Category Archives: Family Health
Three Ways MPCP Makes Care Better for You
A message from MPCP CEO Colleen Ceradini
Maryland Primary Care Physicians makes it easier for you to get great care – when and where you need it. Here are three ways we make healthcare more convenient for you and your family.
MPCP offers a variety of appointments to fit your busy schedule. Being accessible to patients includes early-morning and evening appointments, as well as same-day appointments. And you can schedule telemedicine visits during the day, after hours and on weekends.
Our Dedicated Clinical Coordinators coordinate your care with your healthcare team and make sure you get the services you need. Our Care Management services help you manage ongoing medical conditions over the long term. And MPCP offers virtual diabetes self-management training and dietitian visits.
You can always call MPCP, but we offer other options to make communication easier. On your office’s webpage, use the “Avoid waiting on hold. We’ll contact you.” form. Or leave a message for your provider on the Patient Portal.
How Depression Affects Men, Women and Teens
By: CECILY AGCAOILI, M.D.
In recent months, I’ve seen an increased number of patients with symptoms of depression. The Covid pandemic, inflation, war and political turmoil, increased work and home responsibilities — it’s enough to upset anyone’s emotional balance.
Often, my patients report an upsetting life event, like the death of a loved one, a relationship breakup, problems on the job or in school, or trouble with friends or family. As unpleasant as those feelings are, they are normal and usually improve with time.
However, if a person experiences negative emotional symptoms that last for more than two weeks, they may be dealing with depression, a serious but treatable medical condition. In addition to upsetting events, It can be brought on by physical illness or hormonal changes such as found in childbirth, weaning or menopause, but often there may be no direct cause. Some people may have genetic predispositions that make them prone to depression.
Signs of depression in adults
Not everyone experiences depression the same way. However, if you have several of these symptoms for two weeks or more, you may be affected:
- Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
- Changes in sleep patterns — trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue
- Ongoing headaches, back or neck pain, or stomach discomfort
- Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- Irritability
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Symptoms in men
Men and women can have the same signs of depression, but men with depression are more likely than women to report these symptoms:
- Anger
- Aggression
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Risk-taking behaviors
Symptoms in women
Depression is diagnosed twice as often in women as it is in men. Women with depression are more likely to display these symptoms:
- Stress
- Indecisiveness
- Anxiety
- Feeling pathetic
- Sleep problems
- Depressed mood
Symptoms in teens
Depression has become common in young people between the ages of 12 and 17, and the rates of teen depression are rising fast. Teenagers have many of the same symptoms as adults, but sometimes parents think their child is just “acting out” or “being difficult” and don’t suspect depression. Symptoms in teens can include:
- Sadness and crying spells that happen without much cause
- Anger or frustration, even over small issues
- Irritability
- Extreme guilt, self-blame, or self-criticism
- Sensitivity to rejection
- Social withdrawal
- Angry outbursts or other acting-out behaviors
- Having bad grades in school or skipping school
- Conflicts with friends and family
- Self-harm
Time for help
If you or someone you know has been experiencing symptoms for at least two weeks without improvement, it’s important to get professional help. Your MPCP doctor or mental health professional can guide you through evaluation and treatment.
Most people with depression respond well to treatment. Talking to a counselor or therapist can help them understand their depression and how to work toward recovery. In some cases, antidepressant medications can help and may be added to treatment.
Getting help can make a big difference in how quickly a person recovers. If you think you or someone you know is suffering from depression, seek help soon and start the healing process.
Dr. Agcaoili is a Maryland Primary Care Physicians, LLC partner and is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She earned her medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Agaciolli cares for patients at the Columbia office.
10 Things Your Doctor Wishes You Would Ask
By: LYN N. DEA, D.O.
Your MPCP healthcare provider is smart and experienced. However, even the most skilled professional may need your help to make sure all of your health concerns are met. Here are 10 questions to ask during appointments to make sure your provider can give you the best care.
1. How can I have better nutrition and get the exercise I need?
Good nutrition and exercise are key to good health, preventing some diseases and helping you maintain a healthy weight. If you want to eat better, your healthcare provider can recommend some guidelines, and they may also suggest that you see a nutritionist. Your exercise needs vary depending on your age and other factors – for example, ‘I have a bad knee, so what exercise can I do to keep my heart healthy?’ Your provider can work with you to create an exercise plan that fits your situation.
2. Can you explain what you said some more?
Providers and patients often understand health issues differently. If your provider tells you something, but you’re not clear about it, ask for an explanation. That will prevent misunderstandings and give your treatment a better outcome.
3. Will this treatment address what matters most to me?
Letting your health professional know what really matters to you – whether it’s a particular problem like joint pain or broader issues — can guide their decisions about your care. And prescribed treatments, such as new medication, may have side effects that impact your lifestyle, so it’s important to discuss it.
4. How worried should I be about these symptoms?
Always tell your provider about symptoms and why you’re concerned about them. For example, if you have headaches, are you worried you may have a brain tumor? Honestly discussing your fears with your provider lets them be addressed head-on, hopefully leading to a solution and giving you peace of mind.
5. What is the purpose of this medication?
Many times, patients accept a provider’s drug recommendation without fully understanding why. Your provider understands why they’re prescribing a medicine, but you’ll feel more confident taking it if you are clear on the dosage, how to take it, potential side effects and possible interactions with other drugs you’re taking.
6. What is the purpose of this test?
If your doctor is running a test or recommending a screening, you should know the reason. Asking will help make sure you’re prepared for the test — for example, some might require fasting beforehand — and will eliminate any surprises.
7. Which internet resources can I trust for medical information?
The internet is full of websites offering medical advice and promoting health products, but not all of them are legitimate or well-informed. Ask your provider about which sites they trust, so when you search medical topics, you can be sure of getting reliable information.
8. Can I try a different medication?
Most medications your provider prescribes work just fine. But there are times when your condition doesn’t improve, or you start experiencing unpleasant side effects. Tell your doctor about your concerns since there may be other options that will work better for you.
9. Is it okay for me to take these vitamins/dietary supplements?
Go online or open a magazine, and you’re likely to see ads for vitamins and other dietary supplements. Some of them make amazing health claims, but don’t be fooled by glowing testimonies. Most people don’t need mega-doses of vitamins, and they can be dangerous. And dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so you don’t know if they really work, could have unhealthy side effects, or might interfere with medicine you’re taking. Ask your provider whether taking these things are helpful to you.
10. How does my family history affect my health risks?
All of us inherit characteristics from our parents. Unfortunately, you may get some genes that put you at higher risk for health issues, such as heart disease and cancer. Tell your provider about your family’s medical history, ask how this history may affect you, and what you can do to stay as healthy as possible. Your doctor may recommend screenings or lifestyle changes to lower your risks and keep you well.
During an office visit, your time with your provider is limited. See this video about getting the most out of appointments.
Dr. Dea is a Maryland Primary Care Physicians, LLC partner and is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. She earned her medical degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Dea cares for patients in MPCP’s Annapolis office.
ADHD: Not Just for Kids
By: SNEHA SHETH, M.D.
When you hear the term ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), do you imagine a noisy child bouncing from room to room, making a mess as they go?
ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, but about 4% of adults also deal with it. Among adults, Millennials have the highest rate of ADHD, and that is growing. From 2014 to 2018, for example, the number of Millennials diagnosed with ADHD rose by a whopping 39%.
It’s in your head
ADHD is a common neurological (brain) disorder with symptoms that include impulsiveness/lack of self-control, restlessness/hyperactivity and difficulty paying attention. If you have the condition as an adult, it may be hard for you to focus and prioritize, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger.
Nailing down a diagnosis
To find out if you have ADHD, your doctor may do a series of tests, including psychological screening and ADHD rating scale. The condition typically falls into one of three categories:
- Impulsive-hyperactive —The least common form of ADHD, it makes you impulsive and restless.
- Inattentive and distractible — This type reduces your ability to pay attention.
- Combined — This is the most common kind and includes symptoms from the other two forms.
Treating ADHD
Without treatment, ADHD can get you into trouble. It may lead to money issues, cause problems with the law, and make it hard for you to keep a job. It can increase your risk for substance or alcohol abuse, car accidents, and relationship troubles.
ADHD can’t be cured but it can be managed with education, support and treatment. Your MPCP healthcare provider can offer resources to help you learn about your condition, such as the organization Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Your provider may recommend taking medicine to control your symptoms. You may also benefit from counseling or therapy to help you get organized, improve relationships and manage your time.
Hacks for living with ADHD
In addition to treatment, many adults with ADHD use strategies to help them stay organized and focused. Here are some tips from a woman with ADHD:
- Make a list: Use written reminders and lists to keep track of your day. This may include grocery lists, event planning, and to-do checklists.
- Use visual reminders: Post notes around your house or office to remind you of what you need to do and when. They will jog your memory and help you stay on track.
- Keep it clean: An organized, uncluttered house or workspace reduces distractions and helps you focus on the task at hand.
- Be accountable: Ask friends and family to remind you about things you need to do, such as appointments, work deadlines, paying bills and personal commitments. This will make you less likely to forget and miss something important.
Dr. Sheth sees patients at MPCP’s Arundel Mills office. She earned her medical degree at St. George`s University School of Medicine and is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
