Tag Archives: family health

Family Medicine Practitioners: Care for the Whole Family – Even Babies

A Q&A with Lyn N. Dea, D.O.

Q. I know family medicine specialists see children and adults, but babies too?

A. Yes! Many of our MPCP family providers are trained and experienced in pediatric care. Family medicine as a specialty is devoted to the comprehensive health care of individuals of all ages, and particularly in the context of family and community.

Q: Are there advantages to bringing my infant to MPCP?

A. Since MPCP focuses on primary care and family medicine, chances are we already know your family and your medical history, so there’s no learning curve when a new baby arrives. Your child can easily be integrated into your family’s program of care – plus you don’t have to find a separate healthcare provider just for your child.

Q. Does MPCP see many babies?

A. Yes, many families entrust their infants’ care to us. But that’s only part of the story. Our doctors care for many three-generation families ─ child, parents and grandparents – and even some four-generation families. We provide care for everyone under one roof. Only family physicians can do that!

Lyn Dea, D.O. Dr. Dea is a Maryland Primary Care Physicians, LLC partner and is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. She received her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1998 and completed her residency program in Family Practice at Franklin Square Hospital Center in 2001. Dr. Dea treats patients of all ages, from newborns to adults.

Teen Stress: Tips for Parents

By: Lisa Meade, PA-C

A recent study by the American Psychological Association (APA) confirms what I see weekly in my practice: Teens feel a great deal of stress and anxiety, but often don’t have the proper coping strategies to deal with these feelings.

The APA report “Stress in America” included data on American youth (teens ages 13-17) for the first time this year. The report found that teens feel higher levels of stress than they think is healthy, but don’t necessarily try to adopt healthy coping strategies, or don’t know what those strategies are.
When I talk to my teen patients, they say trying to juggle school, their social life, and home life can be overwhelming. Expectations and pressure about college are particularly tough for older teens. Plus, we can all remember how important friends and “fitting-in” are at this age– which makes all of the social media and online chatter an extra stressor.

Parents can be a huge help in teaching teens healthy coping strategies and how to keep things in perspective. Here are some suggestions:

1. Know the signs of stress overload in your child. Common results of teen stress can be: Increased physical illness (headaches, stomachaches, chronic fatigue, muscle pain); “shutting down” or withdraw from people and activities; increased anger or irritability; difficulty sleeping or eating; increased tearfulness or feelings of worry; difficulty concentrating.

2. Be willing to listen and model stress coping skills. It’s important for teens to know that stress is part of life and sometimes admitting you are “stressed out” helps. Try to help your child identify what’s really giving them anxiety and then come up with some coping strategies together.

3. Encourage healthy lifestyle habits and reinforce those at home. Here are the things I tell my teen patients to try:

– Get enough sleep! Teens still need 8-10 hours of sleep a night, especially during the school week. Prioritize homework, social or sports activities, phone/TV time. You may not be able to do it all.

– Focus on your strengths. Think about the things you are really good at- or that make you happy- and find ways to spend time doing those things. It will build your confidence and you will find people with like interests.

– Get some exercise. Physical activity is a proven stress reducer. If you’re not on a sports team, find any activity that you enjoy and try to do it at least 30 minutes a day.

– Eat right! Skipping meals or drinking energy drinks will make you feel more stressed in the long run. Try to eat three healthy meals a day and don’t rely on caffeine to keep you going.

– Don’t try to be perfect! Remember that we all make mistakes and a bad choice now and then. Try to keep things in perspective and not focus on the negative. The ability to learn from mistakes and move on is a sign of maturity.

– Talk to someone. It’s much easier to manage stress with a helping hand. Talk to a parent, teacher, doctor, or other trusted adult. They may be able to help you find a way to manage a problem, such as practicing a response to a social situation, getting a tutor in a class, or dealing with a difficult transition such as moving or divorce.

If you feel that your stress is making you depressed, or you find yourself using drugs or alcohol to cope, please tell someone. It might be time to talk to a psychologist or trained professional.

Helping your teen learn healthy ways to cope with stress now will prepare them for a healthier adulthood. Part of the great challenge- and reward- of parenting!

Lisa Meade, PAC
Lisa Meade, PA-C joined Maryland Primary Care Physicians, LLC in 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Education from Towson University. She received her Physician Assistant certification from Essex Community College in 1987. Ms. Meade has over 25 years of experience as a certified Physician Assistant in primary care medicine.

Easing Back-to-School Anxiety

By: Jamie Harms, M.D.

It’s hard for most of us to see the more relaxed days of summer come to an end. For our children and teens, back-to-school time can be exciting, but it can also create anxiety and stress. Here are a few tips to make this transition easier for the whole family:

  1. Map out the morning routine. Discuss how the mornings will work, from wake-up times to setting out clothes the night before to whether your child will be making lunch or buying it at school, etc. Do a practice run—show them how long it takes to walk to the bus stop, or drive to school so they are prepared the first day.
  2. Early to bed. Kids need 9-11 hours of sleep every night, depending on age. Once you know how early they need to be up, plan a regular bedtime and start sticking to now so the first week of school is easier.
  3. Healthy food fuels the body and mind. Let your kids help you shop for healthy foods they enjoy and encourage them to start the day with a good breakfast, especially one containing some healthy protein.
  4. Prepare a “homework space.” Clear out a designated area, complete with supplies of pencils, markers, tape, etc. so your child has space to work. Depending on his or her age, you may want to make this space in a common area of the house so you can be available to help with homework.
  5. Be a bit empathetic. Adjusting to a new school, trying to make friends, dealing with a heavier work load—all of this can be very stressful for kids. Try to be a support during these first few weeks of transition back to school.

 

New Rules for Sunscreen

By: Lisa Keithley, M.D.

Starting this summer the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has mandated new labeling rules for sunscreen products. These rules should help consumers better understand what’s actually in the product, and some of the limitations of sunscreen.

Since we know most skin cancers are related to sun exposure, and that the sun plays a role in premature skin aging, we must do more than just apply sunscreen. We should be avoiding the sun whenever possible during the hours of 10 a.m-2 p.m., and wearing protective clothing and hats. But sunscreen, worn daily, is a proven tool in helping us protect our skin.

Here’s what to look for:

  • The words “broad spectrum.” This means the sunscreen has been tested and proven to protect against both UVA & UVB rays.
  • Sun Protective Factor (SPF) of 30-50. The FDA is still testing products with an SPF above 50 to determine whether they are actually more effective, especially if people apply them less frequently. Those with an SPF lower than 15 must now carry a warning label that they will not protect against skin cancer.
  • “Water-resistance.” Sunscreens can no longer claim to be water or sweat proof, since all will wash off or become diluted over time. However, water resistance does help, and new labels must note a time limit of either 40 or 80 minutes before the sunscreen is ineffective. So, a new label may say: Broad spectrum SPF 30 water resistant (40 minutes)

Just as important as buying the right sunscreen is using it properly. It’s best to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out in the sun. And make sure to use enough- a golfball-size dollop- is a good visual. The FDA encourages the use of lotions over sprays since it’s harder to determine if enough spray is being applied, and sprays may not be as safe around the face. In general, reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, or more often if you’ve been in the water.

Remember that sunscreen should not be used at all on infants under 6 months of age, and that older children should be protected as much as possible from mid-day sun. Just one bad sunburn in childhood doubles the risk of melanoma later in life.

Lisa Goldberg Keithly, M.D.Dr. Keithley joined Maryland Primary Care Physicians, LLC in 2009 and is certified by the American Board of Family Practice. She received her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in 1997 and completed her residency program in Family Practice at Chestnut Hill Hospital in 2000.