April 2018 - Media Tip Sheet

Listed below are story ideas from Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC). To pursue any of these stories, please call John M. Lazarou at 443-849-2126 or jlazarou@gbmc.org.




--With baseball season back what’s healthy to eat at the ballpark?


--Preventing Marathon Injuries


--Be Kind To Your Voice and Give it A Rest


--Spring Skin Care


-- Super Foods – Just How Super Are They?


--Head and neck cancers are rare, but known to be severe




With baseball season back what’s healthy to eat at the ballpark?


There is nothing like spending the day at the ballpark. Part of the fun is the food that you eat while watching the game. However, it can be difficult to make good healthy food choices and decide which foods are the best ones for you to eat. Today, many stadiums offer healthier food options, to those who are watching their weight or diet, as an alternative to the traditional foods like hamburgers, hot dogs and cotton candy. A registered dietician at GBMC, can discuss what are some healthy alternatives at the ballpark, how to play it smart and tips to keep in mind before ordering food at the stadium.




Preventing Running Injuries


Now that the long, cold winter season is coming to a close and that its finally warm enough to workout outdoors, many runners will move on from running on treadmills, inside their homes or at the gym, to jogging outside. But, before you conduct an all-out pavement or trail workout, a GBMC physical therapist wants to explain why it’s important, whether you’re returning to running or just beginning, to ease into a routine to allow your body to adapt. The physical therapist can also discuss proper training tips and offer insight on how to avoid some common running mistakes. They can answer questions such as: What are some tips for preventing running injuries? How important is post-run stretching in preventing injury? What are some tips to minimize post-run muscle soreness? If injured, how do I know if I should use ice or heat for my injury? When is it time to see a physical therapist for treatment?




Be Kind To Your Voice and Give It A Rest


All through the NCAA March Madness tournament to the start of the 2018 Major League Baseball season, thousands of people have been and will relentlessly scream and shout, placing tremendous strain on their voices. Complete silence is not an option and too much yelling, screaming and cheering at basketball and baseball games and other forms of vocal cord overuse can damage your voice. A GBMC laryngologist with The Johns Hopkins Voice Center, located on the GBMC medical campus can discuss any “red flags” for vocal disorder issues, what are signs of an over-used voice, how to avoid frequent hoarseness or a potentially serious vocal cord condition and ways to protect your voice. World Voice Day is Monday, April 16. World Voice Day is a reminder for all people to assess their vocal health and act to improve or maintain good voice habits. The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery has sponsored the U.S. observance of World Voice Day since its inception in 2002.




Spring skin care


Believe it or not, spring is finally here! But, your skin could still be feeling the effects of the frigid winter season. The low humidity along with the hot air, heat and less fresh air can result in overheated, undernourished skin on your face and body. The skin, around your elbows, knees and heels, could be dry, scaly and rough. Alyson Wells, M.D., F.A.C.S. chief of Plastic Surgery at GBMC, can outline what you need to know about transitional skincare, so you can look your best during the warmer months. Wells can also discuss: what are some of the ways to switch your skin care from winter to spring, ways to soothe dry, cracked winter skin, various spring skin care tips, and ideas for any foods/fruits or nutrients that can help your skin, during the transition from winter to spring.




Super Foods – Just How Super Are They?


We’ve all heard the term “superfoods”, but, what does that term mean? According to nutritionists and registered dietitians, “superfoods” are considered to be nutrient-dense foods full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants and are geared to do everything from preventing diseases to helping us stay young. As Americans have made a more conscious effort to eat healthy, these groups of food have gotten much attention over the years. A registered dietician at GBMC can help separate fact from fiction about “superfoods” and can help you decide what foods are helpful, what are phony and what might be harmful.




Head and neck cancers are rare, but known to be severe


More than 48,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral, head and neck cancer this year. according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and approximately 8,000 of those are projected to die from either oral, head and neck cancer. Statistics show that 85 percent of head and neck cancers are related to tobacco use, while others may be related to viral causes such as Human Papillomavirus and Epstein-Barr Virus (HPV). It is clear that oral, head, and neck cancers are among the fastest rising cancers today. What most Americans don’t know is that if diagnosed early, oral and other head and neck cancers can be more easily treated without significant complications, and the chances of survival greatly increase. For this to happen though many need to recognize the symptoms of these cancers, which makes screening very important, especially for those who are at high risk, such as tobacco and alcohol users. Ryan H. Sobel, MD, a GBMC head and neck surgeon, can provide the facts and of offer tips on protection from oral, head and neck cancer. He can also discuss the signs and symptoms while offering reasons on why screening for these cancers is important.