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Health related questions answered by our local doctors and healthcare professionals
Who should I see for non-surgical treatment options for orthopedic or spine injury or chronic pain such as arthritis?
Start with a physician with appropriate postresidency training, (i.e. a sports medicine or pain medicine fellowship). They should be an expert in both ultrasound-guided injections, (which are critical for both accurate diagnosis and treatment), and fluoroscopically guided injections, (which are critical for some spine treatments). The physician should use FDA approved equipment and orthobiologic techniques that utilize the patient’s own blood or cells. A physician with academic medicine credentials who is actively publishing and lecturing in this field will generally have the most up-to-date knowledge. Finally, check on-line reviews.
Annapolis & Easton locations | 410-505-0530 | www.rosm.org
Sean Mulvaney, MD | Regenerative Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Annapolis
Is my acid reflux medication actually fixing the problem - or just masking it?
In most cases - masking it. Acid reducers suppress stomach acid to ease discomfort, but reflux is rarely caused by too much acid. Often, it’s driven by a combination of factors - bacterial overgrowth, slow motility, food triggers, poor LES tone, and low digestive capacity - that increase intra-abdominal pressure and push everything the wrong direction. Long-term use can worsen these issues while impairing nutrient absorption and gut health. While medication may quiet symptoms short term, it’s not fixing what’s causing them long term. The real question is why it’s happening - and with the right testing and approach, we can find your cause.
Contact us today | 410-346-5658 | www.guthonesttruth.com
Katie Morra, MS, RD, LDN, IFMCP | Gut Honest Truth
Why is my pet suddenly itching more in the spring, and what should I do about it?
Spring itching affects both dogs and cats due to environmental allergies and fleas. Rising pollen levels trigger skin inflammation. Dogs often lick paws or develop ear infections, while cats may overgroom, develop scabs, or lose hair. Fleas also become active in warmer weather, and even one bite can cause significant itching. Minimize allergen exposure by wiping paws, washing bedding, using HEPA filtration, reducing outdoor exposure during peak pollen times, and maintaining strict flea prevention. For dogs, newer targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibody treatments and other prescription medications, provide effective itch relief. Early veterinary care helps prevent secondary infections and chronic skin disease.
Learn more: www.mobilepetvet.com | 410-544-8300
Lisa Beagan, DVM | Mobile Pet Vet
Why is exosome therapy better for your skin and hair in the long-term?
If you are a person that is beauty-conscious but skeptical of trends that promise too much and don’t focus on major concerns, such as premature aging, excessive hair loss/thinning or chronic inflammation. That is where exosome therapy provides a non-invasive, evidence-based approach to support skin and hair health from the inside out. When exosomes are applied to the skin or hair and combined with micro needling, they help set up an environment for collagen production, cellular repair and tissue regeneration. The results are natural and sustainable, exosomes leverage the body’s own healing mechanisms rather than filling or masking imperfections.
1481 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd | Arnold, MD 21012 | 301-978-6015 | optimallongevitymd@gmail.com | www.optimallongevitymd.com
Lucy Guevara, MD, MPH | Optimal Longevity MD
If I’m healthy and rarely get sick, why do I need to schedule an annual primary care visit?
As a primary care physician, I always tell my patients we are at the nucleus of your medical team. Regular checkups help establish what’s normal for you, so small changes can be caught early. We make sure you get the care that is recommended so that you don’t develop chronic medical conditions. We’re also here to advocate for you when you need care that is out of our scope of practice.
Learn more: Luminis.Health/PrimaryCare | 443-270-8600
Yvette Burrowes, MD | Luminis Health Primary Care
Can crooked teeth or a “bad bite” cause jaw pain or clenching?
Yes. When teeth don’t fit together properly, the jaw muscles have to work harder to find a comfortable resting position. Over time, this strain can lead to clenching, grinding, morning headaches, and soreness in the jaw or masseter muscles. A misaligned bite can also create uneven pressure on certain teeth and joints, increasing the risk of enamel wear and temporomandibular (TMJ) discomfort. In some cases, orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners, can help create a more balanced bite and reduce excessive muscle strain. In our office, we take a whole-body approach to oral health, recognizing that bite alignment influences not just comfort and function, but overall wellness and inflammation. If you’re experiencing jaw tension, headaches, or worn teeth, a bite evaluation may be an important first step!
Learn more: shipleysdentalcare.com | 410-987-8800
Meghan Segreti, DDS | Associate General Dentist Shipley’s Dental Care
Is fluoride safe or should I be using an “all-natural” toothpaste?
Fluoride is very safe and is one of the most effective, well-researched tools we have for preventing cavities. It not only strengthens enamel, but it also kills the bacteria that cause tooth decay and can even help reverse early “pre-cavity” lesions. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in soil, rocks, and water sources around the world. The fluoride used in toothpaste is a refined, carefully measured form of this same earth-derived mineral. Toothpastes marketed as “all-natural” can be appropriate for patients at very low cavity risk, but most do not contain fluoride, which means they lack the strongest proven defense against decay. The right choice depends on your individual risk level, enamel health, and history, but for most patients, fluoride toothpaste and varnish remain the gold standard for protecting long-term oral health.
Learn more: www.thesevernaparkdentist.com | 410-647-3883
Andrew G. Lericos, DDS, FICOI | ANCHOR Family Dentistry
Why choose an Orthopedic Specialist over a large hospital system?
Personalized care from start to finish. Unlike a large hospital system, the Annapolis Hand to Shoulder Center is powered by three board-certified, fellowship-trained experts: Doctors Dennis, Nesti and Kilcoyne. At a hospital, you may see different providers, physician extenders, or trainees at every visit. Here, you see your dedicated surgeon every time. This continuity allows us to create a truly individualized plan—whether it involves advanced PRP injections, on-site therapy, or surgery—tailored specifically to your lifestyle and recovery goals.
www.annapolishandtoshoulder.com | 410-544-HAND (4263)
Kelly G. Kilcoyne, MD | Annapolis Hand to Shoulder Center
What are the benefits of Chiropractic Care and Pregnancy?
Chiropractic care during pregnancy can provide many potential benefits. Some benefits that have been noted are controlling symptoms of nausea, reducing the time of labor and delivery, relieving back, neck or joint pain, establishing pelvic balance and alignment, and maintaining a healthier pregnancy. The nervous system is the master communication system to all the body systems including the reproductive system. Keeping the spine aligned helps the entire body work more effectively.
Learn more: www.kovachchiropractic.com | 410-697-3566
Dr. Alicia Kovach, D.C. | Kovach Chiropractic and Wellness Center
