Maryland's Health Matters - BWMC - Fall 2016 - 4

A HEALTHY START Time Doesn't Heal All Wounds I Bahador Momeni, MD of developing a difficult wound, includ- The center uses special technology ing individuals of older age and those to carefully assess and monitor a with diabetes, vascular disease, high wound's progress, and offers many blood pressure or obesity, or who have treatment options customized to the had cancer radiation treatments. These patient, including hyperbaric oxygen conditions can cause poor blood cir- therapy, skin grafting, debridement culation, damaged skin and tissues, or (removal of dead tissue) and other pressure to areas of the skin that could healing techniques. turn into a wound. "You should watch your wound for increased pain, redness, swelling, foul odor, and change in color or amount of f you've had a drainage from the wound, in addition to wound for four how long the wound has been present. weeks and it's not These will be signs that your wound getting any better, needs medical treatment from a doc- it's time for spe- tor," says Bahador Momeni, MD, internal cialized treatment. medicine and wound care physician at A chronic wound UM BWMC and clinical associate pro- is a sore or ulcer fessor of medicine at the University of that has not healed Maryland School of Medicine. within a reasonable To make an appointment at the Wound Healing Center, call 410-787-4900. The Wound Healing and Hyperbaric amount of time, around 30 days. If the Medicine Center at UM BWMC is an wound is left untreated, it could cause outpatient wound care facility that serious, even permanent, damage. specializes in treating chronic wounds Certain people may be at higher risk STOP WAITING ON YOUR WOUND and nonresponsive skin conditions. MEDICAL CARE IS A FAMILY MATTER I Mohit Negi, MD f you have an with physicians about changes in a assisted living, life support and power older relative loved one's health status. of attorney. You can help him or her with health issues, It's also important to know a relative's preferences with regard to quality of to help honor their wishes and to avoid get more involved life, especially if you are called upon to feeling overwhelmed in the event of in their care. As make a life-support decision. Having this an emergency." a patient's age conversation in a non-emergency setting increases, mental can help families make hard choices status may decline, with better judgment. which means a "Individuals can have a positive supportive family member can play influence on their aging relatives and an important role in helping with encourage them to be proactive about health care decisions. developing a living will and discussing Family members can help when it their long-term health wishes," says Mohit Negi, MD, director of senior care screenings, medication instructions and at UM BWMC. "Start the conversation follow-up care, and communicating about your loved one's thoughts on MARYLAND'S HEALTH MATTERS DOES YOUR RELATIVE NEED A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN? The providers at University of Maryland Community Medical Group - Adult and Senior Care are accepting new patients over the age of 49. Call 410-553-8092 for an appointment. THINKSTOCK comes to remembering preventive 4 prepare these important documents it may be time to Visit findadoctor.mybwmc.org to find a primary http://findadoctor.mybwmc.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland's Health Matters - BWMC - Fall 2016