as YouHealthy Age Keeping YourBrain HEALTHY HABITS all theDifference Specialist Can Make A Behavioral Health Stressed Out? Constantly MedicalOfficer Chief New President and MedStar HarborHospital’s Levine, MD, FACP Stuart M. GETTING TOKNOW Above andBeyond Women’s Care Goes MedStar Harbor Expectations Exceeding

WINTER 2018 [CONTENTS] [WHAT’S new] WINTER 2018 Specialized Congratulations to Our FEATURES

Getting to Know Vascular Care Magazine Top Doctors! 4 Stuart M. Levine, MD, FACP Now More Accessible altimore magazine recently published its Top Doctors issue for MedStar Harbor ’s New 2017. The physicians honored with this title were chosen by ndividuals in need of specialized vascular services President and Chief Medical Officer their peers, who responded to survey questions, such as: What now have easy access to the care they need at B physician would you send your own family member to? Exceeding Expectations MedStar Harbor Hospital with the opening of MedStar Harbor Women’s Care I 8 a dedicated clinic for MedStar Heart & Vascular Goes Above and Beyond MedStar Harbor Hospital is proud to announce that five of our physicians Institute’s vascular surgery program. were recognized as Top Doctors in six specialty areas by the magazine. Constantly Stressed Out? They are: 12 A Behavioral Health Specialist The clinic is staffed by Avinash Ganti, MD, and Suzanne Can Make all the Difference Kool, MD, fellowship-trained vascular surgeons who Fouad Abbas, MD – Gynecologic Surgery, Gynecologic Oncology specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of arterial and Leigh Ann Curl, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery/Sports Medicine What You Should Know venous disease. Kristen Fernandez, MD – Breast Surgery About Childhood Diabetes Howard Popkin, MD – General Obstetrics/High Risk Obstetrics 15 Elias Shaya, MD – Psychiatry By John Irwin, MD Dr. Ganti received his medical degree from Ross University School of Please join us in congratulating them. DEPARTMENTS Medicine in Portsmouth, Dominica, followed by a general surgery To see all of the MedStar Health Top Doctors, visit residency at St. Agnes Hospital in WHAT’S NEW MedStarHarbor.org/BaltimoreTopDocs. 3  Baltimore. He went on to complete a 7 HEALTHY HABITS specialty fellowship in vascular surgery at the Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. 11 EATING WELL Avinash Ganti, MD Introducing the 13 CLASSES AND EVENTS Dr. Kool earned her medical degree at the University of Virginia Medical MedStar Harbor Hospital 14 CARING FOR YOU School in Charlottesville, Virginia. On the cover: Christy Ryan, RN, pictured with her newborn She then completed a general daughter, Hailey, received the specialized care she surgery residency at the University of Outpatient Center needed during her high-risk pregnancy at MedStar Harbor Women’s Care. Maryland Medical Center as well as a NIH-funded fellowship in the hospital’s e are excited to announce that the Gruehn Building officially has Center for Vascular and Inflammatory a new name—the MedStar Harbor Hospital Outpatient Center. Disease. She also did a fellowship After more than a century of healing, MedStar Harbor Hospital is Suzanne Kool, MD a mainstay in the community, serving patients from Baltimore City W in vascular surgery at Ohio State and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Howard counties. Our convenient waterside location combines the services of a large, regional medical University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. This new name better describes the services offered on this part of our center with a smaller, more personal environment. From general medicine and surgery, obstetrics, orthopaedics and geriatrics, to campus, where MedStar Harbor Pediatrics, MedStar Harbor Primary Care, behavioral health, cardiology, gastroenterology and urology, our team Both use medical treatments, endovascular or minimally MedStar Harbor Women’s Care, and several other specialty physician of caring physicians and associates professionally serves the unique needs of every patient. invasive techniques, as well as open surgical procedures offices and services are located. Waterfront is published by the Marketing and Communications department of to manage and treat diseases of the vascular system. 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 2018. The clinic and vascular lab are in the Outpatient Center To be connected to the physician offices mentioned in this issue

MedStar Harbor Hospital complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does at MedStar Harbor Hospital. For more information or to of Waterfront, please call 855-546-0862 or visit not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. make an appointment, call 410-350-2106. MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront to learn more.

2 Waterfront • MedStar Harbor Hospital | WINTER 2018 MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront • 855-546-0862 3 Getting to Know Stuart M. Levine, MD, FACP MedStar Harbor Hospital’s New President and Chief Medical Officer

AS A TODDLER, HIS FAVORITE according to his colleagues, it’s family of accountants. I knew that toy was a “Let’s Play Doctor” a role in which he already excels. if I went into medicine, I would medical kit. As he got older, have the opportunity to do good the television show he looked Dr. Levine took some time things; help people feel better forward to watching the most to sit down with us to share and make a positive difference. Dr. Levine says he is humbled and proud to have the opportunity to lead MedStar Harbor Hospital. was “Emergency.” Something his personal and professional I have held a lot of different roles about ambulances, sirens, and experiences, his goals, and over the years, including the one I always appealed to how he makes it a priority to am in now. But I always have been, Stuart M. Levine, MD, FACP. ensure every single employee and always will be, a doctor first. How did your career You have a lot of responsibilities. I make it a priority to be out in the at his hospital feels valued and experiences prepare you How do you remain focused on hospital meeting with people in So it should shock no one that his appreciated while also ensuring Why did you join MedStar for your new role? what matters most? various roles. I want them to know career has evolved the way it has. that MedStar Harbor patients Health and has the organization Every job I’ve had has helped In health care, it’s essential that I am on their team too. And Academic, clinical, and leadership receive the highest quality care been a good fit for you? me grow and prepare to lead to always be thinking about along the way, I want to make experiences all paved the way, in a safe environment that meets I was working for an academic MedStar Harbor. While each the future, and the steps our sure everyone is having some fun. leading Dr. Levine directly to their service expectations. medical institution but wanted role has been different, all have organization must take to That’s important! the president and chief medical to focus more on clinical care. carried a strong link to the things reach our goals. But it’s equally officer’s seat at MedStar Harbor What inspired your career path? I thought that I could achieve a I am most passionate about: important to keep a good focus Why do you believe MedStar Hospital. It’s a role for which he I wanted to be a doctor at a very good balance in a role that was providing excellent patient care on where we are now. I’m a Harbor Hospital is a great place says he is extremely honored young age, which surprised a lot centered on patient care but also and taking every possible step believer in the value of being to receive care? to have been selected. And, of people because I come from a offered leadership opportunities to maximize patient experiences in the present. This is a very friendly place. Many and a chance to be involved in and outcomes; building employees here consider their medical education programs. relationships among the team, Obviously, I can only be in one colleagues family. Our people Dr. Levine visits with Zonetta Gardner and Dontay Taylor, associates in MedStar Harbor Hospital’s cafeteria. because anything is possible with place at one time, yet it’s key take personal responsibility for I found that balance at MedStar strong collaboration and respect; that my influence as president ensuring every encounter with Health. I was here for just a short and problem solving. and chief medical officer is felt a patient or family member is time when I was presented the throughout the hospital, even a positive one. That approach chance to get involved in truly Hospitals face numerous at times when I am not physically goes a long way in our ability to innovative work that could and challenges every day. Many here. I can do this by inspiring deliver an outstanding patient would impact the entire MedStar of the initiatives I have worked people and instilling confidence experience and achieve the best system of care. The leadership on over the years have required in them when they do see me. possible outcomes for every team was receptive to my strong scientific and systematic I’m an active player in resolving person who chooses to come observations and encouraged thinking. As a doctor who has conflicts, and helping everyone here for care. me to bring new ideas and also worked in various leadership on the team identify the best approaches to the table. They roles, I’ve been able to offer a possible ways to allocate Additionally, during the past were confident in me, and that unique perspective and solutions resources to get our jobs done 18 months, MedStar Health gave me confidence in myself. for consideration. productively and efficiently. implemented an “interdisciplinary

4 Waterfront • MedStar Harbor Hospital | WINTER 2018 MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront • 855-546-0862 5 [HEALTHY habits]

across the Baltimore/Washington, D.C., corridor. And lastly, in Baltimore City, we are a “marquee” Keeping Your Brain healthcare provider. We are a safe place to turn. You have our commitment that we will Healthy as You Age do everything in our power to take good care of you. s we grow older, we all start to notice changes in our ability to remember things. What do you like to do when Maybe you’ve gone into the kitchen and forgotten why, or couldn’t recall a familiar you are not working? name during a conversation. I love spending time with A Frank Kern, a security officer at MedStar Harbor Hospital, greets Dr. Levine with a smile. my family, especially my model of care” or IMOC, as We need to constantly evaluate three daughters, who are we call it, that aims to improve the services we offer and are ages 16, 13, and 9. I am “Memory lapses can occur at any age, but to you. Find ways to be part of your local our internal collaboration and known for, such as women’s passionate about music and we get more upset by them as we get older community, volunteer, and spend time communications, as well as the care and behavioral health, enjoy playing the guitar. I also because we fear they’re a sign of dementia,” with friends and family. way we share information with and keep growing in those like getting outdoors as much explains Stephanie Greisman, CRNP, at patients and their families. IMOC areas. We need to develop new as I can, whether it’s to go for MedStar Harbor Primary Care. “Most of the “For many people, aging is a time of loss has had a positive impact at all the expertise, and invest in skilled a run with the dog, or take a memory problems we experience with age and adjustment,” Greisman says. “Being MedStar Health hospitals. MedStar providers, new technology, and day or weekend trip with my reflect normal changes in the brain.” with others benefits many people Harbor was one of the earliest expanded facilities to deliver that family. We love to go skiing, emotionally. It can also stimulate the adopters of the new model. Our expertise in the form of excellent and some of us are adventure The good news is that cognitive decline is not brain, enliven the spirit, and foster Stephanie team played an instrumental role patient care. As we successfully enthusiasts. My oldest daughter inevitable. Greisman offers these tips to help companionships. Staying in touch with Greisman, CRNP in building it, and that speaks expand our service offerings, and I love roller coasters and reduce your risk of age-related memory loss. others is so important.” volumes about our commitment we become better equipped to our personal favorite is the to providing great care. provide a true continuum of care. Griffon at Busch Gardens CHALLENGE YOUR MIND. KEEP MOVING. in Williamsburg, Virginia. Learning new skills and doing other mentally Using your muscles is good for your mind What are the biggest challenges What are the three most stimulating activities can help your brain too. “Regular cardiovascular activity helps you face, especially in light of important things for people to Can you share a fact become more adaptable and compensate for increase blood flow to your brain. And the constantly changing and know about MedStar Harbor about yourself that isn’t age-related changes. Many people have jobs strength building and balance exercises are evolving healthcare landscape? Hospital? well known? that keep them mentally active, but pursuing essential to preventing falls and helping a Health care is complicated, First, this is a hospital you can I’m a naturalized U.S. citizen. a hobby or learning a new skill can function person remain independent,” she explains. period. Our daily work, and come to for world-class care, I was born and raised in the same way. one of our biggest challenges, in a warm, friendly, and family- Montreal, Quebec, Canada. “Exercise also helps lower dementia risk is to try to set the complicated focused environment. Along “Challenging your brain is believed to factors such as high blood pressure, stuff aside, and think about the with that, MedStar Harbor is a Anything else you’d like activate processes that help maintain diabetes, and high cholesterol and reduces core principles that guided why great place to turn to for a wide to share? individual brain cells and stimulate mental stress. Engage in regular exercise we went into healthcare careers range of healthcare services. If I am incredibly humbled communication among them,” Greisman that elevates your heart rate and builds in the first place. We need to your medical needs are more and proud to lead this hospital. notes. “The more senses you use, the more muscle such as brisk walking, doing squats understand the regulatory, complex, and require a level of I’m grateful for the people your brain is engaged. Listen to a new music or lunges, or lifting hand weights.” political, and financial factors care beyond our capabilities, who choose to come here for genre or try a new cuisine. Building and that impact our industry, but we are still able to help manage care, and for the people who preserving brain connections is an ongoing In addition to the above, Greisman notes we can’t allow these things your care through our specialty choose to work here, and process, so make lifelong learning a priority.” that living a healthy lifestyle is key. to distract us from what we are service line partnerships with the make this hospital as great “Regardless of your age, eating well and here to do. And that is to provide MedStar Health system, which as it is. MedStar Harbor Hospital STAY CONNECTED. getting enough sleep are good habits outstanding patient-centered offers regionally and nationally is truly a special place, and Remaining socially connected is key in everyone should adopt. And if you smoke, care in alignment with the needs recognized clinical programs at I want everyone around us preventing depression and feelings of stop. Living a healthy lifestyle is good for of our community. MedStar Health hospitals located to know it. isolation. Pursue activities that are meaningful both your body and your mind.”

6 Waterfront • MedStar Harbor Hospital | WINTER 2018 MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront • 855-546-0862 7 the right choice,” says Ryan. “He gave me his full attention. FAST FACT: He answered my questions, eased To help ensure a my fears, and promised me that healthy pregnancy Exceeding despite my complicated health and birth, issues, we would have a healthy MedStar Harbor mom and a healthy baby girl. Hospital has a Expectations And I believed him.” Fetal Assessment Center, a Ryan’s pregnancy was considered complete prenatal MedStar Harbor Women’s Care high risk because she has just diagnostic center Goes Above and Beyond one kidney, increasing her risk for combining urological infections and kidney comprehensive stones, in general, and even more technology and so during pregnancy. Making her staff expertise CHRISTY RYAN, RN, WAS situation even more complicated that provides a more than halfway through was the fact that at 28 weeks into broad range of her pregnancy with her third her pregnancy, she was diagnosed services to women child when she was offered the with gestational diabetes. experiencing high- opportunity to join the team in the risk pregnancies. at MedStar From that point forward, in addition Union Memorial Hospital as a staff to taking new medications and nurse. She was excited about her meeting regularly with a dietitian, Dr. Bitar, medical director of MedStar Harbor Women’s Care, shares a happy moment with Ryan and her newborn. new job, but with it came a change she had weekly screenings in in her health insurance. She the Fetal Assessment Center at needed to find a new obstetrician MedStar Harbor Hospital. And their daughter, Hailey. Seeing three board-certified physicians “We have relationships with as soon as possible. every three weeks, her baby girl and holding her baby girl for the who serve the practice, working physicians who focus on was measured to ensure her first time, Ryan was filled with a alongside two nurse practitioners different kinds of medicine, “I was at a critical point in my growth was on track. different kind of emotion. and a group of medical assistants. and we can quickly refer a patient pregnancy and was experiencing who has a problem or condition some medical challenges, so it “Being diagnosed with gestational “I kept looking at Hailey and “Our team is very diverse, we can’t address,” Barett adds. really wasn’t an ideal time to find diabetes was a first for me, and thinking that everything I had which allows us to truly “For example, we collaborate a new doctor,” Ryan says. “But I it was life changing,” notes Ryan, gone through during my accommodate patients with often with the gynecologic had to.” already mom to two boys, Nathan, pregnancy was worth it,” she says. various medical needs and oncologists at MedStar Harbor 8, and Jacob, 3. “I had to change “And I am so thankful that I had personal preferences,” explains when our patients have a need She began researching her options, everything about the way I was such a caring and supportive Christina Barett, CRNP, for those services.” focusing on practices located eating. I had to cut carbohydrates doctor and team by my side, a certified registered nurse near her home. MedStar Harbor and all junk food.” working with me week in and practitioner. “We all have One thing that also sets MedStar Women’s Care seemed to meet her week out to get me to that day.” different backgrounds and key Harbor Women’s Care apart from needs, offering a comprehensive It was also an emotional time, areas of interest or a specialty. other local practices is its focus scope of services and an Ryan recalls. “I was pretty upset Caring for Women of all Ages Some of our providers speak on holistic health. While women experienced team of physicians and worried,” she adds. “But every MedStar Harbor Women’s Care multiple languages.” come in primarily for obstetrical and care providers. She made an time I had a doctor’s appointment, offers comprehensive obstetrical and gynecological care, they find appointment with Wael Bitar, MD, I got the reassurance I needed. and gynecological services for And, as part of the MedStar that they’re able to talk about and medical director of the practice, Dr. Bitar calmed me down and women of all ages. The practice Health network, the team can get guidance on a wide range of and hoped for the best. kept me centered.” prides itself on its ability to offer easily streamline care for patients health issues. care that addresses health issues who present with more complex Ryan and her husband Shawn get to know the “I knew within a few minutes of On Nov. 6, 2017, Ryan and her that impact women at every stage medical issues, and need a referral For example, a woman who comes new addition to their family. meeting Dr. Bitar that I had made husband Shawn finally got to meet of their lives. Dr. Bitar is one of to another specialist. in for her annual checkup might

8 Waterfront • MedStar Harbor Hospital | WINTER 2018 MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront • 855-546-0862 9 [EATING well]

SIMPLE FOOD SWAPS for a Healthier You

f you want to lose weight in 2018, you are not alone. Research shows that weight loss is the most common New Year’s resolution. Yet few people succeed in meeting their Iweight loss goals. DID YOU KNOW?

MedStar Harbor Women’s “I applaud those who resolve to lose • Instead of warming up a cup of cream of Care offers three locations weight. Individuals who are overweight broccoli or cream of mushroom soup for are at higher risk for developing many lunch, both of which are full of calorie- for your convenience: chronic diseases, such as type 2 laden cream, stick with broth-based MedStar Harbor Hospital diabetes, high blood pressure, heart soups with chunks of vegetables you 3001 South Hanover Street disease, osteoarthritis, and numerous can sink your teeth into. other conditions,” explains Luis Outpatient Center • Watch what you put on your salads. Rivera-Ramirez, MD, an endocrinologist Ground Floor Ranch and other creamy dressings at the Diabetes and Endocrine Center Baltimore, MD 21225 are loaded with calories, which defeats Luis Ryan is thankful that she had such a caring and supportive team by her side during her high-risk pregnancy. at MedStar Harbor Hospital. Rivera-Ramirez, MD Federal Hill the purpose of eating a salad. Instead use a light vinaigrette dressing. end up engaging her physician laughs, hugs, and sometimes even 1420 Key Highway “The reason so many people are unsuccessful in losing weight is that • Opt for mustard on your ham or turkey in a conversation about diabetes, tears and tissues. “I get to connect Baltimore, MD 21230 thyroid issues, or depression. It’s with my patients during the most they go about it the wrong way. Healthy sandwich instead of mayo whenever Pasadena also common for questions to special and personal moments weight loss isn’t just about a ‘diet,’ it’s you get the chance. Mustard is much come up about nutrition, sleep in their lives, whether it’s about 8026 Ritchie Highway, Suite A about an ongoing lifestyle that includes lighter on the calories and you have habits, and strategies for coping marriages, babies, getting through Pasadena, MD 21122 long-term changes in daily eating habits,” a variety to choose from such as Dijon, Dr. Rivera-Ramirez says. spicy, and yellow. with stress. challenging medical issues, or the loss of a spouse,” she says. • For a healthy snack, trade potato chips He stresses focusing on small simple “Our job is to see the patient as “I hear about it and I get to be for air-popped popcorn. To add flavor, changes that can make healthy eating a whole person and be a liaison part of it. And I get to help that it comes to scheduling and top popcorn with a zero-calorie, butter- more manageable and sustainable over for her good health,” says Fawn woman through it. This isn’t a job managing health care. flavored spray. the long term. Manning, MD. “Sometimes we are for me; it’s a life.” talking with a patient about very “Many patients utilize two “Losing weight becomes a lot sensitive issues; in fact, it might MedStar Harbor Women’s locations because they live close “There are many ways to cut calories and eat healthier without feeling deprived,” easier when you invest in making be the first time she is having a Care offers its services in three to one and work close to another,” positive, healthy changes,” conversation out loud about an locations: on the MedStar says Barett. “They appreciate he adds, offering up the following suggestions: Dr. Rivera-Ramirez says. “You extremely personal topic. But Harbor campus, in Federal Hill that convenience and the fact can lose five pounds over we want her to open up and in Baltimore City, and in that it makes it easier to get an • Replace your morning bagel with two the course of one year just feel comfortable confiding in us Pasadena. The same scope appointment quickly.” slices of whole-wheat toast. Skip the by eating 50 calories less than because when she does, we can of medical care is available butter and flavored cream cheese and you normally do every day. The point her in the right direction.” at each location, and providers The practice is currently accepting spread on fat-free cream cheese instead. goal is to make a habit out of rotate between the three new patients. Appointments are Your calorie count is lower, and you still choosing foods that taste good Dr. Manning notes that many offices, giving patients available at any of the locations by get lots of great flavor. and are good for you.” of those conversations include flexibility and options when calling 410-354-0800.

10 Waterfront • MedStar Harbor Hospital | WINTER 2018 MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront • 855-546-0862 11 [CLASSES and events]

DID YOU KNOW? PROGRAMS Between five and 12 out of every 100 people will To Help You Stay Healthy for Life experience generalized Constantly Stressed Out? anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. t MedStar Harbor Hospital, we care about the health and A Behavioral Health Specialist Can Make all the Difference wellness of our community. One of the ways we try to A help you maintain your good health is by offering special In many cases, generalized programs throughout the year. Join us, and learn how you can stay anxiety disorder remains healthy for life. STRESS AND WORRY ARE undiagnosed and untreated for part of everyday life. But what an extended period. happens when you become LIVING WELL—TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH consumed by it; when it becomes Dr. Ardeshna stresses the This is for anyone with health conditions such as diabetes, difficult to simply get through importance of seeking care heart disease, arthritis, pain, high blood pressure, or a combination the day? from a behavioral health specialist, of these conditions. Working with a registered nurse and coach, sooner rather than later, if feelings you will focus on setting goals, eating healthy, and including MedStar Harbor Hospital’s of worry and anxiety seem to be physical activity in your day. This program is offered at no cost expanded behavioral health taking over your life. “There are to participants. program gives people who live in many treatment options available Baltimore and beyond a place to that can offer relief, once you Location: MedStar Harbor Hospital turn for care and treatment of this are in the right hands.” Treatment Date: Mondays, Feb. 19 to June 11 problem—best known as general typically involves medication, Time: 10 a.m. (courses last one to two hours depending on subject) anxiety disorder. It’s a condition therapy, or a combination of both. that can significantly impact a LIFE BALANCE AND person’s quality of life, affecting MedStar Harbor’s team of WEIGHT MANAGEMENT relationships, work performance, psychiatrists, nurses, and therapists This program is designed and overall health and wellness. determine the best plan of care for to help you eat healthier, each patient, with adult inpatient exercise daily, lose weight, “In addition to feeling consumed treatment, partial hospitalization, and improve problem- with worry, people with generalized Dr. Ardeshna consults with a patient about the options available for treating anxiety disorders. an intensive outpatient program, solving and coping skills. anxiety disorder will often and an outpatient clinic, all Facilitated by a registered experience a number of physical Dr. Ardeshna says people with stress levels can increase the available to support those who are nurse/coach, it will help symptoms as well, including the disorder tend to worry risk of developing the disorder. suffering from anxiety. you make positive changes nausea, excessive fatigue, muscle excessively about health, safety, Research shows that in the and is targeted at reversing tension, and headaches,” says relationships, finances, and work. United States, between five “We account for the severity of prediabetes. There is no Reena Ardeshna, MD, a psychiatrist “We all worry about these things and 12 out of every 100 people the symptoms our patients are cost to participate in and part of MedStar Harbor’s team to some degree but people with will experience generalized experiencing, along with their this program. of behavioral health experts. generalized anxiety disorder anxiety disorder at some point functional abilities, to provide worry about them so much, in their lives. the clinical care they need and Location: Cherry Hill Senior Manor “Some will find it difficult to it makes it hard to function.” deserve,” Dr. Ardeshna says. Date: Mondays, Feb. 19 to June 11 sleep, eat, or concentrate, or “A lot of patients turn to their Time: 2 p.m. (courses last one to two hours depending on subject) they may feel overwhelmed and Those with a family history of primary care physicians for Visit MedStarHealth.org/ exhausted by tasks that others generalized anxiety disorder the physical symptoms they BehavioralHealth to learn more consider to be simple, such may be more prone to being are experiencing, but the about the behavioral health as paying bills or going to the diagnosed with the condition, testing will often be normal services at MedStar Harbor Call 410-350-3478 for more information about both grocery store,” she notes. however, life experiences and or inconclusive,” she explains. Hospital. programs and to register.

12 Waterfront • MedStar Harbor Hospital | WINTER 2018 MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront • 855-546-0862 13 [CARING for you]

UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS What You Should Know of High Blood Pressure About Childhood Diabetes

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

happens is someone checks your blood pressure. While you may be familiar with By John Irwin, MD, MedStar Harbor Pediatrics John Irwin, MD Y this simple test, you may not understand why your blood pressure is so important.

“Knowing your blood pressure is a provider manage it if it is too high. We EVERY YEAR, THOUSANDS OF critical part of managing your health,” have many safe and effective medications children and young adults are says Kerunne Ketlogetswe, MD, MHS, to control hypertension.” diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, a cardiologist at MedStar Harbor Hospital. also known as type 1 diabetes. “If it’s high and you don’t know it, or if it Experts consider optimal blood pressure Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune goes uncontrolled, you may be at greater to be lower than 120/80. Blood pressure disease that prevents the body risk for heart attack, heart failure, stroke, readings of 130/80 or higher indicate from producing insulin, a hormone or kidney disease.” hypertension. you need in order to survive.

Kerunne It’s important for parents to High blood pressure—also known as “Blood pressure tends to rise with age,” Ketlogetswe, MD, MHS know the signs and symptoms hypertension—can damage the arteries Dr. Ketlogetswe notes. “People who are associated with type 1 diabetes, that carry the blood through your body. obese, who have medical problems such and take their child to see a As blood moves through the arteries, it as diabetes, or who take certain medications, physician, if these conditions puts pressure on the artery walls. This are at higher risk for developing high persist. Some of the most pressure goes up and down depending blood pressure.” common early indicators include: on several things, including physical If your child is diagnosed with Then you can determine what activity, diet, and medication. There are things you can do to prevent type 1 diabetes, several steps can be taken to assure and/or control high blood pressure: • Increased thirst medications may be prescribed to your child can achieve those • Frequent urination A person has high blood pressure or control and manage the condition. goals, despite the disease. • Extreme hunger hypertension when the pressure remains • Don’t smoke • Unexplained or rapid weight loss elevated over a period of time. But many • Maintain a healthy weight You will be taught how and We are happy to consult with • Fatigue people don’t know they have high blood • Eat a heart-healthy diet when to measure blood glucose you to answer any questions • Irritability/mood swings pressure until something bad happens. • Be physically active for at least 30 minutes levels and urine ketones, how to you may have, provide • “Fruity” breath odor That is why hypertension is sometimes every day document them, and what to do education and resources, and • Blurred vision or inability called the silent killer—a person may have • Watch your salt and sodium intake if your child has a low blood point you in the right direction, to focus no symptoms even when their blood • Take your medications as prescribed glucose reaction. if your child needs specialty • Repeated yeast infections (girls) pressure is dangerously high. diabetic care and treatment. “Blood pressure readings can be Balanced, nutritious meals will Learning that a child has diabetes “Most people don’t realize that they can’t confusing,” adds Dr. Ketlogetswe. “They become increasingly important If you have concerns about can be devastating. However, feel hypertension,” explains Dr. Ketlogetswe. don’t have to be. Talk to your healthcare in your household. And, most childhood diabetes, or feel know that the doctor will develop “The only way to know your blood pressure provider. Knowing your numbers and what doctors will also suggest that you that your child may be at a comprehensive treatment is to have it checked. Having it checked they mean is an important step toward spend some time talking with your increased risk, take some plan that will emphasize health, regularly will help you and your healthcare staying healthy.” child about short and long-term time to talk with your wellness and the ability to self- goals. This is important, as it helps existing pediatrician or call manage the condition, so your you understand what your child MedStar Harbor Pediatrics child can live a long, healthy life. values most. at 410-350-2253.

14 Waterfront • MedStar Harbor Hospital | WINTER 2018 MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront • 855-546-0862 15 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Baltimore, MD Permit No. 9306

3001 South Hanover St. • Baltimore, MD 21225 MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront 855-546-0862

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

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 17-MHH-3214

We’re here when you need us.