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ask
theexperts
Q&A
Health and Wellness Advice from AAMC
Q
I received an x-ray for a recent
sports injury and am concerned
about the amount of radiation I received.
A
When used appropriately, the
benefits of medical imaging far
outweigh the risks. These screenings
help detect and diagnose problems
earlier so that treatment can start
sooner. This leads to significantly
improved outcomes.
The reality is, most people receive
more radiation from environmental
sources than from all medical
imaging combined.
Radiologists are dedicated to patient
safety. We’re vigilant about limiting the
dose patients receive from diagnostic
imaging and are constantly working
to implement the latest technology to
reduce dosage. We work with referring
physicians and patients to ensure that
ordered tests are truly needed. We
receive special training in radiation
protection and physics and make every
reasonable effort to keep radiation
exposures as far below the dose limits as
is practical while maintaining acceptable
image quality.
RADIOLOGY
HEART HEALTH
SLEEP
David Todd, M.D.,
of Anne Arundel
Diagnostics Imaging,
is a board-certified
radiologist specializing
in interventional
radiology. For more,
call
888-909-9729
or
visit
annearundeldiagnostics.com
.
Barbara A. Hutchinson,
M.D.,
of Chesapeake
Cardiac Care, P.A.,
is a board-certified
cardiologist and the
medical director of
AAMC’s Heart and
Vascular unit. For an
appointment, call
410-573-9805
.
Steven Resnick, M.D.,
of Annapolis Asthma,
Pulmonary & Sleep
Specialists, is a
board-certified
intensivist specializing
in sleep disorders
medicine. For a
consultation, call
410-266-1644
.
Q
Are energy drinks and shots
really safe?
A
Energy drinks and shots have
become very popular in the last
few years, especially among young men.
Most contain large amounts of caffeine or
guarana (a plant that produces caffeine),
which can provide a temporary energy
boost. The boost is short-lived, however,
and may be accompanied by nervousness,
trouble sleeping, nausea, vomiting, rapid
heartbeat, and increased blood pressure.
For most people, an occasional energy
drink is probably OK. However, if you
have a heart-related issue or high blood
pressure, you should avoid energy drinks
because the high quantity of caffeine
raises blood pressure and heart rate.
Energy drinks are also not recommended
for children, pregnant or nursing women,
or those who are sensitive to caffeine.
If you consistently feel tired, try a
healthier way to lift your energy. Get plenty
of sleep and physical activity and eat a
healthy diet. If this doesn’t help, talk to
your doctor. Sometimes fatigue is a sign of a
medical condition, such as infection, thyroid
problems, anemia, and sleep disorders.
Q
How can I tell if I have a
sleep problem?
A
Telltale signs of a sleep disorder
include the following:
•
You regularly have trouble getting to
sleep or staying asleep or you have
trouble waking in the morning.
•
People say you snore or you gasp for
breath when you sleep.
•
During the night, you have a strong
urge to move your legs or your legs
tingle, itch or ache.
•
You wake up tired and can’t function
normally during the day.
•
Your fatigue lasts two to three weeks
or more.
•
You have congestive heart failure or
atrial fibrillation.
If you have any of these signs, talk to
your doctor. After an initial exam, he or
she may refer you to a sleep center for
more tests.
Dreaming of a good night’s sleep?
Our booklet,
Sleeping Well
, can
help. Visit
askAAMC.org/magazine
or call
443-481-4000
to request
yours today.
Additional source: American College of Radiology
Additional source: American Heart Association
Additional source: National Sleep Foundation
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to call, free, reliable healthcare information from askAAMC is available at
443-481-4000
.