Tag Archives: healthy lifestyle

15% of Maryland High Schoolers Vape – What Parents Should Know

Vaping among youth has declined in recent years, but it remains a significant health concern. Many parents believe that the worst of this trend has passed, but recent data is more complex. The 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey reports that approximately 1.6 million middle and high school students currently use e-cigarettes, with 87.6% preferring flavored varieties like fruit, candy, and mint.

The Dangers of Vaping

  • Deceptive Appeal: Flavored vape products, often marketed to children, make it easy to underestimate the risks. These seemingly harmless devices can deliver as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes.
  • Health Risks: Vaping introduces nicotine, a highly addictive substance, into the developing brains of adolescents, impairing memory and focus. Beyond addiction, vaping devices often contain harmful chemicals linked to lung damage and long-term respiratory issues.
  • Gateway Risks: Vaping can increase the likelihood of using other tobacco products, leading to a cycle of dependency.

The Latest Insights on Vaping in Maryland

While the percentage of students vaping has declined in Maryland, the rates remain concerning. Advocacy groups, like the Maryland Tobacco Prevention Coalition, stress the need for continued public education and stricter regulation. Even with declines, vaping persists in new and potentially more harmful ways, such as the emergence of disposable devices loaded with high nicotine levels​​.

How Parents Can Make a Difference

  • Start the Conversation: Begin with open, judgment-free discussions about vaping. Ask your child what they know or think about vaping, and share clear, factual information about its risks. Listen attentively to their concerns and experiences to build trust.
  • Communicate with School Officials: Connect with your child’s school to understand its policies on vaping. Advocate for educational programs that address the risks of vaping and promote a healthy school environment. 
  • Address Underlying Issues: If your child is vaping, look for underlying triggers like stress, anxiety, or peer pressure. Offer counseling or connect them with resources to address these challenges. Mental health support is a critical step in helping them quit. 
  • Provide Support: If your child is ready to stop vaping, guide them toward professional help. Programs like the American Lung Association cessation tools or a visit to your primary care provider can be invaluable. Remind them that quitting is a journey, and you’re with them every step of the way.
  • Set a Positive Example: Actions speak louder than words. Avoid tobacco and nicotine products yourself and demonstrate a healthy lifestyle that prioritizes well-being.
  • Stay Informed: Stay up to date on vaping trends and products, so you’re prepared to guide your child through this evolving issue. Being informed equips you to respond effectively to their questions and challenges.

Your Partner in Prevention

At Maryland Primary Care Physicians, we’re here to help you navigate these challenging conversations. Reach out to your provider if you have concerns about your child’s health or want to learn more about available resources. 

Antibiotic Resistance is Impacting More Patients Outside of Hospitals

Antibiotic Resistance is Impacting More Patients Outside of Hospitals: What to Know and How to Fight It

As we head into cold and flu season, many of us will be spending more time indoors and dealing with seasonal illnesses like colds, flu, COVID, strep throat, and sinus infections. It’s the perfect time to talk about antibiotic resistance—a health issue that is increasingly affecting healthy Americans, even outside of hospitals.

What is Antibiotic Resistance?

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to resist the effects of the medications designed to kill them. This doesn’t mean your body is resistant—it’s the bacteria that no longer respond to some kinds of antibiotics, particularly antibiotics that are commonly prescribed first. This can make infections harder to treat and increase the risk of severe illness or even death. Resistant bacteria can spread in the community, potentially causing severe illnesses that don’t respond to standard treatments​​​.

Is Antibiotic-Resistance Only an Issue in Hospitals?

Antibiotic-resistant infections aren’t only found in hospitals. Many infections commonly experienced in the patient community—like strep throat, ear infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs)—can be caused by resistant bacteria, though the prevalence of resistant infections varies. For example, an antibiotic-resistant UTI might require multiple rounds of treatment, increasing the risk of complications.

Even viral illnesses like colds and the flu can indirectly contribute to this problem. Though antibiotics don’t treat viruses, they may be necessary to address secondary bacterial infections that sometimes follow viral illnesses. Understanding the appropriate use of antibiotics is key to keeping these treatments effective.

What Can You Do to Help?

Here’s how you can make a difference in the fight against antibiotic resistance:

  1. Avoid Unnecessary Antibiotics
    Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections, not viruses like colds or the flu. Using them incorrectly can contribute to resistance. Always consult your primary care physician to determine if antibiotics are needed. If they say antibiotics aren’t appropriate in your case, ask questions to understand why.
  2. Complete Prescribed Courses
    If you’re prescribed antibiotics, take the full course, even if you feel better before finishing. Stopping early can leave some of the bacteria alive, giving them a chance to become resistant and potentially requiring additional courses of treatment.
  3. Prevent Illnesses in the First Place
    Stay up-to-date on vaccinations, including the flu shot, to reduce your risk of illness and the need for antibiotics. Practice good hygiene, like washing hands frequently and covering your mouth when you cough. 

Want more tips to prevent cold and flu illnesses? MPCP Bowie’s Dr. Warden-Jarrett was recently featured on Fox 5 DC to talk about how to keep your family safe this season. Watch Dr. Warden-Jarrett on Fox 5 DC

Stay Informed
Educate yourself and your family members about antibiotic resistance and its risks. When you’re informed, you can make better health decisions and advocate for appropriate antibiotic use for yourself and your family.

Protect Your Vision: Understanding and Managing Diabetic Retinopathy

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss and blindness in people with diabetes. It damages blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. As high blood sugar levels cause these blood vessels to swell, leak, or become blocked, vision may be disrupted, often without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.

Why Annual Eye Screenings Are Crucial

Diabetic retinopathy often shows no symptoms in its early stages. By the time vision changes occur, the disease may be advanced. Comprehensive, yearly dilated eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment, helping to prevent or slow disease progression​.

The Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

Stage 1: Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)

  • Early Stage: Many people with diabetes experience this stage, which occurs when tiny blood vessels in the retina leak and cause swelling.
  • Macular Edema: If the macula (the part of the retina responsible for central vision) swells, it can lead to vision loss. This is the most common cause of vision problems in diabetic patients​.

Stage 2: Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)

    • Advanced Stage: The retina starts to grow new, fragile blood vessels.
    • Vision Risks: These new vessels often bleed into the vitreous (gel-like center of the eye), leading to floaters or even total vision obstruction​.

Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy

Anyone with diabetes—Type 1, Type 2, or gestational—can develop diabetic retinopathy. Risk factors include:

  • Duration of Diabetes: The longer you have diabetes, the greater your risk
  • Uncontrolled Blood Sugar: High levels over time increase complications
  • High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: These can exacerbate the damage to blood vessels
  • Pregnancy: Gestational diabetes increases risk
  • Tobacco Use: Smoking accelerates disease progression​

Manage Your Diabetes to Lower Risk

Effective diabetes management can reduce your risk of developing or worsening retinopathy:

  • Stay Active: Regular exercise can help control blood sugar
  • Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
  • Take Prescribed Medications: Follow your doctor’s guidance for insulin or other treatments​

Take Charge of Your Vision Health

Annual diabetic retinopathy screenings are a key component of diabetes care, offering early detection of eye changes before symptoms arise. This simple, painless process includes administering eye drops to dilate your pupils and allowing your doctor to examine the retina for signs of leaking or abnormal blood vessels. Routine screenings can prevent vision loss through timely intervention, making them a vital part of managing your diabetes.

Convenient Screenings at MPCP

Maryland Primary Care Physicians (MPCP) offers in-office diabetic retinopathy screenings, making it easier to integrate proactive eye care into your diabetes management. Our approach provides:

  • Convenience: No need for separate appointments at external clinics.
  • Comprehensive Care: Screenings are seamlessly incorporated into our patient-centered diabetes care plan.
  • Proactive Health Monitoring: Detecting potential complications early allows for personalized care tailored to your needs.

Take control of your eye health today. Visit your patient portal to schedule your diabetic retinopathy screening at MPCP and protect your vision with compassionate, coordinated care designed to support your overall wellness. 

 

Protect Your Health: Simple Steps to Manage & Prevent Diabetes

Protect Your Health: Simple Steps to Manage & Prevent Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting around 38 million Americans, with 90-95% of them having Type II diabetes. When blood sugar, or glucose, is too high, it can lead to serious health complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and can even increase the risk for certain cancers. The good news? With the right steps, you can lower your risk and manage diabetes to live a healthier, more vibrant life.

Lifestyle Interventions Can Help with Diabetes Prevention

Unfortunately, the number of Americans with Type II diabetes is growing – as is the number of Americans with prediabetes. Prediabetes is defined as having elevated blood sugar, before reaching the levels needed for Type II diabetes. 

About 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has prediabetes, yet over 80% aren’t aware. Without action, many could develop type 2 diabetes within five years. However, it is possible to prevent progression or even reverse prediabetes through simple lifestyle interventions like a well-balanced diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Ask your MPCP physician if you’re at risk for diabetes or prediabetes, and learn steps to protect your health.

Know the Symptoms

Regular screening is key, especially if you have risk factors for Type II diabetes. Early detection can make all the difference. Knowing the symptoms can help you know when you should request screening or speak with your physician:

  • Increased Thirst
  • Frequent Urination
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred Vision

Risk Factors You Should Know

While some risk factors can’t be changed, others are within your control. Major risk factors include:

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Leading a sedentary lifestyle
  • High blood pressure
  • Family history of diabetes

If you have one or more of these risk factors, consider talking to your MPCP physician about screening options and lifestyle adjustments.

Take Action to Lower Your Risk

  1. Choose a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables. Limit sugary and processed foods to help keep blood sugar stable.
  2. Stay Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Regular activity improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar.
  3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports healthy blood sugar levels and supports your overall wellness.

Keep Up with Screenings: Regular check-ups can catch changes early. If you’re at risk, ask your MPCP physician about scheduling a diabetes screening.

For Those Managing Type II Diabetes—Small Changes, Big Impact

If you’re managing diabetes, daily habits are crucial. Here are a few tips to stay on track:

  • Monitor Blood Sugar: Regular checks help you understand how food, activity, and medications impact your levels.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress affects blood sugar. Try techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or hobbies to reduce stress.

Check Your Feet: Diabetes can cause circulation issues, particularly in the feet. Inspect your feet daily to catch potential issues early.

Ask Your MPCP Physician

Concerned about your risk of developing Type II diabetes or need guidance on managing it? Your MPCP physician can help you create a personalized plan that aligns with your lifestyle and health goals.

Take control this Diabetes Awareness Month—get in touch to connect with your MPCP provider for support and guidance to protect your health and live well with diabetes.