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Health related questions answered by our local doctors and healthcare professionals
How do we know what is the best treatment for my cancer?
The best treatment is decided between the patient and his or her doctor. Oncologists make recommendations for treatment based on the diagnosis, stage of cancer, previous treatment history, and issues of the patient’s other health conditions and personal needs. One of the most important options to identify the best cancer treatment is known as comprehensive tumor profiling. This involves scientific analysis of a patient’s tumor for specific biological features, to determine whether a treatment is available that can take advantage of this feature to cause the tumor to stop growing, shrink away, or prevent from recurring.
Learn more: www.marylandoncology.com | 410-897-6200
David Weng, M.D., Ph.D.; Maryland Oncology Hematology
Who should be screened for vascular disease?
Experts estimate 20-30 million Americans are at risk for vascular disease. If left unchecked, vascular disease can lead to serious — even life-threatening — problems. But with early detection, effective treatments are available. People who are age 60 or older, and have any of the following risk factors, should consider a vascular screening:
- A history of smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure and/or cholesterol
- A family history of vascular disease
- Had a stroke
If any of the above describe you, take our free, quick online vascular disease risk assessment to understand if a screening is right for you: umbwmc.org/VascularHRA6.
Learn more at: umbwmc.org/vascular-screening | 410-787-4391
Deidre Smith, CRNP; Vascular Center at University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center
Does my pet need flea, tick and heartworm prevention in the winter?
Yes. In winter, pet owners may question the necessity of heartworm and flea and tick preventatives, assuming reduced insect activity. However, the risk of exposure to fleas, ticks, and mosquitos persists in Maryland, where winters remain mild. Ticks, including those carrying Lyme disease, can stay active in temperatures as low as 32 degrees. Fleas can survive in temperatures as low as 33 degrees, posing a risk of infestation. Mosquitoes, responsible for heartworm spread, can emerge during mild winter nights. Though risks are lower, pet owners are advised not to skip preventative medications to avoid costly treatments later.
Learn more at: www.mobilepetvet.com | 410-544-8300
Lisa Beagan, DVM; Mobile Pet Vet
Should I floss before or after brushing?
Brushing and flossing are equally important for oral health but let’s be honest, many people don’t floss as often as they should. That is why many dentists recommend flossing first, because you’re less likely to skip it that way. There is one study that shows people who floss first have less plaque and better uptake of fluoride. On the other hand, if you remove the bulk of the plaque by brushing first you will likely have less debris splattered on your bathroom mirror. The reality is it doesn’t really matter. If you’re doing both, keep up the good work!
Learn more: www.harbordentalcenter.com | 410-228-5445
Dr. Meredith Todd, DDS, FAGD; Harbor Dental Center
What is personalized medicine in cancer care?
We use molecular profiling in the field of medical oncology to personalize our approach to treating patients. We can tailor our treatment recommendations to the biology of a patient’s disease by looking at the genetic alterations of a patient’s cancer. We use commercially available assays to test a patient’s tumor for genetic mutations that are known to drive cancer growth and spread. We then use standard of care therapies to target these genetic alterations to manage a patient’s disease. Here at Maryland Oncology Hematology, we are connected to a robust nationwide clinical trial network that expands upon the targeted therapies that we can offer to our patients.
Learn more: www.marylandoncology.com | 410-819-3332
Adam Goldrich, M.D.; Maryland Oncology Hematology
Why Do Infant and Children need Chiropractic Care?
Infants and children may need chiropractic care for several reasons, such as physical complications from childbirth, difficulty breastfeeding, torticollis, and colic. Infants may also develop spine curvatures when they begin to lift their heads and sit up. Correcting misalignments in infants and children helps reduce or eliminate problems and improves their overall health and wellbeing. Chiropractic Care can also improve a child’s mobility, enhance bodily functions, and boost immune systems by releasing disease-fighting cells.
Learn more: www.kovachchiropractic.com | 410-697-3566
Dr. Alicia Kovach, D.C.; Kovach Chiropractic and Wellness Center
