Richard Bernstein M.D. F.C.C.P.
Internal Medicine,
Asthma and Allergies,
Nutritional Counseling, Cosmetic Skincare Procedures
133 Defense Highway Suite 109
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
410-224-5558
Board Certifications:
Internal Medicine
Pulmonary Diseases
Named one of America's Top Physicians
Consumer Research Council of America
Fellow American College of Chest Physicians
Member American College of Physicians
Member American Academy of Otolaryngology Allergy
Member American Academy of Laser Medicine and Surgery
Member American Academy of Environmental Medicine
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About Our Practice
While no one likes going to the doctor, we are dedicated to providing the best clinical experience a medical practice can offer. Our core practice is Internal Medicine.
We are all going to age, thus our philosophy is to provide services that help prevent disease as well as treat them. We want our patients to live long healthy lives, feel good about themselves and enjoy life. By incorporating lifestyle management strategies such as nutritional counseling we can help our patients achieve these goals.
We provide cosmetic skincare for patients who desire these services. We believe all of our patients are beautiful just the way they are, but if you would like to enhance your appearance we provide a full range of cosmetic skincare products and procedures. Procedures include Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, IPL, Laser, and light chemical peels. All of our injectable procedures are performed by Dr. Bernstein. We are committed to obtaining optimal results in a cost effective manner.
Dr. Bernstein has an extensive background in pulmonary diseases where his major area of interest was asthma and exercise physiology. Twenty-five percent of the population suffer from allergies. In addition to allergy testing and in office consultation we provide allergy seminars and workshops for our patients as we believe patient education is the key to optimal success. We are uniquely qualified to provide asthma and allergy services to our patients because of Dr. Bernstein's pulmonary background.
Most importantly we want to provide an environment that makes our patients feel comfortable. We view our patients as an extension of our family. That is why there will always be someone to answer the phone, fit in emergency visits for same day appointments and we still make house calls.
Our staff is here to serve you. We encourage feedback both positive and negative so we can provide you the best quality care.
Richard A. Bernstein M.D. F.C.C.P
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Internal Medicine: Colorectal Screening
The American Cancer Society, The American College of Radiology, and the multi-Society task force on colorectal cancer has issued new guidelines for colorectal-rectal cancer screening in average risk adults. The guideline is based on the published guidelines, supplemented by articles published in the past 5 years, and unpublished articles and abstracts provided by the expert panel. Recommendations include providing one of the following:
- Fecal occult blood testing annually
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
- Double contrast barium enema every 5 years
- Virtual CT Scan colonoscopy every 5 years
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
At our office we recommend a combination of fecal occult blood testing annually, as well as colonoscopy every 10 years or as recommended by your gastroenterologist. In the past, we have not recommended virtual colonoscopies as an option. Based on the results of these studies I feel that we can now recommend these as an option to a colonoscopy at 5-year intervals. Please keep in mind that patients who have an increased risk of colon cancer do not fall into this category, and should receive a colonoscopy as recommended by their gastroenterologist.
RAB
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Asthma and Allergy: Did you Know?
It is allergy season and a bad one at that. Most people think of classic allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy nose, or a runny nose. Allergies are also associated with fatigue impaired cognitive function, and difficulty sleeping. In fact up to 80% of patients with allergies complain of fatigue as their predominant symptom. Untreated allergies have been associated with a decrease in school work performance by as much as a full grade in studies conducted in Great Britain. Allergies are also associated with asthma, chronic sinus infections, recurrent otitis media, and recurrent upper respiratory infections. In fact allergic rhinitis is reported as the fifth most costly disease in the United States. Based on current studies, allergies are estimated to affect 15 to 25% of the population of the United States. This translates into 50 to 75 million people. You might say that thinking of allergies as only a nuisance is nothing to sneeze at.
RAB
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| Longevity and Preventive Medicine: Organic Solvents and Pregnancy
As many of you know it is my belief that there are 4 keys to living a long and healthy life. These include eating a healthy diet, maintaining a positive state of mind, exercising on a daily basis including (flexibility, core stability and strengthening) and the avoidance of environmental toxins. A recent study, suggests chronic low-level exposure to organic solvents may also affect the health of our children. A recent Finish study looked at exposure to organic solvents in pregnant women. Solvents include chemicals such as benzene,acetone, toluene, and xylene. As you may know, these chemicals cross the placenta in animal models. In the study, 1670 newborns of women who worked during pregnancy were assessed in regards to their chemical exposure. Surprisingly women who had the greatest exposure worked in the healthcare fields as technicians, pharmacists or nurses. Women who worked in craft and related trades had the next most exposure. In this study there was a 70% greater chance of having a small for gestational age newborn in women who were exposed to solvents. In total, almost 20% of the newborns of women who were exposed to organic solvents were small for gestational age.
Comment;
The impact of our chemical loads on our offspring is an interesting area of debate which will surely receive more attention in the future. There is evidence to link autism with areas that have higher levels of industrial pollution. There is also evidence to link chemical loads with insulin resistance and Breast Cancer. Of note is the fact that the European Union recently passed legislation requiring any new chemicals or food products to be proven safe before being allowed into the market place. In the United States we generally operate under the principle of what is the lowest amount of exposure unlikely to cause harm. There have never been any studies looking at the impact of chronic low level exposure to multiple chemicals.
Here are some tips for reducing chemical exposure.
1.If you are pregnant, do not work or use organic solvents in the work place. If you need a letter we will be happy to provide one for you.
2. Do not microwave with plastic.
3. Keep pesticides, chemical and fertilizers out of the house or attached garages
4. You are better off drinking municipal water from the tap than bottled water from a plastic bottle. If you don't like the tase you can always add a filter.
5. Make sure you have a good carbon monoxide detector
6. Don't smoke
7. When using cosmetics, consider European companies, or companies owned by European companies as their safety standards are higher
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Aesthetics: Back to Basics
It's summertime and with the intense sun exposure it's going to be a tough time for your skin and skin aging. That means it's time to think about the basics of skin care.
The essential triad for good skin care includes a good-quality sunscreen that has both UVB and UVA protection, an antioxidant serum, and some form of Retin-A. A lot of patients that I see think that they don't need to use a sunscreen, because they have sunscreen in their Foundation. In order for your Foundation to provide adequate sun protection,you would have to spread about half a teaspoon over your face. Most people don't wear that much, and if you do, you probably should not. Your best bet is to apply a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen, which has good UVA and good UVB protection. For every day use we recommend SkinCeuticals* Active FX ( Introduced this year) which contains Mexoral A for UVA protection and has recently been approved for use by the FDA in this country. It has been used in Europe for a number of years. For those who prefer a more traditional sunscreen, I would recommend sunscreen that contains micronized zinc oxide as a reflective sunblock for UVA and UVB protection. If the zinc oxide is not micronized, it will go on white, and will be cosmetically unappealing.
It is my view that antioxidant serums such as stabilized L. ascorbic acid, or stabilized L. ascorbic acid with ferulic acid are an essential part of any skin care regimen. These products actually prevent The DNA damage to cells that cause skin cancer. There is also evidence to suggest they enhance collagen production. Recently SkinCeuticals* has added Phloretin as an antioxidant serum that should enhance these anticancer and antiaging properties. For those of you who read Oprah magazine you may have noticed this was recommended as the latest antioxidant in the recent June issue.
Finally some form of Retin-A is essential to help with exfoliation, and promote collagen. Retin-A only need be used a couple of times a week to achieve its purpose. By doing this it will prevent skin drying, and will be much less likely to have sun sensitizing effects.
As far as moisturizers are concerned, my recommendation is to get the cheapest one that makes your skin feel good. All moisturizers contain essentially the same components, and they are a matter of personal choice but they have no rejuvenating characteristics.
If you would like to learn more about skin care, we suggest that you schedule a complimentary skin consultation.
RAB.
* SkinCeuticals is the medical skincare line of L'Oreal Cosmetics
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Asthma and Allergies: Workshop and Seminar
Jan 22 2008, May 20 2008, Sept. 23rd 2008
Location: Our Office
Time: 6-7 P.M.
Spring Seminar 2009:Live To Be 110 and feel Like You Are Forty
These events are complimentary but seating is limited. Please call 410-224-5558 to reserve a seat.
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. We appreciate your referrals. If you think a friend or relative might benefit from our services or the information above, please forward this newsletter to them. Thank you.
Sincerely,
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Richard A. Bernstein M.D. |
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