YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL FALL 2020
QUICK
CONNECTIONS How a Well-Integrated System Saved a Professor’s Brain Page 6
CLASSES & EVENTS PAGE 8
NEWS BRIEF
HEALTHY WEIGHT-LOSS IS FOCUS OF CORELIFE PARTNERSHIP
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Adventist HealthCare and CoreLife have partnered to help our community live healthier. CoreLife is a leader in weight-loss healthcare, specializing in the treatment of obesity and its related illnesses. The joint venture allows Adventist HealthCare and CoreLife to provide additional expertise and resources, improve coordination of patient management, and reinforce our combined desire to deliver efficient, comprehensive and high-quality patient care. With a location now open in Gaithersburg, CoreLife and Adventist HealthCare will open other Maryland centers in Silver Spring, Laurel, Germantown and Rockville.
For more information, visit AHCYou.com/FA20CoreLife.
NEW PRESIDENT FOR WHITE OAK MEDICAL CENTER
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
Partnering Together in the Community
Rehabilitation, Cancer Care and 4 Doctor Offices Open at White Oak
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uick Connections: How a Well-Integrated Q System Saved a Professor’s Brain
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Living Healthy
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In Sickness and In Health
10 Power Up Your Immunity by Eating Well 11
Staying Fit as a Family
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Not Just the Terrible Twos
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Looking Deeper: Advanced Imaging Sees How Blood Is Flowing
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A Healthier You for Women
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The Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle as You Age
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Healing Cancer’s Mental Toll
FALL 2020
Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center welcomed Anthony Stahl, Ph.D., as its new president in March. Anthony previously served as president and CEO at Central Texas Medical Center in San Marcos, Texas, part of the AdventHealth system. “I am passionate about our Mission and empowering employees, physicians and volunteers to do their very best work on behalf of our patients,” Anthony said. At Central Texas Medical Center, a 170-bed hospital located between Austin and San Antonio, Stahl’s leadership helped his team gain a top distinction in quality and patient safety, and an “A” Leapfrog hospital safety grade, among other notable achievements. “What a blessing it truly is to now work alongside a talented White Oak Medical Center team, especially as we face challenges due to COVID-19 and continue to meet the healthcare needs of our community,“ Anthony added.
ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE TO MANAGE HOWARD UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Adventist HealthCare and Howard University, which operates Howard University Hospital in the District of Columbia, signed a three-year management services agreement in February. Adventist HealthCare has brought in a senior leadership team that is working with Howard to strengthen the hospital’s presence in the region. “Adventist HealthCare and Howard University Hospital share long traditions of caring for our communities,” said Terry Forde, president and CEO of Adventist HealthCare, one of the longest-serving providers in the D.C. region. “We want Howard to continue to be a vital healthcare provider to meet the growing needs of the community and the region now and in the future.” The partnership between the two institutions will provide access for the talented Howard medical trainees, residents, medical students and graduates to train and work within Adventist HealthCare’s network of hospitals. The CEO of Howard University Hospital is Anita L. A. Jenkins (in photo), former president of Sycamore Medical Center near Dayton, Ohio. Sycamore is part of the Kettering Health Network in Ohio. “I am excited to be working with Adventist HealthCare on this partnership,” said Anita. “Our teamwork will go far to improve care in our community.”
SOCCERPLEX
Partnering Together
IN THE COMMUNITY NOWN for its community outreach and emphasis on health and wellness, Adventist HealthCare is continuing that tradition by becoming the healthcare sponsor for the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds. The site’s 66,000-square-foot main building will be known as the “Adventist HealthCare Fieldhouse.” The Maryland SoccerPlex has become a recognized name in the Washington, D.C., region for hosting premier soccer, lacrosse, basketball and other sports tournaments. The complex welcomes 1.1 million visitors every year, many from the local area, and hosts sports tournaments that draw players and teams from across the country. With a renewed focus on concussion education, nutrition and healthy lifestyles, the SoccerPlex is looking forward to finding new ways to reach its visitors through the partnership. “Adventist HealthCare’s commitment to the local community and expertise is well known, and we are thrilled to partner with
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them to bring health and wellness education to our community of athletes and families,” said Maryland SoccerPlex Executive Director Matt Libber. As the SoccerPlex has expanded over the years, so has Adventist HealthCare. As one of the longest-serving health systems in the Washington, D.C. region, Adventist HealthCare recently added Fort Washington Medical Center to its system of care, announced a management services agreement with Howard University Hospital and opened White Oak Medical Center in 2019. The last several years have also included opening urgent care centers, outpatient rehabilitation locations and new services at Shady Grove Medical Center, along with expanding a growing network of physicians. Terry Forde, president and CEO of Adventist HealthCare, added, “The SoccerPlex has become an important part of this community, and with our history serving the region, our partnership helps to reinforce our commitment to health through active, safe play and family activities.”
To learn more about Adventist HealthCare’s commitment to the community, visit AHCYou.com/FA20Community.
Maryland SoccerPlex Executive Director Matt Libber, center, is working with Licensed Athletic Trainers from Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation to keep athletes safe in SoccerPlex camps and leagues. AHCYOU.COM/FA20
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COMMUNITY BENEFIT
Rehabilitation, Cancer Care and Doctor Offices Open
at White Oak A newly opened Medical Pavilion towering seven stories and connected to Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring is bringing primary and specialty care physicians, an outpatient Rehabilitation location, and the White Oak Cancer Center to nearby residents.
E are continuing to improve access to important healthcare resources for our surrounding communities,” said Anthony Stahl, president of White Oak Medical Center. “It’s exciting that our neighbors will be able to see doctors and specialists close to where they live and also be steps away from White Oak Medical Center, in the case they need hospital services.” Healthcare services in the Medical Pavilion at White Oak include: • Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation – outpatient and cardiac rehabilitation • Primary care • Specialty care offices – cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, general surgery, gynecology, infectious disease, oncology/ hematology, orthopedics and psychiatry • Radiation oncology • Imaging services, including PET and CT scans • Outpatient lab
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CONVENIENT, EXPERT REHABILITATIVE CARE OPEN AT WHITE OAK Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation has opened a new, comprehensive outpatient clinic in the Medical Pavilion at White Oak on Level 3. The outpatient clinic offers high-quality, evidencebased treatment in a convenient, state-of-the-art location. Our team of rehabilitation experts evaluate, support and treat each patient through a customized approach. The team specializes in helping patients recover from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes, amputations, work-related injuries and more. Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation also offers a cardiac rehabilitation program in the new clinic to help patients with heart disease recover and prevent its progression. “We are thrilled to offer our outpatient rehabilitation services in White Oak,” said Rob Grange, administrator for Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation. “Through our specialized care, we see our patients restore their strength, reduce pain, improve physical
and cognitive function and live more independently.” In the new outpatient clinic, patients can receive specialized rehabilitation services, as well as physical, occupational and speech therapies, in one convenient location.
ADVENTIST MEDICAL GROUP OFFICES OPEN AT WHITE OAK Adventist Medical Group practices that were based in Takoma Park, Maryland, have moved to the Medical Pavilion at White Oak and are open to patients on Level 4. The practices include cardiovascular specialists, cardiovascular surgery, general surgery, gynecology and infectious disease. A new Adventist Medical Group primary care office is also located on Level 4. “After serving the community for more than 30 years in the same location next to the former Washington Adventist Hospital, we are excited to relocate to a larger, more accessible space to better serve our patients. With primary care and other medical specialties
Physical therapists like Kelly Masterson are available to guide patients at Adventist HealthCare Rehabiliation’s new outpatient clinic in White Oak.
in one building, it’s more convenient for our patients to get all their care in one place,” said Laurence Kelley, MD, medical director of Adventist Medical Group Cardiovascular Specialists.
CANCER CARE SERVICES EXPAND IN WHITE OAK The Medical Pavilion also will serve as home to the new White Oak Cancer Center, a partnership of Adventist HealthCare and Maryland Oncology Hematology. Patients will find comprehensive cancer care services in one space. A radiation oncology site is now open, with an oncology practice and imaging services coming soon.
If you need a doctor, we can help. Find an Adventist Medical Group doctor near you at AHCYou.com/FA20Doctor. AHCYOU.COM/FA20
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EMERGENCY CARE
QUICK CONNECTIONS:
How a Well-Integrated System Saved a Professor’s Brain Donald Day went for a brain MRI for recurring headaches. The next day, he had brain surgery.
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FALL 2020
HEN 78-year-old Donald Day wasn’t advising his engineering students at Montgomery College, you could find him at home on his 26-acre hobby farm near Frederick, Maryland. But when he began having severe headaches in spring 2019, his daily routine became a little more difficult. “I’ve had Lyme disease for over 30 years, and headaches have been one of the most recurrent symptoms,” Donald said. “I just assumed it was the disease acting up again, but these were different than the normal ones – they were much more intense.” He made an appointment with his primary care physician, who prescribed two months of antibiotics. When the headaches didn’t go away, his doctor sent him for a brain MRI. Donald was collecting his things at the imaging center, getting ready to leave, when a staff member stopped him. “They told me my doctor was on the phone and needed to speak to me immediately,” he said. When Donald got on the phone, his doctor told him to stay at the imaging center. A car was coming to get him and bring him to the Emergency Department at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. “My doctor told me to wait patiently, and that he was calling a neurosurgeon,” Donald said. “He told me I needed surgery right away.”
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INTERCONNECTED CARE Donald arrived at Shady Grove Medical Center and within hours received additional imaging and was being prepped for surgery. It was then that he met Amin Amini, MD, medical director of neurosurgery for Adventist HealthCare. “Donald was suffering from a subdural hematoma, which is bleeding in the brain,” Dr. Amini said. “Because of the size, we needed to operate right away to relieve the pressure on the brain.” The next morning, Dr. Amini performed a craniotomy to remove Donald’s hematoma. “This is the most common type of brain surgery we perform, and we normally have a great outcome,” Dr. Amini said. “Donald’s case was no different.” Removing a subdural hematoma involves opening the skull and suctioning out the blood. Following the surgery, the Intensive Care Unit at Shady Grove monitored Donald for two days. “I remember waking up in the room, and Dr. Amini was standing by my bed. He smiled and said, ‘It went great, and we’re all done!’” Donald said. After follow-up imaging to ensure all was well, Donald’s next step was rehabilitation. “Our goal in these cases is always to get our patients moving again,” Dr. Amini said. “It’s very important to get them up and mobile quickly, so they can return to their normal lives as soon as possible.” Physicians from Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation visited Donald at Shady Grove to determine whether he was ready for rehabilitation. They evaluated, cleared and transferred Donald to Adventist HealthCare’s inpatient rehab hospital, next door to Shady Grove. “Having direct connections with Rehabilitation makes it much easier for us to have our patients evaluated, and really expedites the healing process for our patients,” Dr. Amini said. “It’s also convenient for our patients because they don’t have to move far.”
BACK ON THE MOVE When Donald arrived at Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation, the care team’s priority was getting him up and walking. Upon arrival, he was evaluated by physical, occupational and speech therapists. “When Donald first got to us, he was having some difficulty with balance and coordination,” said Ashley Morrow Johnson, a speech-language pathologist. “But he was what I would consider the perfect patient. He was highly motivated, willing to learn and hardworking regardless of his challenges.” Donald grew close with the staff at Rehabilitation, who gave him the nickname “Triple D.” Along with his speech and occupational therapy, the team brought Donald to the Rehabilitation gym to lift weights and work on his balance. Within two weeks, he was stable enough to return home to his farm. “He progressed quickly and met all of his therapy goals,” Ashley said. “But most importantly, he was finally ready to go home, which was his ultimate goal!” Now, Donald is back to advising his students and spending free time on his farm. “I still remember getting out of the car after rehab, and letting my feet get used to the ground here again,” Donald said. “It took me some time to get used to everything, but boy, was I glad to be home. I still am.”
Do you want to learn more about Adventist HealthCare’s skilled, convenient brain and spine care? Visit AHCYou.com/FA20Neuro.
AHCYOU.COM/FA20
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CLASSES NOW BEING OFFERED ONLINE
LIVING healthy Adventist HealthCare offers classes, events and activities to support a healthy body, mind and spirit. Most in-person classes and events have been canceled due to COVID-19. Some of our classes are now being offered online. For the most up-to-date information about our classes, visit AHCYou.com/FA20Calendar.
PRENATAL, FAMILY AND WOMEN’S HEALTH Adventist HealthCare offers online pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding classes so that you can prepare for baby in the comfort and safety of your own home. Classes include: • Childbirth & Infant Care • Breastfeeding To learn more and register, visit AHCYou.com/FA20Birth.
Support Groups
Adventist HealthCare offers several support groups for parents. To learn more or find a location near you, call 800-542-5096 or visit AHCYou.com/FA20Calendar. BEST: Breastfeeding Education, Support and Togetherness When: Wednesdays from 10:30–11:30 a.m. Preregistration is required. Where: Visit AHCYou.com/FA20Best for more details. Discovering Motherhood: Adjusting to Your New Role Meets every Monday When: 10:30–11:30 a.m. Where: Visit AHCYou.com/FA20Motherhood for more details.
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Navigating Fatherhood Meets one Saturday a month. Check website for dates. When: Noon–1:30 p.m. Preregistration is required. Where: Visit AHCYou.com/FA20Fatherhood for more details. Perinatal Loss Support Group This six-week support group for those who have experienced a loss related to pregnancy is run by an experienced perinatal loss specialist. When: Tuesdays, 7–8:30 p.m. Info: Call 800-542-5096 for more information.
NUTRITION, FITNESS AND WEIGHT LOSS Weight-Loss Program CoreLife and Adventist HealthCare’s unique program combines medical expertise, nutrition, fitness and behavior modification under one roof to empower patients to live healthier lives. Info: Schedule your first appointment by calling 800-905-3261 and learn more by visiting us at AHCYou.com/FA20CoreLife or on Facebook @CoreLife.
Weight-Loss Surgery Informational Seminars Learn about the life-changing, weightloss surgery options offered at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. Info: Ongoing series, open to all; call 240826-5278 for information.
Post-Op Weight-Loss Surgery Support Group This group provides ongoing support for those who have had weight-loss surgery. Registration is not required. Info: Call 240-826-5278 for more information.
CPR CLASSES Adventist HealthCare Life Support is an official American Heart Association Training Center offering CPR and first-aid education for our community. Some classes have returned with safety measures in place. Info: Visit AHCYou.com/FA20Calendar, email LifeSupport@AdventistHealthCare.com or call 240-826-2673 for more information.
LEARN MORE OR REGISTER AT AHCYou.com/FA20Calendar.
PATIENT PROFILE
“ IN Sickness AND IN Health” Couple Recovers From COVID-19 With the Help of Kind Nurses and State-of-the-Art Intensive Care Unit
NTHONY Shorts of White Plains, Maryland, had settled nicely into his quarantine schedule. The 63-yearold worked one night on and two nights off for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The abbreviated schedule allowed him to care for Sophia, his wife of 30 years, as she recuperated from foot surgery. “While home recovering, my wife started having serious trouble breathing,” Anthony said. Like many others, he was aware of the common symptoms associated with COVID-19. He and Sophia quickly headed to the nearest emergency department, at Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center. “When we arrived, I knew there was a strong chance that my wife would be admitted into the hospital.” Anthony’s intuition was right. His wife was initially diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs and admitted as a patient under investigation for COVID-19. When test results came back positive, waiting turned into worrying. A few days later, Anthony was also diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted into Fort Washington Medical Center suffering from pneumonia. He smilingly said the silver lining was that he had the best roommate possible, his wife.
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Eventually, Sophia improved enough to go home. Anthony was alone when the doctors told him his condition had worsened and he would be moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Anthony had never been in the hospital, so he was worried when he heard “ICU.” He received a warm welcome from the nurses in his private room, in a new ICU wing for COVID-19 and other critically ill patients. The state-of-the-art modular unit, known as a STAAT Mod, was installed at Fort Washington Medical Center in April. The STAAT Mod, short for Strategic, Temporary, Acuity-Adaptable Treatment Modular Unit, took three weeks to assemble and was the first of its kind in the nation. Rooms in the modular unit are engineered with sophisticated safety features like traditional critical-care hospital rooms, including the ability to isolate airflow to protect patients and employees from airborne illnesses like COVID-19. Today, Anthony is back at home with his wife recovering. He looks forward to returning to his job, spending time with his five children and virtually reconnecting with his church congregation. He is grateful his community hospital had a state-of-the-art space ready when he needed it. “The nurses were very reassuring, they kept telling me I would be fine,” Anthony said. “Their positive attitudes really helped keep my spirits up.”
ICU nurse Bonnie Kurker prepares a room in the new modular ICU for incoming patients. Photo by Judy Davis.
Anthony Shorts gives a thumbs up during his COVID-19 care at Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center. AHCYOU.COM/FA20
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EATING WELL
Power Up Your Immunity
by Eating Well
Now more than ever, we all could use some help boosting our immune systems, but substituting beneficial fruits and vegetables for sugar-filled snacks can be hard. OUR immune system does a great job of defending against disease-causing microorganisms like viruses and bacteria,” said Elizabeth Bilodeau, registered dietitian for Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. “Adopting a healthy lifestyle starts with your diet. There are many ways to get your dose of immuneboosting vitamins and minerals, without sacrificing delicious taste.” She suggested adding Immune-boosting foods like these your diet:
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SAVORY AND SWEET BROCCOLI SLAW SALAD
This sweet and savory Broccoli Slaw Salad is packed with a day’s worth of vitamin C and a third of your daily zinc and fiber needs to help you stay healthy.
SALAD:
Red Bell Peppers
4 cups finely chopped raw broccoli ½ cup thinly sliced red cabbage 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup finely chopped red apple 2 tablespoons toasted almonds
Citrus Fruits
DRESSING: Ginger
Turmeric
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 4 tablespoons tahini 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast 2 drops liquid stevia 1 tablespoon coconut aminos 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 clove crushed garlic 2 tablespoons water pinch of salt
DIRECTIONS:
Spinach Yogurt
Garlic
1. Chop and combine all salad ingredients into a large bowl. 2. Stir all dressing ingredients, except water, until creamy paste forms. Add water and mix well. 3. Mix dressing into salad until all ingredients are evenly covered. 4. Separate into two servings or to-go containers and enjoy!
Green Tea Almonds
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Kiwi FALL 2020
YOUR HEALTH
Staying Fit as a Family HILE many things have been changed or canceled this year, staying in shape doesn’t have to be one of them. Routines may have changed, but there are plenty of other avenues for the whole family to stay active during these unprecedented times.
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KEEPING KIDS ACTIVE Physical activities like walking, jumping rope and riding a bicycle can all be done close to home and safely. “Creative play is another great outlet for children of all ages,” said Diane King-Shaw, PhD, clinical director for The Lourie Center School, a Rockville elementary school for students with special needs operated by Adventist HealthCare. Take advantage of extra time at home teaching life skills, like weeding the garden or setting the table. “It’s beneficial for children’s brain development to be engaged in a variety of activities and to try new things,” Dr. King-Shaw said.
STAYING IN SHAPE For teens and adults, a well-rounded fitness program includes aerobic exercise, resistance training and flexibility training. “Teens and young adults should aim to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily, while adults should aim for 150 minutes per week,” said Trey Godwin, MD, physiatrist at Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation.
Go for a walk or jog, bike around your neighborhood, or go for a swim. Add resistance training with body weight and resistance band exercises. For those used to working out with a trainer or in a group setting, online exercise classes on YouTube or with fitness apps can guide activities and help you stay motivated. Some offer short workouts that are fun for the whole family. Are these substitutes as effective as the gym or physical education class? “While exercising at home may be different from your previous routine, you can get similar benefits. If you’ve been sedentary for a while, remember to resume activity gradually to decrease your risk of injury,” Dr. Godwin said.
PLAY IT SAFE No matter what activity you and your family choose, keep safety in mind. If you’re working out on shared equipment, be sure to clean surfaces thoroughly with disinfectant wipes. Follow social distancing guidelines, wear a mask and wash your hands.
Sign up for Adventist HealthCare emails to get more family health tips and news in your inbox. Visit AHCYou.com/FA20Subscribe.
AHCYOU.COM/FA20
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MENTAL HEALTH
TIPS ON MANAGING TEMPER TANTRUMS
Not Just the Terrible Twos
• E stablish a routine that includes consistent sleep, play and mealtimes. • Encourage your child to use words to communicate. • Praise good behavior as often as possible. • Stay calm and help your child describe how he or she may be feeling during a tantrum. • Provide two appropriate options as a way of giving them a sense of control in decision-making.
When is an outburst more than a tantrum?
children begin to develop their language skills, they often express their feelings through their behavior. When they fall to the ground, cry, scream, kick, hit or bite, children are telling grown-ups that they are not feeling understood or that their wants and needs are not being met. Temper tantrums are a normal part of childhood. We are all familiar with the “terrible twos,” but what should a parent do if temper tantrums are severe or persist beyond the early childhood years? Challenging behaviors and heightened emotions can be tricky to differentiate from typical developmental milestones. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, 1 out of 7 children ages 2 to 8 have been diagnosed with a mental, behavioral or developmental disorder. “If a child’s behavior causes significant distress, interferes with their functioning in daily tasks or puts them at risk of harm to themselves or others, parents should consult a children’s mental health professional,” said Jill Brown, a licensed social worker, child therapist and director of the Parent-Child Clinical Services Program at The Lourie Center for Children’s Social & Emotional Wellness. The Parent-Child Clinical Services Program is an outpatient clinic that offers a comprehensive approach to early identification, treatment and prevention of emotional, behavioral and
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developmental problems in infants and young children. The clinicians in the program help children find healthy ways to communicate with the use of therapeutic play and psychotherapy.
PAY ATTENTION TO SIGNS During a tantrum, think about what your child may be trying to communicate through their behavior. • Is your child tired or hungry? • Is their clothing comfortable? Are they hot or cold? • Are they trying to be independent or take some control within their environment? • Are they having difficulty completing a task? Thinking about your child’s physical and emotional experience and what they may be trying to express during the tantrum can guide you on how to respond. Children expressing distress are often seeking reassurance and support from parents and caregivers because they are overwhelmed and unable to manage these feelings on their own.
To learn how the Lourie Center can help your child, call 301-984-4444 or visit AHCYou.com/FA20Lourie.
HIGH-TECH HIGHLIGHTS
Looking Deeper:
Advanced Imaging Sees How Blood Is Flowing
ASCULAR disease is any condition that affects the blood flow in your veins and arteries. These conditions include clots, plaque buildup in your arteries and ruptures. They can cause serious harm, such as stroke, heart attack or loss of circulation. Vascular problems can happen anywhere in your body but typically occur in your legs, neck, brain, kidneys, heart and abdomen. In some cases, there are no symptoms of the disease. In others, like a blood clot in the leg, for example, you may experience swelling, pain or cramps. If you are at risk for developing a condition that disrupts your blood flow, your doctor may recommend vascular imaging. “For those with hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, nonhealing wounds, a family history of aneurysm and who may be at high risk for stroke and heart attack, we can help detect potential disruptions in blood flow that can cause serious medical issues if left untreated such as loss of a limb or damage to the heart or kidney,” said Zahide Erkmen, MD, director of Vascular Imaging with Adventist HealthCare Imaging.
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Zahide Erkmen, MD, director of the Vascular Imaging program with Adventist HealthCare Imaging.
AN EASIER OPTION FOR DIAGNOSIS By using noninvasive imaging techniques that don’t necessarily use radiation, such as ultrasound, specially trained radiologists and technologists can image your veins’ and arteries’ function and help your doctor determine the best treatment options for you. As one of the only comprehensive, diagnostic vascular imaging programs in the area, the experts at Adventist HealthCare Imaging can help get a clear picture of potential problems in the veins and arteries in the neck, leg, brain and abdomen. With easy scheduling and convenient appointment times, our outpatient imaging offices can ensure you get care when you need it. “Having this service easily available helps community members receive a faster diagnosis so they can get treatment quicker and resume their lives faster,” Dr. Erkmen said.
For more information about Adventist HealthCare Imaging’s advanced imaging services, visit AHCYou.com/FA20Imaging.
AHCYOU.COM/FA20
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WOMEN’S HEALTH
A HEALTHIER YOU
for Women
Staying healthy is more important than ever. Avni Jain, MD, a primary care doctor with Adventist Medical Group, puts women’s health in focus with these reminders about important screenings.
ANNUAL PHYSICAL
HEART HEALTH
Talk with your doctor about your overall physical and mental health and any concerns you have. Review any preventive health screenings you may need.
Your heart is special. Ensure it’s protected with regular heart checkups that measure your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
IMMUNIZATIONS Stay up to date on your vaccinations. Get the flu shot every year, tetanus every five to 10 years, the shingles vaccine if you are over 50 and the pneumonia vaccine if you’re over the age of 65.
BREAST CANCER SCREENING Starting at age 40, talk with your doctor about whether it’s time to begin mammograms. They are the best screening tool for detecting breast cancer early.
ANNUAL WELL-WOMAN EXAM
COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENINGS Starting at age 45, screenings for colorectal cancer can help detect precancerous and cancerous polyps early.
Your well-woman exam is an important time to talk about concerns regarding your reproductive health. Your doctor will also perform a breast and gynecological exam. Cervical cancer screening begins at age 21 and occurs every three to five years, depending on your risk factors.
BONE HEALTH Beginning at age 65, screening for osteoporosis can identify the need for treatment to prevent bone loss and potential fallrelated conditions such as hip, wrist and ankle fractures.
Don’t delay. Get started on the path to a healthier you by scheduling an appointment with one of our expert and caring physicians at AHCYou.com/FA20WomensHealth. Telehealth is also available.
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AGING WELL
The Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle as You Age TAYING healthy is especially important as we age, since older adults are at greater risk for complications from illnesses like the flu and COVID-19. While you can’t change genetics or family history, there are things you can do to help prevent chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Mitra Hashemi, MD, a gerontologist and internal medicine physician with Adventist Medical Group, answered common questions about healthy aging and offers advice that is important no matter your age.
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Q: Do I need a physical every year?
Dr. Hashemi: Yes, physicals are a way to stay on top of your health, even if you are healthy. No matter your age, it’s important to establish a relationship with a physician. Your doctor will recommend appropriate health screenings, adjust any medications and offer resources and tips to help prevent health risks like strokes and falls as you grow older.
exercise is important, Q: Ibutknow how often is enough? Dr. Hashemi: Exercise is important to maintaining a healthy weight and can help reduce your risk for chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The recommended amount is 30 minutes at least five days a week. As you age, incorporating
weight-bearing and balance exercises can help strengthen your bones, reducing your risk for falls and complications.
ow can I keep up with my Q: Hmental health as I age? Dr. Hashemi: Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, especially as social distancing has become a normal part of our lives. Stay connected with family and friends virtually through regular check-ins. It’s important as you get older to build a support system with family and friends. This can help you stay active and engaged in the things you love. There are many resources at local senior centers and libraries that offer programs, support groups and recreation to help you.
ow can I incorporate healthy Q: Heating into my life? Dr. Hashemi: Healthy eating gives your body the nutrients it needs to continue working properly as you age and can even improve your mental health. Start including a variety of vegetables in your meals, cut back on foods with added sugars and saturated fats and reduce your sodium intake. This will help your heart and overall health.
To learn more about Adventist HealthCare’s in-home support services for aging adults, call 800-610-2447 or visit AHCYou.com/FA20HomeCare. AHCYOU.COM/FA20
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Z IP C O 4 3 973
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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 93
ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE, INC. 820 W. DIAMOND AVE, SUITE 600 GAITHERSBURG, MD 20878
Adventist HealthCare complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. For more information, see link on our homepage at AdventistHealthCare.com. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 301-315-3333. 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助 服務。請致電 301-315-3333。
This publication does not serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
Photo by Gregg McGillivray, Halkin | Mason Photography. Design by Gensler Architects
Healing Cancer’s Mental Toll A new space on the third floor of the Shady Grove Adventist Aquilino Cancer Center in Rockville is allowing caregivers to better address the mental health needs of cancer patients and their families. HE Center for Healing brings the Aquilino Cancer Center’s whole-person care model to the next level, with 2,700 square feet designed for wellness programming, support services and groundbreaking research. The emotional strain of cancer often goes unaddressed, yet this aspect of healing is vital to a patient’s well-being. The Center for Healing builds on Adventist HealthCare’s tradition of holistic care. The peaceful, versatile and welcoming space can be divided into smaller rooms to host activities that address anxiety and depression,
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just upstairs from where patients receive traditional treatments of chemotherapy and radiation oncology. The center already is busy hosting groundbreaking studies in psycho-oncology, which may significantly improve the mental wellbeing of cancer patients. Aquilino Cancer Center is the first community cancer center in the nation to host a clinical trial to test the safety and feasibility of psilocybin to treat depression in cancer patients. “This trial could transform the way we help cancer patients cope with the psychological impact of life-threatening disease,” said Manish Agrawal, MD, principal investigator and medical director of the Aquilino Cancer Center.
If you would like to help ease the journey of cancer for others with a gift to the Aquilino Cancer Center at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, please visit AHCYou.com/FA20Giving.
