MedStar Health Blog

The MedStar Health policy and procedures related to conflict of interest for researchers have been updated. It is every researcher’s responsibility to ensure that they are familiar with the applicable policies and procedures for conflict of interest within MedStar. The four documents for research conflict of interest that researchers should review and be familiar with are:

• O-003 Individual Conflicts of Interests/Conflicts of Commitments in Research
• ORG-O.003.01 Research Conflict of Interest Committee
• O-003.02 Research Conflict of Interest Disclosure
• O-003.03 Research Conflict of Interest Non Compliance

Any individual participating in the conduct of research within MedStar Health should complete the Fiscal Year 2020 conflict of interest questionnaire. After completing your disclosure, you may be contacted by Research Compliance to discuss a management plan. Not all disclosures require management plans for research. If you have any questions about what to disclose, who needs to disclose, or how to disclose, reference the Research COI FAQs.

It is important that disclosures accurately reflect the relationships that researchers have with external entities. These disclosures should be consistent with what the researcher has disclosed to researcher sponsors, regulatory agencies and collaborating institutions. Updating the MedStar conflict of interest questionnaire is not a substitute for also updating conflict of interest questionnaires that may be required by other organizations.

If you have any questions about the updated policy and procedures, or the MedStar conflict of interest questionnaire and process, please contact the Research Compliance Program at researchcompliance@medstar.net.

Annual Enrollment is underway and myHR is your one-stop for all the information you need to choose the right benefits plan for 2019. Before enrolling, take time to visit myHR to compare plans and explore all of the options available to you. Take time to review your enrollment packet and determine the right options for you and your family.

The 2020 Annual Enrollment period (Oct. 29-Nov. 18) is your opportunity to review and make changes to your benefits plan for the upcoming year. You must enroll online through myHR from StarPort (see HR Information section) or myHRMedStar.net to make changes to your benefits coverage and enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). If you wish to keep your current benefits for 2020 (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, additional coverage, legal resources, and other voluntary benefits), you do not need to enroll online. Your 2019 benefits elections and dependents will roll over to 2020, except for FSA.

Discover More MedStar Total Rewards

Your benefits options encompass much more than your healthcare coverage. With voluntary benefits, you can purchase more coverage to ensure you and your family are protected—no matter what life throws your way.

Voluntary benefits provide additional value to your MedStar Total Rewards package, giving you more choices to tailor your benefits plan to best fit your needs.

The voluntary benefits for 2020 Annual Enrollment include:

• Universal Life Insurance: Provides permanent death benefits, including a long-term care rider
• Critical Illness Insurance: Offers affordable, flexible coverage for a variety of serious illnesses
• Accident Insurance: Assists you financially in the event of an injury
• Legal Resources: Comprehensive coverage for a wide range of legal services for an affordable monthly rate, with no copays and yearly usage limitations
• Pet Insurance: Medical coverage for dogs and cats of all ages and breeds, provided by PetFirst; MedStar associates receive a 10% discount on all plans

Voluntary benefits coverage is available at discounted group rates, meaning you pay a lower monthly rate. Learn more and enroll online at myHR from StarPort (see HR Information section) or myHRMedStar.net from any computer or mobile device.

Invest in Your Health with MedStar MyHealth

MedStar Associate Survey results continue to demonstrate associates value their benefits, specifically identifying healthcare coverage and wellness programs as important. MedStar prioritizes offering associates quality benefit programs, including MedStar MyHealth.

To support your health and wellness, you may take advantage of MyHealth programs, including:                           

• MyHealth Questionnaire: Complete your 2020 MyHealth questionnaire by Nov. 30, 2019 and save approximately $360 next year on your MedStar Select or CareFirst medical premium. The questionnaire assesses your health information, such as blood pressure, weight and cholesterol, as well as lifestyle habits, to determine your overall health status and lifestyle risks. No one from MedStar will see your personalized results and they do not affect your health coverage.
• MyHealth Care Advising: If you have a chronic health condition, a health advisor can help coordinate care and develop a plan to achieve your health goals.
• MyHealth Maternity: Throughout your pregnancy, a personal health advisor is available to work with you.

MedStar is committed to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals. Get started today at MedStarMyHealth.org. No one from MedStar will see your personalized results and they do not affect your health coverage.

If have questions about your benefits or how to enroll, contact the HR Solution Center at 855.674.6947.

The MedStar Innovation Forum on Tuesday, November 19 will be live streamed to anyone who wants to “tune in” between 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET if you aren’t attending in person. It will be accessible both within and outside of MedStar Health. To watch the live stream on November 19, please visit: www.mi2live.org. Get involved in the Forum conversation on Twitter with #mi2forum. 

The theme of this year’s Forum is The One, the Few, and the Many.  Speakers will present ideas and concepts revolving around scale, size, and growth.  The Forum is designed to help you to think differently, challenge accepted perspectives, and ignite innovation energy. 

Tuesday, November 19, 2019
7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
www.mi2live.org

Here’s a mini-preview of some of what is in store for November 19th:

John Mather: Dr. Mather will share insights from his journey and work in innovation and exploration in his presentation: Instabilities Everywhere: From the Big Bang to Life. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2006 for his precise measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation using the COBE satellite. He is a Senior Astrophysicist and the Senior Project Scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. His work with the Cosmic Background Explorer team helped cement the Big Bang Theory of the universe. 

Allan Hamilton: Dr. Hamilton will return to the MI2 stage to present A Meditation on Hexagons and the Hippocampus: How the Brain Encodes Space, Time, and Experience at Scale.  He is a polymath: a neurosurgeon, an award-winning writer, a professor, a horse whisperer, a consultant for the hit show Grey’s Anatomy, an MI2 Senior Fellow and a long-time MedStar Innovation Forum speaker.

Ami Gates: Dr. Gates will present The Mathematics of Growth. Dr. Gates is the Director of the Analytics Program where she leads all aspects and initiatives to catalyze and foster creative innovation, student achievement, faculty support, and superior curricula. She is an Associate Teaching Professor at Georgetown University, and has a PhD in Computer Engineering with a focus on Machine Learning, Bioinformatics, and Data Analytics.

Ben Shneiderman: Dr. Shneiderman will present about The Next Ten Wikipedias. He is an Emeritus Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Founding Director of the Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory at the University of Maryland. He has received 6 honorary doctorates for his contributions, which include the clickable highlighted web-links, high-precision touchscreen keyboards for mobile devices, and tagging for photos.

Anne Bowser: Dr. Bowser will discuss On Citizens and Science.  She is the Director of Innovation with the Science and Technology Innovation Program (STIP) at the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C.,  Her work focuses on understanding and mobilizing public participation in science, technology, and policy while helping the Wilson Center leverage technologically innovative programming to reach new audiences.

Susan Eckert: Ms. Eckert will discuss her insights from nursing at different levels of scale in her talk: How Did I Arrive at this Destination? She is the Interim Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer for MedStar Health. In this role, she serves as senior nursing administrator and is responsible for systemwide oversight and leadership of professional nursing practice, standards of nursing care, nursing outcomes, nursing education, and nursing research.

School cafeterias don’t always provide the healthiest of foods. And even if they do, it can be difficult for kids to spend their lunch money on the nutritious items when pizza, cookies, and chips are in sight. Preparing and packing your child’s lunch at home can help them avoid these unhealthy pitfalls. Plus, making meals at home is a great way to show your child what a healthy lifestyle is all about.  Read on for healthy food options to help you pack your child’s lunch this school year.

1. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

A peanut butter and jelly (or PB&J) sandwich is one of the oldest lunch staples for good reason. It’s easy to make and is a healthy option as long as you use the right ingredients. The healthiest peanut butters are those with limited ingredients, so check out the ‘Ingredients’ list on the back of the jar and you should only see “peanuts” and “salt” listed, or some supermarkets have peanut butter that you can grind yourself. And you don’t need to just stick with peanuts, other nut butters such as almond and hazelnut are also healthy and delicious.

When picking out jelly, choose one that is made with real fruit and no added sugar. Or, in place of jelly use sliced bananas, strawberries, or other healthy whole fruits to provide that sweet taste.

2. Hummus Roll Ups

Hummus-made from ground chickpeas and sesame seeds, along with some olive oil, garlic and lemon juice-is a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. You can make your own at home using the recipe below or buy it pre-made in the store. As a main meal for your child’s lunch, try easy roll ups. Spread about 2 tablespoons of hummus on a whole grain tortilla or wrap, layer 4 thin slices of turkey or ham, 1 slice of lettuce, and a cheddar cheese stick in the middle, and roll.

Hummus can also make a great side to any lunch when you pair it with fresh vegetables, such as baby carrots, bell peppers, celery sticks, broccoli, and cauliflower.

Homemade Hummus Recipe

In a food processor combine:

• 1 15-ounce can of chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
• ¼ of lemon juice
• ¾ teaspoon of salt
• 1 to 2 cloves of garlic
• ¼ cup of tahini
• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

3. Quesadillas

Quesadillas are an easy and nutritious option for lunch, and most kids will happily gobble them up at room temperature. You’ll need two whole grain tortillas—they’re a great option for adding fiber, shredded cheese, oven baked or rotisserie chicken, and bell peppers or any other veggie that your child likes. Layer the tortilla the night before and in the morning, sauté in a pan over medium heat until the cheese melts, and cut into slices before placing into lunch box.

If you have an avocado lover in the house, mash some up with a little salt and sprinkle some lime on it to prevent browning so your child can use it as a topping. Add a small container of your child’s favorite fruit, and you have a full meal to keep their energy up throughout the day.

You Tell Us: Have a special recipe you use for quesadillas? Tell us about it on Twitter or Facebook by tagging @MedStarHealth and using the hashtag #LiveWellHealthy.

4. Pasta Salad

This is an easy dish that combines protein, carbohydrates, and veggies all in one. It can be eaten cold or hot, and you can even use leftovers to toss with the pasta. Choose a fun-shaped pasta that will excite your little ones, such as wagon wheels, shells, or bowties. Combine the cooked pasta with some steamed veggies and grilled chicken or cut up lean ham or turkey, and then toss it all together with some heart-healthy olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic and lemon or other dressing of your choice. Here’s a simple recipe to try.

Neurological disorders—or diseases of the brain, spine, and the nerves that connect them—affect millions of people each year. What’s more, many people don’t even know they have a neurological disorder.

Understanding symptoms of neurological disorders is important, as it can lead you to seek medical attention, which can result in proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Let’s discuss the most common neurological disorders we see and key ways to identify each one.

1. Headache

Headaches are one of the most common neurological disorders—and there are a variety of different kinds of headaches, such as migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches. When headaches occur repeatedly, it’s a good sign that you should see a doctor, as it could be a symptom of an underlying condition.

The most common conditions that can cause recurring headaches include:

• High blood pressure
• Infections
• Temporal arteritis, or when blood vessels in and around your scalp become inflamed
• Tumors

We typically discuss your symptoms to help determine what’s causing your headache. If we find that you’re just experiencing a migraine, we can prescribe you medication to alleviate your symptoms. If your condition is something serious, such as temporal arteritis, we often prescribe a steroid to reduce inflammation. The medication will help you avoid complications such as vision loss.

2. Stroke

Strokes, which affect more than 795,000 Americans each year, occur when you experience damage to the brain as a result of arteries leading to and within the brain becoming impaired. It’s usually difficult to anticipate a stroke, but signs that you may be having a stroke include sudden:

• Blurred vision
• Confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg—especially on one side of the body
• Severe headache

When we see people who have experienced a stroke, our priority is to help them prevent a second stroke. We often do this through medication, which can include blood thinners or drugs to treat any underlying heart problems, but it depends on your particular situation. You can lower your stroke risk by exercising 30 minutes a day, five days a week, and by following a healthy diet that prioritizes fruits and vegetables and limits processed food.

These lifestyle modifications can help you control key stroke risk factors, such as:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Heavy alcohol use
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obesity and lack of exercise
• Smoking

3. Seizures

Seizures are changes in the brain’s electrical activity and affect about one in 100 Americans. Signs and symptoms of a seizure can vary depending on the severity of your seizure, but the most common include:

• Cognitive or emotional symptoms, such as fear, anxiety, or deja vu
• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Temporary confusion
• Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs

After having a seizure, it's important to see your doctor. Early treatment and medication can control your seizures, and you will avoid long-term complications such as memory loss and brain damage.  A seizure often is the result of epilepsy, but can also happen due to:

• Alcohol abuse or withdrawal
• Head trauma that causes an area of bleeding in the brain
• High fever
• Lack of sleep
• Low blood sodium
• Medications, such as antidepressants or pain relievers

4. Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects your movement. Generally, it begins affecting people around age 60, and symptoms gradually get worse over time. Common symptoms include:

• Constipation: This can occur at any time during Parkinson’s disease, sometimes even decades before you experience motor symptoms
• Muscle stiffness: This can occur throughout your body; in some cases, it can be difficult to swing your arms while you walk
• Reduced smell: Most people with Parkinson’s disease have some loss of their sense of smell
• Stiff face: Especially in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, your face may begin showing little or no expression
• Speech changes: Your speech can become soft or slurred
• Tremor: Usually starts in your hands or fingers

Your doctor will diagnose Parkinson’s disease during a visit in which you discuss your symptoms and undergo a physical examination. In many cases, you can alleviate symptoms and manage Parkinson’s disease effectively through medication.

5. Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella diagnosis that describes a group of diseases, including Alzheimer’s, that may cause your brain to fail. Dementia, which becomes increasingly more likely as you age, leads to continuous loss of brain tissue, which can affect:

• Behavior
• Emotions
• Memory
• Perceptions
• Thinking

If you feel as though you may be experiencing symptoms of dementia, see your doctor. Some medications and therapies can help you manage symptoms. Moreover, your doctor can connect you with support groups to help you manage life with dementia.

Related Reading: 6 Tips to Reduce Dementia Risk

Living with an undiagnosed neurological disorder can be difficult. Make sure you understand key signs of common conditions so that you can seek medical attention—and receive treatment—when it’s necessary.