LifeBridge Health Blogs

Sinai Hospital Anniversary Cookbook Debuts

2009-11-13T15:04:00.004-05:00

Are you looking for a unique holiday gift? Consider purchasing the Sinai Hospital Employees' 50th Anniversary Cookbook, on sale now.

Whether it’s for Thanksgiving or just a casual dinner at home, this collection of 142 recipes has something for everybody. The recipes were submitted from LifeBridge Health employees and their family members. The cookbook has breakfast, cookies/goodies, dessert, entree, hors d'oeuvres/appetizer and side dish recipes.

“I think everyone loves cookbooks,” says Shannon Wollman, manager in the Department of Development and head of the Sinai Employee Activities Committee, which spearheaded the project. Shannon credits the original idea to Paula Kirschensteiner, a medical technologist in the Sinai Blood Bank.

The cookbook is extra special because each recipe has a personal connection to a LifeBridge Health employee, Shannon says. Offered at $10, the cookbooks will be on sale through the end of the year in various locations, and make wonderful holiday gifts, Shannon says. All proceeds will benefit charitable causes at Sinai.

While not everything in the cookbook may strike your culinary fancy, Shannon says it’s all about sharing family recipes.

“After all, we’re a family here at Sinai and LifeBridge Health, and that’s what makes us a success,” she says.

Blood Drives Save Lives

2009-11-12T09:12:00.003-05:00

It was a red letter day at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital on November 10. That’s because the semi-annual Red Cross blood drive was held in the Schwaber Multi-Purpose Room.

Levindale employees, volunteers and visitors took time out of their busy day to roll up their sleeves to give the gift of life to someone they will never meet.

When the final tally was taken, 27 pints of blood were donated during the six-hour drive. There were four first-time donors. Sheila Pate, GNA, was nervous but pushed past her fears to give. She was all smiles afterward and proudly put an “I gave blood” sticker on her badge.

For Sheila and everyone else who donated, pretzels and two kinds of cookies were at the finish line. In addition to show appreciation, each person received a goodie bag of a cup, change purse, jar opener and pen from Levindale.

This time instead of giving out T-shirts, the Red Cross made a donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in honor of every donor, which benefits the fight against breast cancer.

Forty people were tested for the drive, but for different reasons, they were not able to give blood this time. However, if low iron was the reason for the refusal, before the next drive, you can increase your level by eating iron-rich foods, which include raisins, spinach and other greens, lean meats, sardines and other seafood, turkey and beans.

The next blood drive at Levindale is July 12, 2010. The next blood drive at Sinai and Northwest hospitals will be Monday, November 30. The Northwest drive will be from Northwest drive will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Sinai drive will be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

We need everyone's help to make our 2009 goal, which requires us to collect almost another 200 units. Members of the community are welcome to walk-in during operating hours in order to give the gift of life. Your donation is the perfect way to honor a loved one or sick friend, or in memory of someone during this holiday season.

Sign up today by clicking here !

LifeBridge Health Celebrates Diversity with Fashion Show

2009-11-11T11:52:00.006-05:00

by Sandra Crockett

Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital became many different worlds Friday afternoon as the Diversity Council presented its Fashion Parade. The colorful event was open to all LifeBridge Health employees (and family members), and several Levindale residents attended.

At the show, ten brave souls strutted their stuff around the packed room. Actually, they danced to the beat of Liberian, Indian, Jamaican, Bolivian and Estonian tunes. In the picture above are Victoria Shaw (Bolivia), Kris Jogi (Estonia), Carol Stewart (Jamaica) and Johnson Gaye (Liberia).

Johnson Gaye, a Sinai Hospital radiologic technologist, wore a traditional Liberian male black and white gown complete with headwear and snakeskin shoes. Johnson, whose wife and son joined him in their Liberian attire, treated the Levindale residents and others with a joyous dance to African music as he modeled his attire. It just might have been the showstopper.

There were a few models representing India including Pinky Patel, a coordinator at Courtland Gardens Nursing & Rehabilitation Home. Pinky dazzled in a hand-embroidered black and silver sari that is usually worn at weddings and for special occasions. And who better, we ask, to dress the part of young woman in a wedding reception dress than Pinky’s 20-year-old daughter Maryam Nisa.

Maryam, a nursing student at the University of Maryland, was simply gorgeous in an all white hand-embroidered dress from Pakistan and was carrying a beautiful, heavy scarf called a dupatta. Her friend Benita Ubawgu, also a nursing student, wore a fuschia-colored flowing and sparkling Indian party dress called pujabi shalwar kameeze, which is heavy with beautiful embroidery. Also representing India was Carolyn Bland, a coordinator form Courtland, who wore a three multi-colored dress that would be the life of any Indian evening party.

Representing Bolivia was Sinai pulmonary nurse Victoria Shaw, who was festive in a bright, multi-colored full skirt and a matching hat tilted jauntily on her head. Victoria also set up a small table that showcased additional traditional Bolivian wear.

And speaking of colorful, Kristina Jogi, graphic designer in the Marketing department is creative but usually a pretty sedate person. But you wouldn’t know it by looking at her bright attire! Kris was wearing a traditional folk costume from a region called Muhu, which is an island off the coast of Estonia in the Baltic Sea.

Not to be missed was Carol Stewart, radiology manager at Sinai, who made Jamaica proud. Not only did she sport the bright green, yellow and black colors of Jamaica, she proudly carried the Jamaican flag as she modeled for the crowd.

Valerie Brandenburg, human resources director at Northwest Hospital, and Beverly Carrington, R.N., infusion and cancer therapy nurse at Northwest Hospital, were the announcers. Great job! And here’s hoping everyone – and more – is up for doing another fashion show.

Easing Pain Requires Science and Art

2009-11-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

Once considered nothing more than a symptom of a larger problem, pain today is acknowledged to be the so-called fifth vital sign. Doctors now believe pain is not only an indicator of a patient's health, but also a real impediment to full recovery. They'll stop at nothing to treat it.

New quality standards now demand hospitals treat patients’ pain aggressively and thoroughly, and advances in pain treatment are helping doctors treat even chronic pain problems.

Although Scott Brown, M.D., Robert Tsuji, M.D., and Ross Sugar, M.D., agree the practice of pain management has come a long way in the past few decades, all three LifeBridge Health doctors are quick to point out one thing has never changed.

Pain management, they say, always starts with the basics.

“The key is to do a full evaluation,” says Dr. Brown, chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, a program of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute. “It has to start with a full evaluation, because you have to identify as best you can where the pain generator is.”

“The most important thing about pain management is finding a diagnosis,” agrees Dr. Tsuji, director of Pain Medicine at Northwest Hospital. “And if you can’t find out that direct cause, you want to find out at least how to manage it.”

Drs. Brown, Tsuji, Ross and LifeBridge Health’s other pain experts treat patients suffering from any number of pain problems: spine, back and neck problems; pinched nerves; muscle pain; carpel tunnel syndrome; diabetes; post-traumatic syndrome; Fibromyalgia; Lyme disease; and many, many others. “But,” Dr. Brown notes, “the basic concepts apply to everyone.”

“I feel that one of the most important services we can offer any patient, and especially pain patients, is listening. All patients have a story to tell, and if the physician is willing to listen carefully to the patient, not only will the physician gain critical insight into the patient's problem, but also an important bond of trust will be established,” says Dr. Sugar, director of Pain Medicine at Sinai Hospital.

Once the problem is targeted, there are a number of pain management techniques doctors can use to help patients overcome their pain and live a normal life. And patients are happier because of it.

In the years to come, Dr. Brown says doctors are likely to have even more effective, wide-ranging treatments for pain problems. Together the team stays abreast of developments in pain management - new drugs, more sophisticated tests and techniques, and a better overall understanding of how pain works.

But the basics, Dr. Tsuji says, will still apply.

“Pain management really is an art. And it's not going to change all that much.”

To schedule an appointment with a LifeBridge Health pain management specialist, call 410-601-WELL.

Rescued Levindale Cats Find Homes

2009-11-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

by Helene King

From living in a sewer to having a pink bedroom all her own. Sounds like the stuff dreams are made of, and it is, for a cat named Mitzvah (good deed in Hebrew).

You may remember Mitzvah from the post in July on this blog. That’s when Constance Harris, a patient accounting representative at Levindale, rescued her.

Constance had to climb into a sewer grate on West Belvedere Avenue, the road between Sinai Hospital and Levindale, because Mitzvah refused to move, despite coaxing from several LifeBridge employees.

You’d think finding a cat below ground and saving it would be enough surprises for one day. However as you’ll recall, turns out, less than two hours later, Mitzvah had given birth to four kittens. They are all pictured at right.

Belvedere, Levi (for Levindale), Ron (for Levindale’s past President Ron Rothstein) and Kay (Harris’ middle name) were all healthy but still needed with their mother.

So it was “Constance to the rescue” for a second time. She agreed to foster the family until September, when the little ones would be weaned.

Nurturing the cats fit purr-fectly into the Eden Alternative philosophy, already being followed at Levindale and Courtland Gardens. It incorporates pets into the daily life of residents, patients and employees to make the atmosphere in both centers more homey and relaxed.

In fact, with the help of an animal fund at Levindale, all of the cats were vaccinated and spayed.

Loving homes were found for each mom and her kittens after 10 weeks. Levindale’s Director of Nursing for Long Term Care, Barbara Church, adopted Mitzvah.

The fuzzy found feline is now one of six cats that Barbara and her husband parent. Mitzvah has her own room with a furry blanket and a perch so she can look out the window whenever she chooses. She has come a long way from the sewer grate!

Mitzvah also is the youngest of the four-legged members of the Church family, so at mealtimes, she’s been known to jump up the steps ahead of her older siblings so she can reach her food bowl first. She also receives all of the love any cat could want.

Other Levindale employees adopted Mitzvah’s kittens. It’s really the cat's meow for each of them.

Levindale employees or visitors, have you met Mitzvah or her kittens? Share your thoughts in the comment section!

LifeBridge Health Receives EPA Trailblazer Award

2009-11-06T09:38:00.003-05:00

Every day there are efforts in place at LifeBridge Health to reduce our environmental impact. Many are policies that patients and visitors do not see, such as requiring a minimal amount of supplies being ordered to reduce the amount of packaging involved in shipping. Others are more public, such as cafeteria napkin dispensers that give out a napkin at a time, or having recycling bins posted throughout our buildings.

For its corporate waste management policies, food reduction and composting, and environmentally-friendly purchasing policies, LifeBridge Health was one of six hospitals to receive a Trailblazer Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The award, presented by EPA’s Virginia Thompson, Sustainable Healthcare Sector Manager in Region 3, was given at the Maryland H2E conference this morning. The award winners are considered models for other hospitals in that they have shown leadership in a particular area of sustainability.

“These hospitals are paving the way – thus, they are trailblazers,” Thompson said. “This is the first year the trailblazer awards were extended to Maryland, and the applications were very strong.”

Thompson said one of the reasons the hospital systems were successful was because executive leadership listened to ideas from clinical and support staff on the front lines.

“What’s neat is that in all cases the support came from the top management. The support of the front management is absolutely critical,” she said.

Going Green at LifeBridge Health

2009-11-06T08:37:00.003-05:00

Don't forget - as part of the Sinai Hospital 50th Anniversary "50 Acts of Kindness," both employees and members of the community are invited to drop off their unwanted electronic materials on 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. TODAY and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow.

We are accepting the following items:

A/V equipment
Biomedical devices
Cables/cords
Circuit Boards
Copiers
Diagnostic equipment
Fax machines
X-ray films
Gurneys/wheelchairs
Hard Drives
Keyboards
Lab Instruments
Light Fixtures
Loose wire/cabling
Mainframes
Manuals
Microwaves
Network Equipment
Pallets
Plastic trays/containers
Printers
Radios
Rigid Plastics
Scanners
Scrap metal
Software
Speakers
Stereos
Stretch wrap
Telecom equipment
Telephones (including cellular)
Typewriters
Wire
Toys
Bicycles

Unacceptable Items:

Televisions
Computer monitors
Tires
Batteries
Paint
Mattresses
Box springs
Regular recycling items like paper, aluminum, glass, etc.

We'll be blogging and tweeting from the Maryland H2E conference today. Stay tuned!

Medical Mystery Behind Beethoven

2009-11-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

by Holly Hosler

It’s not every day that Sinai Hospital Grand Rounds begins with the opening strains of a live rendition of “Romance No. 1 in G major.” But that’s exactly what happened yesterday morning in the Zamoiski Auditorium, where Phillip A. Mackowiak, M.D., gave a historical clinicopathologic presentation on Beethoven’s health problems. (Yes, that’s “Beethoven” as in Ludwig van.)

Before and after the presentation, Netanel Draiblate, Ph.D. candidate in violin performance at the University of Maryland College Park, wowed the audience of physicians with a couple of the extraordinary composer’s masterpieces.

University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Dr. Mackowiak, author of Post Mortem: Solving History’s Great Medical Mysteries, is an expert in using the historical record to shed light on the ailments suffered by luminaries such as Alexander the Great and Joan of Arc. He started the presentation by painting a picture of late 18th century Viennese life, a time of the Enlightenment and revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, high infant mortality and pre-Pasteurian medicine. Beethoven had been raised by an upright mother and an abusive, alcoholic father, who paraded him around courtly society to show off his talent.

Beethoven’s health problems began to show up in earnest when he was in his 20s. He suffered first from diarrhea and abdominal pain, which were to be a lifelong issue for him. (Beethoven himself revealed that the 4th movement of his 2nd symphony is a musical description of the rumblings of his bowels.)

However, Beethoven’s most famous malady is his loss of hearing. He began to notice the problem at the age of 26 and by age 32, he accepted that he would eventually become completely deaf. This plunged him into a deep depression; he was embarrassed that even though he was a composer, he would lose his auditory sense. Beethoven tried to compensate for his loss through the use of headphones, but he never again heard a sound after the age of 50. (Even so, he went on to write his 9th and final symphony, also known as "Ode to Joy", which is lauded by many as the greatest symphony ever composed.)

The great composer had a litany of other health problems: migraine headaches, rheumatism, bronchitis, jaundice, painful eye inflammation and nosebleeds, to name a few. His final illness was a combination of diarrhea, jaundice and pneumonia, among other things, and he died in a delirium at age 56. Among the abnormalities revealed by Beethoven’s autopsy were cerebral atrophy (brain), macronodular cirrhosis (liver) and renal papillary necrosis (kidneys).

Scholars are at odds as to whether Beethoven had one disease, such as syphilis, or several that accounted for his poor health. Diagnostic solutions to Beethoven’s medical mysteries have included typhus, Paget’s Disease and lead intoxication. A couple members of the Grand Rounds audience even suggested that tuberculosis may have contributed to Beethoven’s problems – certainly a possibility, as the disease was widespread at the time and had claimed the life of Beethoven’s mother.

However, syphilis remains the strongest candidate to explain the physical sufferings that Beethoven endured. Though the man came of age alongside actors and actresses (infamous in those days for their promiscuity) and was known to have had affairs with married women, Dr. Mackowiak believes that it was congenital syphilis – probably passed down from his father – that was the source of Beethoven’s ill health. Congenital syphilis does not usually affect its victims until they are in their 20s, which is consistent with when Beethoven started noticing his hearing problems.

In fact, with the exception of his kidney problems, syphilis could explain all of Beethoven’s various ailments. However, even his kidney problems have a plausible explanation: Beethoven’s brother, who was an apothecary, had provided him with analgesics for most of his life. These drugs could have very easily caused analgesic nephropathy leading to the renal papillary necrosis. (In other words, too many painkillers killed his kidneys.)

While a definitive diagnosis is impossible with the limited physical evidence we have left (the temporal bones of Beethoven’s skull were saved, but were lost in the decade or two after his death), today’s Grand Rounds reflects why it's so important to have teaching hospitals like Sinai. The lectures illustrate the fascinating art of diagnosing patients – even long after they are dead.

Blood Pressure Screening Next Week

2009-11-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

When is the last time you have had your blood pressure checked?

High blood pressure can lead to coronary heart disease, kidney failure, stroke, heart failure, and other problems. High blood pressure is defined as 140/90 or higher. Blood pressure tends to rise with age.

LifeBridge Health is holding a blood pressure screening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Afya Center, 4151 Park Heights Ave., on Wednesday, November 11. The screening, part of the Know Your Health program, is free.

A blood pressure test is easy and painless. To prepare, please wear loose clothing. Do not drink coffee or smoke cigarettes for 30 minutes prior to the test.

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, you will need follow-up treatment. The goal is to have your blood pressure "under control," which means that your numbers are normal, or less than 120/80 mmHg.

To learn more, visit www.lifebridgehealth.org or call 410-601-WELL (9355).

Traveling Exhibit Explores Domestic Violence

2009-11-04T12:21:00.003-05:00

House Of Ruth Maryland's traveling exhibit, 'A Line In The Sand', is on display in the Northwest Hospital lobby through November.

The exhibit explores domestic violence, which claimed the lives of at least 45 women and children in Maryland last year alone. The photographic exhibit debuted in 2008 and is now traveling through the state.

'A Line In The Sand' displays more than 20 interpretive portraits and short essays that chronicle Maryland's fight against domestic violence. People photographed are those who have taken positive, often brave actions to make life safer for the women and children of Maryland.

"Domestic violence runs rampant in our society and strikes fear in thousands of women and children," says Carole Alexander, executive director of House Of Ruth Maryland. "'A Line In The Sand' is our way of challenging the silence that surrounds domestic violence and profiling those people who have made a real difference in the lives of women and children across Maryland."

Photographers include Connie Imboden, Matthew Kern, Mary Carole Curran, Matthew Girard, and Leo Howard Lubow. Designed by Alex Castro of Castro/Arts, "A Line In The Sand' travels to corporate lobbies, government buildings, schools and museums across Maryland.

House Of Ruth Maryland is the non-profit organization that provides the most comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence in the state of Maryland. For additional resources for domestic violence victims in Baltimore County, click here.

New Visitor Policy For Sinai and Northwest

2009-11-03T14:47:00.003-05:00

Due to the widespread outbreak of H1N1, Sinai Hospital and Northwest Hospital will temporarily modify the visitation policy to ensure the well being of the patients as well as the health and safety of our staff. Effective November 1, the following visitor restrictions will be in place:

No visitors under age 18.
Those visitors experiencing flu-like symptoms are asked to remain at home. If you must visit, you may be required to wear a mask.
Families are asked to limit visitors to two per patient in a 24 hour period.
Visitation hours are between noon and 8 p.m.
Exceptions may be made on an individual basis.

We also request your help in ensuring that our visitors follow basic precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the flu. Entrances have been equipped with hygiene stations.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a mask, tissue or upper arm.

These restrictions may be downgraded or heightened based on recommendations of state and federal authorities. We realize this is a change from the usual policy and may present some challenges. We appreciate your continued efforts to provide the best care possible for our patients.

LifeBridge Health Celebrates Top Docs

2009-11-02T13:43:00.013-05:00

Are you looking for the top doctors in the Baltimore region? Look no farther than this month's edition of Baltimore Magazine. LifeBridge Health has 59 physicians who were chosen by their peers as top doctors. They are:

Fouad Abbas, M.D., Division Head, Division of Gynecology Oncology, Sinai Hospital
Donald Abrams, M.D., Chief, Department of Ophthalmology, Krieger Eye Institute
Richard Berg, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Sinai Hospital, Northwest Hospital
Stacey Berner, M.D., Department Head, Hand and Upper Extremity Center, Northwest Hospital
Brian Bohner, M.D., Sinai Sleep Center , Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Sinai Hospital
Myles Brager, M.D., Director, Northwest Spine Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Mark Brenner, M.D., Department of Radiation Oncology, Sinai Hospital
Jason Brokaw, M.D., Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, , Northwest Hospital
Scott Brown, M.D., Chief, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sinai Hospital
David Buchalter, M.D, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, LifeBridge Health
Steven Caplan, M.D., Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai
Mark Deitch, M.D., Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hand and Upper Extremity Center
Ronald Delanois, M.D., Center for Joint Preservation and Replacement, Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics
Mukund Didolkar, M.D., Division Head, Division of Surgical Oncology, Sinai Hospital
Benjamin Dubois, M.D., Division of Cardiology, Sinai Hospital
Sudhir Dutta, M.D., Division Head, Division of Gastroenterology, Sinai Hospital
Ira Fine, M.D., Division Head, Division of Rheumatology , Sinai Hospital
Stacy Fisher, M.D., Division of Cardiology, Sinai Hospital
Steven Friedman, M.D, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Alex Gandsas, M.D., Division of Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Sinai Hospital
Ira Garonzik, M.D., Department of Neurosurgery, Sinai Hospital, Northwest Hospital
Thomas Genuit, M.D., Division of Trauma, Sinai Hospital
Marc Gertner, M.D., Division of General Surgery
Lisa Grant, M.D., Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sinai Hospital
Edward Gratz, M.D., Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai Hospital
John Herzenberg, M.D., Director, International Center for Limb Lengthening, Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics
Warren Israel, M.D., Division of Cardiology, Sinai Hospital
William Jaquis, M.D., Chief, Department of Emergency Medicine, Sinai Hospital
Harry Kaplan, M.D., Division of General Internal Medicine, Sinai Hospital
Jon Koman, M.D., Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Michael Lansing, M.D., Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Sinai Hospital
Christina Li, M.D., Division of Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Sinai Hospital
Noah I. Lightman, Chief, Department of Radiology, Sinai Hospital
Peter Mackrell, M.D., Division Head, Division of Vascular Surgery, Sinai Hospital
Andrew Mayrer, M.D., Division Head, Division of Infectious Disease, Sinai Hospital
John O. Meyerhoff, M.D., Division of Rheumatology, Sinai Hospital
Michael Mont, M.D., Founder, Co-Director, Center for Joint Preservation and Replacement, Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics
Kalpana Murthy, M.D., Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai
Neal Naff, M.D., Chief, Department of Neurosurgery, Sinai Hospital
Stephen Noga, M.D., Division Head, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology
Bruce Rabin, M.D., Department of Neurology, Stroke Center, Sinai Hospital
Jerome Reichmister, M.D., Chief, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sinai Hospital
Mark Rosenthal, M.D., Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Sinai Hospital
Samer Saiedy, M.D., Division of Vascular Surgery, Northwest Hospital
Gerami Seitzman, M.D., Department of Ophthalmology, Krieger Eye Institute
Alejandro Sequeira, M.D., Division of Cardiac Surgery, Sinai Hospital
David Silber, M.D., Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Northwest Hospital
Lynne Skaryak, M.D., Division Head, Division of Thoracic Surgery
Ross Sugar, M.D., Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sinai Hospital
David Tuchman, M.D., Division Head, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Herman & Walter Samuelson's Children's Hospital at Sinai
Barry Waldman, M.D., Co-director, Center for Joint Preservation and Replacement, Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics
Ian Weiner, M.D., Department for Orthopedic Surgery, Northwest Hospital
Howard Weiss, M.D., Department of Neurology, Sinai Hospital
Joseph Wiley, M.D., Chief, Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai
Irving Wolfe, M.D., Division of Dermatology, Sinai Hospital, Northwest Hospital
Kelvin Yee, M.D., Chief, Department of Anesthesia, Sinai Hospital
Stephen Zemel, M.D., Division of Nephrology, Northwest Hospital
Aaron Zuckerberg, M.D., Head, Division of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Critical Care, Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai

Start! Greater Baltimore Heart Walk Raises Money

2009-10-29T12:07:00.002-04:00

More than 8,000 people put their best feet forward recently for the 2009 Start! Greater Baltimore Heart Walk in Federal Hill Park.

The gray day didn’t dampen any spirits as runners and walkers trekked along the 5K route to raise money for research in the battle against heart disease and strokes.

And raise money they did…$900,000!

In addition to the dollars and cents, The Start! Heart Walk was designed to be a rewarding fun experience that promotes physical activity.

While it’s up to individuals to make strides toward heart-healthy living, some businesses are also pitching in to help their employees.

“These companies are a part of an elite group of organizations nationwide who have been able to attain the American Heart Association’s Fit Friendly designation,” Neil Meltzer, the president of the American Heart Association and the president of Sinai Hospital, told the crowd.

“They lead the way to inspire healthy workplaces and a culture of wellness in our community. At Sinai Hospital, we take great pride in our designation as a Fit Friendly Company.”

The Greater Baltimore Walk was on of three walks in Maryland and one of many more across the country.

Cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease and stroke, is still the number one killer in the United States. More than 860,000 Americans died from it in 2005.

However, most people can dramatically reduce their risks by making a simple changes in their daily lives and by receiving early diagnosis and treatment.

To make an appointment with a cardiologist or to learn more about heart disease, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

Sinai Hosts Electronic Recycling Event

2009-10-28T14:41:00.003-04:00

Perhaps you have a printer in your basement that's sat untouched for the past five years, or a series of cellular telephones sitting in your attic. Thanks to Sinai Hospital, you can finally break free from the various electronic items lurking in your house or office.

As part of the Sinai Hospital 50th Anniversary "50 Acts of Kindness," both employees and members of the community are invited to drop off their unwanted electronic materials on 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, November 6 and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 7.

We are accepting the following items:

A/V equipment
Biomedical devices
Cables/cords
Circuit Boards
Copiers
Diagnostic equipment
Fax machines
X-ray films
Gurneys/wheelchairs
Hard Drives
Keyboards
Lab Instruments
Light Fixtures
Loose wire/cabling
Mainframes
Manuals
Microwaves
Network Equipment
Pallets
Plastic trays/containers
Printers
Radios
Rigid Plastics
Scanners
Scrap metal
Software
Speakers
Stereos
Stretch wrap
Telecom equipment
Telephones (including cellular)
Typewriters
Wire
Toys
Bicycles

Unacceptable Items:

Televisions
Computer monitors
Tires
Batteries
Paint
Mattresses
Box springs
Regular recycling items like paper, aluminum, glass, etc.

For more information, call 410-601-9157 or 410-601-5022.

Bariatric Division Recognized

2009-10-27T17:00:00.004-04:00

Sinai Hospital's Division of Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery, led by Alex Gandas, M.D., was recognized for excellence this week. The American College of Surgeons Bariatric Surgery Center Network Accreditation Program granted Sinai "full approval" as an American College of Surgeons Level 1A Accredited Bariatric Center.

This designation means Sinai Hospital voluntarily met essential criteria of excellence in bariatric surgery care capability and institutional performance. Established by the American College of Surgeons in 2005 in an effort to extend established quality improvement practices to all disciplines of surgical care, the ACS BSCN Accreditation Program provides confirmation that a bariatric surgery center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the highest quality care for its bariatric surgery patients. Accredited bariatric surgery centers provide hospital resources necessary for optimal care of morbidly obese patients. They also show they have the support and resources necessary to address the entire spectrum of care and needs of bariatric patients, from the pre-hospital phase through the postoperative care and treatment process. Sinai Hospital's program includes monthly support groups for bariatric surgery patients.

To learn more about the bariatric surgery, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

LifeBridge Health Mourns Passing of Dr. Alan Levine

2009-10-26T15:51:00.003-04:00

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dr. Alan Levine, the director of the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute at LifeBridge Health.

"Under the guidance of Alan Levine, the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute is a recognized leader in the care and treatment of cancer, not only in Baltimore, but beyond,” Sinai Hospital President Neil Meltzer says. “Alan's vision of a team approach always placed the patient at the center of care. This focus on the patient is what made Alan not only a visionary in the field, but also a man whose devotion to humanity rose above all else."

Dr. Levine, 61, also the head of the Division of Orthopedic Oncology, was renowned in his field. An expert on scoliosis, he was the editor-in-chief of the Journal of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons for eight years, and his published works included “Skeletal Trauma” and “Nonoperative Musculoskeletal Care.” After receiving his medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine, Dr. Levine completed a general surgery internship at the University of Colorado Hospital, after which he completed an orthopedic surgery residency at Yale.

Erik Wexler, president of Northwest Hospital, says Dr. Levine was a critical component to the success of the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute.

"I will miss Alan's passionate interest in advancing oncology services at LifeBridge Health," Wexler says. "His impact is far and wide within the Baltimore region. He exemplified the type of leadership we depend on from our physician leaders to enhance services on each of our campuses. There is no doubt that Northwest Hospital's development of cancer infusion services and the breast care center happened due to the vision of this highly dedicated leader. I will miss him very much."

From an early age, Dr. Levine was fascinated by medicine – his father, Dr. Leon Levine, was an orthopedic surgeon and his grandfather was a dentist. He told the AAOS News in 2007, “In general, the sort of things that we do in orthopaedics, and especially in orthopaedic oncology, can make a huge difference in people’s lives. I had a patient recently whom we treated for a spine tumor. His wife said to me, ‘You gave me my husband back.’”

LifeBridge Health radiation oncologist Mark Brenner, M.D., who met Dr. Levine in 1991, says his colleague and friend's death has created a tremendous void.

"I'm going to miss him terribly," Dr. Brenner says. "If someone, anywhere, called me with a soft tissue or spine tumor, it was a no-brainer - you sent them to Alan Levine. He was a giant presence, and the Cancer Institute was really his baby."

In addition to his professional success, Dr. Levine was active in charitable works. In his spare time, he would make teddy bears for his pediatric patients. He was featured in an American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Exhibition of Orthopedics in Art, and told AAOS the bears were “a non-threatening way for some of my younger patients to deal with scoliosis. The nature of the interaction of the physicians with the child and parents is paramount.” Dr. Levine also donated his time to braVo!, designing a bra called “Bear Breasted.”

In addition to his father, Dr. Levine is survived by his wife, Barbara Portnoy Levine, and his children: Dana Levine of San Francisco, Calif; Alissa and Greg Wong of New York, N.Y.; and Andrea Levine of Baltimore, Md. He was the brother of Francea McNair, brother-in-law of Tim McNair, and son-in-law of Rae and Murray Portnoy of Connecticut. He was preceded in death by his mother, Felice Levine.

"He was really a family man," Dr. Brenner says. "He was really proud of his kids. He adored them. His life may have been cut short, but he was someone who stopped and smelled the roses."

Services will be tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc., 8900 Reisterstown Road, at Mount Wilson Lane. Interment will be at Garrison Forest Cemetery of Chizuk Amuno Congregation in Owings Mills. Please omit flowers. The family will be in mourning at 1805 By Woods Lane, Stevenson, MD 21153.

braVo! Breakfast Held at Regalo

2009-10-23T14:19:00.006-04:00

The designer Jay Strongwater creates pieces found in the most exclusive stores or in the homes of top celebrities. But on Friday, those purchasing his frames, vases or other beautiful objects not only got a collector's item - they also helped out women and men with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Regalo, located between sponsors Renaissance Fine Arts and Radcliffe Jewelers, joined forces with Strongwater and LifeBridge Health in holding a breakfast to benefit the braVo! Financial Assistan ce Fund at LifeBridge Health.

"This is amazing for us," says Renaissance Fine Arts Vice President Merritt Miller, pictured above with Ronnie Footlick, chairwoman of the LifeBridge Health Board of Directors. "It feels good to work together with Jay and LifeBridge Health in order to give something back."

Each year the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institut e diagnoses more than 2,000 new cases of cancer and has 25,000 outpatient visits. For some patients, the costs associated with treatment can be overwhelming. The braVo! Fund was established nearly four years ago to help patients in need obtain supplemental services that are not covered by insurance, such as wigs, massage therapy, medications, and transportation.

Spread the Word, Not the Germs

2009-10-21T13:54:00.004-04:00

It's important for everyone to wash their hands. But there are some professions where hand washing is a critical part of the job: health care workers, teachers, and anyone involved in the food industry.

That's why LifeBridge Health is so excited that the Restaurant Association o f Maryland has joined us in the promotion hand washing. A variety of posters, including the one pictured here, are available free to RAM members. Each poster is available in a laminated 8 1/2 x 11 format. You can read more about it on the Restaurant Association of Maryland Education Foundation Web site.

The hand washing campaign continues to "spread the word, not the germs." When you click on Wash Your Hands Maryland, you'll not only see our PSA but see the variety of downloadable hand washing tools available.

Tell us: are you washing your hands more these days? Are you carrying hand sanitizer everywhere, or using our LifeBridge Health towelettes? Post your thoughts in our comments section!

Seasonal Flu Vaccines Available Saturday

2009-10-20T15:03:00.003-04:00

Have you had your seasonal flu shot yet? Northwest Hospital is hosting a Community Seasonal Flu Vaccination Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, October 24. Vaccinations will take place in the Pikes-Reister-Owings Educational Rooms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the vaccine is the most important step in protecting against seasonal flu, as it protects against the three most common seasonal viruses. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of serious flu complications, including young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, and people over the age of 65. Each year more than 200,00 people in the United States are hospitalized with seasonal flu complications, and 36,000 die.

This vaccine does not protect against H1N1 influenza.

You should not get the flu shot if you have:

Severe allergy to eggs or egg products.
Allergy to Thimerosol (a preservative), other than having a contact lens sensitivity.
A history of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Previous severe (life-threatening) allergic reaction to the flu vaccine.

Community members wishing to obtain the vaccine will be directed to park on the physician's parking lot and will enter through the physician's entrance.

In order to provide a smooth flow of traffic and adequate parking for employees and community members obtaining the flu shot, the receiving court driveway on Carlson Lane (leading to the physician's lot) will be closed to employee traffic between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday. Employees arriving at and leaving Northwest Hospital during those hours will be required to enter via the Emergency Room Ambulance and directed by Security to park in the B-Lot. Physicians are asked to park in the C-Lot, the E-Lot (ER) physician spaces, or security will gladly direct them to spaces on the A-Lot adjacent to the ASB Building. We ask that physicians also please enter via the employee entrance to avoid any line may accumulate waiting to obtain the vaccination.

We hope to see you on Saturday!

How I Became an Environmental Health Nurse

2009-10-19T14:23:00.003-04:00

by Janel C. Parham, RN, MS, O.R. Liaison Nurse, General Operating Room, Sinai Hospital

I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was in the third grade, so it was no surprise when I graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. During my undergraduate clinical rotations, I’d fell in love with maternal/child health and that’s where I started my career. Back then, I had no idea that my path would eventually lead me to Environmental Health Nursing (EHN). I had never even heard of EHN and wasn’t thinking of health problems related to exposures to toxins.

It wasn’t until I left the hospital to work in community health that I found a new area of interest. I was not only able to care for my patient, but play a role in preventing health problems. My work in community health led me to pursue a master’s degree in Community/Public Health from the University of Maryland School of Nursing.

One of the requirements for the master’s degree was a course in Environmental Health Nursing. The course, taught by Dr. Barbara Sattler, both intrigued and frightened me. It was a lot of information to process, learning the everyday exposures that everyone encounters. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know. It seemed that the toxins were everywhere- our food, water, air, clothing, cosmetics - the list was endless. At first I felt there was nothing to be done - how could anyone escape toxins? - but what I came to realize was that the knowledge was actually empowering. I was able to use my resources to reduce my exposure and I was excited to share what I learned. I eventually went on to get post-master’s in EHN. Even better was the information could be used in conjunction with my other passion- maternal/child health. I looked at how all these toxins effected female reproduction and fetal development.

I eventually went on to work for Dr. Sattler in the Environmental Health Education Center at UMSON in addition to teaching a clinical course in community health nursing, with a focus on the health effects of environmental exposures. Even though I’ve since moved on from the academic world, I still teach everyday with patients and coworkers.

My current position at Sinai Hospital is O.R. Liaison Nurse. I work as the coordinator for/and between the various areas within Peri-Operative Services (O.R., P.A.S.S., Pre-Op/ Holding, and PACU) I also provide support to waiting family members of our surgical patients. As the Liaison Nurse, I often attend meetings with other hospital departments as a representative for Peri-Operative and serve as the co-chair for our Education and Practice Committee. On the LifeBridge Health Green Committee, I use my clinical and advanced training to offer input on some of the green initiatives that directly effect patient care areas, including working closely with Reduction in Motion to help implement the blue wrap and saline bottle recycling program programs in the Operating Rooms on the fourth floor.

The Environmental Health option prepares nurses to address the human health effects associated with environmental risks. Special vulnerabilities of children, pregnant women, older adults, minorities, and the chronically ill are explored.

The Debate on Breast Cancer Campaigns

2009-10-16T09:45:00.003-04:00

by Deb Kirkland, RN, BSN, MPH

Nurse Navigator, Herman & Walter Samuelson Breast Care Center

“Save Second Base” and “Save the Ta Tas” are common slogans used today in creating breast cancer awareness. Recently, there has been some controversy over the latest public service announcement, “Save the Boobs”* for breast cancer awareness month. One thing everyone would agree on, this video made an impact! If that was the purpose, it was accomplished. Some state it was too provocative and seemed more like a beer commercial. Others agree it served a purpose and created an impact, one that most of us will not forget.

Breast cancer was once considered an older woman’s disease; today we are changing the face of breast cancer, as it is being seen more in younger women. Awareness campaigns have become more creative in attempts of targeting younger audiences. These slogans target younger women, as well as younger men. In breast cancer, due to ineffective diagnostic screening tools in this younger population, breast self awareness (BSA) is the best tool we currently have. In women under 40 diagnosed with breast cancer, 80 percent of these lumps are detected by younger women themselves or by their significant other. While some may find this PSA inappropriate, it can also be taken as creative and targeting young men, making them aware. It is a sensitive topic and if educational statistics are provided in a dry manner, people may not always remember. In a flashy commercial…they do not forget! I personally like “Feel Your Boobies”. The slogans are trendy and catchy, as they are targeting younger women. It may seem more fun wearing one of these slogans, instead of the standard pink ribbon.

If you are participating in the local Komen MD race this Sunday, you can view their local campaign, “Support Your Local Breasts” (where you will see my picture) on their Web site to promote their Race for the Cure.

I think we have come a long way, as traditionally people did not talk about breast cancer. Today it is out of the closet and awareness campaigns are everywhere, from clothes, milk cartons, to golf clubs year round. The key to remember is the message behind all of it.

*Please note the video is only allowed for users 18 and older.

Men and Their Hand Washing

2009-10-15T13:11:00.004-04:00

At this point, it would be hard not to know that LifeBridge Health is in the midst of a massive hand washing campaign. We've also had great response to our Harris Interactive poll, which shows that when in a public restroom without soap or towels, 74 percent of American adults who use public restrooms would rinse their hands with water and let them air dry.

Sadly, it would be no surprise to learn that researchers report in the American Journal of Public Health that roughly a third of men wash their hands with soap after using a bathroom, versus 64 percent of women.

Yuck.

Today is Global Handwashing Day, and what better way for LifeBridge Health (@LBHealth) to show its support than by hosting a hand washing Tweetup at Little Havana from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.? There will be cool prizes, including a Garmin GPS, a Bodum french press, lots of hand sanitizers, and a chance to meet Sinai's John Cmar, M.D., in person. Come meet the man behind many a flu story!

A Brief Case for Saying Thanks

2009-10-15T09:00:00.001-04:00

Have you ever worked with a case manager at a hospital? They are the people who help patients understand their health status, what is being done, and what treatments to expect.

The case department managers at LifeBridge Health institutions are composed of nurse case managers, clinical social workers, utilization review nurses and case management support staff. They collaborate with physicians, nurses and all the ancillary support departments to facilitate access of care for patients, and help them through the often confusing process of health care options.

National Case Management Week is this week, so if you see a case manager, it's a good time to say "thank you!"

Depression, Medication and Pregnancy

2009-10-14T12:04:00.003-04:00

If you are pregnant and clinically depressed, you may be worried about stopping your medication. You are not alone.

Julie Jacobstein, M.D., Sinai Hospital Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, says many pregnant women ask about whether they should stop taking their antidepressant. According to the March of Dimes, out of every 10 women who are pregnant, one or two have symptoms of major depression.

“The goal is to keep you on the lowest possible does that is still therapeutic,” Dr. Jacobstein says. “I am a big proponent of psychotherapy, but it’s often putting the two together that works best.”

While a woman may worry about the potential risks of medication, Dr. Jacobstein points out that the benefits of a having a mentally healthy mother should not be overlooked.

“It is more detrimental to the baby’s growth and development to have a mom who is not sleeping, not eating, and not functioning,” she says.

However, a medical professional can work with the woman to taper down levels of medication. Dr. Jacobstein also encourages physicians and family members to keep an eye out for symptoms of depression that arise in pregnancy, especially if the pregnancy was not planned or desired. These symptoms may include trouble sleeping, sleeping too much, family history of depression, lack of interest or difficulty concentrating on the pregnancy, or simply “not being herself.”

“I look for people who are withdrawn,” she says. “I have some women who look at that picture on the ultrasound and there is a detachment. I look at women who are losing weight - are they not eating because they are withdrawn or because they are having difficulty with pregnancy? You ask them, ‘are you excited, have you thought about a delivery plan, have you thought about a pediatrician? ”

Above all, if you are taking an antidepressant and find out that you are pregnant, do not stop taking your medication without talking to your health provider.

To make an appointment with one of Sinai’s ob-gyns, call 410-601-WELL (9355).

Spreading the Facts About H1N1

2009-10-13T21:28:00.004-04:00

I've been directly involved in quite a bit of public outreach over the past few weeks concerning the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, vaccination, and prevention. One of the biggest challenges is to address and clarify some of the important misconceptions about the virus and it's prevention and treatment, to avoid unnecessary illness and loss of life. While reaching out through traditional news media means is critical, as my friend Joe recently pointed out on Twitter, more needs to be done.

To this end, several creative ways to spread the facts about H1N1 have surfaced of late:

We at Lifebridge Health will be holding a Tweet-up for influenza prevention on Thursday evening from 5-7pm at Little Havana. Not only will this be an excellent opportunity to interact with myself and other Lifebridge experts in a casual setting, but it will also afford an unhurried opportunity to discuss any influenza-related questions. Go here to get the details, and please stop by if you can - it should be quite the fun time!

John D. Clarke, MD, a physician in New York, has created an H1N1 informational rap video as a part of his educational efforts.

Adam and Jamie of Mythbusters fame have put together a video PSA to help promote H1N1 awareness. As a companion piece, the Discovery channel has posted a page addressing 5 myths about H1N1 influenza.