When Delivery Time Comes - MedStar Health · fibroids have a treatment option that is not available everywhere and is often underutilized: uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). “UFE

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When Delivery Time ComesEnsuring Moms-to-Be Get the Care They Need

Novel Treatments for Complex ConditionsPatients With Advanced Liver Cancer Among Those Benefitting

Keeping Athletes in the Game Athletic Trainers Play a Key Role in Preventing and Managing Injuries

2 Waterfront • MedStar Harbor Hospital | FALL 2017

INTRODUCING OUR NEW PRESIDENT AND CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

Stuart M. Levine, MD, FACP, was recently named president and chief medical officer of MedStar Harbor Hospital and a senior vice president of MedStar Health. He succeeds Dennis W. Pullin, FACHE, the former president, who left MedStar Harbor after eight years of strong leadership.

“My excitement at being appointed to this new role is beyond words,” says Dr. Levine. “What a privilege and responsibility it is to lead a phenomenal organization committed to being on the forefront of healthcare delivery. I am overjoyed to continue working with all of the talented and dedicated individuals who make MedStar Harbor the vibrant place that it is today. Together, we are one big family collectively focused on providing the highest quality and safest care possible. I am grateful for this opportunity to help write the next chapter of MedStar Harbor’s history as we move full steam ahead on our journey of continued success.”

Most recently, Dr. Levine served as the vice president of Medical Affairs for MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center and MedStar Harbor. Prior to that, he served as vice chairman of Strategic Growth and Research in the Department of Medicine at both MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, and as medical director of the Good Health Center at MedStar Good Samaritan.

Before joining MedStar, Dr. Levine served as a faculty member and assistant professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he also served as codirector of the Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center.

Dr. Levine received his medical degree from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. He completed his internship and residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital and a fellowship in rheumatology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

After more than a century of healing, MedStar Harbor Hospital is a mainstay in the community, serving patients from Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Howard counties. Our convenient waterside location combines the services of a large, regional medical center with a smaller, more personal environment. From general medicine and surgery, obstetrics, orthopaedics and geriatrics, to behavioral health, cardiology, gastroenterology and urology, our team of caring physicians and associates professionally serves the unique needs of every patient.

Waterfront is published by the Marketing and Communications department of MedStar Harbor Hospital. The information provided in this publication is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health and is not a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. For more information, call 855-546-0862. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2017.

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

On the cover: Wael Bitar, MD, medical director of MedStar Harbor Women’s Care, and David Ghadisha, MD, OB hospitalist and chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at MedStar Harbor Hospital, are part of the team that collaborates in caring for moms-to-be.

FALL 2017

[CONTENTS]

FEATURES

4 Novel Treatments for Complex Conditions Patients With Advanced Liver Cancer Among Those Benefitting

8 When Delivery Time Comes Ensuring Moms-to-Be Get the Care They Need

10 Keeping Athletes in the GameAthletic Trainers Play a Key Role in Preventing and Managing Injuries

14 Seasonal DepressionIt’s Not Just in Your Head ... Treatment Can Help

DEPARTMENTS

3 WHAT’S NEW

7 HEALTHY HABITS

12 EATING WELL

13 CARING FOR YOU

Stuart M. Levine, MD, FACP

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta; as well as a fellowship in neuroradiology at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital in Syracuse, New York. Dr. Jawed has been an active member of the Society of Interventional Radiology for a decade. He has authored more than 25 scientific presentations and peer-reviewed publications and holds academic appointments as associate professor of Radiology, Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital and Golisano Children’s Hospital in New York as well as senior instructor, Department of Radiology and Imaging at Liaquat National Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

JAIME ROWE, LCPCRowe, a member of our Behavioral Health team, comes to MedStar Harbor with experience working with all age groups, although her primary focus is adults. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings as well as in schools in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Rowe received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in community mental health counseling, both from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. She is a licensed professional counselor and is certified by the State of Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists.

REENA ARDESHNA, MD The newest physician to join the Behavioral Health team, Dr. Ardeshna has a wide range of experience in treating various anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and other psychotic and substance use disorders. Dr. Ardeshna received her training in psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore and earned her medical degree at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from New York University, New York, and a master’s degree in biomedical science from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark.

MOHAMMED JAWED, MDDr. Jawed, a vascular and interventional radiologist, is certified by the American Board of Radiology with a specialty certification in vascular and interventional radiology. Dr. Jawed completed his residency in radiology and imaging at Liaquat National Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. He continued his training with a fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia; a fellowship in pediatric vascular and interventional radiology at Emory University Hospital/

To be connected to the physician offices mentioned in this issue of Waterfront, please call 855-546-0862 or visit MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront to learn more.

3MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront • 855-546-0862

[WHAT’S new]

Meet MedStar Harbor Hospital’s

Newest Medical Staff

M edStar Harbor Hospital is pleased to introduce the newest members

of our medical team.

Reena Ardeshna, MD

Mohammed Jawed, MD

Jaime Rowe, LCPC


Novel Treatments for Complex Conditions Patients With Advanced Liver Cancer Among Those Benefitting

ADVANCES IN MEDICINE have created a wide range of new treatment options for a variety of conditions in recent years. Leading the way in the development of many of these groundbreaking tools, technologies, and techniques have been interventional radiologists.

“Interventional radiology (IR) is a specialty that gives us the ability to treat nearly every organ in the body with minimally invasive, targeted approaches,” explains Adnaan Moin, MD, a vascular and interventional radiologist at MedStar Harbor Hospital. “By harnessing the power of advanced imaging, we can see

inside the body and treat complex conditions less invasively and with unprecedented precision. As a result, IR can reduce the length of hospital stays, minimize potential complications and save lives.”

At MedStar Harbor, Dr. Moin is now collaborating with medical and surgical oncologists throughout MedStar Health in the use of image-guided technology to treat cancer. “Interventional oncology is a growing field offering new minimally invasive treatment options for a variety of primary and metastatic solid tumors,” Dr. Moin says.

Today, the Interventional Oncology program at MedStar Harbor is one of the few in the region to offer patients with liver cancer a treatment option called Y-90 radioembolization, an alternative to surgery.

“The surgical removal of liver tumors offers the best chance for a

FAST FACT: Interventional oncology is a rapidly evolving specialty driven by technological innovations that is now making a difference in the lives of cancer patients on a daily basis.

As a vascular and interventional radiologist, Dr. Moin uses many advanced imaging techniques.


cure but they are often inoperable because they are too large or have grown into major blood vessels or other vital structures,” Dr. Moin explains. “Sometimes, many small tumors are spread throughout the liver, making surgery too risky or impractical.”

Y-90 radioembolization, an outpatient procedure, combines the use of radiation therapy with a process called embolization in which blood vessels are blocked off to prevent blood flow. A

catheter is inserted through a tiny incision in the femoral or radial artery until it reaches the hepatic artery, one of two blood vessels feeding the liver. When the catheter is in place, millions of microscopic beads containing the radioactive isotope Yttrium-90 are released. The microspheres lodge in the smaller vessels that directly feed the tumor, stopping blood flow and emitting radiation to kill the tumor cells. The painless

Dr. Moin is one of the few specialists in the region performing Y-90 radioembolization.

DID YOU KNOW?

Most minimally invasive procedures, such as those used in interventional radiology, result in shorter hospital stays and fewer complications.

FAST FACT: Interventional oncology is a rapidly evolving specialty driven by technological innovations that is now making a difference in the lives of cancer patients on a daily basis.


procedure is usually completed within an hour and the side effects are mostly limited to fatigue and loss of appetite.

“The liver is an ideal organ for this type of treatment since the hepatic artery is the one that most commonly supplies blood to the cancerous tumors,” says Dr. Moin. “While the procedure doesn’t cure the cancer, it can help extend the lives of patients with inoperable tumors and improve their quality of life.” He also points out that in some cases it may reduce the size of the tumor enough for it to be resected or for the patient to be evaluated for a liver transplant.

“A big benefit of this procedure and other interventional oncology treatments, such as chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation, is that we can target the cancer tumor from inside the body,” Dr. Moin adds. “Interventional oncology gives clinicians another focused area of cancer care in which to collaborate.”

UTERINE FIBROID EMBOLIZATION: A Welcome Alternative to Surgery for Many Women

At MedStar Harbor Hospital, women with uterine fibroids have a treatment option that is not available everywhere and is often underutilized: uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).

“UFE is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment performed by interventional radiologists that provides relief to women suffering from the symptoms of fibroids without surgery,” explains Dr. Moin. “UFE is an alternative to hysterectomy—the surgical removal of the uterus—which is the most common treatment for fibroids.”

Yet according to a recent study, there are still significantly more hysterectomies performed annually than UFEs.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the majority of women—almost three out of four—will develop uterine fibroids by the age of 50. Fibroids, noncancerous tumors, can cause heavy menstrual

bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure, and urinary incontinence.

UFE involves inserting a catheter into an artery at the groin or wrist, which is then guided by an interventional radiologist into the uterus. It requires a tiny incision and uses small particles to damage and shrink fibroid tumors. Approximately nine out of 10 patients who undergo UFE will experience significant improvement or their symptoms will go away completely.

“It is important that we educate patients as well as other healthcare providers about UFE and find ways to increase access to it,” says Dr. Moin. “Patients deserve to know all of their options in order to make an informed decision about their treatment.”

Is UFE Right for You?

ASK YOURSELF 3PREGNANCY Do I want to have children in the future?

MENOPAUSE Do I want to avoid taking hormones or going through early menopause?

COMPLICATIONS Am I worried about complications, such as pain or infection?

SURGERY Would I prefer to undergo a minimally invasive treatment over major surgery even if it meant I might have to go through the treatment again?

RECOVERY Would a shorter recovery time be preferable for my lifestyle?

If you checked three or more of the boxes, then UFE may be the right treatment option for you. Source: Society of Interventional Radiology


[HEALTHY habits]

M illions of people get a flu vaccine in the fall as recommended by the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Medical Association and

other professional medical groups. But many people don’t, believing it doesn’t

work or will make them sick.

If you’re thinking about skipping a flu shot this season, MedStar Harbor Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Anta Kah, MSN, CRNP, encourages you to reconsider. Below are five reasons to get the flu shot:

1. Not only can the flu vaccine keep you from getting the flu, it may make your illness milder if you do get sick.

2. Getting vaccinated benefits everyone around you. “The flu virus spreads easily—you can contract it when an infected person coughs, talks, or sneezes. You can also get the flu by touching something that has the virus germs on it, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth,” notes Kah.

3. Some people are at greater risk of getting seriously ill from the flu, like pregnant women, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions. If you fall into one of these categories, the vaccine can help protect you. “Flu symptoms can lead to dehydration, the worsening of chronic illnesses, bacterial pneumonia, ear or sinus infections, and in severe cases, death,” says Kah. “Every year, about 200,000 people are hospitalized because of the flu.”

4. The flu shot is safe and it can’t give you the flu. The flu vaccine is formulated from dead or inactive viruses, so it can’t make you sick. If you do get sick, chances are you were exposed to the virus before getting the shot or you picked up a virus not included in the vaccine.

5. Last year’s vaccination won’t protect you this year. “The flu is a virus that changes from year to year,” Kah explains. “The vaccine is reformulated annually to protect against strains of the virus predicted by the CDC to be most widespread.”

Children 6 months or older and most adults should get vaccinated against the flu annually. Flu season usually starts in October and can last until May, so it is important to get vaccinated early. “Getting the shot is the single best way for nearly everyone to prevent the flu,” says Kah.

Anta Kah, MSN, CRNP

Five Good Reasons

to Get the Flu Shot

MedStar Harbor Hospital is hosting a FREE drive through flu vaccination clinic on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017 from 8 to 11 a.m. (or until supplies run out). Our clinicians will be administering free seasonal flu vaccines on the South Parking Lot of our hospital campus, located at 3001 South Hanover St. Don’t forget to wear short sleeves.


Ensuring Moms-to-Be Get the Care They Need

When Delivery Time Comes

NEARLY EVERY PREGNANT woman hopes that the obstetrician she saw during her pregnancy will be the one to deliver her baby when the big day comes. And in some cases, that’s exactly what happens. Mom-to-be goes to the hospital when the time is right, and her physician is there to bring her new bundle of joy into the world.

Sometimes, however, the obstetrician that mom-to-be selected, and saw for care throughout her pregnancy, simply cannot be there. Maybe the physician is out of town. Perhaps he or she is seeing patients in an office, or is at the hospital but has three other patients delivering babies at the exact same time. Or it might be that the mom goes into labor in the middle of the night, and progresses so quickly that the baby is born before the physician can even get to the hospital.

The good news is that MedStar Harbor Hospital has taken steps to ensure that every new mom receives the expert care she needs when

delivery time comes, even when one of these unpredictable situations occurs.

Five full-time OB hospitalists—board-certified Ob/Gyns who are dedicated to the hospital and the patients who arrive to deliver their babies—are on staff. Scheduled on rotations around-the-clock, these hospitalists work with the woman’s personal obstetrician, stepping in to provide the skills, care and support a new mom needs when her regular physician is unavailable.

According to David Ghadisha, MD, OB hospitalist and chairman of the Department of

Obstetrics and Gynecology at MedStar Harbor, it’s a model that promises each woman continuum of care, regardless of when her baby is born.

“When a woman is in labor and preparing for the birth of her baby, every minute counts. Delivery is not a risk-free event,” says Dr. Ghadisha. “It’s important that a hospital have physicians and nurses on board with the right skills ready to respond immediately for deliveries that are routine in nature as well as the more complicated ones. MedStar Harbor has that. It creates a safer process and a better patient experience.”

Dr. Bitar, medical director of MedStar Harbor Women’s Care, and Dr. Ghadisha, OB hospitalist and chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at MedStar Harbor, discuss a recent delivery.


Having a team of OB hospitalists on board carries great benefits for patients and physicians alike. Obstetricians who are part of MedStar Harbor’s medical staff collaborate with the hospitalists and highly skilled nurses to remain “in the loop” during and after their patients are in delivery without disrupting their daily office schedules. They can remain focused on patient appointments that are scheduled, knowing that patients who have been admitted to the hospital are in good hands.

“I always tell my patients that I will make every effort to be at the hospital for the delivery, but if I can’t be there, physicians and nurses that I know and have a strong relationship with will be ready to take care of them,” says Wael Bitar, MD, medical director of MedStar Harbor Women’s Care. “I trust the team that works day in and day out on the unit and because of that, I can stay focused each day on my tasks at hand, and give every single patient the time and attention she deserves throughout her pregnancy.”

Shelley Stevens, RN, and Kaitlin Heller, RN, share a bonding moment with a newborn.

DID YOU KNOW?

When a woman’s regular physician is unavailable, an OB hospitalist can easily step in to provide the skills and support a new mom needs during delivery.

Priya Talwar, MD, pictured center, an OB hospitalist, works as part of a team with skilled nurses like Shelley Stevens, RN, and Annissa Andrzejewski, RN.

Additionally, the OB hospitalists are a resource for pregnant women who are seen in the MedStar Harbor Emergency department (ED), or admitted to the hospital for treatment of other medical issues not related to their pregnancy. Dr. Ghadisha explains that it is ideal for a trained obstetrician to be involved whenever a pregnant patient presents in the hospital in need of treatment.

“Our goal is always to provide a safe and comfortable environment of care for our patients,” says Dr. Ghadisha. “If a pregnant woman comes into the ED with a broken bone or has cut her hand and can’t get the bleeding under control, for example, the OB hospitalist is there to help make decisions about the treatment plan. Again, it all goes back to safety and doing everything we can to give each patient a great experience and outcome.”


Colangelo serves as the coordinator of Athletic Training Services at MedStar National Rehabilitation Network at MedStar Harbor Hospital. She leads a team of athletic trainers who work in collaboration with sports medicine physicians to provide preventive, emergency and rehabilitative medical care. In addition to working side-by-side with the sports medicine physicians at the hospital, the team works with local high school athletes, serving as the “go-to” resource for injury

Keeping Athletes in the Game

CARISSA COLANGELO, MS, LAT, goes to work every day with hopes of making a real difference in the lives of others. Whether she is working with a high school football star who is recovering from a shoulder injury or a man in his 60s who just had knee replacement surgery and wants to get his running shoes back on, her goal is the same.

“I’m here to help people get back to doing what they love,” she says.

prevention and management for students at six public schools located in Anne Arundel County.

“We’re in the training room to help with stretching, taping, and anything else the athletes need to prepare for practices and games, and then we’re out there on the sidelines to respond immediately in the event an injury occurs,” Colangelo explains. “We can assess the injury on the spot and determine what the best course of action is.”

FAST FACT:Athletic trainers work in collaboration with sports medicine physicians to provide preventive, emergency, and rehabilitative medical care to amateur and professional athletes alike.

Athletic Trainers Play a Key Role in Preventing and Managing Injuries

Concussion therapists like Colangelo have special treatments and specific exercises to help an athlete return to normal after a head injury.


Here, Colangelo works with an athlete using therapies designed to improve balance, coordination and strength and reduce headaches and dizziness.

Depending on the severity of the injury, an athletic trainer may determine a trip to the Emergency department or an urgent care center is what’s needed. Or the trainer may recommend a visit to a primary care physician or orthopaedic specialist, or perhaps even a few sessions of physical therapy. Either way, it’s the job of the athletic trainer to coordinate care and serve as the central point of contact for all providers who will be involved in managing the player’s injury.

“We call athletic trainers our ‘boots on the ground’ because often, they are there when the injury first happens, they work with the athlete and his or her coach and parents to make medical decisions, they stay involved throughout the entire care process, and eventually oversee that athlete’s return to the field or the game once they have recovered,” adds Colangelo.

Another key focus for athletic trainers is education. They spend time assessing their athletes’

FAST FACT:Athletic trainers work incollaboration with sportsmedicine physicians to providepreventive, emergency, andrehabilitative medical careto amateur and professionalathletes alike.

general health and function, with emphasis on the steps that can be taken to prevent injuries. They also talk with athletes, coaches, and parents about issues such as hydration and how to identify the signs and symptoms associated with concussions.

“If a concussion does occur, it may not be necessary to go to the hospital for emergency care, but our athletic trainers can arrange for the athlete to see a physician who specializes in treating concussions,” explains Colangelo.

Because concussions are one of the most common injuries that young athletes face, MedStar Harbor offers a comprehensive concussion program that applies a “whole body” approach to care. Here, athletic trainers and sports medicine physicians collaborate to develop customized treatment and recovery plans for each patient.

“We realize players are eager to get back in the game, but when

DID YOU KNOW?

While no two concussions are the same, some of the most common symptoms are persistent headaches, blurred vision, muscle spasms, fatigue, and balance issues.

a concussion occurs, it’s important to listen to your physician and take time to rest and recover,” says Jeffrey Mayer, MD, a sports medicine physician at MedStar Harbor. “Our goal is to get people healthy and back to their prior level of function in a safe and efficient manner.”

Colangelo, who is also a concussion-trained therapist, adds, “There are a variety of tools we can utilize in physical therapy to help alleviate symptoms that can occur as a result of a concussion and get athletes back on the field as soon as possible.”


SIMPLE TIPS for Healthy Holiday Eating

T he holiday season will soon be upon us along with get-togethers with family and

friends. Unfortunately, for many it’s also a time for overeating and weight gain.

are fiber-rich foods that fill you up and are lower in calories. But remember, while it’s important to include healthy foods in your diet, all food should be eaten in moderation.

• Use a smaller plate. This keeps you from putting too much food on your plate and encourages proper portion sizes. Also, start by filling your plate with vegetables and salad before going to the entrees and desserts.

• Consider using phone apps. There are apps that can help you keep a tally of the different holiday treats you have consumed during the day so you know when to stop.

• Be aware of the beverages you consume. Alcohol, in particular, is high in calories. For example, a standard 12-ounce beer has 150 calories while a shot of vodka alone has about 100 calories. Mix that with fruit juice or soda, both of which are full of sugar, and the calories really add up. Alcohol can also lessen inhibitions and induce overeating. Stick to one drink if you can. If you decide to have more than one, drink a glass of water in between.

“Focus on the social aspect of the occasion. Think about what you are celebrating, not just how good the food is. And after eating, get in some physical activity,” Dr. Kulkarni suggests. “It’s a great time to go for a walk or play a game of catch with the kids.”

“On average, Americans gain approximately one to two pounds during the holidays. While this weight gain isn’t dramatic, research shows it tends to stick and accumulate over the years,” says Rani Kulkarni, MD, an endocrinologist in the Diabetes and Endocrine Center at MedStar Harbor Hospital.

“Mindless eating is a big part of the problem,” Dr. Kulkarni notes. “Luckily, you can avoid putting on extra pounds by planning ahead.” Here are a few simple strategies:

• Do not skip meals before a big holiday party as this may result in overeating. Instead, eat a smaller meal or a light snack like raw vegetables or a piece of fruit to curb your appetite. You will be less tempted to overindulge.

• Try to maintain a balanced diet. Be sure to pick a food from each food group—protein, carbohydrates and vegetables—and include more of the latter. Vegetables

Rani Kulkarni, MD

[EATING well]


SIMPLE TIPS for Healthy Holiday Eating

W hen you get a cold or the flu, you want to get better as soon as possible. Many

people, at the first sign of illness, call their primary care physician looking for

an antibiotic. But antibiotics don’t work for every illness and may do more harm

than good.

“A lot of people think that no matter what their symptoms are, antibiotics will speed up the recovery process,” explains Primary Care Physician Robert Dart Jr., MD. “Antibiotics truly are wonder drugs, but they are only helpful if you have an infection caused by bacteria. Common health problems, such as colds and the flu, are caused by viruses. Antibiotics don’t work against viruses. While taking an antibiotic may make you feel like you’re doing something to get better, it’s not helping at all.”

In fact, taking antibiotics may make you feel worse. Like every other drug, antibiotics can have bad side effects, including severe diarrhea and serious allergic reactions.

Up to one-half of antibiotic use in humans is inappropriate, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Each year in the United States, 47 million unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions are written, which has led to another serious problem: drug-resistant bacteria.

“About 23,000 children and adults in the U.S. die each year from drug-resistant infections,” Dr. Dart notes. “Because of excessive exposure to antibiotics, some bacteria have changed enough that antibiotics no longer work against them. So, as part of a nationwide effort to reduce the number of serious infections due to drug-resistant bacteria, many healthcare

providers are prescribing antibiotics less frequently.”

If you feel miserable, it’s still wise to see your primary care physician. Just because your healthcare professional doesn’t give you an antibiotic doesn’t mean you aren’t sick. “We have other ways to help you feel better,” says Dr. Dart. “My job is to help patients understand when to allow the body to heal itself and when an antibiotic is truly needed. I always tell my patients, ‘it takes seven days to cure a cold without antibiotics. With antibiotics, it takes a week.’”

ANTIBIOTICS AREN’T ALWAYS THE ANSWERWhy

[CARING for you]

Robert Dart Jr., MD

Illness

Usual Cause Antibiotic NeededViruses Bacteria

Cold/Runny Nose 3 NO

Bronchitis/Chest Cold (in otherwise healthy children and adults) 3 NO

Whooping Cough 3 YES

Flu 3 NO

Strep Throat 3 YES

Sore Throat (except strep) 3 NO

Fluid in the Middle Ear 3 NO

Urinary Tract Infection 3 YES

Source: CDC


FAST FACT: Nearly 10 million people in the U.S. suffer from some level of seasonal depression.

Seasonal Depression It’s Not Just in Your Head ... Treatment Can Help

IT’S NORMAL—EVEN expected—to experience days where you feel down, unmotivated, and just not exactly like yourself. When this happens, sometimes a quick walk around the park, giving yourself a 15-minute “time out” to regroup and reset, or connecting with a friend for coffee or tea, is all it takes to get back on track.

But what do you do when the “quick fixes” that typically help don’t seem to be working? What happens when a few “down days” here and there become more of the norm and you struggle to get through the day, feeling unmotivated, insecure, and indifferent? You start to wonder if what you are experiencing is how people with depression feel. And then it hits you. It’s possible that you are one of those people. Maybe you might actually be depressed.

Fall is a time of year that impacts many people emotionally. Some struggle with the end of summertime and the shorter

periods of daylight that come with the season. These changes can alter your mood, slow your thoughts down, and impact your ability to concentrate or focus. Throw in the fact that the holiday season is quickly approaching, and it’s easy to see why so many people need treatment for seasonal depression this time of year.

“Seasonal affective disorder, more commonly called seasonal

depression, is a type of clinical depression—a medical illness that causes persistent changes in the way we feel and think, and can negatively impact our ability to function,” says Jemima Kankam, MD, FAPA, a board-certified psychiatrist at MedStar Harbor Hospital. “A person who is depressed feels like they have been painted over by a dark cloud. Often, this person lacks hope, energy, and focus, and feels like they are to blame for

Dr. Kankam chats with a patient during a consultation.


FAST FACT: Nearly 10 million people in the U.S. suffer from some level of seasonal depression.

everything negative that happens around them.”

Research indicates that across the U.S., nearly 10 million people suffer from some level of seasonal depression. Those with a family history of the illness are at a higher risk. Professionals like Dr. Kankam are trained to provide care and treatment for patients of all ages who seek help and are ultimately diagnosed with clinical depression.

“There is so much we can do to help people who are facing

these types of challenges,” says Dr. Kankam. “Sometimes we prescribe medication and usually counseling. Other times we consider lifestyle adjustments that can be made. Good nutrition, living an active lifestyle, getting proper sleep, and keeping stress minimized can make a big difference.”

Especially during times of seasonal change, Dr. Kankam encourages people to educate themselves on the signs and symptoms associated with depression, and contact a physician for help if mood changes become persistent or begin impacting relationships or activities of normal, daily living.

“A lot of people delay seeking treatment because they misinterpret what they are feeling and assume it’s stress-related and that it will eventually subside,”

DID YOU KNOW?

Making simple lifestyle adjustments such as eating better, living an active lifestyle, getting proper sleep, and keeping stress minimized can often make a big difference in reducing depression.

adds Dr. Kankam. “When the negative feelings and thoughts don’t seem to go away, it could be a sign that there is a bigger problem present. Don’t ignore the signs. You don’t have to suffer with this illness. There are proven treatments available that can offer the relief you need and deserve.”

MedStar Harbor has earned a reputation as a premier provider of behavioral health services, with a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, psychiatric nurses, case managers, social workers, and clinical counselors on staff to help patients who face clinical depression, emotional challenges, and other behavioral health conditions. The hospital also has several new, state-of-the-art clinical spaces for patients seeking care on an outpatient basis, as well as a dedicated inpatient Behavioral Health Unit.

Dr. Kankam encourages a patient after a positive treatment session.

When it comes to your health, we know you want top-notch physicians, nurses and staff, as well as personalized, comprehensive and convenient care. That’s why we promise to get to know you through meaningful conversations about your healthcare needs, values and goals.

We offer one-stop, personalized, expert care.

It’s all right here, close to home:

• Full range of specialties:– Behavioral Health– Cardiac care– Cancer care– Diabetes care– Diagnostic services– Pediatrics– Primary care – Sports medicine, joint replacement

and spine– Specialized women’s care and

obstetrics– And more

• Emergency experts ready 24/7 for any accident, illness or emergency

• Easy access off I-95 and I-895 with plenty of free parking

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Baltimore, MD

Permit No. 9306

3001 South Hanover St. • Baltimore, MD 21225MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront855-546-0862

Looking for a dependable neighbor?MedStar Harbor Hospital is closer than you think.

We’re here when you need us.

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When it comes to your health, we know you want top-notch physicians, nurses and staff, as well as personalized, comprehensive and convenient care. That’s why we promise to get to know you through meaningful conversations about your healthcare needs, values and goals.

We offer one-stop, personalized, expert care.

It’s all right here, close to home:

• Full range of specialties:– Behavioral Health– Cardiac care– Cancer care– Diabetes care– Diagnostic services– Pediatrics– Primary care – Sports medicine, joint replacement

and spine– Specialized women’s care and

obstetrics– And more

• Emergency experts ready 24/7 for any accident, illness or emergency

• Easy access off I-95 and I-895 with plenty of free parking

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Baltimore, MD

Permit No. 9306

3001 South Hanover St. • Baltimore, MD 21225MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront855-546-0862

Looking for a dependable neighbor?MedStar Harbor Hospital is closer than you think.

We’re here when you need us.

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HH

-311

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When Delivery Time Comes - MedStar Health · fibroids have a treatment option that is not available everywhere and is often underutilized: uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). “UFE