July 2018 - Media Tip Sheet

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




--TIPS FOR HANDLING POSTPARTUM ANXIETY, DEPRESSION OR STRESS


--VEGAN FOODS FOR YOUR GRILL


--EYE PROTECTION TIPS FOR FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS CELEBRATIONS AND BEYOND


--IS IT HEALTHY OR JUNK FOOD?


--SAFETY TIPS TO BEAT THE HEAT


--UNDERSTANDING WHICH SPF IS BEST?

TIPS FOR HANDLING POSTPARTUM ANXIETY, DEPRESSION OR STRESS

The birth of a child can be a joyous and exciting occasion for many but for some women it may trigger postpartum disorders such as anxiety, depression or stress. Postpartum mental health disorders are some of the most common complications of child birth, but very few women talk about it or seek treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 600,000 women in the U.S. annually suffer from postpartum depression. A member of the Doula Birth and Postpartum Support at GBMC can help explain what is postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression and postpartum stress, how they are different, what are their respective causes, symptoms and treatment options and why some women are more likely to experience postpartum disorders than others.

VEGAN FOODS FOR YOUR GRILL

Traditional grilled recipes during the summer season are almost always meat-based. However, did you know that summer cookouts can be meatless, delicious and even healthier than the traditional meat-heavy grilled foods? Flavorful vegan options made from innovative ingredients are a popular choice for a vegan barbecue. A GBMC nutritionists can discuss this and various other vegan meat substitute meal substitutes that contain the highest protein, the least unnecessary ingredients, and offer great taste.

EYE PROTECTION TIPS FOR FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS CELEBRATIONS AND BEYOND

Eye protection is a major focus around the Fourth of July celebration due to injuries caused by fireworks. More than three-quarters of all yearly fireworks-related ocular injuries occur around the Fourth of July holiday and nearly 400 patients lose vision in one or both eyes because of their injuries and that half of all fireworks injuries occur to bystanders, according to the United States Eye Injury Registry (USEIR). But, if you experience eye pain, irritation, redness, itching or blurry vision, you’re not alone. From myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism to macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts, most people are likely to experience an eye problem or vision issue at some point, and the potential for problems increases with age. Tanvi Shah, M.D., with the Department of Ophthalmology at GBMC, is available to provide safety tips to prevent eye injuries to those who plan to attend a public firework show or decide to purchase consumer fireworks and what to do if your eyes are injured from fireworks along with ways to keep optimal ocular health.

IS IT HEALTHY OR JUNK FOOD?

Fast foods and sweet treats may taste great, but they can wreak havoc on your health. Today, there are many mixed messages relayed to the public when it comes to diet, nutrition and food. One of the main dangers is that someone might think a certain meal or food product is a healthy option, but upon further review of the ingredients you might realize that you’re about to eating something that is not as healthy as you originally thought. A GBMC registered dietician can outline how fast food can affect our health and the "do-consume-list" they provide to patients, discuss health foods and drinks that aren't as healthy as advertised, and how they compare to their junk food counterpart. Food comparisons can include, but not limited to muffins vs cupcakes; veggie chips vs potato chips; gourmet burgers vs regular burgers; Low carb drinks vs regular drinks; and frozen yogurt vs ice cream.

SAFETY TIPS TO BEAT THE HEAT

With the heat index during the summer months reaching over 90 degrees, physicians at GBMC are encouraging the public, whether working or playing outdoors, that it is important to know the warning signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses. GBMC ED physicians typically see an increase of patients experiencing heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke in the summer months and therefore encourage people of all ages to be more cautious during extremely hot and humid days. Doctors will be able to discuss the different forms of heat-related illness – heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke – warning signs, treatment options and offer proactive approaches to summer safety to help families avoid an unwanted trip to the hospital.

UNDERSTANDING WHICH SPF IS BEST?

Consumers are inundated with the numerous choices of available sunscreen products for purchase. More choices tend to increase questions from the public. Kevin Ferentz, MD, melanoma survivor and lead physician at GBMC Owings Mills, can help navigate and offer insight on the massive spectrum of choices in protection against the sun’s dangerous rays. Ferentz can address the following questions: what does "SPF" really mean; how high of an SPF should adults use or apply to kids; what's wrong with high SPF; which ingredients should I look for when selecting sunscreen protection, which is more effective a spray sunscreen or a lotion; should we apply more sunscreen when we are swimming at the pool or at the beach?