Maryland's Health Matters - UMMS - Summer 2013 - (Page 12)

“When a woman is told that she is having twins, it is extremely important to determine as early as possible if the twins are identical,” says Ahmet Baschat, MD, professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and director of fetal therapy at University of Maryland Medical Center. “The best time to make this diagnosis is in the first trimester.” Successfully treating TTTS requires both early detection and expertise in fetoscopic laser surgery. Hope restored 12 Maryland’s Health Matters A Palette for Your Palate Incorporating a rainbow of colorful fruits and vegetables into your diet promotes better health. To help you and your family do just that, UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center and Healthy Markets, Benefit LLC, sponsor a weekly farmers market that offers a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as meats, eggs, herbs and flowers. Some suggestions: Red: Tomatoes and watermelons; reduce cancer risk B lue/Purple: Blueberries and eggplant; protect against heart disease O range: Carrots and sweet potatoes; improve vision G reen: Broccoli and kale; break down cancer-causing chemicals The farmers market is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through October at The Executive Center, 300 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie, across from UM BWMC. It’s held rain or shine, so come enjoy some of the best, locally grown products available! phot0s by thinkstock JoDee DeVillier knows firsthand how it feels to have hope restored after a devastating diagnosis. About 20 weeks into her pregnancy, JoDee’s unborn son, Daniel, was diagnosed with posterior urethral valves, a congenital defect in males in which excess tissue grows in the urethra, blocking fetal urine from leaving the baby’s body. Their doctor said Daniel had only a 5 percent chance of survival. The DeVilliers came to the University of Maryland for a second opinion. Dr. Harman performed two surgeries in utero, and Daniel was born at 31 weeks. He spent six weeks in the University of Maryland Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and had two more surgeries. Today, he is happy, well-adjusted and thriving. “Before we came to CAFC, we didn’t have a chance,” says JoDee. “All we wanted was a chance to fight, and our prayers were answered through the University of Maryland.” In fact, the Medical Center is now part of the family—as a token of their appreciation, Daniel’s middle name is Christopher, named after the physician who saved his life. From the first phone call to the Center for Advanced Fetal Care, families have a team of specialists on their side providing expertise, support and compassion. Highly trained perinatal nurses coordinate every aspect of care in one convenient, comfortable setting. “In many ways we are choreographers,” says perinatal nurse Debbie Kirby, who has been with the CAFC since its beginning in 1997. “We make sure there is consistency and continuity of care with every patient. We go above and beyond to accommodate parents during one of the most stressful times in their lives.”

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland's Health Matters - UMMS - Summer 2013

Maryland's Health Matters - UMMS - Summer 2013