Our publication has a new name and a new look with the same great health information you’ve come to expect from Civista Medical Center, a trusted partner in your good health.  Maryland’s Health Matters—formerly Healthy Today—is brought to you through the collaborative efforts of Civista Medical Center and the University of Maryland Medical Center.  Click here to view our digital issue of Maryland’s Health Matters.

In Maryland’s Health Matters, you’ll read firsthand accounts of how Civista Medical Center and the University of Maryland Medical Center work together to provide the very best care, close to home for you, your family and your neighbors. It is through this partnership that we provide preventative to advanced health care services for every stage of life, from babies to grandparents.

Click here to view our digital issue of Maryland’s Health Matters.

If you could prevent even one person from hearing the words, “you have cancer,” would you? Now is your chance. The American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) is enrolling participants. Visit this website and learn how you can get involved!

Help save lives, and celebrate a world with more birthdays.

The American Cancer Society’s Epidemiology Research Program is inviting men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 years who have never personally been diagnosed with cancer to join this historic study. The ultimate goal is to enroll at least 300,000 adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the U.S. The purpose of CPS-3 is to better understand the lifestyle, behavioral, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer and to ultimately eliminate cancer as a major health problem for this and future generations.

Visit this website and learn how you can get involved!

Here’s a few tasty and heart healthy recipes to help you make the perfect romantic meal this Valentine’s Day!  For a complete library of healthy recipes including gluten-free and diabetic friendly recipes, visit our Healthy eCooking Library.

Chocolate Almond Strawberries Recipe Video
Buying chocolate strawberries can be expensive, but it’s easy to make them yourself. High-quality dark chocolate and crushed almonds make these chocolate strawberries healthy and delicious. Watch Now

Honey Glazed Veal Chops Recipe Video
These Honey Glazed Veal Chops are seasoned with a hint of lavender. The mild, fragrant flavor of lavender makes this romantic dinner special. You can find dry lavender in select supermarkets. Watch Now

Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles Recipe
Peanut butter and dark chocolate make a delicious pair in this healthy snack. Chopped pretzels give this sweet and salty treat a yummy crunch. Watch Now

“Chances to Celebrate” available now.  Buy a chance at winning one of three cash prizes totaling $20 Grand.  All “Chances” are $100 each.  Winners will be announced at the 2013 “C” Ball on February 23, 2013.  Winners need not be present to win.

Call the Civista Health Foundation at 301-609-4132 or go online to order.

Civista Medical Center is pleased to offer the “Matters of the Heart” heart disease risk screening program for men and women. This disease risk screening is FREE and appointments are available between 7am and 11am on February 9, 2013. Protect yourself from heart disease and meet Civista Medical Center staff.

This screening may help reduce your cardiovascular risk factors through awareness and education. Fasting is required prior to your screening and a continental breakfast will be served afterward.

Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Schedule your appointment today by calling 1.888.332.4847.

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) announces the addition of three new members – Sara Ann Middleton, D. Bruce Poole, Esq., and James T. Smith, Jr., Esq., – to the Board of Directors of the University of Maryland Medical System.

“As board members, one of our major tasks is to turn the challenges of a changing health care environment into opportunities to better serve the citizens of Maryland. We welcome the insights of Ms. Middleton, Mr. Poole and Mr. Smith and thank them for taking on this responsibility,” says Stephen A. Burch, Esq., chair of the UMMS Board of Directors.

“The Board of Directors has been a source of guidance and support to system leadership over the years, in our continued efforts to be good stewards of this ever expanding non-profit health system,” says Robert A Chrencik, MBA, CPA, President and Chief Executive Officer, University of Maryland Medical System.

Ms. Middleton is a member and past chair of the Boards of Directors of Civista Health/Civista Medical Center, in Charles County, part of the University of Maryland Medical System. She serves on the Medical Center’s executive and credentials committees. She is a past chair of the Charles County and Southern Maryland Chapters of the American Red Cross and the Delaware/Maryland Red Cross State Service Council.  She was a board member of Friends of Hospice and co-chair of their Festival of Trees event, and served on the boards of both Health Partners Foundation and Health Partners. Ms. Middleton has over 30 years of volunteer experience with numerous non-profit organizations.

Mr. Poole, an attorney and partner in the Hagerstown law firm Poole & Kane, is a member of the Board of Visitors for the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. He is chair of the Washington County Board of Education Ethics Committee; a member of the Maryland Video Lottery Facility Location Commission as well as the Maryland State Bar Association Emergency Response Committee. From 1987-1999 Poole was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates. Poole’s legal practice consists primarily of personal injury litigation, large scale real estate development facilitation, and domestic and civil trial work.

Mr. Smith, an attorney and partner in the Towson law firm Smith, Gildea & Schmidt and a former Baltimore County executive, is also a member of the Board of Visitors for the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. Smith was appointed as an Associate Judge of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County from 1985-2001 and served two terms on the Baltimore County Council, beginning in 1978. Smith’s legal expertise includes complex litigation and business matters, land use, administrative law and governmental affairs.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System is a 12-hospital system with academic, community and specialty service missions reaching every part of the state and beyond. UMMS is a national and regional referral center for trauma, cancer care, neurocare, cardiac care, women’s and children’s health and physical rehabilitation. It also has one of the nation’s largest kidney transplant programs, as well as scores of other programs that improve the physical and mental health of thousands of people daily. UMMS has 18,000 employees, approximately 2,300 licensed beds, over 120,000 annual patient admissions and gross patient revenues of $3 billion. Additionally, the Medical System generates nearly $3.5 billion in economic activity in Maryland.

Watch these quick, helpful video tips from Dr. Bruce Gellin, Director of the National Vaccine Program Office, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to get you through this flu season. Dr. Gellin addresses flu symptoms, the importance of getting the flu vaccine,  how to protect children from the flu, and how to keep yourself healthy. For more information, visit Flu.gov.

How can I prevent the spread of the flu?

What is the best protection against the flu?

What are the symptoms of the flu?

What should I do if my child gets the flu?

What should I do when caring for someone with the flu?

This year, millions of people in the United States are expected to become ill with influenza—commonly called “the flu.  Civista encourages you to remember that flu season is unpredictable and that we never know just how severe each year’s flu outbreak will be, so an influenza vaccine is the first step in protecting yourself.

Follow the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) “Take 3” Action to fight the flu.

1. Get your flu shot.
   • The CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age or older should be vaccinated against the flu particularly people at high risk.
   • People at high risk include: young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health diseases and people 65 years of age or older.
2. Take everyday preventive action to stop the spread of germs
   • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
   • Wash your hands often with soap and water.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
   • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  Germs spread this way.
   • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
   • If you are sick with the flu, stay home to prevent spreading germs to others.
3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
   • If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can treat your illness.
   • Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics.  They are prescription medicines and are not available over-the-counter.
   • Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten time you are sick.  They may also prevent serious flu complications.
   • It is very important that antiviral drugs be used early, within the first 2 days of symptoms.

For more information about the CDC’s “Take 3” Actions , click here to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention flu information website.

For information on flu shot clinics in Charles County call the Charles County Department of Health at 301-609-6900.

The beginning of each year brings the opportunity for families and friends to come together, eat tasty food and watch the biggest games of the year. However, it’s also when many of us have made New Year’s resolutions to adopt a more healthy diet and lifestyle.

With the help of Health eCooking, it’s possible to enjoy all of your favorite football foods without compromising a nutritious diet. These low-fat, low-calorie snacks are sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next event—and our easy-to-follow video recipes make preparation a breeze.

Our personal favorite? Tasty and heart-healthy Harvest Chili: A football season staple loaded with vegetables, lean meat and lots of flavor.

Head over to Civista’s Health eCooking page to see how we put a healthy spin on all of your favorites, like onion rings, nachos, guacamole and spinach dip.

From all the Doctors, Nurses, and Staff at Civista, We Wish You a Happy and Safe 2013!

If you are having a new baby, considering a joint replacement, looking for a physician, or are ready to take more responsibility for your good health, we look forward to seeing you at Civista. But we don’t want to see you in the Emergency Department this New Year’s holiday.  CELEBRATE SAFELY. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE.

We look forward to serving you in 2013!