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Early breast cancer detection saves lives
October 11, 2024
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a Meritus physician is offering some advice on how to reduce the risk of getting the disease and how to check for it. Ann-Marie Hugh, M.D., FACS, with the Meritus Center for Breast Health said there are some standard practices women can do to stave off developing breast cancer and preventing death from it. “While evidence-based guidelines suggest that breast self-examinations do not reduce breast cancer deaths, it is still important for women to have awareness of how their breasts look and feel and to report any changes from their normal to their providers,” she said. COVID’s impact on mammograms It is also important for women to get regular mammograms. Many women stopped having their mammograms during the COVID pandemic because of the lockdown, and there are still some women who have not yet resumed having their mammograms, she said. “Screening mammography is often able to catch breast cancer at a stage where it will not threaten one's life,” she said. “It is important to get back to doing screening mammograms. There are even some women in our community who have never had a mammogram. Most breast cancers are curable but only if it is detected early.” Dr. Hugh said she wanted to stress that many women don’t realize they could be at a higher risk for breast cancer. The published mammography screening guidelines are for women at average risk to develop breast cancer. That includes women who don’t have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer, or a genetic mutation known to increase the risk of breast cancer, and who has not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 20. Dr. Hugh suggests talking to your doctor to best understand what category you fall into. What can you do to reduce your risk of breast cancer? Meanwhile, she has some suggestions regarding breast health and breast cancer prevention: Regular physical activity reduces breast cancer risk. Decrease or avoid alcohol intake as alcohol increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Strive to attain and maintain a healthy body weight. If you are aware of a genetic mutation in the family, get tested. There are strategies to screen women with high risk to develop breast cancer as well as to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. It is important to know your family history and talk to your doctor about it. In particular, talk to your doctor about your family history of breast and ovarian cancer. These cancers in the family may be an indication to get genetic testing. If you feel a lump in the breast have your doctor evaluate the mass. Do not assume it is a cyst and forget about it. Men can get breast cancer. In particular, if a man feels a lump in his breast, it is important to have it evaluated by a doctor. To learn more about the Meritus Center for Breast Health, go to www.meritushealth.com/breasthealth. Colors of Cancer For those diagnosed with breast cancer, the journey can be a struggle. Along the way, many unexpected needs can arise. Being able to cover these expenses allows patients and their families to focus on their health. By supporting the Colors of Cancer, it will ensure Meritus patients have reliable transportation to and from appointments and financial assistance for medication, and it will ease the additional financial stress that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Learn more at www.meritushealth.com/colors.
‘Exceptional care’: Breast cancer survivor tells her story
October 7, 2024
It was the Wednesday before Memorial Day that Cheryl Luger went in for her second mammogram of the year. The first one, before Mother’s Day, led staff at Meritus Center for Breast Health to ask Cheryl to come back for another scan. The results were conclusive: They found two masses. A biopsy the day after Memorial Day confirmed it was breast cancer. “I was pretty shocked because nobody in my family had had breast cancer,” said Cheryl, who is on leave from Meritus Surgical Specialists where she is a scheduler. She had a double mastectomy at the beginning of August. She’s due back to work in mid-October, but to complicate things, her oldest daughter, who also works at Meritus, is getting married just before then and moving to Savannah, Ga. Cheryl credits her experience with the Center for Breast Health, as well as the John R. Marsh Cancer Center at Meritus, with making a scary and emotional situation more manageable. “It’s been exceptional care from beginning to end,” she said. ‘A positive thing’ She received the call from the Center for Breast Health at 8 a.m. the Wednesday after Memorial Day. Ann-Marie Hugh, M.D., the medical director at the center and a specialist in breast surgery, said the biopsy showed it was adenocarcinomas, a type of cancer that starts in the glands that line the organs. “She bought into my case super quick,” Cheryl said. By 9 a.m., she’d received a call from a nurse navigator at John R. Marsh to set up her first appointment. That appointment included meeting all of the doctors who would be involved. “That was a positive thing, meeting everyone at one time like that,” Cheryl said. “Everyone’s opinions were shared, and we decided what was going to happen.” As part of some of the tests prescribed by Dr. Hugh before the cancer center appointment, Cheryl had testing done showing she had Lynch syndrome, which is a genetic condition that increases the risk of many kinds of cancer. It was decided that Cheryl should have a double mastectomy, and that reconstructive surgery by Salvatore DiMercurio, M.D., a plastic surgeon with Meritus Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery in Hagerstown, should start right away. ‘He read the notes’ Victoria Giffi, M.D., Cheryl’s oncologist with Meritus Hematology & Oncology Specialists, said the goal is to take each case on its own terms. “We do our best to treat each person individually, taking both recent medical evidence and their personal preferences into account,” Dr. Giffi said. “I always tell my patients, ‘I treat people, not cancer,’ and I often remind myself that the person sitting in front of me, and where they are in their life, is more important than any lab test or scan that I order.” The personal care was evident to Cheryl when she was speaking to Dr. DiMercurio about her reconstructive surgery. “He said, ‘I understand we have to have you ready by your daughter’s wedding,’” she recalled. “And it struck me that he read the notes in my chart. He took the time to look at my case.” Cheryl is using her experience to teach others the importance of seeing the doctor and getting a mammogram regularly. “I’ve been vocal with people about my story because I was so nonchalant about it,” she said. “I’m very bad at taking care of myself. I went in for my yearly care with my female doctor and she noted that I was five months late in getting my mammogram. “It only takes a few minutes,” she said. To learn more about the Meritus Center for Breast Health, go to www.meritushealth.com/breasthealth. For more about Meritus Hematology & Oncology Specialists, visit www.meritushealth.com/HematologyOncology. To learn more about the John R. Marsh Cancer Center, go to www.meritushealth.com/cancercenter. Colors of Cancer While Cheryl had the support to make it through her cancer journey, not everyone with the diagnosis is so lucky. Along the course of the journey, many unexpected needs can arise. Being able to cover these expenses allows patients and their families to focus on their health. By supporting the Colors of Cancer, it will ensure Meritus patients have reliable transportation to and from appointments and financial assistance for medication, and it will ease the additional financial stress that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Learn more at www.meritushealth.com/Colors.
Meritus Health experts urge prevention ahead of viral illness season
September 30, 2024
As Meritus lives its mission of improving the health of the community, dedicated caregivers are sharing information about preventative measures to take during viral illness season. In alignment with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Meritus experts strongly recommend that individuals age 6 months and older receive an updated flu vaccine in addition to staying informed about COVID-19 precautions, and they encourage all eligible individuals to consider vaccination or booster shots as needed. Dr. Anand Budi, Meritus chief medical officer, emphasizes the health system’s commitment to safeguarding the community against viral illnesses such as COVID-19 and the flu. “Vaccination remains our most effective defense against the spread of these viral illnesses,” he said. There are multiple options available for scheduling your vaccinations and boosters: • MyChart: You can conveniently schedule your flu and COVID-19 vaccines or boosters through your MyChart account. • Primary Care Provider: Reach out to your primary care provider's office for vaccine appointments and guidance tailored to your health needs. • Your Local Health Department: Stay informed about local vaccination resources by checking with your nearby health department. • Your Local Pharmacy: Many local pharmacies offer both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, making it easily accessible for you. Over-the-counter flu and COVID-19 tests are readily available at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers. These tests are user-friendly, quick, and provide reliable results for most individuals. For those requiring laboratory testing, Meritus Medical Laboratory locations offer comprehensive testing services. Please be aware that a healthcare provider's order is necessary, and your insurance will be billed accordingly. You can schedule your flu and COVID vaccine appointments with ease today through MyChart, your primary care provider's office or by visiting a pharmacy or grocery store. “We all have a part to play in reducing the spread of viral illnesses, including COVID-19 and the flu,” Dr. Budi said. “By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to the well-being of our entire community.” For the latest, up-to-date information on the flu season, viral illnesses, testing, treatment, and vaccination options, please visit MeritusHealth.com/Viralillness. ### Meritus Health, Western Maryland’s largest health care provider, is located at the crossroads of Western Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. The mission of Meritus Health is to improve the health of the region by providing the best healthcare, health services and medical education. As an anchor organization for the community, Meritus has nearly 4,000 employees and serves more than 200,000 residents of the tristate region through Meritus Medical Center, Brook Lane Health Services, Meritus Medical Group, Meritus Home Health, Meritus Equipped for Life, and the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine. More information can be found at www.MeritusHealth.com or visit our Facebook page or LinkedIn page.
Meritus Crisis Center, Mental Health Walk-in there to help everyone
September 20, 2024
When it comes to mental health or fighting addiction, it can seem like you’re on one side of a river looking to cross to the other side. A rushing torrent of forms, red tape and insurance issues can be discouraging enough to make you stay put. The Meritus Crisis Center and Meritus Mental Health Walk-in facility are designed to be a bridge, said Halima Naluwooza, MSN, CRNP, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. “For anybody who is struggling, whether it's with mental health or addiction, it's sometimes hard to get a provider,” she said, noting some providers in the area are scheduling six months out or longer. “We're willing to bridge them, to get them in and assessed.” Help is available for those age 6 and older at the Mental Health Walk-in. The Crisis Center is for those 18 and older. The ones who seem to need the bridge the most are those seeking substance abuse recovery, she said. They are sometimes discouraged to get help because of the stigma that still surrounds substance use or they’ve tried before only to relapse. “With recovery, it doesn't matter if they’ve gone through it 20 times,” Naluwooza said. “We'll help them with the 21st time. Even when you’ve struggled before, we’re still willing to help.” What happens when you walk into the Orange Entrance? Access to the Crisis Center and Mental Health Walk-in starts in the same place: The Orange Entrance to the Robinwood Professional Center at 11110 Medical Campus Road. Go through the automatic double doors, then go in the first door on the left. There you walk into a waiting room with a front desk staffed to guide you, depending on your needs. Whether it’s addiction services or mental health, Naluwooza is one of the first stops. It’s her job to evaluate patients for mental health and general health issues. Perhaps they’re trying to get established with a mental healthcare provider, but aren’t able to get a prompt appointment. Naluwooza can determine if they need medication and prescribe it until the patient can see their own provider. Perhaps the patient wants to give up drinking or drugs. Naluwooza would determine if they can enter the six-bed Crisis Center, or if they’re suffering from conditions that would require them to visit the Emergency Department first. For example, she said alcoholic withdrawal known as delirium tremens, which can be life-threatening, requires immediate medical care. “Most are OK, but we do have to send some to the ER,” she said. “So long as they have been medically cleared, they can come back to us.” Once in the center, patients usually stay up to three days to get management of withdrawal symptoms while a discharge coordinator works to get them into an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. The coordinator also works with insurance companies and sometimes even secures scholarships for patients to cover costs. What makes Meritus behavioral health services different? A key part of the Crisis Center program is the availability of peer support personnel. These are people who, at one point in their lives, were struggling with substance abuse and are now working to help those in the throes of addiction. “We find the patient is more open to going through rehab or whatever treatment we can offer because they see someone who has gone through it before them and come out on the other side,” Naluwooza said. It’s the one-stop-shop aspects of the Crisis Center and Mental Health Walk-in that provides her satisfaction. “The biggest thing is just helping them start on their journey. They meet a lot of barriers when they start. They don’t know where to go,” Naluwooza said. “The thing I like about this place is that anyone who walks in here can be helped in one way or another.” To learn more about the Crisis Center, visit www.meritushealth.com/crisiscenter. To learn more about the Mental Health Walk-in clinic, go to www.meritushealth.com/mentalhealth.
Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine receives OK for first class
September 18, 2024
MSOM will be the first new medical school in Maryland in over 100 years After 1,000 days of continuous planning, enrollment is now open for the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine for the fall 2025 semester. The school received conditional approval to operate in Maryland as an in-state degree-granting institution from the Maryland Higher Education Commission and pre-accreditation from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. “We started on this path to fill the critical shortage of physicians in our community, the state and the nation,” said Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., Meritus president and CEO. “Now, we’ve taken the steps that will create generational change.” There are not enough physicians in the United States to meet the needs of our population. By the year 2030, there is a projected shortage of 124,000 physicians, and in Washington County alone, studies indicate a current shortage of 52 physicians. Additionally, in Maryland, one out of three physicians are over the age of 60. The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine will be the first medical school opened in Maryland in more than 100 years. “We are fortunate to have outstanding medical schools in Maryland with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the University of Maryland School of Medicine and we are honored to contribute to the growth of undergraduate medical education in our state,” said Dr. Paula Gregory, founding Dean of the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine. “Our MSOM mission is to train socially responsible, professionally accomplished and community-oriented physicians.” What will the first students find on campus? The first class, the class of 2029, will include 90 medical students and future classes will be at 180 students. The D.M. Bowman Academic Hall, which will be the school’s main building, has been under construction for about two years on the Meritus Medical Center campus off Robinwood Drive near Hagerstown. The academic hall is slated to be completed by December 2024. The 200,000-square-foot, five-story building will house a state-of-the-art simulation center, simulation labs, classrooms and a conference center that can host up to 1,000 people. The adjacent Meritus Commons will provide student housing through 340 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The complex will also include a club house, commons area and dog park. The first 90 units will be completed in time for the first class. What is the projected economic impact of the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine? An independent economic impact study performed by Tripp Umbach shows the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine will bring considerable benefits to the region. Capital impacts from 2023-2026 are estimated at $268 million dollars, with 1,595 jobs created and estimated tax revenue of $6.2 million dollars. Once the school welcomes its first class, an estimated $500 million of economic impact is expected between 2025 and 2030, with more than $120 million per year to the Maryland GDP every year beyond 2030. How can I learn more about the new medical school? For more information about the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine, including details on academics, tuition and fees and how to apply, visit www.msom.org.
Trauma patients have new life-saving resource at Meritus
September 11, 2024
Hospital is first in region to stock whole blood Meritus Medical Center is now stocking a life-saving resource developed on the battlefield that will give trauma patients a better chance at survival. Through work by the Meritus trauma department and blood bank, the hospital will be able to offer whole blood to those patients most at risk of death after a traumatic incident. “This is a big deal,” said Kyle Remick, M.D., FACS, Meritus trauma medical director who also is a retired U.S. Army Colonel. “For patients with the most severe injuries, whole blood has been shown to be life-saving.” Meritus is positioned at the intersection of two major U.S. interstates, meaning the level 3 trauma center frequently sees trauma patients from automobile crashes, in addition to typical injuries seen by hospitals in rural areas. Victoria K. Gonsorcik, D.O., associate pathologist and director of transfusion/blood bank services, said Meritus staff is primed to go. “We have worked with the critical care and the trauma team along with other departments at Meritus to help roll this out,” she said. “We are ready.” The plan is to work with EMS units in the region so first responders can begin whole blood transfusions when they first encounter patients. How does whole blood benefit trauma patients? Normally, donated blood is separated into components — red blood cells, plasma, platelets, etc. — for standard medical use. By using whole blood, studies have found it improves a patient’s chances of survival in the trauma setting. “When inventory allows, whole blood will offer a quick and efficient method to replace significant blood loss and a more rapid correction of bleeding disorders for our massive transfusions and trauma 1 patients,” Dr. Gonsorcik said. Dr. Remick noted that it was military doctors who have pioneered the treatment, learning lessons from treating troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. “We used whole blood up until Vietnam,” said Dr. Remick, who was a battlefield surgeon when he was active duty. “We learned that when trauma patients are bleeding significantly from their injury, replacing blood lost with whole blood gives those patients the best chance of survival.” Several hospitals in the Washington, D.C., region offer the treatment, but Dr. Remick says Meritus would be the first in Western Maryland. “This will be a benefit to the local population as well as those travelling through the region from other parts of the country,” he said. “Injury is the leading cause of death in those 1 to 44 years of age in the U.S., according to the CDC, so it is important for Meritus to be a leader in optimal care for injuries that occur in the community and the region.” Carrie Adams, Pharm.D., Meritus chief operating officer who oversees the hospital, praised the move. “Offering whole blood is another example of Meritus living up to its mission of improving the health of the community,” she said. “As our community continues to grow, we are striving to meet their health needs, and injury care is a significant part of that need.” To learn more about Meritus Medical Center’s emergency care, visit www.meritushealth.com/Emergency.
Doctor’s orders: More water, movement to benefit your health
September 6, 2024
If there’s one thing that Liza Hiles, M.D., wants her patients to take away from an appointment with her, it’s that they should increase how much water they drink. “Most people don’t drink enough,” said the provider at Meritus Primary Care in Hancock. Drinking 64 ounces of water a day, along with moving — exercising, walking, etc. — are the top ways people can improve their health. “If you drink more water, you’ll have less space in your belly for junk food,” she said. Though water and exercise are far from the only treatments for what ails you, Dr. Hiles said they have a tremendous impact on the top three conditions she treats in Hancock: high blood pressure, diffuse pain and fatigue, and diabetes. Before looking at medication to treat high blood pressure, Dr. Hiles suggests decreasing your salt intake, along with the aforementioned water and exercise. “It’s in everything, including drinks,” she said of salt. With pain and fatigue, Dr. Hiles said she would first eliminate a pathologic cause by running labs and doing a basic exam. If those tests come back clear, the problem usually comes back to diet and exercise. “The vast majority of the time, it is a lack of movement and their current diet,” she said. “A lot of what we eat can cause inflammation and pain and fatigue. A lot of people don’t realize that’s what’s causing their problems until they change their routine.” Lean proteins, such as chicken or fish, and more fruits and vegetables are her top recommendations. Diabetes is a major problem in all of Washington County, not just Hancock. A few years ago, The Herald-Mail reported that Washington County ranked at or near the top of death rates in Maryland when it comes to diabetes. Dr. Hiles said that some patients come to her and feel perfectly fine, only to have lab results reveal a problem. Some report feeling very thirsty or hungry, or having bad fatigue. Again, she said that lifestyle changes are her first recommendation before looking to medication. “Lifestyle changes are super, super important,” she said. For those who are struggling with that, especially the exercise part, Dr. Hiles recommends “exercise snacking.” Just like with snacking on food, exercise snacking involves moving — even just walking in place — for five minutes when you have the time. Regardless of your diet and exercise regimen or what symptoms you’re experiencing, scheduling and keeping yearly exams with your primary care provider are among the most important things you can do to benefit your health. “We can catch a lot of things early or prevent it when you come in for your exam,” she said. If you live in the greater Hancock area and would like to set up a physical, go to www.meritushealth.com/Hancock. For those outside of Hancock, Meritus has primary care locations in many other parts of the county. Go to www.meritushealth.com/primarycare for a location near you.
Meritus Health Care Caller Program published in peer-reviewed journal
September 4, 2024
Initiative combats loneliness, which has been linked to poor health outcomes Leaders with a Western Maryland health system have published an article in a peer-reviewed journal highlighting a program designed to upend loneliness and social isolation in their community. The Meritus Health Care Caller program was implemented in November 2021 to combat the negative effects of a solitary lifestyle, including an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other health issues. “Loneliness and social isolation have been shown to impact life expectancy as much as smoking, obesity and physical inactivity,” said Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., president and CEO of Meritus and one of the paper’s authors. “Meritus Health has set out to make sure that loneliness doesn’t take its toll on our community.” The paper by Joshi; Ethan Feldmiller, startup program manager for the proposed Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine; Lynnae Messner, director of outpatient care management; and Sridhar Rao Gona, pharmacy informatics and research, was published in the September/October 2024 edition of the Journal for Healthcare Quality. What is the Care Callers program? Care Callers uses 81 volunteers and two staff to call 350 health system patients who have indicated they are lonely. Each week, the patient and caller converse for 15 minutes to a half hour. The paper used data current to July 2023, but the most recent statistics show that 95% of the patients in the program report feeling less lonely after four months. Since its inception, more than 700 patients have participated. In fiscal year 2024, Care Callers and patients spoke for 185,915 minutes. And the health system does not intend to slow down. Leaders plan to use what they’ve learned so far to continue addressing inequities and disparities in the community and region. “As anchor organization for the community, we take responsibility for optimizing health outcomes for our neighbors,” Joshi said. “That’s why we’ve implemented Care Callers and other initiatives, not just because it serves a need in our growing community, but also because it’s the right thing to do.” To read the article, click here. To learn more about the Meritus Health Care Callers program, visit www.MeritusHealth.com/carecallers.
Preventing a heart attack requires action now
August 23, 2024
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. While it might take more than an apple, there’s truth to the notion that positive actions now can prevent health problems later. Nowhere is that truer than in preventative cardiology, says Pegah Zare, M.D., with Meritus Hagerstown Heart. Acting early can stave off things like coronary artery disease and prevent heart attacks or strokes. “In this day and age, the approach we take is we sit down with patients and learn about their family history and what other factors might impact their health to get a good, detailed history,” Dr. Zare said. That usually includes giving the patient a CT scan that looks for calcium buildup in the arteries that supply the heart. This coronary calcium scan is very important in figuring out a plan to keep your heart healthy, Dr. Zare said. Also factored in are blood tests that check cholesterol, as well as diet and exercise. To lower or maintain healthy cholesterol levels, Dr. Zare recommends a diet and exercise regimen. Extensive research has been done on the Mediterranean diet, and it has been found to have cardiovascular benefits. “Things like olive oil, nuts, less red meat and less dairy,” she said of the menu. “Fish and chicken are always good.” When it comes to exercise, Dr. Zare recommends starting off simply with walking outdoors 20 to 30 minutes, five days a week. You could also be a “weekend warrior” and walk for two hours on Saturday and Sunday. The pace can start slowly, then increase as you are able to tolerate it. But it should be enough to get your heart rate up. “If you can keep up a full conversation while walking, then you’re not exerting yourself enough,” she said. Sometimes, diet and exercise aren't enough to lower or maintain cholesterol, especially if there are genetics involved. In that case, Dr. Zare said medication would come into play. There are statin drugs, such as Lipitor or Crestor, that are effective at combating high cholesterol and preventing heart disease. There are other medications, including aspirin, that could be added to those drugs to get to the optimum levels, she said. Probably the most important thing to remember when it comes to heart disease is to not ignore it. Speak to your primary care provider about getting your cholesterol checked and reviewing your family history. You might need to see a specialist, like Dr. Zare, to help get things under control and have a good health outcome. To learn more about Meritus Hagerstown Heart, visit www.MeritusHealth.com/Heart.
Meritus earns Best-in-State Employer award from Forbes
August 20, 2024
Health system named to list for the second time in three years Meritus Health has been named to the Forbes’ list of America’s Best-in-State Employers for 2024. “Meritus is thrilled to be honored with this award for the second time in three years,” said health system President and CEO Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H. “That we’ve received this award is a testament to the value that our own team members see in Meritus’ mission, which is to improve the health of the community.” Employers on the list have been identified in an independent survey from a vast sample of over 160,000 employees working for companies employing at least 500 people within the U.S., according to Forbes. The survey was open to companies from all industry sectors. Around 4.4 million employer evaluations were analyzed. The consideration of data from the past three years allowed a robust differentiation between organizations that consistently perform well from those that may only have had a single good year. The evaluation was based on direct and indirect recommendations from employees who were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employers to friends and family. Employees were also asked to evaluate other employers in their respective industry and state how they stood out either positively or negatively. The award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc. To learn more about working at Meritus, visit www.MeritusHealth.com/careers.
Weight loss, which is right for you: Surgery or medication?
August 12, 2024
There is an obesity epidemic in the United States and around the world. The World Health Organization estimates 1 in 8 people globally are obese. “Losing weight is the best thing you can do for your health,” said Brian Cantor, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.S.M.B.S., a bariatric surgeon with Meritus Surgical Specialists. “It’s an underlying cause for health problems including high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea.” But losing weight is easier said than done. While diet and exercise are the logical routes, they often aren’t successful on their own, Dr. Cantor said. If that’s the case, there are steps that can be taken medically to reduce weight. Options include bariatric surgery or using prescribed medication, such as Ozempic. But how do you know which option is the best for you? One of the biggest factors is your body-mass index. Those with a BMI between 27 and 30 typically are not candidates for surgery but could see benefits from medication. Those with a BMI of 35 or higher who also have comorbidities, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes or others, would be a candidate for surgery. Those without comorbidities and a BMI of 40 also would likely qualify for surgery. Medication might be a better option for those with a high BMI whose doctors have determined it would not be safe for them to have surgery, Dr. Cantor said. It might also work for those who are extremely overweight, who need to lose pounds before being considered for bariatric surgery. “Or, we might find that the best course of action is to do the surgery first and then help maintain after that with medication,” Dr. Cantor said. No matter the direction, it’s important to review all the details and understand each option. Bariatric surgery has been around for decades and has been shown to reduce weight significantly and keep that weight off for years afterward with minimal side effects, Dr. Cantor said. Medication hasn’t been around as long, so there’s less research available. And while it tends to act quickly, the weight can be gained back quickly once the medication is stopped. “We would tailor the decision-making process to the individual,” Dr. Cantor said. When it comes to the surgery option, multiple medical disciplines get involved. The patient will get a psychological evaluation. He or she will get support from a nutritionist. They will go through a sleep study. And the patient’s primary care provider would be involved from the start. “We want to make sure you’re covered mentally, physically and spiritually,” he said. The process for surgery takes between six and nine months, which also allows for a diet and exercise regemine to be put in place. “That habit is then there after the surgery,” Dr. Cantor said. “It’ll be in place so that, after the surgery, there is something to fall back upon when stressors arise.” A diet and exercise regemine are also recommended for those using medication. In both cases, the end result is what Dr. Cantor called “the halo effect.” “The whole family ends up following the same diet that the patient does,” he said. “So the people around them also become healthier, too.” To learn more about weight loss options, visit www.meritushealth.com/Weightloss or call 301-714-4044.
Man survives heart attack, thanks Meritus, EMS crew for saving life
August 8, 2024
Jimi McLeod was mending a fence July 16 at the little farm he has in Downsville when his life almost ended. It was through the professional care he received from the EMS crew from Halfway Volunteer Fire Co., other emergency responders from Williamsport, and the interventional cardiology staff and others at Meritus Medical Center that he survived a widow maker heart attack. “It has a 12 percent survival rate,” he noted in a Facebook post thanking everyone who saved his life. A tree branch had landed on the fence, and McLeod decided to repair the two broken boards after getting off work at Lowe’s around 5 p.m., he said in an August interview. It was during the heat wave, when temperatures were in the upper 90s. As he was working, he thought he was starting to get overheated but still managed to put both boards on by taking a break in between. “But then I sat in the shop,” he said, “and it took everything I had to get from the shop to the house.” He still thought it was the heat, but he sent a text message to his wife, Joyce, who was upstairs, to come down and check on him. She initially wanted to call 911, but he hesitated. It was when he realized he couldn’t move his left arm that he asked Joyce to make the call. The EMS crew quickly assessed he was having a massive heart attack, loaded him on the ambulance and sped to the hospital. Though McLeod admitted he was fading in and out of consciousness, he remembered hearing the EMS lieutenant checking his vitals and calling them in to the hospital, along with their ETA. “I didn’t realize how fast they were driving,” he said. “We arrived at the hospital, and I could see all of them waiting. And as I was being wheeled down the hallway, more people were getting around me. “They jumped on me so fast, like a well-oiled machine.” It was at that point that he realized he was unable to breathe. “I decided to just close everything off and focus on living,” he said. The next thing he knew, it was the next day. He was awake and had tubes and wires connected to him. Mansoor Ahmad, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, spoke to McLeod in McLeod’s hospital room, explaining what happened and what the next steps would be. McLeod had to get two more stents, and he was awake for the procedure. “At the end of the surgery, they turned the screen around and showed me what my artery looked like before the stent and how it looked now,” he said. “The whole thing was amazing.” During his time in the intensive care and step-down units, he said every nurse and staffer he encountered was professional and kind. He even got a visit from Meritus President and CEO Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anand Budi. Joshi and McLeod’s brother are friends. “I told them, ‘This service here was above and beyond,’” McLeod said. All told, he was in the hospital for five days and received visitors including his wife and daughters, friends and others. Flash forward a few weeks and McLeod was back to work at Lowe’s, though sitting on a stool most of the time. He wanted to thank those who helped save his life. So, after reaching out to the EMS crew, he put up a Facebook post listing off as many people he could name, explaining what happened and how they are the reason he is still alive. “There was about three hours or so, I was told, where they didn’t know I was going to make it,” McLeod said. “One little mess up … my time was close.”