Robert Sterling, MD

Ouch! As you can imagine when you see a player get sacked, years on the football field can take their toll! A 2008 University of Michigan study of retired NFL players found that, compared to the general public, these former football greats have a very high rate of diagnosed arthritis. Their joints are, plain and simple, just worn out. So of the older retirees in this study, almost 25 percent have had at least one joint replacement. The vast majority have had knees replaced. Hips replacements are less common.

So as some great athletes take to the field this Super Bowl XLVI weekend, some of us former “great” athletes may be wondering if that creaky knee or aching hip needs a possible replacement. When is the right time to see a doctor about it? Listen to your body, and it will tell you: If you are experiencing pain, swelling or stiffness in one of your joints, now is a good time to get checked out.

During your evaluation, we will get a full history of your complaints and examine your joints to figure out why you are having pain. This history and physical exam is often followed by an x-ray to look at your bones. The first steps we try for treatment of arthritis usually involve exercise, weight reduction, knee braces, and medications to help your pain.

Whether you want to get back on a field or just back to playing with grandkids, diagnosis and appropriate treatment of any joint pain should be the next step in your training program.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact the University of Maryland Department of Orthopaedics at 877-771-4567.

By Brendan Wills

I spent years “dealing with” my condition.  I saw specialists in other practices who prescribed different drugs to treat my colitis, but nothing worked.  I was getting sicker and had no energy for the things I enjoyed most — spending time with my family, traveling, and my real passion, competing in triathlons.  In February 2010, I decided I’d had enough and needed to see the best, once and for all.  After doing much research, I contacted Dr. Raymond Cross through the University of Maryland’s Web site, and made an appointment.

My experience with the University of Maryland’s Department of Gastroenterology was great from day one.  Dr. Cross took a complete history of my symptoms, treatments and medications, discussed my options, and came up with a game plan.  In the spring of 2010, after exploring several different medicines, Dr. Cross and I decided on Remicade.  I had my first infusion of Remicade, a drug most commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, but which has shown success in treating patients with ulcerative colitis.  That first treatment changed my life, and I haven’t looked back since.

Almost immediately, I felt better than I had in years. I really couldn’t remember the last time I had felt this normal.  I have continued the treatment for almost two years, and can say without a doubt that I wouldn’t be able to do the things I do without Dr. Cross, his team, and their treatment plan.

Since receiving care from Dr. Cross and starting the Remicade, I have been able to train for and compete in more than 20 triathlons.  In November 2010, not even one year after starting my treatment with Dr. Cross, I completed my first Ironman triathlon.  The Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and a 26.2 mile marathon.  In the 14 hours it took me to complete that first race, I had a lot of time to think about where I was, compared to where I had been just one short year ago.  A year ago, I was miserable, sick, weak, and unsure of what the future held for me.  Fast-forward nine months, and here I was, having trained over 100 miles swimming, 3000-plus miles biking and 500-plus miles of running to compete in the biggest race of my life.

As my strength and energy have returned, I have been able to train harder and race with no limitations.  On October 29, 2011, I competed in the same Ironman race and finished in 11 hours, 12 minutes, which was over three hours faster than the year before.  Next year, my goal is to go even faster and finish in under 10 hours.

Today, it’s been almost two years since that first appointment with Dr. Cross.  Without the attention and dedication of Dr. Cross and his team, I have no doubt that I would not be able to train for and compete in the triathlons that I love so much. I finally have my life back, and I owe my health to Dr. Cross, his team, and the University of Maryland Department of Gastroenterology.

By Shannon Joslin, MS, CCLS

Child Life Manager
University of Maryland Children’s Hospital

Being in the hospital at any time is a challenge, but especially so for young patients during the holidays.  Children miss their family, friends and their traditional holiday activities.

Here at the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital (UMCH), it’s a little easier thanks to some generous people in the community — grateful families of current and former patients, companies, local businesses and other individuals who open their hearts and checkbooks to allow the Child Life Program to host the second annual Snowpile event for children and families in the hospital over the holidays.

The Child Life team sets up a toy workshop from Dec. 21 to Dec. 23 each year and invites parents of children who are in the hospital over the holiday to come shopping (for free) for their child.

In addition to the toys, every parent is able to “stuff a stocking” full of goodies for their child in the hospital as well as stockings for any siblings at home so they don’t feel left out while their brother or sister is hospitalized.

We have volunteer gift wrappers to help with wrapping the gifts and we have coffee, cookies and snacks for parents so they can take a moment for themselves in the midst of their child’s hospitalization.  Last year, we had Girl Scout cookies donated through a troop whose leader works at UMMC. This year, we got donated food and drinks from the Au Bon Pain restaurant in the hospital lobby and The Penn Restaurant nearby onPratt Street.

Parents either take their gifts with them if there’s a chance their child is being discharged before the 25th, or they leave them with our Child Life team for delivery on the 25th.  Parents who have participated have commented on how this was such a help, for two reasons — finances are usually tight and their time to go shopping is limited because they want to stay at the hospital with their child.

If you would like more information about the Child Life Program at UMCH or how to help support children and families in the hospital, please visit our Child Life Web site.

By Susan Roy, DMin, BCC
Pastoral Care Director

As hospital chaplains working with patients, families and our fellow staff members, we know that the stream of cheerful holiday messages and images might only make it harder for individuals experiencing grief or loss. Each year, we offer a series of services for people who seek a more reflective way of coping with the holidays.

I am just finishing the program for our Blue Holiday services later today (12:45 p.m.; 5 p.m.; and 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.) and hope that it will be meaningful for anyone who is feeling a bit blue this holiday season. Around the country, similar services might also be called a Longest Night service because it occurs on the winter solstice — Dec. 22, the day of the year that has the fewest hours of sunlight. Regardless of the name used, these programs acknowledge the darkness that may also be part of our holiday season.

Arranged in four parts, the service is reflective – not depressing – and moves from darkness to light while keeping a balance between the two. The four parts are loneliness, death, growth and hope. Each of the four parts includes lighting a candle, a reading, and a musical selection. During each of the four parts of the service, participants will be invited to come forward to place flowers in a wreath to represent those whom they remember.

For example: during the first music segment – about loneliness — I might place a flower for my frustration at work; during the second, I might place four flowers to remember three people who have died and a friend who is estranged from me; during the third, I might place a flower for the way I am growing in my faith; during the fourth, I might place two flowers, one for world peace and another for hope.

The service acknowledges the darkest night of the year and symbolically allows us to acknowledge the darker parts of the human condition and our own lives. In the midst of darkness, we still experience moments of light and hints of hope.

In addition to the spiritual help needed, here are some practical tips from two physicians at UMMC.

 A new 8-mile race-within-a-race called Dozer’s Dash has been added to the 2012 Maryland Half Marathon in honor of Dozer the Dog, a Goldendoodle who made national news after accidentally joining the runners at mile five in the 2011 Maryland Half Marathon.

Dozer passed the finish line wet and muddy during his first race, but he was sporting a newly groomed ‘do when he came to the Medical Center Thursday, Dec. 8, to kick off registration for the fourth annual Maryland Half Marathon. The race benefits the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center.

The actual race will be Sunday, May 6, 2012, in the Howard County community of Maple Lawn. Maple Lawn is located in the Fulton area of Howard County.

“We’re looking forward to returning to Maple Lawn, which proved to be a challenging, fun course for runners. This half marathon is designed for those who enjoy running with a purpose, since 100 percent of the net proceeds benefit the Greenebaum Cancer Center,” says Michael Greenebaum, race co-chairman. ”When we started the race in 2009, a goal was set to raise $1 million for the cancer center by 2012. To date, the event has raised close to $750,000, and we hope to realize this goal next year.”

“By introducing Dozer’s Dash and revamping our Marlene’s Mission fundraising program to allow for expanded participation, we are offering new twists that keep the race fresh for runners,” said Jon Sevel, Maryland Half Marathon co-chairman.

Dozer’s Dash will begin at the five-mile mark, where Dozer made his now-famous entrance into the race in 2011. Male and female runners having the lowest times in this leg of the half marathon will be awarded medals of honor and named Top Dog of Dozer’s Dash.

Dogs will be permitted to join Dozer at the race that morning to cheer on runners along the course – as long as they’re accompanied by an owner and on a leash. For the safety of the animals and those running in the race, however, dogs will NOT be allowed to run in the 2012 Marathon Half Marathon or Dozer’s Dash. Not even Dozer himself.

Also new this year is a more-inclusive “Marlene’s Mission” fundraising program, named in honor of Marlene Greenebaum, a two-time cancer survivor and the inspiration behind the race. Runners who raise $2,500 or more for the Greenebaum Cancer Center will be recognized as part of this elite fundraising program and receive incentives as a special thank you for their efforts.

Ever notice the race has moved to different locations in Maryland? There’s a method behind that. At the 2012 race, the County Cup will again be presented to the county executive representing the ‘home’ county of the first Maryland resident to cross the finish line. Adam Callaway, the 2011 top finisher who ran the course in 1:18:51, helped Baltimore County reclaim the Cup from Harford County in 2011. Baltimore County was the inaugural recipient in 2009.

“The Maryland Half Marathon is one of the state’s premier races, and we are honored that it will return to Howard County in May 2012. The race brought runners from around the state and elsewhere to our beautiful county, and allowed us the opportunity to showcase the Maple Lawn community. We are pleased to be part of this effort to support the great work being done at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center to fight cancer,” says Ken Ulman, the Howard County executive.

This year’s event also will feature a Kids Fun Run and Kids Zone as well as live music. The half marathon starts at 8 a.m., and the Kids Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. Registration is $75 for the half-marathon and $15 for the Kids Run. The Kids Zone is free.

Race Co-Chairmen Michael Greenebaum and Jon Sevel started the Maryland Half Marathon in 2009, combining their passion for running with a desire to help the cancer center, which is named for Greenebaum’s parents, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum.

Kevin J. Cullen, M.D., the cancer center’s director, says, “We’re extremely grateful to all the runners and volunteers who make the Maryland Half Marathon so successful each year. The money that they have raised has been crucial to helping us provide outstanding care for our patients and to continue our research into new ways to fight cancer. We can’t thank them enough for their generous support.”

A number of cancer survivors and members of their families take part in the half marathon each year, along with doctors, nurses and other members of the cancer center staff. Cancer survivors give medals to all those who finish the race.

The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, is ranked in the nation’s top 25 cancer centers by U.S. News and World Report. The cancer center offers a multidisciplinary approach to treating all types of cancer and has an active cancer research program.

For more information:

Maryland Half Marathon

Greenebaum Cancer Center

Dozer the Dog’s Facebook page

Dozer’s Fundraising page

By Nick Papas

I had just completed the 2011 Pittsburgh Marathon. It was not my best time. There was no personal record that day. It was a day marked by a continued struggle with a chronic heel injury.  But there was something more serious brewing in my body that day. It was a particularly strong flare-up of my mitral valve pain. I was so familiar with the pain. It had been diagnosed and studied throughout my life. I had mitral valve prolapse. 

 So, I brushed off the chest pain as I slogged through the marathon and finished.

Then a couple hours later, as the marathon and half-marathon runners of our family celebrated with extended family and supportive friends, I shared my personal marathon experience with my soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Beth Ann. My tale included the throw-away detail about my old familiar chest pains. No big deal. Or so I thought.

 Beth Ann, a medical student, was not as flippant as I was about the little detail of chest pain.  She pulled out her stethoscope and diagnosed me on the spot as having mitral valve regurgitation. She strongly suggested that I see my PCP. I was stubborn and a bit incredulous. I didn’t rush.

 Eventually my heart acted up in such new and painful ways that I was compelled to go to my doctor. This set into motion the chain of events that lead me to Dr. James Gammie at UMMC.

An initial link in this chain was me doing my homework. I read the scientific papers. I consulted with knowledgeable, trusted people and friends.

 I had to make my decision: Was I, a man who loves to be active by running and biking, going to be happy taking drugs? Would I be satisfied watching my body get weaker and weaker while my heart became more and more sick?

 Ultimately, the decision was a no-brainer.

 I took action right away, partially because I concluded that it was the right thing to do and partially because my son’s wedding was just around the corner. I wanted to be healed enough to dance at my son’s wedding.

My surgery was performed at UMMC on September 6, 2011. Noah and Beth Ann were married October 8, 2011! I am happy to say I danced! I danced quite a bit! My wife, Patty (in the photo with me), and I had a great time.

 I am grateful not only to be alive but to be living. I am optimistic that with my newly repaired, healthy heart I will be able to enjoy the coming years with my family and to live these years actively. 

In the future, look for me in the 2012 Baltimore Half or Full Marathon. I’m the self-proclaimed, 52-year old, poster “child” of UMMC Mitral Valve Repairs!

Shanti Lewis is a neonatal nutritionist at the University of Maryland Medical Center.  She is an author and frequent contributor to blogs and articles on fitness and nutrition. Lewis received her bachelor’s in nutrition and food science from Drexel University and completed her dietetic internship at the National Institutes of Health.

Gina Muldrow, left, and her sister, Karen Mohammad, stop by the UMMC main entrance during their night out in a pink limousine. Gina is a stem cell donor navigator in the Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at UMMC. She won the night out as a door prize when she participated in after-hours events reserved for staff to schedule their own screening mammograms.

 By Gina Muldrow

The Pink Limo was awesome, a real treat and an eye catcher. It has the biggest, prettiest lashes on the headlights — it’s definitely a girly car. And my sister, Karen Mohammad, and I both felt like pretty pink princesses.

The driver was funny, friendly and courteous. Karen and I felt like a tourists while he drove us around Baltimore. It really is a beautiful city at night.

We had dinner at the Black Olive Restaurant. It’s such a lovely, quaint little place in the heart of Fells Point, sitting back on a cobblestone street. Incidentally, the dim lighting would make for an elegant, romantic evening if you’re with your sweetheart. But even if you’re with a sister or a good friend, it’s a beautiful place to have dinner.

The service was very fast and professional, and the food …. OMG! It was awesome. Delicious to the last bite. I’m sure they have the best chef in town.

Before we ordered, our waitress gave us a tour of the Black Olive’s seafood display. She educated us about the types of fish they offered and where they came from. In the end, we chose a fish entrée and a lamb entree.

All in all, it was a fantastic evening and I’m so lucky and appreciative of the experience.
Thank you all in the Breast Center for all you do.

Save the Ta-Tas!

By Catherine Brown, MS, RD, CDE
Diabetes Education Coordinator

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month.  The incidence of diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide.  In theUnited States, 26 million people have diabetes.  That’s 8.3 percent of us. Chances are you know someone with diabetes.  Additionally, an estimated 79 million people have pre-diabetes, which means the sugar level in their blood is higher than normal and could lead to diabetes. 

Here are a few more statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that paint an even clearer picture of this enormous public health problem: 

• Every 17 seconds, someone is diagnosed with diabetes.
• Diabetes kills more people each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined.
• By 2050, according to some estimates, as many as 1 in 3 Americans will have diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes include extreme fatigue, blurry vision, frequent urination and increased thirst.  However, many people don’t experience any symptoms, or don’t have symptoms until their blood sugar levels are much too high.  To help determine if you are at risk for developing diabetes, take the risk test at http://www.diabetes.org/assets/pdfs/alert-day-2011/diabetes-risk-test-english.pdf. Discuss your results with your doctor.

The good news is that a major research study, called the Diabetes Prevention Program, showed that the more common type 2 diabetes can be prevented with lifestyle changes. Performing 150 minutes of exercise per week and reducing calorie and fat intake to lose 7 percent body weight was effective in preventing or delaying diabetes.  To learn more about this study, visit http://ndep.nih.gov/media/dpp_factsheet.pdf.

Diabetes is a chronic and costly disease that can lead to kidney disease, eye damage, nerve damage and heart disease if not well controlled.  People with diabetes need to adopt several behaviors, such as staying active, eating a healthy diet and monitoring their blood sugar.  Usually, they need a team of professionals to help manage the condition. The University of Maryland Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology offers physicians, nurse practitioners, diabetes educators, dietitians, pharmacists, podiatrists and psychiatrists to assist patients. It provides diabetes education classes to help patients better manage their diabetes.

 To learn more about our services or to make an appointment, please call 410-328-6584 or visit http://www.umm.edu/diabetes/index.htm. For more information about diabetes, check out the American Diabetes Association’s website at http://www.diabetes.org/.

By Daniel Purdie and Cynthia McClain Purdie

Last year, our healthy, vibrant 2-year-old son Adam suddenly began having convulsive seizures. Another emergency facility thought they were caused by a fever or an allergic reaction, but the University of Maryland Medical Center soon ruled that out. They performed thorough exams and Adam spent several nights in the PICU while we wondered, worried, and waited by his side. We knew he was getting the best care possible, because we have trusted the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital with our family’s health care for more than a decade. But that didn’t mean we weren’t afraid and nervous about what was happening with our baby.

Drs. Kathleen Currey, Jack Gladstein and the entire team at the Pediatric Epilepsy Center were attentive and addressed all our concerns when they diagnosed Adam with epilepsy (seizure disorder).  At first, we were disappointed about the extent of his treatment — our healthy 2-year-old would suddenly need to take medications twice a day for at least a year.  We thought there was a cure! But we were relieved that he had not suffered any brain damage or injuries, which could have happened over time had we not caught the problem.  Now, our son is 3 and we are happy he is responding well to treatment and has not had a seizure in a long time.

We wanted to thank the team at UMMC for the special kind of care they give to children and families, and to raise awareness about epilepsy in our community. Daniel is a performer and the second closest thing to his heart after family is music. He decided a benefit concert was in order and called it ‘AFAC: Applause for a Cause, Baltimore.’  He put the plans in motion and gathered support from fellow regional and national artists who donated performances.

The concert was held on campus at the Community Colleges of Baltimore County, Catonsville on October 14, 2011 and we had a great time. We were able to raise some money and share information about the great team at the Children’s Hospital. Plans are underway for an AFAC Baltimore Web site and a spring fundraiser. We want to continue to support the UMCH Pediatric Epilepsy Program.