Tag Archives: healthy living

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.

Dr. Ariel Warden-Jarrett on Good Day DC to Discuss Flu and Cold Prevention

Dr. Ariel Warden-Jarrett Featured on Good Day DC to Discuss Flu and Cold Prevention

Dr. Ariel Warden-Jarrett from MPCP’s Bowie office joined Fox 5 DC to share expert tips to avoid cold and flu this fall—just in time for the holidays!

Catch the full segment from Good Day DC with Steven Chenevey and learn how simple lifestyle changes and proactive health habits can keep you feeling your best all season long.

Watch here: https://www.fox5dc.com/video/1547202

Dementia Prevention: It’s Never Too Early (or Too Late) to Start

More than 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, a figure expected to nearly triple by 2050, with 10 million new cases each year. Dementia is one of the leading causes of disability and dependency among older adults globally. It can be overwhelming for patients, families, and caregivers, with significant physical, emotional, and financial impacts.

While dementia isn’t fully preventable, addressing modifiable risk factors early and continuing throughout life can reduce the likelihood of developing it. Research suggests that around 45% of dementia cases could be delayed or prevented by managing these risk factors. The good news? It’s never too early or too late to make these changes.

Proactive Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Dementia

Dementia isn’t just a concern for older adults. Risk factors accumulate across your lifetime. Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and even social isolation starting in childhood can contribute to cognitive decline later in life. However, taking steps to reduce these risks at any age—from your 20s to 70s—can still make a meaningful difference.

No single behavior guarantees dementia prevention, but proactive changes can lower your risk. Here are several evidence-backed ways to support your brain health:

Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise promotes blood flow to the brain and supports overall brain health.
Maintain Heart Health: Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar in check, as hypertension and diabetes increase dementia risk.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, reducing oxygen to the brain. Quitting at any age can benefit brain health.
Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (like those in fish, nuts, and olive oil) protects the brain.
Get Regular Hearing Checkups: Hearing loss increases dementia risk. Protect your hearing and seek treatment if needed.
Get Your Vision Checked: Vision loss is associated with increased dementia risk. Vision-correcting measures like eyeglasses, contacts, and cataract surgery can help prevent vision loss.
Stay Socially Engaged: Social connection help prevent cognitive decline. Join activities, spend time with loved ones, or try new hobbies.

Prevention at Any Age

Starting these healthy habits early is ideal, but taking action at any age can benefit brain health. Younger adults can focus on building lifelong habits such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and stress management. Midlife is a crucial time to address heart health, quit smoking, and stay engaged socially and mentally. Keeping your mind active through reading, puzzles, and social interaction can slow cognitive decline for older adults.

Take Control of Your Health

In addition to reducing your risk of dementia, these healthy habits can improve your overall health, lowering your risk for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of awareness and understanding surrounding dementia, which often leads to stigmatization and barriers to diagnosis and care. If you’re concerned about your risk for dementia or want to learn more about how to protect your brain health, starting a conversation with your MPCP provider is a great first step. We’re here to help you navigate these concerns.

Dr. Rahman joined Maryland Primary Care Physicians in 2024, and sees patients in the Arnold practice. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Grace University School of Medicine, and completed her residency at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis.

Should You Take a Multivitamin?

Do you take a multivitamin every day? You’re not alone—about one in three Americans rely on them to meet their nutritional needs. But are they necessary?

Multivitamins may not be necessary for most healthy adults who eat a balanced diet. Instead, focusing on nutrient-rich whole foods can provide all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Let’s examine why a balanced diet might be better than a multivitamin for most people (and the situations when a supplement may still be helpful).

Why Whole Foods Are Better Than Multivitamins

For most adults, research shows that multivitamins don’t offer significant benefits if you’re already getting nutrients from food:

Limited Health Benefits: Studies from Johns Hopkins and Harvard suggest multivitamins don’t prevent chronic conditions like heart disease or cancer.
More Than Just Vitamins: Whole foods provide fiber, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds that supplements can’t match.
Cost Savings: The average multivitamin costs between $10 and $30 monthly. Instead of spending that money on vitamins, investing in fresh, healthy foods that you enjoy eating can be better for your overall health.

What a Balanced Diet Looks Like

A nutrient-rich, satisfying diet can provide all the vitamins and minerals you need. Here’s what to focus on:

Fruits and Vegetables: The CDC recommends filling half your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables at every meal. They contain vitamins like C and A, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants.
Whole Grains: Brown rice, whole wheat bread, and oats are packed with B vitamins, iron, and fiber, which support digestion and energy.
Lean Proteins: Choose lean protein sources such as fish, poultry, beans, and nuts. These provide essential amino acids, zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
Dairy or Dairy Alternatives: Low-fat or fat-free dairy (or fortified alternatives like almond or soy milk) provides calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health.

When Might You Need a Multivitamin

There are situations where a multivitamin can be helpful, such as:

Pregnancy: Extra folic acid is vital to support a healthy pregnancy.
Health Conditions: Celiac disease or Crohn’s disease can impair nutrient absorption, making a supplement necessary.
Dietary Restrictions: A multivitamin may fill in the gaps if you have limited access to various foods or follow a restricted diet (such as vegan).

Always speak with your Primary Care Provider if you think you need a supplement. They can guide you based on your specific needs and refer you to MPCP’s Nutrition specialists to create a unique plan if necessary.

Nourish Your Body Right With a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is the best way for most adults to get the nutrients your body needs. While multivitamins seem convenient, they don’t offer the same benefits as whole foods. Instead, focus on building meals that include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Not only will this save you money, but it will also improve your overall health in ways that supplements can’t.

If you have questions about your nutritional needs or whether a multivitamin is right for you, speak with your MPCP provider to discuss your diet and health goals.

Justin Moy, DNP, joined Maryland Primary Care Physicians, LLC’s Columbia practice in 2024. He holds a Master of Science degree in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from University of Maryland, Baltimore.