Men vs. Women

Appraise Your True Health Risks to Help Defeat Them

What differentiates you from the opposite sex? Aside from the obvious physical differences, men and women have battled over the finer points throughout history. From brute strength to feminine wiles, the supposed differences between men and women are infinitely debatable. But when it comes to top health risks, the differences are clear.

Heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death in both sexes, but the similarities end there.* Men succumb to unintentional injuries and suicide at a higher rate than women, while women have higher rates of stroke and Alzheimer's disease. Understanding the differences between mothers and sons, brothers and sisters and husbands and wives can help us protect ourselves and our loved ones from the biggest threats to our health.

We're Not Created Equal?

The average American man lives 5.3 fewer years than his female counterpart, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No one can fully explain the discrepancy, but some experts point to inherited traits, male sex hormones and a propensity for risky behavior – such as smoking, drinking and using illicit drugs – as reasons why men are more at risk for premature death. Unintentional injuries are the No. 3 killer of men, with more than twice as many men as women dying in traffic accidents and poisonings.* Accidents in the workplace also claim far more men than women.

The eighth leading cause of death in men – suicide – doesn't even make it into the women's top 10. This is due in part to men's tendency to use deadlier means and because depression manifests differently in men and often goes undiagnosed. Rather than feeling sad, worthless or guilty as with women, men with depression may complain of fatigue, irritability, trouble sleeping and loss of interest in work or hobbies.

But women do lead men in several risk factors. Stroke occurs equally in both men and women, but men stand a greater chance of surviving it – nearly two-thirds of those who die from stroke are women. And more women develop and die from Alzheimer's disease every year, due in large part to their longer lives.
Even the top health risks for both men and women affect the sexes differently. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both, yet more women than men die from it in a typical year. However, men tend to develop the condition 10 to 15 years earlier than women. Nearly 25% of all heart disease deaths occur in men ages 35 to 65. Cancer is the second leading killer of men and women, and lung cancer is responsible for most of those deaths. For men, the next most common killer is prostate cancer; for women, it's breast cancer.

Knowledge Is Power

Don't let the statistics and averages scare you – you have the power to improve and maintain your health and vitality. Living healthfully by eating a balanced diet, reducing stress, exercising, not smoking and seeing your doctor regularly for checkups and recommended screenings can help you live life to the fullest.

* Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov.

Recipe of the Month: Spinach Salad with Maple Bacon Dressing

This salad is so delicious even your kids will love it! Traditional bacon dressings typically boast mega amounts of fat grams because they include mayonnaise or cream. This recipe still offers great flavor, but with a lot less fat. And if you are looking to add a little iron and protein to your diet, the spinach and eggs in this dish do the trick!

Tip: Soak the red onions in ice water for 15 minutes, drain and pat dry. This reduces the aftertaste associated with stronger onions.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS
12 cups fresh baby spinach
4 eggs, hard-boiled, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly-sliced
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into chunks
DRESSING
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sweet onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 slices bacon, crisply fried and crumbled
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Toss spinach, eggs, red onion and cucumber together in a large serving bowl and set aside. In a small skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Pour vinegar and maple syrup into the pan, then bring to a boil while stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper. Pour dressing over spinach mixture, sprinkle with bacon and serve immediately.

Exercise Makes a Difference

You may already know that exercise can improve your health and help prevent conditions like heart disease and diabetes. But did you know it may also make you look and feel younger?

Staying fit may help you walk taller, control your weight, stimulate circulation and feel more energetic – all of which could mean a younger-looking you.

A Look at the Benefits

• Regular physical activity has been shown to:
• Decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers, including breast and colon cancer
• Help prevent osteoporosis and slow bone mass loss in women who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis 
• Improve balance and flexibility, which can lead to fewer injuries
• Help prevent or control high blood pressure
• Help reduce "bad" and improve "good" cholesterol levels
• Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Increase energy 
• Improve sleep

But I Don't Have the Time…

Women are masters at making time for their families, jobs, volunteer activities – just about everyone but themselves. In fact, only four in 10 American women engage in recommended levels of physical activity.*

However, you don't need to spend hours at the gym each day to increase your fitness level. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a day, five days a week, can bestow considerable health benefits. Some simple ways to incorporate exercise into your life include:

• Turn off the television and take a walk. Or consider using an exercise machine or doing yoga while watching your favorite show.
• Make exercise fun by involving friends and family. Consider an early-morning walking club or an evening stroll with your spouse.
• When running errands or shopping, choose a parking space far from the store.
• At work, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Use your lunch hour to take a walk rather than stopping by a fast-food restaurant.
• Buy and wear an inexpensive pedometer and shoot for 10,000 steps a day. You may be surprised at how motivating it is to watch the steps add up.

Get Started Today

Exercise helps girls and young women build the bone mass that will carry them throughout their lives. Middle-aged women benefit by helping preserve their health and stave off certain diseases and conditions. And exercise helps postmenopausal women maintain their strength, balance and flexibility.

Before starting an exercise program, talk with your health care provider. He or she can help you plan an appropriate program that includes aerobic activity and strength training.

* Source: The National Women's Health Information Center, www.4women.gov.

The Legacy of A Life Too Short

Jennifer Lewis was initially diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 14 years of age. “She battled the disease with the same grace and courage that she approached everything in life,” says her mother, Casandra Rendleman-Hall, who previously worked as the Practice Manager for Pediatric Surgery at GBMC. Jennifer was cared for at GBMC, where she received chemotherapy treatments. “Jennifer was a vivacious young lady, who was full of life and did not let adversity stand in her way,” says her mother.

After completing the grueling year-long chemotherapy regimen, Jennifer, then 15, and her mother were treated by the Make-A-Wish Foundation to a vacation in Japan. The highlight of the trip was when Jennifer, who had studied Japanese, and her mother made their way through Disneyland with Jennifer doing the interpreting.

In the fall of 2006, Jennifer was just beginning to make her mark on the world. A brilliant student, she graduated with a double major from the University of Maryland, where she received a full scholarship. She had gotten a new job with Kraft Foods and was studying for the entrance exam to law school. But her life was turned upside down again when she learned the cancer had reoccurred. Sadly, Jennifer succumbed to ovarian cancer in 2008 when she was just 23 years old.

To honor her life, the Jennifer F. Lewis Foundation was established by her mother and sorority sisters to promote ovarian cancer research and to raise awareness. The Foundation awards scholarships to University of Maryland College Park students who exemplify the dynamic spirit and drive that Jennifer exuded throughout her life. Recently, the Jennifer Lewis Foundation presented the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC with a check for $2,500 to support other patients who have ovarian cancer.

“I would like to thank Jennifer’s oncologist, Dr. Celano, and his staff for the warm and compassionate care that he gave my daughter,” says Mrs. Rendleman-Hall. “Although my life will never be the same without my only child, I feel a great comfort to know that she received the best possible care.”

To get more information about making a tribute donation to GBMC, visit http://foundation.gbmc.org and click on “Donate Now.”

Simulation Lab to Provide Hands-On Training

GBMC is dedicated to putting the patient first and providing the best, safest care possible. A new simulation lab being built on campus is another step to ensuring that caregivers are able to do just that. Through the lab, scheduled to be completed in early 2012, nurses and other patient care staff at GBMC will be able to sharpen their skills and teamwork.The full-scale lab will have components such as an open skills area, simulation rooms and debriefing and control rooms.

“This will be an excellent tool in helping clinical staff get hands-on experience in a safe environment before applying training in real patient settings,” says Lynn Marie Bullock, DNP, RN, NE-BC, Administrative Director, Nursing Education. It will house high fidelity patient simulator mannequins, which range from adult to child and infant. “The mannequins are able to talk and blink. You can hear them breathe and even administer medications that will flow through their bodies,” says Lynn Marie.

The lab will be beneficial not only in helping caregivers hone in on technical skills but also by providing team training. “This gives each individual the opportunity to practice his or her role in various situations and emergencies, alleviating confusion during a real event,” she says. The lab’s control room will allow caregivers to create scenarios so that they learn how to handle an array of situations that could happen during their day-to-day interactions with patients. This way, providers can master techniques and learn from mistakes before they have a chance to occur during true patient care.

“Having a full-scale lab available at our facility will help us continue to offer academic care in a community hospital setting and is another step toward providing our patients with the best, safest care possible,” says Lynn Marie.

GBMC Weight Loss Surgery Patient Sheds Pounds, Regains Life

On May 3, 2011, 34-year-old Jennifer* cemented a decision that was 10 years in the making. That day, she successfully underwent gastric bypass surgery through the Comprehensive Obesity Management Program (COMP) at GBMC. “I had contemplated having weight loss surgery for a long time after trying just about everything to lose weight,” says Jennifer. “When I decided to get serious about having surgery, I was on blood pressure medication at the highest weight of my life and was tired of coming out on the losing end of this weight battle.”

Jennifer began searching for weight loss programs, and attended one of GBMC’s free bariatric surgery information sessions. “What impressed me the most and solidified my decision to go through COMP at GBMC was that the actual surgeon who performs the procedures at the hospital was presenting information, not some representative,” she explains. Her surgeon, Peter Liao, MD, FACS, serves as Medical Director of COMP. “Dr. Liao took time out of his schedule to come talk to us. He and the entire staff have been so friendly and supportive – no matter how many questions I ask, they always make me feel important.”

In addition to consultations with Dr. Liao, Jennifer met regularly with a registered dietitian who helped her achieve nutrition goals in preparation for surgery. “My dietitian taught me that bariatric surgery is not a magic pill. It requires permanent lifestyle changes, and you have to put forth the effort to be successful,” says Jennifer, who also attended GBMC’s free bariatric surgery support groups facilitated by Melissa Frey, RN, both before and after her gastric bypass. “The support group sessions were extremely beneficial, allowing me to interact with people going through the same thing as me. They offered real world advice on what to expect before and after surgery.”

An extraordinary 105 pounds lighter, Jennifer says that her energy levels have vastly increased since her surgery. “There used to be so many things I couldn’t do because of my weight. Now I can run, be active and not be held back by obesity,” she says. “I’m so thankful to the staff at COMP for paving the way for my healthier lifestyle.”

To learn more about GBMC’s Comprehensive Obesity Management Program, visit www.gbmc.org/weightloss or call 443-849-8446 to sign up for an Information Session.

* Please note: The patient’s last name was withheld to protect the individual’s privacy.

Mushroom Lasagna

This hearty vegetarian meal is good for your heart! It combines low-fat dairy and low-sodium sauce with whole grains and plenty of vegetables.

Preparation time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Number of servings: 9

Ingredients
1 pound low-fat cottage cheese
1/2 pound low-fat or part-skim ricotta cheese
2 egg whites
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoons fresh minced chives
1 tablespoon fresh minced parsley
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces whole wheat lasagna noodles, uncooked
1 cup onion (1 large), minced
1/4 cup dry red wine
1-1/2 pounds sliced mushrooms
1 cup chopped zucchini
4 cups low sodium red sauce of your choice

Directions

Puree cottage cheese, ricotta, egg whites and Parmesan cheese. Blend in chives, parsley and pepper by hand. In a large pot of lightly salted boiling water, cook lasagna noodles until just tender but not mushy, about 10 minutes. Remove noodles with a slotted spoon, dip into cold water and lay out flat on clean kitchen towels (not paper towel, or they will stick). In a covered skillet, simmer onions in wine for about 5 minutes until very soft. Stir frequently, but keep pot covered in between stirrings. Add mushrooms and zucchini and cook until soft and half their original volume, about 5 minutes. Drain the vegetables. Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine the cheese mixture and all but 1/4 cup of the mushroom mixture. Spread 2 cups of red sauce in the bottom of a 9-by-13 inch baking pan. Alternate layers of noodles and cheese mixture ending with a final layer of noodles. Cover with remaining sauce. Distribute reserved mushrooms over top. Bake, covered, for 1 hour. Uncover and bake for 5 minutes longer. Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before cutting.

Recipe courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov.

Nutrition Facts
Mushroom Lasagna
Serving Size 1/9 of recipe

Amount Per Serving
Calories 240
Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value (DV)*

Total Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 10mg 3%
Sodium 360mg 15%
Total Carbohydrate 31g 10%
Dietary Fiber 6g 24%
Sugars 8g
Protein 17g
Vitamin A 10%
Vitamin C 15%
Calcium 15%
Iron 20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.