50th Anniversary Celebration

October 2, 2015 marked GBMC HealthCare's 50^th anniversary of providing high quality, compassionate care to the greater Baltimore community. All year long, the organization has been celebrating its accomplishments and recognizing its many dedicated physicians, nurses, employees, volunteers and donors.
Click here to watch messages of thanks from GBMC to those who have given so much of themselves for the health of the community.

As a part of the celebration, GBMC HealthCare partnered with ABC2 to produce a 30-minute TV special, "GBMC at 50," which aired on September 30 and October 10. It's more than GBMC's story, though. It's also about Baltimore, America and the Towson community. If you missed the special and would like to watch it, visit www.gbmc50.com. While you're there, please take a moment to read some of the truly inspirational stories submitted by GBMC HealthCare patients over the past year at www.gbmc50.com/ourstories.

Additionally, more than 1,300 members of the GBMC HealthCare family gathered at the Baltimore Convention Center on October 2 for the 50^th Anniversary Gala. To view photos from the gala, click here.

GBMC HealthCare looks forward to many more years of delivering better health and better care at a lower cost with more joy!

Speak Up about Breast Cancer!

Although October is breast cancer awareness month, any time is a good time to speak with a physician about breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), about one in eight women in the United States who live to age 85 will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Fortunately, breast cancer is a very treatable disease! One of the most important things a woman can do for her health is to talk with a primary care physician (PCP) about her risk factors for breast cancer. The PCP will help establish an early detection plan (when it is appropriate to begin receiving regular mammograms for screening purposes).

The ACS defines breast cancer as a malignant tumor that forms in the cells of the breast and can grow into surrounding tissues or spread to other areas of the body. There are many factors that increase a person's risk for developing breast cancer. While some factors cannot be controlled, one way that people can lower their risk is by reducing their body mass index (BMI). Higher BMIs have been linked to increased levels of estrogen, heightened levels of which can lead to breast cancer. Other risk factors include:

• Age
• Genetics
• Personal health history (age at onset of menstruation and menopause, other cancer in the family, alcohol usage)
• Diet
• Heritage

Contrary to popular belief, women are not the only ones at risk for breast cancer. Although rare, men of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and those with extensive family histories of breast, prostate, ovarian, pancreatic or skin cancers may also be diagnosed with breast cancer and should speak with their PCPs about close surveillance. After assessing an individual's risk, a PCP is able to order tests such as mammograms, ultrasounds or biopsies to examine breast tissue.

Self awareness is another important aspect of cancer detection. Simply noticing if something has changed with your body is often the first step to early diagnosis and treatment. Discuss any changes you find with your PCP, and he or she will review your medical history to determine whether action should be taken. Some symptoms of breast cancer may include:

• Lumps or thickening in or near the breast or underarm
• A change in the size or shape of a breast
• Blood-stained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple
• A change in the skin or the breast or nipple
• Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple
• An area that is distinctly different from other areas on the breast

For more information about your risk for breast cancer, speak with your PCP. if you do not have a PCP, visit www.mygbmcdoctor.com or call 443-849-GBMC to find one who is right for you. 

GBMC's Healthy Holiday Recipe Contest

Contest Description:

With talk of "gobbling 'til you wobble" on Thanksgiving and surgarplums and lollipops dancing through children's heads, the holidays are known for their rich, delicious food. Eggnog and donuts can make for challenging New Year's resolutions, though; research indicates that most Americans never lose the weight they gain during the holidays.

How do you make eating well during the holidays delicious? Perhaps you're known for your "skinny" shortbread cookies. Maybe you've perfected pumpkin granola or mastered lightened-up latkes. Use of vegetables, fruits, lean meat and whole grains is encouraged! Ingredients should be minimally processed and reduced fat wherever possible. Submit your recipe here and you could win one of three great prizes! GBMC employees are welcome to enter, but must do so from home or via mobile device.

Contest Details:

Entry dates: November 1, 2015 at 12:00 a.m. - November 15, 2015 at 11:59 p.m.

Voting dates: Monday, November 16, 2015 at 12:00 a.m. - Sunday, November 22, 2015 at 11:59 p.m.

Prizes:

First Place: $100 Gift Card to Giant Food; Recipe featured in an upcoming edition of Living Healthy, Living Well!

Second Place: $50 Gift Card to Giant Food

Third Place: $25 Gift Card to Giant Food

Meet Susan Alban

Every one of us has a story we can share. Think of a past event in your life related to GBMC. Whether it’s care you received, an opportunity you have, or a loved one you remember, this event should have very personal meaning to you. What’s happened in your life since your experience at GBMC? Read Susan Alban’s story below, and share yours at www.gbmc50.com/mystory.

Susan Alban’s Story: "Because of GBMC, I Am Cancer-Free"

I joined the GBMC family on September 14, 1987 as a laboratorian. If you know anything about laboratorians, you know that we are a “behind the scenes” type of people. We love and care for our patients with the same compassion and dedication as others in the hospital, just from the comfort of the laboratory. Most of us don’t venture out unless we have to, so we miss the opportunity to see our other GBMC family members.

In the spring of 2013, I was led to find out more about my cousins -- the cousins by blood on my father’s side of my family and those here in my GBMC family. In April 2013, I was diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, a genetic predisposition to a variety of cancers, with colon and endometrial being the most prevalent, and a lifetime risk between 60- 80 percent. Lynch gave me a bridge of communication to my “blood” cousins, some of whom I had never met, so I am thankful for that since the syndrome has already wiped out the two previous generations and half of mine.

Lynch also gave me the chance to meet many of my GBMC cousins! Christy Haakonsen in the genetics center broadened my knowledge and helped me decide on a prophylactic hysterectomy, and that led me to meet Dr. Francis Grumbine for my surgery. Then, because we found cancer, I was able to meet Dr. Paul Celano and the awesome team in the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute when I went for chemotherapy. And, because I wanted to know everyone I possibly could, I was fortunate enough to meet Dr. Geoffrey Neuner and the friendly gang in Radiation Oncology!

It has been quite a journey these last two years, but I would not have wanted to experience it anywhere but here. My coworkers were so supportive, filling in for me where they could, donning hats the first day after I shaved my head, learning more about Lynch or just having a friendly smile when I needed it most! I have been here at GBMC for over half my life and am very thankful for the ability to provide for my family through working here and for the great team who has helped me to become cancer-free! I would not have wanted to be anywhere else! Thank you, my GBMC family!

I may never be fully out of the watchful eye of the docs here at GBMC because of my Lynch syndrome. But, because I am currently cancer-free and feeling stronger every day, I am able to continue my journey as part of the GBMC family, providing excellent care so others may continue to have successful stories!

Baked Eggrolls

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon dried ginger
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
4 cups cabbage, rinsed and shredded
2 cups carrots, peeled and sliced thinly
2 cups grilled boneless, skinless      chicken breast, cut into strips
1 teaspoon light soy sauce
8 phyllo dough sheets
Nonstick cooking spray

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 ºF. Heat the vegetable and sesame oil in a large wok or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic. Stir fry quickly, about 30–45 seconds. Add the cabbage and carrots. Continue stir frying until the cabbage is soft, about 2–3 minutes. Add the chicken and soy sauce. Toss the mixture well and heat it through. Remove the mixture from the pan, and place it in a large colander to drain.

To assemble the eggrolls, cover the layers of phyllo with a damp cloth to stay moist. Place one sheet of phyllo dough on a cutting board. Spray it lightly with cooking spray. Top with another layer of phyllo dough, and spray it again. Repeat the process for a total of four layers. Prepare a second stack with the remaining four layers. Cut the layered dough into four squares. Divide the filling evenly (about 1 cup portions) into the center of each stack of squares. Fold one corner of the square into the middle (on top of the filling). Fold in the two sides, and roll the eggroll over so the folded parts are on the bottom. Place the rolls on a nonstick baking sheet, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until brown and crisp and the chicken is reheated. Serve immediately

Nutrition Information

Serving: 2 eggrolls
Calories: 324
Fat: 11 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 26 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g

Recipe Source: Reprinted with permission from Keep the Beat™ Recipes: Deliciously Healthy Family Meals. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. NIH Publication No. 10-7531. Page 11. December 2010.  

Five Facts About Cholesterol

Approximately 73.5 million adults in the U.S. have high cholesterol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). High cholesterol levels have been medically linked to heart disease, peripheral artery disease, atherosclerosis and other heart-related issues, causing patients with high cholesterol to be at a higher risk for strokes and heart attacks. Understand more about cholesterol, its effects on the human body and more in these five facts about cholesterol.

Cholesterol Defined
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like material that is both created naturally by the body and taken in through food sources. It is a general word that pertains to two different types of cholesterol,  low-density lipoproteins (LDL), also known as “bad” cholesterol, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL), also known as “good” cholesterol. The term “high cholesterol” refers to heightened levels of LDL.

Cholesterol in the Body
The liver creates all of the cholesterol the human body needs. Cholesterol is circulated through the blood, aiding in production of hormones and vitamins and eventually, it gets broken down into bile salts to help the body absorb nutrients from ingested foods. Cholesterol is found naturally in foods from animal sources, including poultry, meat and high-fat dairy products.

Good vs. Bad Cholesterol
The “good” HDL cholesterol absorbs excess “bad” LDL cholesterol and carries it to the liver to be cleansed from the body. HDL protects against blood clots, helps keep the blood vessels healthy and can lower a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke. LDL comprises the majority of the body’s cholesterol levels, contributing to plaque buildup in the arties, damaging the insides of blood vessels and ultimately creating a higher risk of heart-related health complications. Though the body needs some LDL for normal body functions, heightened LDL levels are harmful and potentially fatal.

Genetics, Lifestyle and Cholesterol
While studies have shown that cholesterol levels may have some genetic component, lifestyle also plays a large role in the HDL and LDL levels in your body. Certain cholesterol-specific genetic conditions, including familial hypercholesterolemia – a predisposition to extremely heightened or difficult-to-control high LDL levels – put certain individuals at greater risk than others for cholesterol-centric heart conditions. More often, though, high LDL levels result from an LDL-rich diet, low levels of physical exercise, smoking and other unhealthy habits. Lifestyle changes typically aid in lowering LDL levels and raising HDL levels, keeping people healthy for years to come.

Lowering LDL Cholesterol Levels
While LDL may seem scary, it is possible to reverse current LDL levels and increase HDL levels through lifestyle changes, diet changes and more:

• Make changes to your daily diet. Avoid saturated fats and oils, trans fats, partially hydrogenated oils, fatty meats, dairy products with 1% or more milk fat and fast foods. Instead, eat oats, salmon, nuts, tea, beans and other nutrient-dense, high-fiber foods to help reduce the LDL in your body. Drink plenty of water to help detoxify as well.
• Exercise regularly. Losing excess weight helps to reduce the payload of your heart and blood vessels. This can either reduce your risk of or prevent diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, gout, cancer, heart attacks and stroke.
• Stop smoking. The chemicals is smoking products make it tough for your body to get rid of the bad cholesterol in your bloodstream. Smoking cessation leads to a heightened ability to detoxify LDL from your body and improve HDL levels.
• Consult a physician about cholesterol monitoring and possible prescription medications. Your primary care physician will be able to decide if a cholesterol-lowering medication is right for your health plan. Treatments for high cholesterol include statins, a medication that helps lower your risk of heart attack or stroke by preventing the liver from producing cholesterol internally. Talk to your primary care physician to see if this is right for you.

Having your cholesterol checked regularly is important because there are no symptoms of high cholesterol.  Contact your primary care physician to schedule testing. If you do not have a primary care physician, visit www.mygbmcdoctor.com or call 443-849-GBMC.

Meet Kevin Murphy

Every one of us has a story we can share. Think of a past event in your life related to GBMC. Whether it’s care you received, an opportunity you have, or a loved one you remember, this event should have very personal meaning to you. What’s happened in your life since your experience at GBMC? Read Kevin Murphy's story below, and share yours at www.gbmc50.com/mystory.

Kevin Murphy's Story: "I've Revamped My Life Thanks to GBMC"

My journey to bariatric surgery began early in life in grade school being teased as “pudgy.” When I entered high school, I still considered myself overweight but upon graduating I enlisted in the military in 1971. Basic training was a bit challenging physically, but I got through. When I finished my active duty service, I joined the Maryland Air National Guard. I served in different positions over the years, thoroughly enjoyed myself and took pride in serving my country. 

I was on the weight control program often throughout my career. I had been diagnosed with Type II Diabetes and was no longer able to be deployed worldwide. The writing was on the wall. I retired in December of 2004 and did not complete the 42 years I had promised myself I would do for my country. Since I was out of the military, there was no reason to work on my weight – at least that’s what I thought. My diabetes got worse and my blood pressure and cholesterol were all quite high. My primary care physician said I was “a walking heart attack” and was “lucky nothing had happened yet.” I was aware of the different gastric surgeries but was afraid to commit, due to the fact that I lost a friend to it in the early 1990s when this surgery was in its infancy. But, after being told that I was not at all healthy, I contacted the GBMC Bariatric department and started the process. 

I did not care for the doctor I was assigned at all. He was two hours late for the first appointment. Thankfully he left, and along came Dr. Elizabeth Dovec. After chatting with her, I was 100 percent confident that I was in good hands. She thought I would not go through with it, but I had every intention to – I was just waiting for my military TriCare health insurance to kick in. We discussed the three possible procedures and together agreed on the gastric bypass surgery…the full Monte. 

Dr. Dovec greeted me prior to entering the OR which really meant a lot to me. She also took the time to reassure my family, especially my son, who was holding back tears, that all would be well. My surgery went very well and I was released the next day. No pain for me whatsoever. I followed the plan prescribed and have never looked back. I have lost nearly 90 pounds, have more energy than I can ever remember and am really enjoying the gym with my very special gym partner (you know who you are).

Currently, for the most part, my diabetes is under control and my last blood pressure reading was 110/64. I am currently still shopping at Goodwill, the best place to find clothing while I am still losing. I have dropped ten inches from my waist and three inches from my neck. I’ve gotten rid of almost all of my medications, which included two types of insulin that I was injecting five times a day. I go to the gym regularly and look forward to long walks. 

My surgery was May 1, 2014. I am still not used to my new body because I wake every morning and wonder where it all went. I have completely revamped my diet along with some very bad eating habits. I ran the first 5K of my life six weeks after surgery. I have regular visits with the bariatric department, and those people will stay with me for life. 

Dr. Dovec is constantly fine-tuning the bariatric surgery process to make it a very efficient, well-oiled engine for all of her patients. I feel myself very fortunate to have her as my surgeon for life. She reflects great credit upon herself and the GBMC System, which is blessed to have her on staff.

Had it not been for Dr. Dovec, her able staff and the entire GBMC facility, I may not be here today. GBMC will always be my hospital of choice. I’m looking forward to being around for quite some time – after all, my dad is 92 and going strong. Thank you, GBMC.