MEDSTAR SOUTHERN MARYLAND HOSPITAL CENTER Summer | 2018

CelebratingHospital Week

Understanding

PostpartumDepression

HealthJoyce’s Experience with

Neck SurgeryPartnering in the

Healthy BabyInitiative

What is Sepsis?

Hello from your busy neighborhood hospital! We have so much news to share in this issue of Health, as it has been a busy summer so far.

First, we have some exciting updates to announce: We have completed new renovations to our waiting areas, we have begun an exciting partnership with Prince George’s County on a Healthy Baby Initiative, and we now have several resources available in Spanish, which you will read about in the Tidbits section of this publication. We have also added a new infectious disease physician to our roster, and this issue highlights our hospitalists, physicians from MedStar Georgetown University Hospital who take care of patients during their stay at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center (MSMHC).

Our cover story for Summer 2018 illustrates how important preventative care is, as it details how vascular surgeon Joshua Dearing, MD, was able to help Joyce Jones before a major health incident happened. It reminds us all not to ignore when we don’t feel quite right, and to get to an expert who can diagnose and treat whatever illness from which you may be suffering.

Two physicians we also highlight in this issue make me very proud

to work with them at MSMHC: Top Doctor, Neurosurgeon Amjad Anaizi, MD, and anesthesiologist Clyde Pray, MD, who brings his medical expertise to patients in various areas around the world, and has for thirty years.

We are grateful to have the very popular OB/GYN Meghan Malentacchi, MD, dispense education and advice on postpartum depression, which is a very serious medical issue affecting millions of mothers across the country. And many thanks to our Sepsis Team and cardiologist Athanasios Thomaides, MD, for their contributions explaining how we combat Sepsis at MSMHC, and how we diagnose and treat various heart issues.

Finally, we are proud to be a major employer in the Clinton-area. As a "thank you" to our wonderful associates, we held a very special Superhero-themed Hospital Week, which you will see in this quarter’s Photo Collage.

Kindest regards,

2 MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center HEALTH | SUMMER 2018 SPRING 2016 | MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center HEALTH 2

Dear Neighbor,Christine Wray, FACHE, President, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

7503 Surratts Road, Clinton, MD 20735301-868-8000 or TTY 301-877-4473

Kenneth A. Samet, FACHEPresident and Chief Executive Officer, MedStar Health

M. Joy Drass, MDExecutive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, MedStar Health

Christine Wray, FACHEPresident, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center and Senior Vice President, MedStar Health

John W. Rollins, Jr. Chair, Board of Directors

Cheryl RichardsonDirector, Marketing and Community Relations

Design: Erin Glynn, Graphic Designer, Melanie Mussehl, Graphic Designer

Content: Jennifer DuMont, Marketing Writer

Photo Credits: Ryan Smith Photography, Kelanda Dickerson, Melanie Mussehl

Health is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center. It in no way seeks to diagnose or treat illness or serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Please see your physician if you have a health problem.

On the cover: Joyce Jones

Healthy Baby Initiative

A long-anticipated renovation to MSMHC’s Waiting Rooms and Solarium has been completed this spring. The newly updated rooms have been repainted, re-carpeted, and repaired, and new furniture has been installed. Along with the new artwork that has been recently distributed around the hospital, these renovations add to the comfort and experience of visitors to our hospital.

For photos and more information, turn to page 14.

Anesthesiologist Clyde Pray, MD, has completed more than thirty medical mission trips bringing medical care to impoverished populations. His most recent trip in 2018, working through the Pan-American Medical Society, took him to Honduras.

To learn more about an MSMHC doctor traveling 2,000 miles away from our hospital to treat needy patients, turn to page 13.

Tidbits

1 2 3 4

SUMMER 2018 | MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center HEALTH 3

MedStar in Español Updated Look Arrives Medical Mission Trip

3

Christine Wray, FACHE

President, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center and Senior Vice President, MedStar Health

Message from the

President

MSMHC is proud to join together with the Prince George’s County Health Department in support of their Healthy Baby Initiative. They, along with the PG County Social Services Department, and Library and Public Schools Systems, held a press conference in early May to announce details of this new Initiative promoting healthy babies.

For more information, see page 14.

1MEDSTAR SOUTHERN MARYLAND HOSPITAL CENTER Primavera del | 2018

Manejando las Migrañas

Entendiendo

la Donaciónde Órganos

Nuevo Programa de Cuidados Paliativos

Recuperándose de un Derrame Cerebral

Sala de ER para Ositos

Salud2

4

At MSMHC, we are here to help you in your native language, to ensure clear communication and understanding of medical terms and directions.

This magazine is now available entirely in Spanish and can be found on a dedicated Spanish page on our website: MedStarSouthernMaryland.org/Espanol.

Also, we recently launched a Spanish Facebook page. Search for "MedStar en Espanol" on Facebook to find it!

Joyce Jones, 64, of Hughesville, was not feeling quite right. She had undergone a bypass surgery in 2015 and completed cardiac rehab, so she knew when her heart was not operating at full function. At one of her regularly scheduled meetings with MedStar cardiologist and cardiovascular disease specialist Alexander Ryzhikov, MD, Jones told him she had this unshakable feeling that, although she knew she had not had a heart attack, she was feeling as if she had. She was experiencing general exhaustion, and every morning when she woke up, she found it nearly impossible to raise her head off the pillow.

Dr. Ryzhikov asked Jones if she had ever had a sonogram of her neck, and suggested she meet with vascular surgeon Joshua Dearing, MD, a fellow MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute physician with whom he regularly confers.

“We were concerned that plaque was building up in her neck which would put Joyce at risk for a stroke,” said Dr. Dearing. “We had her do an ultrasound and then a CT scan to confirm she was amenable to open-neck surgery. What we found was a blockage that I predict would have put her at an elevated risk for a stroke within the next two years.”

Dr. Dearing explained the entire process, says Jones, who felt reassured because she knew what to expect. He told her that plaque build-up in her arteries put her at risk for a stroke, and helped her understand how lucky she was that they could help before something bad happened. This condition is known as a silent problem, he said, building up due to a genetic pre-disposition, uncontrolled high blood pressure, excessive levels of cholesterol, coronary artery disease, or the damaging effects of smoking; remaining

invisible, until time ticks away and a stroke occurs.

“Dr. Dearing was very up-front with me,” said Jones. “He told me what I was facing if I didn’t get it cleared up, and everything he told me would occur if I went through with the surgery, did.”

During the surgery, Dr. Dearing made an incision in Jones’s neck to access her carotid artery, removed the plaque inside and sewed in a patch that allows the artery to stay open, easing blood flow.

“Now, I feel like a new woman,” said Jones. “I can go up and down the steps when I do laundry, or out to the mailbox, and I’m no longer out of breath.”

Though she is grateful everyday tasks such as those are easier after her surgery, Jones says what means more to her are special occasions with her grandchildren, and is looking forward to experiencing many more.

“Before undergoing surgery, I thought, I’d love to be here for them,” said Jones. “There are so many things I want to see them do, and see them grow up. With Dr. Dearing’s help, and following up on what he says, I believe I can.”

If you are experiencing symptoms that may indicate a problem with

your heart, talk to your primary care physician, or make an appointment with a cardiologist like Dr. Ryzhikov. They may refer you to a vascular surgeon like Dr. Dearing for additional testing. Many times, Dr. Dearing is able to treat vascular conditions without surgery. He recommends regular check-ups and early screenings to catch potential health issues before they grow into bigger problems.

Please visit MedStarSouthernMaryland.org/Vascular for more information about vascular services at MSMHC.

He told me

what I was facing

if I didn’t get it

cleared up, and

everything he

told me would

occur if I went

through with the

surgery, did.

Grandmother of twelve feels happy and confident to be around to watch her grandchildren grow and thrive after neck surgery performed by vascular surgeon Joshua Dearing, MD

4 MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center HEALTH | SUMMER 2018

Undergoing Neck Surgery: Joyce Shares Her Story

Vascular surgeon Joshua Dearing, MD with patient Joyce Jones

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center is now part of the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute-Cleveland Clinic alliance.

SUMMER 2018 | MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center HEALTH 5

SUMMER 2018 | MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center HEALTH 76 MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center HEALTH | SUMMER 2018

What is Postpartum Depression?It is very common for new moms to experience stress and a short-term bout of “the blues” after having a baby. However, Postpartum Depression is a mood disorder that causes emotional and physical changes that are more severe and last for a longer period of time. Typically, it involves a prolonged sad mood, inability to focus and to find pleasure in things. Moms with Postpartum Depression often have feelings of worthlessness and unhealthy changes in sleeping and eating. They may cry frequently, have no appetite, or be unable to sleep even when exhausted. Postpartum Depression can occur anytime in the first year after birth. Unlike the exhaustion and anxiety that accompanies nearly all births, Postpartum Depression doesn’t usually go away on its own.

What causes Postpartum Depression?The postpartum period is a perfect storm of emotional and physical changes, fluctuating hormones,

stress, and sleep deprivation that all contribute to Postpartum Depression. This can also be exacerbated by lack of support after birth. There is often a genetic link to Postpartum Depression, and women who have previously experienced bouts of depression or anxiety are more at risk.

What are the symptoms of Postpartum Depression?Look for anxiety that goes beyond what would be normal after having a baby. Women may be overly worried about baby’s health or their ability to take care of their baby. On the other hand, they may be uninterested in the infant’s activities or unable to bond with baby. They can be overwhelmed by negative thoughts. Watch out for excessive crying, appetite changes, mood swings, reduced concentration, withdrawing from family and friends, and failure to enjoy the things the new mother used to enjoy.

OB/GYN’s can screen for

Postpartum Depression by utilizing a questionnaire in the office. If a woman scores 12 or higher out of a possible 30 points, she is probably suffering from Postpartum Depression.

Can it be prevented?Having a baby is a stressful and difficult time even in the best of circumstances. While Postpartum Depression may not be preventable for some, there are things you can do to help set yourself up for success. The best way to help is to build in a support system before you have a baby. Oftentimes people ask if they can help you out, so take advantage of that. Having family members and friends pitch in to help you after you welcome your baby will ease some pressure and help you cope. Try to sleep whenever you can and do small things to take care of your own well-being.

Another tip I recommend is to watch for symptoms right away, especially for women who have

had depression in the past, as Postpartum Depression can be more easily helped the earlier it is addressed. All new moms should come to their OB/GYN for a follow-up around six weeks after giving birth, but if Postpartum Depression is suspected, come in earlier.

How is Postpartum Depression treated?Both mood-elevating medications and therapy are recommended to help combat the effects of Postpartum Depression. Using a dual approach of medication and therapy often works better than either treatment does alone. You don’t have to be on medication forever afterwards, but the boost these proven drugs can provide may be able to effectively help a Postpartum Depression sufferer, and talking to someone about your problems always has the potential to help.

What do you want women to know?Postpartum Depression is common. It’s not something to feel guilty or embarrassed about. Think about it this way: if you had diabetes, you would have no trouble seeking treatment for it, and you should think about Postpartum Depression the same way.

There are very effective treatments available. If you don’t treat Postpartum Depression, it can lead to longer-lasting emotional issues for the mother and developmental issues for the baby. Mother-baby bonding can also be affected, so please, if you feel like you may be experiencing Postpartum Depression, ask for help.

If you need an OB/GYN, Dr. Malentacchi is taking new patients at our MedStar Waldorf location. You can call her office at 301-645-8867, or you can use our Find-A-Doc feature at MedStarSouthernMaryland.org/FindADoc.

Please visit MedStarSouthernMaryland.org/Maternity for more information on pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care.

OB-GYN Meghan Malentacchi, MD,

on Postpartum Depression

SUMMER 2018 | MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center HEALTH 98 MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center HEALTH | SUMMER 2018

Sepsis is a medical emergency and should be treated as seriously and as quickly as possible.

Sepsis occurs when an infection invades the body and goes untreated long enough to cause tissue damage, organ failure, or death. It can begin with bacteria, such as staph or E. coli, and occurs most often with pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin abrasions or stomach and/or intestine conditions.

It can affect any age, gender or nationality, though people with chronic medical conditions and the very old or very young are more at risk. Sepsis is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals.

Symptoms include: confusion, shortness of breath, high heart rates, fever or shivering, clammy or sweaty skin and extreme pain or discomfort. If you observe these symptoms, say something. Treatment works best the faster it is administered at the onset of sepsis.

Sepsis is treated with doses of antibiotics as quickly as possible, typically through IV’s. People with sepsis must be treated at a hospital, so the source of the infection is treated simultaneously, and blood flow to organs can be monitored. In extreme cases, breathing assistance, kidney dialysis or surgery may be required for patients with sepsis.

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center (MSMHC) combats sepsis in four ways:

First, MSMHC combats sepsis by educating hospital associates on prevention. This means heavily

promoting hand washing and monitoring our hand washing scores, as this is the easiest and most effective way to prevent infection.

Second, MSMHC has created a Sepsis Team that works with MSMHC’s Patient and Family Advisory Council for Quality and Safety (PFACQS) Committee on an ongoing Sepsis Public Awareness Campaign. The goal of the campaign is to educate the public so

that if they suspect sepsis, they report it, saving valuable time. The Sepsis Team will also host

an educational fair for hospital associates in the future.

Third, the hospital has implemented a CODE SEPSIS. This is a code called on overhead speakers alerting Sepsis Team members to rapidly respond to the room of a patient

suspected of having sepsis. These hospital experts are able to

immediately administer antibiotics and treat the underlying condition to prevent

the spread of infection.

Fourth and finally, MedStar works at the system level to promote sepsis education to each hospital in the MedStar system, including through the use of informative videos, such as “Every hour that goes by is an hour antibiotics should be combating an infection,” and “Sepsis can affect a person of any age.”

To learn more and watch informative videos about sepsis, visit MedStarSouthernMaryland.org/Sepsis.

What is Sepsis? MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center Welcomes New Infectious Disease Physician, Bertha Ayi, MD

Like many physicians, Bertha Ayi, MD, CMChB, FIDSA, FACP, MBA, was inspired to become a doctor because of her personal experience as a young patient. At the age of thirteen, in her native Ghana, she was stricken with cerebellar ataxia (inflamed cerebellum), rendering her unable to walk, talk or write for several months. It became the turning point of her life, she says, as she struggled to get better and to deal with the limitations of medical treatment in her country. It also inspired the kind of medicine she would later practice: infectious diseases. During her formative years, she also watched diseases like malaria ravage others in Ghana, reconfirming her desire to help in this field.

Dr. Bertha Serwa Ayi, MBChB, FIDSA, FACP, MBA is a board certified Infectious Disease Specialist, a Fellow of the Infectious Disease Society of America, and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. She attended the University of Ghana Medical School and her Hopkins approved internal medicine residency took place at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore, MD. She completed an infectious disease fellowship at a combined program between Creighton University, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and the Omaha VA. She also earned an MBA from the University of South Dakota. At MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center (MSMHC), Dr. Ayi consults on infectious disease cases such as Hepatitis C, MRSA, meningitis, avian influenza, pneumonia, staphylococcus, clostridium difficile, and fevers caused by infection.

In recognition of National Hospital Week 2018, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center (MSMHC) recently hosted a fun week of activities with a superhero theme, since the wonderful people who work here are superheroes every day.

During the week, we gave out donuts, power bars, popcorn, shave ice and ice cream. MSMHC also provided beach towel gifts to all associates and drew names for prizes. Associates who have reached milestone years of service and our nurses and nursing assistants were also treated to recognition lunches during the week.

“We appreciate our associates every day, but wanted this week in particular to be a fun, special way to recognize how much we value everyone who works at this hospital,” said MSMHC President Christine Wray. “I certainly count myself lucky to work among superheroes every day, caring, talented associates who extend themselves beyond mere mortals on behalf of our patients.”

MSMHC is proud to be a major employer in southern Maryland, with nearly 1,300 associates, and we are always looking for those who want to promote our SPIRIT Values of Service – Patient First – Integrity – Respect – Innovation – Teamwork.

If you are interested in joining our team of superheroes, consistently check our job listings at MedStarSouthernMaryland.org/Careers.

Superheroes Celebrate Superheroes

SUMMER 2018 | MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center HEALTH 13

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center Anesthesiologist Clyde Pray, MD, Travels to Honduras to Treat Needy Patients

Tidbits

MD, a longtime participant of medical mission trips like this one, made this very long trip and mission this spring. He, along with each medical professional who attends, paid $2,000 to go on the trip, which is completely financed through donations to cover medical supplies and travel costs. It is a busy week for the physicians and medical support personnel, who operated on approximately 120 patients, but the effort to travel there, and the long hours spent helping this grateful population of patients, is a very rewarding experience, says Dr. Pray.

“There is no other way this community could get this care,” said Dr. Pray. “They’re devoid of this type of help because they’re

Tucked away in the mountains, in the center of the impoverished country of Honduras, sits a Benedictine Monastery and Clinic for the poor. Once a year, they welcome the medical mission group, the Pan-American Medical Society, who bring in pallets of supplies and equipment, along with a strong, tight-knit team of physicians who donate their time and medical skills to help the residents of this area. The people there have waited a year for this week, often traveling a great distance to this clinic in Comayagua from remote parts of the region.

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center (MSMHC) Anesthesiologist Clyde Pray,

12 MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center HEALTH | SUMMER 2018

MedStar Georgetown Hospitalists are Here to Serve Patients at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

one of the poorest countries in the hemisphere. We let them know they’re not forgotten. We bridge the gap by bringing our skills and time, and they give us their gratitude. Even though they have little, they are explicitly happy, friendly, welcoming, and grateful. We let them know they are not forgotten.”

Service is one of the SPIRIT (Service – Patient First – Integrity – Respect – Innovation – Teamwork) Values we live at MSMHC. The hospital applauds Dr. Pray for the generous contribution of his time and service to those in need.

For more information on the Pan-American Medical Society, or to donate, visit PanAmericanSociety.org.

While a patient at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center (MSMHC), a hospitalist may be assigned to you. Many patients have the same question: What exactly is a hospitalist?

Quite simply, a Hospitalist is a physician who specializes in the care of hospital patients. He or she is a board-certified physician who has completed a residency, and may be an internal medicine specialist or other subspecialist. Together with your primary care physician and all others involved in your care, the hospitalist will help guide your in-hospital treatment. He or she will have access to all your medical records, and will work with you to answer any questions you may have.

Two groups of hospitalists work at MSMHC, divided into two shifts to ensure coverage of all

patients, 24-7, by experts in providing care on the hospital floors. All of MSMHC’s hospitalists are MedStar hospitalists from MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

“Georgetown hospitalists share a commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Khawaja Husain, Director of Adult Hospitalists at MSMHC. “They are here to provide care and coordinate care with specialists, as well as with the primary care physician each patient has. You may see more than one hospitalist during your stay, but they will be communicating with each other to keep updated with your clinical condition. The goal of our hospitalist team is to provide exceptional quality care and the best possible patient experience.”

Please visit MedStarSouthernMaryland.org/Hospitalist for more information about this program.

What is a Hospitalist?

L eadership teams from MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center (MSMHC) and Prince George’s County Health Department, along with representatives from PG County’s Social Services, Library System and Public School System, as well as the University of Maryland Capital Region Health, held a press conference in May to promote a new joint venture: the Healthy Baby Initiative.

This new program provides babies with a healthy start to life by giving families a Graco Pack ‘N Play; a portable bed and playpen for babies. This is particularly helpful to families who have not been able to purchase a crib for the baby to sleep in, or whose housing situation is unstable. The program also provides a packet of information to help families make healthy choices for their new baby, including how to help remove babies and their mothers from abusive situations. Finally, it provides babies with a set of soft-cover books, and the opportunity to sign up to receive additional books through age five, to help encourage a lifelong love of reading.

Representing MSMHC at this celebratory event was Dr. Nahid Mazarei, Director of MSMHC’s OB/GYN Program. Her speech recalled the story of a mother and baby who we featured in previous issue of Health, available here: MedStarSouthernMaryland.org/Health.

MSMHC is proud to be a part of this important collaboration to support healthy babies! Please visit, MedStarSouthernMaryland.org/HealthyBaby for more information.

New Waiting Areas Debut at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

TidbitsTi

db

its

14 MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center HEALTH | SUMMER 2018

“The large hospital Solarium was created in the early 1990’s to provide much-needed space for families awaiting their loved one who was in the intensive care unit or undergoing surgery,” said MSMHC’s VP of Operations, Grant McClure. “We have undertaken a complete refresh of the Solarium that includes new flooring, furnishings and privacy walls. In tandem with this effort, all other waiting areas outside each of the medical/surgical nursing care units have undergone a similar refresh to include flooring, painting and

Updates to each floor’s waiting areas and the Solarium are now complete!To provide more comfort for families awaiting word on their loved ones at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center (MSMHC), the main waiting areas on each floor, as well as our Solarium, have undergone upgrades to refresh these areas. Upgrades include new furniture, new paint, new carpet and the installation of new artwork.

new furnishings. We hope all these measures provide comfort and improve the overall experience for patients and their families who visit our facility.”

Upcoming renovations to MSMHC will include updates to the hospital’s Emergency Department (ED), to both patient areas and the ED waiting room. Stay tuned!

Healthy Baby Initiative Takes a Collaborative Approach

A Message from the Senior Director of NursingIf you think of a heart like a house, you can understand why there are two types of cardiologists, one who works with the plumbing, or veins and arteries, and one who works with the electrical system, or electrical pulses that make the heart beat.

In last quarter’s edition of Heart&Soul, we published our vascular edition, beginning by helping to define several common terms associated with veins and arteries, and we examined some of the most common questions addressed by vascular surgeons with MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center’s (MSMHC) Dr. Joshua Dearing.

In this issue, we define what an electrophysiologist, a specific type of cardiologist, does, common terms associated with this specialty, and cardiologist Athanasios Thomaides, MD, a specialist in electrophysiology at MSMHC, answers questions on the most common questions he is asked.

If you are experiencing sudden fatigue, shortness of breath, diminished energy, or an erratic heart rhythm, or if you have had heart issues in the past, ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a cardiologist for testing. If you do not have a primary care physician, please go to MedStarSouthernMaryland.org/FindADoc.

Sincerely, Cody D. Legler, DNP, RN-BC, NEA-BC, CNL, Senior Director of Nursing

Heart&SoulHELPING YOU GET TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER

SUMMER 2018 • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 3

Cody D. Legler, DNP, RN-BC, NEA-BC, CNL Senior Director of Nursing MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center is now part of the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute-Cleveland Clinic alliance.

Glossary of Terms – Electrophysiology EditionTo better understand common terms used by medical professionals who treat veins and arteries, this guide should help. It is important to know these terms and work with your primary care physician to prevent these conditions, when possible.

Arrhythmia: Arrhythmia means an abnormal heartbeat.

Atrium: The upper two chambers of the heart. The top right pumps blood to the lower chamber and the top left atrium pumps oxygenated blood out into the body.

Blood Flow: Deoxygenated blood travels from all parts of the body through your veins, back to your heart, to be pumped into the lungs to receive oxygen. Once the blood is oxygenated, it is pumped back through and out of the heart into the body through your arteries.

Cardiologist: A cardiologist is a physician who is specialized in the heart.

Electrophysiology: This is the study of the electrical activity of your heart, which is used to find where an arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) is coming from.

Pulmonary: Simply, this refers to the lungs.

Stroke: Cardiologists who are electrophysiologists deal with blood clots that can form in the heart and travel to the brain, reducing or completely blocking blood flow that can cause a stroke, resulting in temporary or permanent damage.

Ventricles: The lower two chambers of the heart. The right ventricle takes blood pumped in from the upper chamber and pumps it into the lungs and the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood into the left atrium to travel throughout the body.

Heart&SoulSUMMER 2018 EDITION

Athanasios Thomaides, MD, FACC Cardiac Electrophysiologist MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute

Q. What is Tachycardia and how is it treated?A. Tachycardia is a heart rhythm disorder characterized by the heart beating faster than normal, which is caused by rapid electrical signals in the heart. Because the heart muscle is beating so quickly, it can weaken the heart.

Typically, tachycardia is treated by catheter ablation, a newer process with a 70 to 80% success rate that replaces the use of drugs, which were less effective at a 30 to 40% rate of success. Ablation destroys the tissue that is causing abnormal electrical signals in the heart, stopping the arrhythmia.

Like with other heart conditions, people with tachycardia should limit their alcohol and caffeine intake, maintain a healthy weight, control their blood pressure, and treat complicating conditions, such as sleep apnea, asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Q. What is Atrial Fibrillation?A. This, and atrial flutter, are the most common types of arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat). It can be described as a quivering of the heart and indicates an electrical problem. Atrial Flutter means around 300 beats per minute, and Atrial Fibrillation could cause heartbeats of 500 to 600 in the upper chambers, which puts the heart into a kind of electrical chaos.

Symptoms include sudden fatigue, palpitations or feeling as if your heart is racing, shortness of breath and diminished energy. People most at risk are the elderly, those with hypertension, sleep apnea, and diabetes, as well as those who smoke or consume too much alcohol and caffeine.

Sometimes, a person with atrial fibrillation does not appear to have symptoms, but the young may be at risk for passing out and older people are at risk for having a stroke.

Q. How is Atrial Fibrillation treated?A. Treatments can range from something simple like reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption or prescribing blood thinning medication, to a more complex solution, including the installation of a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator, to a more invasive solution, including a cardiac ablation or surgery.

Q. What is a WATCHMAN device?A. A WATCHMAN is a device that is implanted in the heart during a catheter-based procedure. This new technology does not allow clots to form, thereby reducing the risk of stroke. It is a great alternative to taking blood-thinning drugs, eliminating the food and drink restrictions of these drugs, as well as the possibility of bleeding problems from these medications.

We asked MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute (MHVI) Cardiologist Athanasios Thomaides, MD, FACC to give us answers to the following common health questions he most often deals with as a cardiac electrophysiologist.

For more information on this and other heart- related issues, visit MedStarSouthernMary-land.org/Heart or call 301-877-4367.

If you do not have a physician, visit MedStar-SouthernMaryland.org/FindADoc.

Please call 301-877-5677 if you would like to make an appointment with Dr. Thomaides.

Please join us for an informative, interactive seminar

“Getting Your Back on Track” Presented by Amjad Anaizi, MD

You know the feeling; pain in the back or in the neck. It can be sharp, throbbing, and unbearable. But what happens when it’s accompanied by numbness in certain areas of the body? This could indicate bigger problems, such as bone spurs, pinched nerves, and slipped discs. Sometimes a combination of anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and injections can provide relief…but what if it doesn’t?

The good news is you don’t have to suffer anymore. Join Dr. Amjad Anaizi for a discussion on back and neck pain and the minimally invasive options that are available to treat it. Dr. Anaizi, will discuss the various treatment options for back pain, including nonsurgical, such as anti-inflammatory medications and injections, and surgical, such as minimally invasive spinal fusion and laminectomy. His presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session for all seminar attendees.

Thursday, August 9, 2018from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center Multipurpose Room, 7503 Surratts Road, Clinton, MD

Admission is free but you must reserve a seat in advance. Register online today at MedStarSouthernMaryland.org/Calendar or call 855-211-8405.

Ask-the-DoctorCommunity Healthcare Education

Seminar Series

About Dr. Anaizi:Dr. Anaizi is a neurosurgeon at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, assistant professor of neurosurgery at Georgetown University and neurosurgeon at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center. He completed a fellowship in complex and minimally invasive brain surgery at the University of Cincinnati (The Mayfield Clinic). Dr. Anaizi has also completed training in minimally invasive spine surgery. He has extensive clinical expertise in the areas of minimally invasive spine and brain surgery including the treatment of brain tumors and brain aneurysms. He has multiple publications on these techniques in a variety of peer reviewed journals.

Don’t miss out! Join our Ask the Doctor e-mail list at MedStarSouthernMaryland.org/AskTheDoc

12 MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center HEALTH | WINTER 2017

Nondiscrimination StatementSTATEMENT: MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

NOTICE: MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center:

• Provides free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as:

Qualified sign language interpreters

Written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, other formats)

• Provides free language services to peoplewhose primary language is not English, such as:

Qualified interpreters

Information written in other languages

If you need these services, contact a Patient Advocate at 301-877-4279.

If you believe that MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with: Patient Advocate, 7503 Surratts Road, Clinton, MD 20735, Phone: 301-877-4279, Fax: 301-877-5813, E-Mail: Sundee.Webster@medstar.net. If you need help filing a grievance, a Patient Advocate is available to help you.

You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, or by mail or phone at:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services200 Independence Avenue, SWRoom 509F, HHH BuildingWashington, D.C. 20201 1-800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD)

Complaint forms are available at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html.

Español (Spanish)

STATEMENT: MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo.

NOTICE: MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital no excluye a las personas ni las trata de forma diferente debido a su origen étnico, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo.

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center:

• Proporciona asistencia y servicios gratuitos a las personas con discapacidades para que se comuniquen de manera eficaz con nosotros, como los siguientes:

Intérpretes de lenguaje de señas capacitados.

Información escrita en otros formatos (letra grande, audio, formatos electrónicos accesibles, otros formatos).

• Proporciona servicios lingüísticos gratuitos a personas cuya lengua materna no es el inglés, como los siguientes:

Intérpretes capacitados.

Información escrita en otros idiomas.

Si necesita recibir estos servicios, comuníquese con Patient Advocate at 301-877-4279.

Si considera que MedStar Southern Maryland

Hospital Center no le proporcionó estos servicios o lo discriminó de otra manera por motivos de origen étnico, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo, puede presentar un reclamo a la siguiente persona: Patient Advocate, 7503 Surratts Road, Clinton, MD 20735, Phone: 301-877-4279, Fax: 301-877-5813, E-Mail: Sundee.Webster@medstar.net. Si necesita ayuda para hacerlo, a Patient Advocate está a su disposición para brindársela.

También puede presentar un reclamo de derechos civiles ante la Office for Civil Rights (Oficina de Derechos Civiles) del Department of Health and Human Services (Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos) de EE. UU. de manera electrónica a través de Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, disponible en https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, o bien, por correo postal a la siguiente dirección o por teléfono a los números que figuran a continuación:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services200 Independence Avenue, SWRoom 509F, HHH BuildingWashington, D.C. 20201 1-800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD)

Puede obtener los formularios de reclamo en el sitio web http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html.

ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-844-683-9048.

Tagalog (Tagalog – Filipino)

Sumusunod ang MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center sa mga naaangkop na Pederal na batas sa karapatang sibil at hindi nandidiskrimina batay sa lahi, kulay, bansang pinagmulan, edad, kapansanan o kasarian.

PAUNAWA: Kung nagsasalita ka ng Tagalog, maaari kang gumamit ng mga serbisyo ng tulong sa wika nang walang bayad. Tumawag sa 1-844-683-9048.

(Arabic) ةيبرعلا

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center يلتزمبقوانين الحقوق المدنية الفدرالية المعمول بها وال يميز على أساس العرق أو اللون أو األصل

الوطني أو السن أو اإلعاقة أو الجنس.

ملحوظة: إذا كنت تتحدث اذكر اللغة، فإن خدمات المساعدة اللغوية تتوافر لك بالمجان. اتصل برقم 8409-386-448-1.

Français (French)

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center respecte les lois fédérales en vigueur relatives aux droits civiques et ne pratique aucune discrimination basée sur la race, la couleur de peau, l’origine nationale, l’âge, le sexe ou un handicap.

ATTENTION: Si vous parlez français, des services d’aide linguistique vous sont proposés gratuitement. Appelez le 1-844-683-9048.

Deutsch (German)

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center erfüllt geltenden bundesstaatliche Menschenrechtsgesetze und lehnt jegliche Diskriminierung aufgrund von Rasse, Hautfarbe, Herkunft, Alter, Behinderung oder Geschlecht ab.

ACHTUNG: Wenn Sie Deutsch sprechen, stehen Ihnen kostenlos sprachliche Hilfsdienstleistungen zur Verfügung. Rufnummer: 1-844-683-9048.

繁體中文 (Chinese)

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

遵守適用的聯邦民權法律規定，不因種族、膚色、民族血統、年齡、殘障或性別而歧視任何人。

注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-844-683-9048.。

한국어 (Korean)

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center 은(는) 관련 연방 공민권법을 준수하며 인종, 피부색, 출신 국가, 연령, 장애 또는 성별을 이유로 차별하지 않습니다.

주의: 한국어를 사용하시는 경우, 언어 지원 서비스를 무료로 이용하실 수 있습니다. 1-844-683-9048 번으로 전화해 주십시오.

Igbo asusu (Ibo)

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center na eso usoro iwu federal civil rights. Ha a nakwagi akpachapu onye o bula n’ihe e be o nye ahu si, a gburu ya, colo ahu ya, aha ole onye ahu di, ma o bu nwoke ma o bu nwanyi.

Ige nti: O buru na asu Ibo asusu, enyemaka diri gi site na call 1-844-683-9048.

èdè Yorùbá (Yoruba)

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center tele ilana ofin ijoba apapo lori eto ara ilu atipe won ko gbodo sojusaju lori oro eya awo, ilu-abinibi, ojo-ori, abarapa tabi okunrin ati obinrin.

AKIYESI: Ti o ba nso ede Yoruba ofe ni iranlowo lori ede wa fun yin o. E pe ero ibanisoro yi 1-844-683-9048.

Русский (Russian)MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center соблюдает применимое федеральное законодательство в области гражданских прав и не допускает дискриминации по признакам расы, цвета кожи, национальной принадлежности, возраста, инвалидности или пола.

ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы говорите на русском языке, то вам доступны бесплатные услуги перевода. Звоните 1-844-683-9048.

Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center tuân thủ luật dân quyền hiện hành của Liên bang và không phân biệt đối xử dựa trên chủng tộc, màu da, nguồn gốc quốc gia, độ tuổi, khuyết tật, hoặc giới tính.

CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-844-683-9048.

አማርኛ (Amharic)

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center የፌደራል ሲቪል መብቶችን መብት የሚያከብር ሲሆን ሰዎችን በዘር፡ በቆዳ ቀለም፣ በዘር ሃረግ፣ በእድሜ፣ በኣካል ጉዳት ወይም በጾታ ማንኛውንም ሰው ኣያገልም።

ማስታወሻ: የሚናገሩት ቋንቋ ኣማርኛ ከሆነ የትርጉም እርዳታ ድርጅቶች፣ በነጻ ሊያግዝዎት ተዘጋጀተዋል፡ ወደ ሚከተለው ቁጥር ይደውሉ 1-844-683-9048

ُا (Urdu) وُدر

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center قابِل اطالق وفاقی شہری حقوق کے قوانین کی تعمیل کرتا ہے اور یہ کہ نسل، رنگ ،

قومیت، عمر، معذوری یا جنس کی بنیاد پر امتیاز نہیں کرتا۔

خربدار: اگر آپ اردو بولتے ہیں، تو آپ کو زبان کی مدد کی خدمات مفت میں دستیاب ہیں ۔ کال کریں 1-844-683-9048

हिंदी (Hindi)MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center लागू होने योग्य संघीय नागरिक अधिकार क़ानून का पालन करता है और जाति, रंग, राष्ट्रीय मूल, आयु, विकलांगता, या लिंग के आधार पर भेदभाव नहीं करता है। ध्यान दें: यदि आप हिंदी बोलते हैं तो आपके लिए मुफ्त में भाषा सहायता सेवाएं उपलब्ध हैं। 1-844-683-9048 पर कॉल करें।

(Farsi) یسراف MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

تبعیضی بر اساس نژاد، رنگ پوست، اصلیت ملیتی، سن، ناتوانی یا جنسیت افراد قایل نمی شود.

توجه: اگر به زبان فارسی گفتگو می کنید، تسهیالت زبانی بصورت رایگان برای شما فراهم می باشد. با 1-448-386-8409 تماس بگیرید.

RESOURCE GUIDEMEDSTAR SOUTHERN MARYLAND HOSPITAL CENTER

For more details on these programs and others, please call the phone numbers listed or visit our website: MedStarSouthernMaryland.org/Calendar.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Breastfeeding Support GroupEvery Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.(excluding holidays)Recreation area of 2 NorthCost: FREE301-877-5740

Diabetes Support GroupFourth Thursday of every month(November and December moved to third Thursday because of holidays)from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.Hospital Multipurpose RoomCost: FREE301-877-5560

Prostate Cancer Support GroupSecond Tuesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Hospital Multipurpose RoomCost: FREE301-374-9098

NAMI/Mental Health Support Group for Family Members and CaregiversFirst Tuesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.Hospital Multipurpose RoomCost: FREE301-429-0970

Stroke Support GroupLast Thursday of every month from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.Hospital Multipurpose Room Registration required.Cost: FREE301-877-5858

CLASSES

Breastfeeding ClassOne Saturday a month from 9 a.m. to noon.Hospital Multipurpose Room Registration required.Cost: FREE301-877-5740

Baby BasicsThis class focuses on newborn care during the first six weeks of life. The class provides education on newborn health, milestones, home safety and basic newborn care.One Thursday a month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.Hospital Multipurpose RoomRegistration required.301-877-5740

Prenatal Childbirth Class & TourOne Saturday a month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Hospital Multipurpose RoomRegistration required.301-877-5740

Smoking Cessation ClassThis course will help educate and support participants in their quest to take control of their health and quit smoking now. Every Mondayfrom 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.MedStar Health at BrandywineCommunity Room13950 Brandywine RoadBrandywine, MD 20613Registration required.Cost: $10 one time fee301-374-9098

OTHER PROGRAMS

Hospital Volunteer ProgramMedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center volunteers make a difference every day helping to support the health of our community. Please call 301-877-4553 for more information about volunteer opportunities.

Mall Walkers ProgramSt. Charles Towne CenterSupervised, all-weather walking with FREE blood pressure monitoring. Cost: FREE301-374-9098

Women and Newborns Center ToursHospital Solarium (first floor)Cost: FREE301-877-5740

Weight Loss Surgery Seminar and Support Group MeetingTools, resources and non-judgmental support for battling obesity. Seminar conducted by bariatric surgeon John Brebbia, MD, MBA, FACS, CNSC.First Wednesday of every month MedStar Health at BrandywineCommunity Room13950 Brandywine RoadBrandywine, MD 20613Seminar: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.Support Group: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Registration required.Cost: FREE301-774-8962

SUMMER 2018 | MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center HEALTH 15

Each Top Doctor is chosen because he or she excels in two areas. First, they must be medical experts in their specialty, and second, they must treat their patients with great compassion. Neurosurgeon Amjad Anaizi meets both criteria. Dr. Anaizi’s patients consistently praise both his abilities as a brain and spine surgeon, and the kind, comforting way he reassures them most problems he sees do not require surgery to repair, as well as how he helps them understand their condition, reassures them when they are frightened and educates them on their options.

Dr. Anaizi treats a variety of brain conditions, including the full spectrum of brain tumors. He also

treats degenerative disease, such as compression of the spine, and traumas, such as an aneurysm, and is an expert at minimally-invasive procedures, which mean less risk and quicker recovery times.

“In this practice with Dr. Sandhu, Dr. Voyadzis and Dr. Spitz, we share a similar philosophy: to address problems of the brain and spine in the least invasive way possible,” said Dr. Anaizi. “We use the most cutting-edge technology, which minimizes recovery time work together to provide the highest level of care possible in southern Maryland. For more complex cases, we have the ability to send patients to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, then have their follow-up care in southern Maryland.”

7503 Surratts RoadClinton, MD 20735

MedStarSouthernMaryland.org

Read us online!MedStarSouthernMaryland.org/Health

Para acceder esta Revista de Salud en Español, por favor visite MedStarSouthernMaryland.org/Espanol

Top Doctor

To make an appointment with Dr. Anaizi, please call 301-856-2323.

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