinking, emotional, or physical
abilities, and these changes can significantly impact everyday life,” Dr. Crutchfield says.

To learn more or to find a physician, call 410-601-WELL (9355).
-Sandra Crockett

Get Your Flu Shot

2011-01-10T09:24:00.004-05:00

As 2011 ramps up, you do not want to be waylaid by the flu. Getting your flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent the flu (although don't forget to wash your hands).

Northwest Hospital is pleased to offer the flu vaccine to family members of Northwest patients while supplies last. Make your appointment by calling 410-521-2200 (extension 55430). LifeBridge Health employees are reminded that they can still get their free flu shot at either Sinai or Northwest.

The 2010-2011 flu shot protects against H1N1, an H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus. While everyone should get vaccinated, high risk groups for getting the flu include children under 5, those older than 50, those with certain chronic medical conditions and health care workers.

If you are not eligible to get a flu shot at Northwest, but want to get the vaccine, you can find a location here. You can see flu trends here.

Sick with the flu? To find a physician, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

No Link Between Vaccines and Autism

2011-01-07T09:52:00.003-05:00

This week yet another report showed that a study linking vaccines to autism was fraudulent.

The controversy began more than a decade ago. In 1998, British physician Andrew Wakefield published a study indicating that the common MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine was linked to childhood autism.

"After this initial study was released linking the MMR vaccine to autism, huge amounts of time and money were spent attempting to corroborate these findings," explains Sinai physician Anthony Caterina. "When no links were found after numerous large studies, there was a backlash against the medical community with many people, including some overly vocal celebrities, claiming there was a conspiracy taking place to protect vaccine manufacturers."

Since Wakefield's study was published, many parents opted out of vaccinating their children, causing numerous outbreaks of these deadly diseases. Autism rates continue to climb. An editorial in the British Medical Journal described Wakefield's study as "an elaborate fraud."

"That study wrongfully tarnished the reputation of vaccinations and the medical community. Vaccines are one of the greatest achievements of mankind, and hopefully this new information regarding the unethical and criminal nature of Dr. Wakefield's actions will hopefully begin the process of reversing the damage already caused," Caterina says.

To find a pediatrician at Sinai Hospital, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

2011-01-06T08:00:00.002-05:00

by Jason Bosley-Smith, CSCS
Lead Lifestyle Coach
LiveWell @ LifeBridge

This is the week of the infamous "New Year's Resolutions" - those goals we set that so often become distant memories as the year progresses. This year, set your intentions and maintain your resolutions by focusing on the following:

1. BE SPECIFIC. Goals such as "losing weight" or "eating right" are simply too vague. In order to stick with your resolution, you must be as specific as possible. Using these examples, your resolution may instead look something like "lose 10 pounds and/or go down 2 sizes in 3 months." For eating habits, try "eat healthier by increasing my daily intake of fruits and vegetables to at least 5 servings."

2. MEASURE. Famous business guru and management expert Peter Drucker states, "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it." Keep a journal of your goal that includes the steps you take to reach it along with the progress you are making. Tracking your nutrition has been shown repeatedly to be the number one thing an individual can do in order to lose weight, and journaling your workouts will provide valuable feedback as to your progress in strength and cardiovascular gains.

3. PUT YOURSELF "OUT THERE". Accountability is one of the most effective ways to keep you committed to your resolution. Post your resolution on Facebook or in an email blast to friends, and periodically update them, asking them to hold you to your goals. Work with a personal trainer or exercise with a friend and hold each other to your mutual target.

4. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. Without an established plan in advance of beginning, your much less likely to be successful. It's one thing to have a resolution in mind, but without a structured idea of how you are going to achieve it, you're left at the whim of day-to-day distractions and lost in your efforts. Set the structure - the where, when and how of your tasks - to accomplish your goals and commit to these steps as part of your daily habits.

Follow these steps to set yourself up for success and as you achieve small victories along the way, reward yourself in a healthy way for your discipline and accomplishments. Realize that with all resolutions and goals, it is the journey is the key, not simply the end result. If you focus on the process, then you are bound to maintain your healthy habits and build momentum towards keeping your resolutions all throughout the year.

Water Main Break on Lanier Avenue

2011-01-05T11:41:00.003-05:00

Attention Sinai Hospital visitors and patients: there has been a water main break on Lanier Avenue near the physician lot. Barriers denoting the detour have been placed on Lanier and Belvedere avenues. The detour has placed a major impact on the main parking lot, Belvedere garage, and the shuttle service from and to the Pimlico employee parking lot for Sinai employees. Patients and visitors are asked to use Valet services.

To see a map of the Sinai campus, click here.

Cookies, Candy and Cocoa, Oh My: Support from the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute

2011-01-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

by Jill Adler, M.S., Coordinator, Patient Information Services, and Bunny Kohn, R.N., Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute

Puffs of hot chocolate, glittery dancing snowflakes and bags of holiday treats served as the warm welcome mat for patients being treated at the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore last week.

This special holiday surprise was due to the generous spirit of the Outpatient Infusion Services (OPIS) nursing staff. Instead of the nurses eating dinner out as a group to celebrate the season they pooled their money and hosted a party in-house for the patients.

CostCo was the shopping kingdom of choice for one of the nurses. She could be seen moving her way down the aisles with baskets of sugary holiday cookies, bags of delicious candy and an array of chocolates.

Several nurses stayed late one night to "bag" enough goodies in the Snowman-themed bags to get the week started. The celebration started on Monday morning, running throughout the week. Festive decorations adorned the nurses stations and the reception area was newly designed to have patients and their guests enjoy a cup of hot apple cider, tea or cocoa. The whole nursing area smelled great and brought lots of smiles and full feelings of happiness for everyone.

The baggies had festive decorated cookies, chocolates and other candy for patients take to their seats during treatment or to just take home with them and enjoy later. A holiday card was given to each patient as they registered as well as a box of reusable shopping bags that had been donated. Just to add even more joy to the mix, poinsettia plants, silver garland and snowmen figurines were placed on the tables to be enjoyed. An adorable gingerbread house created by the pre-school aged grandsons of one of our nurses brought smiles from everyone as it was placed at the sitting area for all o enjoy.

The staff was also asked to donate hats, gloves and scarves for our patients which were given out by our Oncology Social Worker and Patient Care Navigator.

The time and love given to this event was just one more way of showing how the staff cares with so much compassion and feeling to the special patients and their families that are being treated at the Alvin and Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute.

To learn more about the Alvin and Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

Sinai Welcomes First Baby of the Year

2011-01-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

It was an extra special day for Louis and Henrietta Blaustein Women's Health Center at Sinai on Saturday: Baltimore's first baby of the year was born here at 12:41 a.m. on 1/1/11. Danny and Nechama Gordon welcomed a 7-pound, 14-ounce girl who was 20.5 inches. Both mother and baby are doing well, and Sinai wishes them health and happiness in the year ahead!

Specialty Hospital at Levindale Opens Telemetry Unit

2011-01-03T11:02:00.003-05:00

Maryland's first telemetry unit in a chronic hospital opened at Levindale last week. This unit provides heart monitoring for patients who require specialized medical care and treatment for serious illnesses and/or injuries.

Each patient’s blood pressure, breathing rate, heart rate and blood oxygen levels are continuously monitored as part of this highly specialized care. The telemetry unit is designed for patients who have arrhythmia, syncope, chest pain, electrolytes imbalance and/or congestive heart failure.

“Levindale saw a need in the community for this kind of cardiac care to manage acute patients,” says Dean A. Smith, RN, BSN. “Close monitoring of this kind complements the other therapies that our patients receive. These can include ventilator-dependency, chest tube management and tracheostomy suction.”

Levindale’s high intensity telemetry unit also treats other complex-medical conditions that require IV medications, PICC lines, dialysis, wound care and rehabilitative services, TPN and additional nutritional interventions.

There are a total of 20 beds in the telemetry unit. Patients who are 18 or older may be admitted directly from intensive care units (ICUs) and intermediate care units (IMCs).

The telemetry unit’s highly trained staff consists solely of on-site doctors, as well as respiratory therapists and registered nurses (RNs)- who are certified in Advanced Cardio Life Support (ACLS). The ratio of nurses to patients is five to one.

Services are also coordinated with an on-site pharmacy and lab. Physical, occupational, speech and therapeutic therapies are also a big part of the treatment.

The telemetry unit is part of the Specialty Hospital at Levindale, which is a licensed 120-bed hospital that is Joint Commission and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accredited.

To learn more about Levindale, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

-Helene King

Courtland Gardens Exemplified Teamwork in 2010

2010-12-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

Dignity, respect, fun and teamwork are just four of the many words that come to mind when we look back at the past year at Courtland Gardens Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Randallstown.

The year began with teamwork as Mother Nature blanketed Maryland with nearly 80 inches of snow. Staff members dug, and dug and dug until they somehow managed to get out of their homes and into work to make sure that their residents were well taken care of. Employees even figured out how to have a good time, sharing stories about their adventures.

However, the big story at Courtland Gardens this year happened inside the facility. Construction was completed on a brand new $1 million state-of-the-art rehabilitation center. Highly skilled therapists there help residents regain their independence, stamina and strength.

Of course, staff members and residents continued to work together every day to nurture their minds and spirits with dignity and respect. Although 2010 was a tough economic year, you wouldn’t know that when it came to the way Courtland Gardens staff members reached out to help others. They figured out how to have fun while raising money for people who were in need around the community.

Among the activities; they opened the Courtland Gardens Dollar General. Proceeds from sales went to the United Way. Residents especially loved shopping because they don’t always get the opportunity to find their own bargains.

The Therapeutic Recreation staff partnered with Maryland Food Bank for the second year. They asked employees, family members and visitors for non-perishable food items. Collection boxes were placed throughout the building.

Therapeutic recreation employees didn’t stop there. They promoted the concept of “Give and Get.” With the support of the Food and Nutrition department, on Wednesday, December 8, every staff member who brought in three cans of soup for those less fortunate received a hot bowl of soup for him or herself.

Members of the dietary team also began composting food scraps to reduce the carbon footprint.

Not to be forgotten during 2010, heart health, breast cancer awareness and flu facts were also top priorities at Courtland Gardens. The Employee Activities Committee came up with innovative ways to remind people about the importance keeping their families and themselves healthy and happy. Among the organized events were a $5 jean day, a penny war, raffles and bake sales.

It’s hard to believe that another year has gone, but here’s to 2011 and more joy, happiness and fun at Courtland Gardens.
-Helene King

Levindale Looks to the Future

2010-12-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital has been a pioneer in the field of elder care since it opened its doors more than a century ago, and the year 2010 only added to this ongoing journey.

While there were many accomplishments at Levindale during 2010, the spotlight was definitely shining on the future.

Ground was broken in January on a $31 million construction project to build a modern, elegant, friendly place for Baltimore area elders. This expansion will serve as a model for future generations of caregivers in every way.

The moment anyone walks through the doors at the new Levindale, they will be surrounded by sophisticated, sleek two-story atrium. The breathtaking, contemporary town center will offer residents and visitors shopping, a Jewish-theme museum, a grand piano, a fireplace, sitting areas with computer portals and a café. It will be perfect for seniors “on the go” and for seniors who want to relax in a bright, stylish environment.

No matter how residents spend their day, they will always want to go back to a beautiful room with the things that they love around them. Luxury and personal service will be combined with:

Private rooms
Private shower and bathrooms
Room temperature controls
Flat screen televisions
Wireless Internet connections
Space for visiting, reading and writing
A lot of storage
Design for safety and accessibility

During this project, the 87,000 square foot build-out and expansion will include of a three-story resident complex. Each resident’s room will be located within a neighborhood that will consist of 84 resident rooms, which will be divided into six households with 14 rooms each.

As with every household in America, the kitchen is the gathering place. At Levindale, each household have a country kitchen reminiscent of “bubbie’s (grandmother’s)” kitchen with the smells and tastes of their favorite foods.

For residents and families looking for intimate places to relax, there will be cozy sitting and hearth areas for playing music, reading and kibbitzing. Dens at Levindale will provide big screen televisions and stereos for families who want to watch and listen to their favorite entertainers.

Outside, there will be a big front porch, a playground for grandchildren and sensory gardens, designed to stimulate the five senses when residents choose to enjoy nature.

In order to make the dream into a reality, the staff members at Levindale and LifeBridge Health have been working hard to minimize the inconveniences that come up during a project of this scope. It was taken teamwork, communication, cooperation and patience.

In addition, thanks to the support and generosity of philanthropists in our community, the construction project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2012, so elders will have a cheerful, invigorating place to call home.

Levindale prides itself in leading the way to the next generation of caring.

To learn more about Levindale, call 410-601-WELL (9355).
-Helene King

Northwest Hospital Concludes Astounding Year

2010-12-29T08:00:00.002-05:00

2010 has been a great year for Northwest Hospital. We thought 2009 was a banner year with the conclusion of the Renaissance Campaign and opening of the new Herman & Walter Samuelson Breast Care Center, but this year was also met with some equally important milestones:

In January, the Northwest Professional Center on Carlson Lane opened. The 51,000 square foot medical office building houses the hospital’s administrative offices as well as physician practices and the new SurgiCenter – a state-of-the-art, outpatient surgery center features four large operating rooms, a special procedures room and an endoscopy suite.

In March, the Women’s Wellness Center opened. The center offers a holistic approach for not only a woman’s gynecologic care but also her other health needs. The center is led by Dr. Dee-Dee Shiller, a board-certified gynecologist, and employs a health coach, a registered nurse who works with patients to coordinate all aspects of their medical care.

In April, the Sleep Disorders Center was awarded accreditation by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Fewer than 20 percent of sleep centers in the Mid-Atlantic have earned this distinction, and Northwest was granted it only after a rigorous survey of areas such as patient safety, testing protocols, environmental cleanliness, and ongoing training of center physicians and staff.

In June, Northwest Hospital acquired a da Vinci® Surgical System, which allows surgeons to operate with robotic precision, making minimally invasive surgery safer and easier to perform.
In July, Northwest Hospital was the first in the United States and the second in the world to perform robotically assisted hand surgery. Stacey Berner, M.D., nationally recognized orthopedic surgeon and director of the Hand & Upper Extremity Center, performed this leading-edge surgery on the da Vinci robot.

In other surgical news, throughout the year, mini-port and single-port surgeries were performed with increasing regularity by Chief of Surgery Alan Davis, M.D., and W. Peter Geis, M.D., head of the Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery. Through the use of smaller and more sophisticated instruments, these new surgical techniques permit patients to experience smaller incisions and less surgical trauma, leading to less pain and faster recoveries. With single-port surgery, procedures can be performed with small instruments inserted through a single incision in a patient’s navel, resulting in no visible scar.

From July 2009 through June 2010 over 60,000 visits were made to the Northwest Hospital ER-7, making 2010 the emergency room’s busiest year on record. That Northwest is now a Primary Stroke Center, the growing population in the Randallstown area and the H1N1 flu outbreak all contributed to the increase in ER-7 patients.

In November, Northwest’s cardiac rehabilitation program earned certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACPR). The AACPR looked at 14 different program aspects, including the skill level of the cardiac rehab staff, individual patient treatment plans and an assessment of the program’s patient outcomes in awarding this certification.

Also in November, ground was broken on a new healing garden, located near the hospital’s main entrance. The cost of the garden will be offset by the generous gifts of donors, and trees and shrubs have been planted. The garden, which will be receiving additional plantings in the spring, will provide a place of respite for patients, visitors and employees, helping to relieve stress and promote healing.

Northwest Hospital wishes everyone at happy and HEALTHY 2011!

-Holly Hosler

Sinai Hospital Wraps Up Banner Year in Baltimore

2010-12-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

The holidays are a time to celebrate family. At Sinai Hospital, we’re part of a large family of dedicated health care providers, which is why we wanted to look back and highlight some of the accomplishments of 2010.

While this list is by no means exhaustive, some of the year’s highlights included:

The opening of the Alfred I. Coplan Pediatric Hematology Oncology Outpatient Center, offering a larger, brighter clinic that meets the needs of some of our youngest patients.
Governor Martin O’Malley visiting to discuss health information technology
Race for Our Kids raising more than $120,000 to benefit the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children’s Hospital at Sinai. Save the date for Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011 for the next race!
The Save-A-Limb ride raised more than $120,000 to benefit the Save-A-Limb Fund at the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics. The 2011 ride is Sunday, October 23.
The Hyundai Foundation providing a $100,000 research grant to Joseph Wiley, M.D., chief of the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children’s Hospital
Hosting A Line in the Sand, a groundbreaking exhibit highlighting awareness of domestic violence
A group of employees, including physicians John Herzenberg, M.D. and Aaron Zuckerberg, M.D., going to Haiti to assist victims of the earthquake.
Being one of 169 hospitals nationwide to receive HealthGrades 2009/2010 Women's Health Excellence Award. This exclusive designation recognizes Sinai as a leader in quality patient care.

Additionally, Sinai Hospital President Neil Meltzer concluded being the chairman of the American Heart Association and was appointed the U.S. Government Accountability Office's National Health Care Workforce Commission.

We are looking forward to tackling 2011 with the vigor and dedication that makes us special. May the next year be healthy and happy for you and your family!

-Elizabeth Leis-Newman

A Message from the LifeBridge Health CEO

2010-12-27T08:00:00.004-05:00

by Warren Green, CEO, LifeBridge Health

As I look back on the year we are about to end at LifeBridge Health, it strikes me that we have so much to be grateful for. We are blessed with a terrific staff (more than 7,000 strong) who demonstrate every day their commitment to our patients and our communities. I will always be proud that LifeBridge Health was named to the Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” along with Apple Computer, Googl e, Four Seasons Hotels and Nordstrom. It shows that we recognize the incredible talent and dedication of our LifeBridge Health team, and that we have put programs and services into place to nurture our employees.

In spite of the challenges we faced with the massive economic downturn in the country, we continued our forward momentum in 2010. Ground was broken for the new Herman & Walter Samuelson Children’s Hospital at Sinai, as well as the new pavilion and first phase of construction at Levindale. New programs, such as the Women’s Wellness Center at Northwest Hospital, were launched. And, we have received some wonderful gifts supporting programs and facilities throughout our system.

As gratifying as it is to look back on what has happened, it is crucial that we direct our gaze forward and try to anticipate, as best as possible, the new world that health care is entering. Only a few months ago, national health care reform legislation was signed by President Barack Obama, forever changing the way care will be provided to millions of Americans.

One thing that I feel certain about is that demand for the services we provide is going to increase. By the year 2014, we expect that more than thirty million uninsured people in this country are going to carry plastic cards which will give them access to care that they live without today. And the senior population will continue to mushroom. We see now that the fastest growing segment of the population is seniors over the age of 85. The trend is bound to increase, and this spells more demand for health care services.

At the same time, we are also bracing for steep cutbacks in the growth of health care spending. This is coming at a time when both federal and state governments are financially stressed due to the worldwide recession. What is emerging for us is a classic case of having to do more, but for less.

LifeBridge Health isn’t alone in facing this new reality, for hospitals everywhere will be affected much the same. But I have confidence that we will rise to the occasion and continue our forward momentum. Again, our greatest asset is our people, and we have already shown that in this region, there are none better.

In order for LifeBridge Health to remain strong, a number of initiatives must be undertaken. High on the list is the need to bond with physicians. In spite of all the change taking place, it will still be true that doctors will decide where patients go for care. For that reason, our energies have been invested in strengthening existing, and creating new relationships with physicians. Over the past year, a significant number of new doctors have joined the LifeBridge Health team, and we expect this trend to continue.

We must also redouble our efforts to ensure patient safety and assure good outcomes. Increasingly, the government and insurance companies are going to punish those institutions that have high readmission rates, or commit costly errors in the care of their patients. Fortunately, our profile looks very healthy today, but the bar is going to continuously be raised, and we can’t relax our grip on best practices.

And, too, we must work even harder to provide superior customer service, knowing that patients will want to be cared for at those facilities that treat them with courtesy and respect. Again, we do this well—but not nearly well enough to be self-satisfied.

I predict that 2011 will be a great year for LifeBridge Health and its people, in spite of the pressures that we face. In years past, we have always done what was needed in order to be successful, and we will again and again. I’d like to thank each member of the LifeBridge Health family for his or her loyalty, support, and the skills every person brings to bear.

Above all, I wish every LifeBridge Health staff member, physician and volunteer a joyous and healthy holiday season, and my best wishes for fulfillment in the year ahead.

Sinai Hospital Offering Valet Service

2010-12-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Did you know that if you visiting Sinai Hospital's Hoffberger building you can now use valet service?

Simply drive up to the Hoffberger entrance and you will see the valet. The hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The cost is identical to the main lot, which is $7 for up to five hours and $12 for 5 to 24 hours.

Those who are visiting Sinai Internal Medicine, Sinai OB/GYN, Ambulatory Surgery Center or other physician practices should enter through Hoffberger.

To see the Sinai Interactive map, click here. To make an appointment with a Sinai physician, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

I Have a Cold. Should I Work Out?

2010-12-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

by Jason Bosley-Smith, CSCS, FDN
Lifestyle Coach, Live Well @ LifeBridge

The question of whether or not you should work out when sick is one that I often get from clients and one that is somewhat disputed amongst doctors and exercise physiologists. The question is often whether exercising when ill will make you worse, or as some people claim, help “kick the cold out” of you.

Researchers at Ball State University tested a group of athletes, some infected with rhinovirus and another control group that were not, to measure their response in lung function, exercise capacity and symptoms. When their symptoms were at their worse two days later, the subjects exercised on treadmills at moderate to intense levels. To the researchers’ surprise, lung function was not inhibited nor was basic metabolic response. General questionnaires were also provided to the subjects. Most said their symptoms were no worse and a few even mentioned feeling better.

This study was conducted on subjects with a basic head cold with mild symptoms of runny nose and sneezing. The researchers cautioned that while it may be OK to exercise under these conditions, individuals should be wary of exercising while having any illness that brings fever, chest congestion, or other symptoms below the neck.

Another factor to consider in this equation is that of hormonal response; namely cortisol. Cortisol is a stress-response hormone that provides anti-inflammatory benefits and is in essence our “fight or flight” hormone. While exercise is extremely beneficial to the body, it is still a stressor, albeit a positive one, and as such, results in the release of cortisol. Cortisol, although necessary and helpful in some regards, can have a negative effect on the body and in this scenario; it is its impact on immune function that is the key. Cortisol has an immunosuppressive effect, meaning that if your body constantly has high levels of cortisol, you are more susceptible to illness or infection. Since the obvious goal when you’re sick is to have your immune system working at full capacity to heal and eliminate the virus or bacteria that are causing the illness, it may be counterproductive to exercise and release cortisol.

All in all when you are sick, the goal should be to listen to your body, get adequate rest, and eat clean, whole, nutritious foods. This will let your immune system do its job and help you feel better quickly.

Chemotherapy & Nausea: What You May Not Know

2010-12-22T11:50:00.003-05:00

by Pamela Nickoles, RN, BSN, Oncology Clinical Trials Nurse, Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute

When a person is faced with cancer and the need for chemotherapy, one of the most dreaded side effects of this treatment is nausea. Twenty years or even a decade ago supportive care medications for the treatment of nausea, called anti-emetics, were limited in both numbers and in effectiveness. Many times physicians had to either delay or dose reduce chemotherapy treatments for those patients experiencing severe nausea and or vomiting.

Luckily today, with the development and use of newer classes of anti-emetics, this side effect is much more under control.

Classes of Anti-Nausea Medications:
• Serotonin antagonists: Ondansetron (Zofran), Dolasetron (Anzemet), Granisetron (Kytril), Palonosetron (Aloxi)
• Steroids: Dexamethasone
• Dopamine agonists: Metoclopramide (Reglan), Haloperidol (Haldol), Prochlorperazine (compazine)
• Neurokinin 1 Receptor Antagonist: Aprepitant (Emend)
• Adjunctive medications: Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), Scopolamine, Benadryl

As a rule, only one medicine from each class should be used. Using medicines from two or more classes is often more effective than is using any one medicine alone.

Not everyone reacts to chemotherapy in the same way. Risk factors for increased nausea include:
• Type of chemotherapy being given – some agents are more nausea producing than others
• Chemotherapy combined with radiation
• Female gender
• Age (under age 50)
• History of nausea with prior treatments
• History of motion sickness
• History of morning sickness during pregnancies.
• Preconceived notions that “chemotherapy and nausea go hand-in-hand”, places one at higher risk.

Ways to Reduce Chemotherapy Induced Nausea:
• Eat small, frequent meals and don’t skip meals
• Eat what appeals to you
• Limit sweet, fried or fatty foods
• Have someone else prepare the food
• Avoid unpleasant smells
• Drink lots of fluids
• Use relaxation techniques

These self-care measures may help you prevent nausea and vomiting, but they can't take the place of anti-nausea medications. Today, physicians have an array of choices for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy induced nausea with many more drugs currently in development. Don’t be surprised if in the future chemotherapy-induced nausea will be eliminated.

To learn more about the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute, call 410-601-WELL (93550>

Sinai-ER Offers Rapid HIV Testing

2010-12-21T10:44:00.003-05:00

Sinai Hospital’s Rapid HIV program is helping more Baltimore citizens learn their status.

The program, which allows those in Sinai ER-7 to have a quick free test to learn whether they are HIV positive, recently received funding to continue for another three years. The program began in 2008.

“The program as a whole is testing more people than expected,” says Penny Green, Rapid HIV Program Coordinator. There have been about 8,193 people tested as of November 30, 2010 and 69 of those were HIV positive. When people are HIV positive, the sooner they learn their status, the sooner they can begin treatment and increase their life expectancy, as well as reduce the chance of spreading the disease to someone else.

Many people are reassured by the results of being negative, and Green follows up with those who are positive, connecting them to the services offered at Sinai. Those who are positive are also tested for syphilis.

While there are other sites in the city offering free HIV testing, the program is a convenient way to offer the test, especially for those who would not have sought out testing otherwise.

“There’s a gap in routine testing and we are meeting that need,” says Carine Chen-McLaughlin, case management coordinator. “There’s no stigma and it’s less threatening to people, as they are already here.”

To find additional information on free HIV testing in Baltimore, click here.

Crib Safety Tips from Sinai Hospital

2010-12-20T10:11:00.005-05:00

For many families, a crib for a new baby is handed down through generations.

But in recent years, millions of drop-side cribs have been recalled due to safety hazards. Cribs with a drop-side rail that goes up and down can cause strangulation deaths, as parents of at least 35 babies found out tragically from November 2007 to April 2010.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted last week to forbid the manufacture, sale and resale of drop-side cribs, with the requirement that all cribs must have fixed sides by June 2011. Parents currently using a drop-side crib should check the hardware on the cribs to be sure it is working properly and double check that the crib has not been recalled.

Anthony Caterina, Sinai Hospital pediatrician, applauded the new law. He and his wife, also a pediatrician, are expecting twin girls in 2011.

“We thoroughly researched our options before making a purchase, but other parents may not be aware of the hidden dangers of unsafe cribs,” he says. In addition to the drop-side cribs, older cribs can be unsafe from loose parts.

“Tougher laws are long overdue and will save the lives of countless infants in the future,” Dr. Caterina says.

Tips for making sure a crib is safe include the following. Additional tips can be found from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Check for cracked or peeling paint.
Corner posts should be flush with end panels. Avoid clothing or ribbons on a crib, which can catch on tall corner posts.
Look for Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification.
The mattress should be the same size as the crib so there are no gaps to trap arms, body, or legs.
Hanging mobiles or toys should be out of a baby's reach.

To find a Sinai Hospital pediatrician, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

How to Turn Your Holiday Choices into Healthy Holiday Favorites

2010-12-17T09:27:00.004-05:00

By Lindsay Martin, M.S, R.D, LDN, Registered Dietician, Northwest Hospital

Whether your weakness is the loaded green bean casserole, pecan pie or rum-spiked eggnog, the holiday season is packed with one belly-busting temptation after another. Studies show the average person consumes an extra 600 calories a day between Thanksgiving and New Year's, which translates to approximately six pounds of excess weight.

While everyone's entitled to a little indulgence, especially around the holiday season, there's a fine line between festive and fattening. Fortunately, making simple food swaps helps keep the pounds down without sacrificing the holiday spirit. You don't have to diet. You don't have to deprive yourself. These are a few favorites I’ve found can be more satisfying throughout the holidays, especially when you don’t have guilt over your head as you make the better choices.

When headed to a party, master the buffet by using a small plate. Be mindful of what you drink. The average American consumes about 450 liquid calories a day. Try protein-based snacks, like jumbo shrimp, or cheese (swiss or mozzarella are your better cheese choices), which will make you feel full longer than carb-loaded breads will.

One of the most frequent questions I hear is, “what is the healthier alcoholic drink to choose?" For the fewest calories per drink, choose light beer or wine. Light or low-carb beers are available with as few as 70 calories, but a typical beer or glass of wine generally contains between 100 and 150 calories. Remember, too, that the size of the glass and serving makes a big difference. A single 'glass' of wine may actually be two servings, so try to measure keep your wine glass consistent with 4 oz. Below are some other popular alternatives when imbibing:

Worst cocktail:
Gin and tonic (8 ounces)
240 calories
22 g sugars

Alternative Drink:
Champagne
100 calories
5 g sugars

The sad truth is that light-tasting tonic water contains as much sugar as two glazed doughnuts, making it nothing more than a glorified soda. Champagne is just as bubbly but contains only one-fourth of the sugar and half the calories.

Dip
Worst dip:
Spinach and artichoke dip
300 calories
19 g fat

Alternative:
Salsa (1/4 cup)
10 calories
0 g fat

The wrong dip can transform healthy veggies and a whole grain pita into vessels for fat and hundreds of extra calories of which is unnecessary. Avoid creamy, cheesy dips at all costs and stick to the tomato-based salsas and bruschetta, which are low-calorie and offer a healthy serving of vegetables to boot.

Side Dishes

Worst side:
Baked potato with butter and sour cream
400 calories
14 g fat (6 g saturated)

Alternative:
Roasted red potatoes (1/2 cup)
100 calories
5 g fat (1 g saturated)

The difference here is in the toppings. Add bacon and cheese to the mix, and add an extra 150 calories. Another smart sides rule: Not all salads are paragons of virtue. Greens with croutons and Italian dressing pack in 140 more calories than a serving of peas with pearl onions.

Hot Drinks
Worst hot drink:
White chocolate mocha (20 ounces)
660 calories
22 g fat (15 g saturated)
95 g sugars

Alternative:
Café au lait with peppermint syrup (20 ounces)
150 calories
5 g fat (3.5 g saturated)
17 g sugars

Sugary coffee concoctions are a holiday shopping staple, but the wrong one could deliver more calories than a greasy burger at your local fast food joint! Avoid mochas, lattes and cappuccinos and order a café au lait with a spurt of flavored syrup instead.

Desserts
Worst dessert:
Pecan pie à la mode
810 calories
65 g fat
55 g sugars

Alternative
Chocolate fondue
340 calories
10 g fat
28 g sugars

In the wide world of holiday pies, nothing is worse than a slice of pecan. Blame the filling, which is sickly-sweet sludge of corn syrup and sugar. Fondue, in comparison, is a fun and relatively healthy way to splurge after a big meal. Angel food cake makes an ideal dipper: light, low in calories and virtually fat-free. Fruit is even better, try dipping some apples, pineapple, strawberries or even bananas.

The bottom line is, no one wants to start 2011 with six extra pounds. Some simple food swaps will make holiday weight gain a thing of the past.

Sinai Medical Staff Honored

2010-12-16T07:00:00.002-05:00

Twelve physicians were honored for their 30 years of active service at Sinai Hospital yesterday.

Physicians Richard Berg, Steven Berlin, Paul Bodnar, Marc Gertner, Lennard Herbst, Martin Kanner, Olusegum Lawoyin, Marshall Levine, Paul Lunis, Ira Mandell, Edward Morris, and Murray Pearlman were recognized.

In his career as a rheumatologist, Dr. Morris said the most important thing he's learned is "how to listen." He is pictured at right with physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor Martin Kanner, M.D.

At Sinai, Dr. Morris says he has found "quality care and a hospital that is responsive to physicians' needs," he says, in addition to high-quality primary care doctors.

Sinai Hospital president Neil Meltzer commended the physicians on their commitment to the hospital.

"They have been mentors and leaders for young physicians, and we greatly appreciate their service," he says.

To find a physician at Sinai Hospital, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

Treating Esophageal Cancer

2010-12-15T11:15:00.002-05:00

Need another reason to stop smoking or to lose weight? Consider the mortality rate of esophageal cancer. Each year there are around 16,000 people diagnosed and 14,500 people die, putting it alongside lung, pancreatic and ovarian cancer as one of the most deadly cancers. Famous people with esophageal cancer include actors Humphrey Bogart, Ron Silver and author Christopher Hitchens.

The risk factors for squamous cell esophageal cancer are tobacco abuse, alcohol abuse and injury, which can include drinking very hot liquids on a regular basis. The risk factors for adenocarcinoma include gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and obesity.

Last week, thoracic surgeon Nikhilesh M. Korgaonkar, MD, MBA, discussed updates in surgery and esophageal cancer at Sinai Hospital Grand Rounds.

“Surgery is achieving its goal, but better systemic treatments are needed to increase the benefits of optimal local control,” he said. While there are many surgical approaches, one with a high rate of satisfaction is a transhiatal esophagectomy. In this procedure, a surgeon removes part of the esophagus and moves up the stomach into the chest, then connects the remaining esophagus to the stomach through the neck. In one study of patients following a transhiatal esophagectomy, 89 percent said they were pleased with the ability to eat and 96 percent said that in hindsight they would choose to have the same operation again.

In addition to surgery, many studies showed that the most positive results were found in patients who had chemotherapy and radiation therapy concurrently. Additionally, patients with chronic GERD symptoms should be monitored for Barrett’s esophagus, Korganokar says. Up to 50 percent of patients who are undergoing an esophagectomy for Barrett’s esophagus with high grade dysplasia end up having adenocarcinoma.

To learn more about Dr. Korganokar or cancer treatment at LifeBridge Health, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

-Elizabeth Leis-Newman

Nursing Graduates Find Support at LifeBridge Health

2010-12-14T08:03:00.001-05:00

For nursing graduates, transitioning from school to a hospital can be tough. That's one of the reasons behind LifeBridge Health's Project Connect, a program aimed at supporting nursing graduates.

Susan Bindon, MS, RN-BC, and the Project Connect Team, pictured at right, recently won first place and a cash prize of $1,500 from their Project Connect poster at the Maryland Organization of Nurse Executives' annual leadership-themed poster contest. The money will be put back into materials and other components of Project Connect.

The poster was accepted at the national conference of the American Organization of Nursing Executives (AONE) and will be presented San Diego in April 2011. It highlighted the success of the program of retaining nurses at Sinai, Northwest and Levindale. The program provides new nurses with individual and life coaching sessions, workshops, graduations and celebrations, evaluations and other support. It was made possible through a five-year grant from the Health Services Cost Review Commission.

"We really want to nurture nursing graduates through that first year,and hope that they end up staying," Bindon says.

The nurses reported high rates of satisfaction with Project Connect, as do nursing leaders. It's also important for a hospital system to retain these employees. Between 35 to 61 percent of new nurses leave their first job within their first year, and the orientation, training and replacement costs for each new nurse who leaves an organization is estimated at $42,000 to $60,000.

To learn more about Project Connect, listen to the podcast here.

Are you an upcoming nursing graduate who wants to learn more about Project Connect? Click here or call 410-601-0727.

-Elizabeth Leis-Newman

Stress Reduction Strategies at Sinai

2010-12-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Health experts all agree that stress can be detrimental to your well being. However, not all experts agree on the best way to relieve stress. If you are interested in exploring alternative stress reduction techniques, come to the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute's Reiki and Acutonics workshop on Wednesday.

“This holistic stress reduction program will help you learn modalities to help you relax and check in with your inner sources of well-being and guidance. Learn to re-balance energy systems,” says Jill Adler, coordinator Patient Information Services in the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute.

Reiki, described as a spiritual practice, was developed in 1922 in Japan. Reiki practitioners hold their hands on or over the person who is fully clothed. Practitioners claim to transfer healing energy through their palms.

Ellen Jacobs, Reiki master teacher, will facilitate the Sinai workshop.

“Reiki involves the practitioner just allowing a beautiful energy flow to come through to the client. The result is a deep state of relaxation and peace,” says Jacobs, who has been a practitioner for two years and has a private practice.

Although there have been small research studies demonstrating evidence that Reiki relieves stress, other studies have found no correlation. Still, many patients at Sinai have said they found it helpful.

Jacobs will also demonstrate Acutonics, which is described as a vibrational sound healing therapy.

“It is a method of using sound and vibration. It balances the energy of the body through sound frequency,” says Jacobs who will use calibrated tuning forks that are placed on parts of the body.
If your curiosity is peaked and you are wondering if these alternative stress reduction techniques are right for you, come to this free workshop. Pre-registration is required.

WHERE: Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute Conference Room, Sinai Hospital, 2401 W. Belvedere Ave., Baltimore
WHEN: 4 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 15.
TO REGISTER: Call 410-601-9355.

Breaking Down the Myths of Clinical Trials

2010-12-10T12:16:00.003-05:00

by Judy Bosley RN, BSN, Oncology Research Nurse Manager
The Alvin and Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute

Hearing the diagnosis of cancer can be a life changing event. The diagnosis can create many different feelings, anger, disbelief, sadness and shock.

Once a person shifts through these feelings, they have to decide how they are going to go about fighting the cancer. An option that many do not consider is participation in a clinical trial.
There are many fears and misconceptions associated with clinical trials. In reality, clinical trials offer patients access to the most current cancer care available while helping researchers find better ways to treat and prevent disease.

Let’s look at a few of the common misconceptions of clinical trials.

MYTH: “I don’t want to be treated like a guinea pig.”

When a patient is enrolled in a clinical trial he or she will receive the best treatment currently available (also known as the standard of care), or a new and potentially more effective treatment. An added benefit: as a trial participant, patients have access to treatments that are not available to the general public. These treatments may be beneficial but are not yet officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

MYTH: “If I enroll in a clinical trial I may receive a “sugar pill” and get no treatment at all for my disease.”

I hear this statement quite often when talking with patients about clinical trials. Placebos or “sugar pills” are never used in place of treatment when an existing standard therapy is available.

MYTH: “My insurance company/Medicare won’t cover the cost of trial participation.”

Medicare has been covering the cost of cancer clinical trials since June of 2000. Many health insurers cover the normal cost of treatment on clinical trials and many states, including Maryland, have mandatory coverage laws.

MYTH: “I thought clinical trails were a last resort."

Clinical trials are available to patients at the start of their treatment and for all stages of their disease. In addition to treatment trials, clinical trials are available to treat the side effects related to cancer and its treatment as well as trials for the prevention of cancer.

If you or a loved one think that you might be eligible for a clinical trail at the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

Levindale and Courtland Gardens Fete Volunteers

2010-12-08T11:00:00.002-05:00

The beginning of December can be a chilly, gray time of year. However, for volunteers at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital and Courtland Gardens Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, the first week of month was filled with warmth and praise.

The annual Volunteer Dessert Tea was held in Levindale’s Schwaber Multi-Purpose Room on Friday to honor the nearly 200 volunteers who spend some of their precious time assisting residents, patients and staff members at Courtland Gardens and Levindale.

Volunteer Manager Janine Boulad has a special reason for hosting the tea during the first week of the month every year. In 1985, the United Nations designated December 5 as International Volunteer day; a day set aside to thank volunteers their contributions.

And that’s exactly what Janine does. “The words 'thank you' sound very inadequate because the men, women and teens who donate their time at Courtland Gardens and Levindale do an incredible job of providing both tangible and intangible extras," she said.

At this year’s event, the keynote speaker was Gary Applebaum, MD, the executive director of Season’s Hospice & Palliative Care. He spoke from the heart about how important and meaningful the role of volunteers is.

After his speech, Janine presented awards to the volunteers who reached milestones during 2010. Edith Judelson was recognized for volunteer 9,000 hours at Courtland Gardens. Ruth Lebowitz and Carol Werdig hit the 4,000-hour mark at Levindale. Not to be outdone, resident volunteers, Arthur Abrams from Courtland Gardens and Mike Tucker from Levindale, were both honored for their dedication.

Fruit tarts, macaroons and brownies were served at the tea, and all attendees received corkscrews as part of this year’s bountiful harvest theme. Before people left, the volunteers also helped to create poster as part of a contest to share the innovative ways they provide great care at Courtland Gardens and Levindale.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer at Levindale or Courtland Gardens, call 410-601-WELL (9355).
-Helene King

Sinai Hospital Employees Achieve ACMPE Certification

2010-12-07T10:06:00.005-05:00

Eight Sinai Hospital employees recently completed a year-long process to achieve certification from the American College of Medical Practice Executives.

Vice President Lorrie Liang led a group of hospital employees - Chris Jorgenson, Mike Stein, Mary Jane Herbert, Nisha Gupta, Donald Abrams, Stefanie Thomas and Charles Efird - in achieving the certification. The group is pictured at right.

"It's been a long journey," Liang says. "To be nominated into the college, one must have three years in a leadership role, 50 hours of continuing education, and letters of reference. To become certified, one must pass a 350 question objective exam and a three essay exam."

In August, the group took the exams, which focused on quality, risk, governance, finance, operations, information technology, human resources and patient care services. The employees began the application process in August of 2009, and all successfully passed the exams on the first attempt.

"It's huge that we all became certified," Liang says. "This designation demonstrates competence and excellence."

Thomas, a financial administrator at Sinai, says the team supported each other through the rigorous certification process. "It is a testament to the dedication of everyone in the group that all eight of us have been certified and passed both exams on the first attempt," she says.

Join the Chanukah Celebration at Sinai Hospital

2010-12-06T12:17:00.005-05:00

Chanukah is a Jewish holiday celebrating the victory of the Maccabees' war against Assyrian Greeks in 165 B.C. The holiday lasts eight nights, symbolizing the miracle of a small amount of oil lasting longer than one day.

The Sinai Hospital Auxiliary invites you to join us for the annual Chanukah celebration at 6 p.m. today in the Sinai Hospital atrium. Rabbi Mitchell Ackerson will lead the menorah lighting ceremony.

Please bring a new unwrapped toy for a pediatric patient in the Alfred I. Coplan Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Center at the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai.

Chanukah refreshments will be served in Café Shalom following the program. Please RSVP to the Auxiliary Office at 410-601-5033. Media are invited to attend and shoot photos of the celebration.

Reducing Health Disparities Through Communication

2010-12-03T10:17:00.008-05:00

Communication between doctor and patient can be fraught with misunderstandings and assumptions. The “Reducing Health Disparities: Teaching Residents to Deliver Culturally Competent Patient-Centered Care” workshops at Sinai Hospital are a call to action. The three workshops, spread over three months, are designed to provide information, skills and resources that enhance the ability of physicians to understand and communicate with patients from diverse cultural and language backgrounds.

According to research provided at the workshop, U.S. physicians reported “no preference for white vs. black patients or differences in perceived cooperativeness.” However, physicians showed “unconscious preferences favoring white Americans and unconscious stereotypes of black Americans as less cooperative with medical procedures.”

Medical residents and physicians working at Sinai Hospital have a unique opportunity to serve a diverse population that includes Orthodox Jewish and African-American communities.

At Tuesday’s workshop, health care providers completed exercises that promote a better understanding of patients’ diverse backgrounds. In one exercise, participants were given a handout with the picture of a multi-colored wheel. Three rings were drawn on the wheel. Written on the “internal dimensions” ring were characteristics including gender, ethnicity and race. The next ring was labeled “external dimensions” and included appearance, marital status, work experience, religion and personal habits. The outermost ring was labeled “organizational dimensions” and included the phrases "management status" and "work location."

Participants were asked to choose three words or phrases they felt demonstrated who they were. Most of the participants chose one word that was a physical identifying marker, such as gender or race. But the other two choices identified characteristics you would not know by looking at a person such as parental status.

“Only 10 percent of who we are is something I can see with my eyes,” said facilitator Marcos Pesquera, executive director of the Center on Health Disparities, a division of Adventist HealthCare. “Ninety percent are things we can not see. If we don’t talk to each other, we will never know. In other words, what I can see with my eyes is only 10 percent of who you are.”

Facilitators cited an example of an African man seeking medical help (in an unnamed American hospital) who was very unresponsive to the doctor. The physician could have dismissed the man as being “uncooperative.” But upon further questioning, it was learned the patient had recently lost a close relative in tragic circumstances. Information like that can lead to a different diagnosis or make the physician make additional recommendations, such as a referral for counseling.

The lesson? It is not wise to jump to conclusions about someone relying only on what you see.

“Are we really understanding the patient and the patients’ needs?” asked Diane Maloney-Krichmar, director of Graduate Medical Education at Sinai and a facilitator at the workshop. After the exercise, all of the participants had a much more thorough understanding of one another. It was an understanding that didn’t depend only on sight.
-Sandra Crockett

Get Moving With CardioSculpt

2010-12-02T16:32:00.002-05:00

Do you need a way to start burning off those holiday calories? Help is around the corner.

The Sinai Hospital Employee Activities Committee sponsors exercise classes, and an 8-week session of CardioSculpt begins next Tuesday, December 7. CardioSculpt gets you moving and your heart rate up, but also includes exercises designed to tone and build muscles.

The classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Sinai Hospital. The session ends on Tuesday, February 1.

The cost is $30 for all eight weeks. Payment for the classes may be made by cash or payroll deduction for Sinai employees. You do not need to be a LifeBridge Health employee to enroll, so grab a relative or friend and come join the class.

Questions? You can reach Robin at 410-601-8443.

Helping Out Around the Holidays

2010-12-01T15:44:00.003-05:00

LifeBridge Health employees show their commitment to less fortunate members of the community by participating in holiday themed drives and programs at this time of the year.

Both Sinai and Northwest hospitals participate in Adopt-A-Family programs. At Northwest, there are 10 families with children. Each participating department receives a list of what the children need, and provides items like clothes, books and toys. At Sinai, there are 42 families with children who are being helped by departments.

The Sinai Employee Activities Committee is sponsoring its annual Hat, Glove and Scarf Drive to benefit pediatric and adult Sinai ER-7 patients. All sizes are appreciated. Collection boxes will be located at the lobby desk in the main hospital, as well as in the Security office on the ground floor. The collection will end Saturday, December 18.

Sinai Volunteer Services also asks for donations of clothing, especially comfortable athletic gear and men's clothing. Donations can be dropped off at the Sinai Volunteer Services office, located on the ground floor. Volunteer Services also appreciates donations of current news or culture magazines.

A Labor of Love From the Friends School

2010-11-30T14:35:00.005-05:00

Several postpartum mothers are the recipients of a special service project from Friends School of Baltimore students.

The kindergarten students of Fran Morrissey and seventh-grade students of Erin Zimmerman worked together to tie and stuff fleece pillows on Quaker Community Day. The students made a total of 18 pillows, which were donated to Sinai Hospital's Labor and Delivery unit. They will be used by mothers who have had a C-section, who hold the pillows across their stomach when coughing or doing deep breathing.

"The goals of this project were to build community between students at Friends and to use our talents to help members of our local community," Morrissey says. "The kindergarten students also increased their fine motor skills while learning to tie knots and follow a sequential pattern. We incorporated empathy, reflection, resiliency, collaboration and communication skills into this activity."

Students and the teachers discussed how pillows help the healing process and what it feels like to work together, Morrissey says.

"The seventh graders provided a direct service to the kindergarten students and both groups of students provided indirect service to the surgery patients," she says.

To learn more about Sinai Hospital's Labor and Delivery unit, call 410-601-9355 (WELL).