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Health related questions answered by our local doctors and healthcare professionals
Who needs to be screened for lung cancer?
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, affecting both men and women. But, it doesn’t have to be. The key to beating lung cancer is early detection, finding people at risk earlier so that we can save as many lives as possible. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends current and former heavy smokers ages 50 to 77 get annual low-dose CT scans. At the Tate Cancer Center at University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UM BWMC), we offer a lung cancer screening program that is covered by Medicare and most private insurance companies. The screening uses a low-dose CT scan to find the disease early—before you have symptoms—when treatment is most successful. Lung screenings are painless and take less than 15 minutes to complete. To schedule a lung cancer screening at UM BWMC, call 410-553-8150 or visit umbwmc.org/lungscreening. You can also take our online survey to better understand your risk for lung cancer at umbwmc.org/lungHRA.
Learn more: umbwmc.org/lungscreening | 410-553-8150
Gavin Henry, MD, FACS; University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center
I’ve struggled with my weight for years, and I think weight loss surgery could help. But how will I know if I am a candidate?
Weight loss and metabolic surgery is worth considering if you have a BMI of 40 or more, or if you have a BMI of at least 35 and a related health problem such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or sleep apnea. If you meet these guidelines, please visit Luminis.Health/WeightLossSurgery or call
443-481-6699 to sign up for a webinar or schedule a consultation. From your first consultation to keeping the weight off after surgery, our multidisciplinary team will support you.
443-481-6699 | Luminis.Health/WeightLossSurgery
Jilian Nicholas, DO; Luminis Health Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery
What are the most exciting recent advancements in the treatment of cancer?
Targeted therapies have become a mainstay in the treatment of many cancers. By analyzing a patient’s cancer, we can determine if the cancer has a mutation that would allow us to use a drug targeting that mutation as opposed to standard chemotherapy. This allows for an increased response rate with fewer side effects. In addition, we are using immunotherapy to treat many cancers by stimulating the patient’s own immune system to fight the cancer cells.
Dr. Stuart Selonick; Maryland Oncology Hematology
Besides surgery, what can I do for my musculoskeletal pain or injury?
For many musculoskeletal conditions, several options exist instead of steroid injections and anti-inflammatory medications to treat pain and restore function. Your body has the ability to repair itself! Sometimes, you just need a little help from a Sports Medicine physician to harness your healing abilities and precisely direct them to the injured area.
An evidence-based example of restorative treatments is platelet rich plasma (PRP). PRP is created by drawing your blood and concentrating it in a special centrifuge. We then inject your own platelets into your damaged tissue using precise ultrasound guidance. This procedure optimizes your body’s own ability to heal without surgery and is performed in conjunction with physical therapy.
410-505-0530 • www.ROSM.org
James H. Lynch, MD; ROSM Annapolis
When should I evaluate my child for learning or developmental differences?
Your pediatrician is a good place to start. If further evaluation is needed, it is best to work with someone who has both experience and expertise in testing and diagnosing children. Psychological testing assesses how a person learns and processes information. Ensuring the right support and knowing how to advocate for it is a key step to overcome any learning challenges. Young children struggling with sensory issues, speech and motor delays, or social or behavioral challenges can be tested to understand the nature of the challenges. Testing results should clearly describe strengths and weaknesses and guide parents toward appropriate intervention. It is important to work with someone with experience who understands subtleties. For example, an expert will be able to distinguish the difference in poor eye contact because the child is shy, rather than in the way seen it in autism spectrum disorder. Prior to testing, speak the provider and get a sense of what can offer you including the time it will take to schedule, get results and understand the outcome.
www.cpeclinic.com • 410-979-2326
Shannon Senefeld, Psy.D. ; CPE Clinic, LLC
What does being a fear-free practice mean and why is it important to consider one for my cat?
A fear-free practice has a mission to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety and stress in their pet patients. We know that every cat is an individual and therefore every cat deserves to have a place to receive their veterinary care in an environment tailored to their unique needs. Through tools such as treats, pheromone technology, anxiety medications, and gentle handling, each of our patients discover that veterinary care does not have to be stressful. Imagine having dental work done while sitting in a cold, hard metal chair next to a yelling person. Now imagine stepping into a room with your favorite smell and laying on a warm blanket with the sun shining on your face to have your dental work done. That is the difference between having an exam done in a room next to a barking dog versus coming to Mid Atlantic Cat Hospital where our caring, cat adoring team cater to every one of your cat’s needs. If you have not tried a fear-free practice for your loved one, consider it.
410-827-7788 • www.MidAtlanticCatHospital.com
Ashley Love, BVMS; Mid Atlantic Cat Hospital
