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
|
Scroll down for future Educational Events
|
|
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
| |
|
Internal Medicine: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Malabsorption of the sugar fructose is a known cause of irritable bowel symptoms. When given sources of fructose 79% of patients with irritable bowel had their symptoms reproduced. What is the most common source of fructose in our society? If you answered high fructose corn syrup you get a gold star. High fructose corn syrup is a common sweetner used today and can be found in most commercial salad dressings, marinades, soft drinks and store bought baked goods. If you have IBS eliminating high fructose corn syrup is a good start to relieving your symptoms. We have also found probiotics to be helpful treating symptoms of IBS in our practice.
RAB
Side Effects of Common Medicatons: Aromatase Inhibitors
In this issue we add a new feature looking at side effects of common medications. We will make this a regular feature of our quarterly news letter.
Arimidex is an aromatase inhibitor that extends disease free survival and is thought to be safe for post menopausal women with early stage hormone receptor positive breast cancer. An Article from Journal of Clinical Oncology July 2008 demonstrated a 16 % decrease in grip strength in women who received the drug after 6 months. Often these changes improve over time. If you are on this drug and experiencing joint or muscle pain this drug may be the cause and you should discuss the potential risks and benefits of the drug with your physician.
RAB
|
Asthma and Allergy: Environmental Controls
A recent study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical immunology suggests that 55% of all asthmatics have asthma that is poorly controlled. In addition the new NIH guidelines for the treatment of Asthma recommend identification and treatment of environmental triggers as a cornerstone of therapy which also includes proper diagnosis, patient education, and effective drug treatment. Treating environmental triggers has been shown to decrease the need for medication and improve control in both asthma, rhinitis, and chronic ear infections.
Environmental triggers can be divided into irritants such as tobacco smoke, perfumes, particulate matter from wood burning stove's and allergens such as pollen, dust mite, mold, and pet dander. Keeping humidity in the house less than 50% will help control mold, as well as dust mite. Keeping the windows closed and the air conditioning on will help during pollen season. In particular keep windows closed during midday and afternoon. This is when pollen and mold spore counts are the highest. Boric acid is an effective deterrent for cockroaches another allergen. Getting rid of carpet, will help with dust mite and pet allergies. In addition, pets must be kept out of the bedroom. If you are sensitive to non-allergic triggers, do not use a wood burning stove or an unvented gas stove or fireplace. Try and stay away from strong odors, new carpet, and new particleboard. Sulfites which are in beer, wine, and shrimp can sometimes exacerbate symptoms as can dried fruit. A complete list of environmental controls can be obtained from our office.
RAB
|
| Longevity and Preventive Medicine: Vitamin D Revisited
As you may recall we have spoken about the benefits of vitamin D in past newsletters. It is estimated that up to 60% of older patients have deficient vitamin D levels. Now a study form the Archives in Internal Medicine ( June 2008) has demonstrated a clear association between Vitamin D levels , cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and death. In addition low levels of vitamin D are associated with and increased risk of prostate cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. The lower the level the greater the risk of disease. We recommend 1000-2000IU per day, and that we check a 25-OH Vitamin D level at your annual exam. There are some contraindications to taking vitamin D such as Sarcoidosis so check with your physician first.
Strength Training and Mortality:
In a study published in the British Medical Journal, the level of cardiopulmonary fitness and strength were inversely associated with death. Of the two strength had the greater correlation. This adds further credence to the idea that strength training should be a part of any healthy aging program.
RAB
|
Aesthetics and Skincare:
Melanoma is on the rise
Melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer has been increasing in this country since 1970. Overall the incidence has increased 63%, but in young women the incidence has increased 250%. This is particularly troubling given the increased use of sunscreen and that sunscreens are in moisturizers, foundation and makeup ( My personal belief is that the amount of sunscreen in these products is inadaquate). Tanning beds are associated in part with this rise as tanning bed use is primarily seen in young women. A study in Australia associated an increased incidence of melanoma in people who use sunblock with primarily UVB protection only. It is my firm belief that if you are outdoors you should use a reflective sunblock that contains at least 5% zinc oxide to get both UVA and UVB protection. Some of the newer formulas contain micronized zinc oxide so when applied to the skin they go on clear (SkinCeuticals Ultimate Defense). This is the most effective way to get adequate sun protection and decrease cancer risk. For every day use, sunblocks with mexoral A (SkinCeuticals Active Defense) which is a new compound available in the USA is an excellent alternative for everyday use with a cosmetically elegant feel.
Featured Skincare Product: Phloretin
Phloretin is the newest serum from SkinCeuticals. Serums containing at least 10% L- ascorbic acid with vitamin E are an excellent adjunct to any anti aging regimen because they help prevent the formation of free radicals and DNA mutations associated with skin cancer. In addition they help stimulate collagen and prevent collagen breakdown to prevent wrinkles and maintain skin elasticity. In the past these serums could be irritating to patients who had problematic skin conditions like Rosacea or seborrhea which were associated with skin redness. Phoretin has more antiinflamatory properties and helps prevent redness. It is an excellent overall antioxidant but may be of particular benefit to patients with redness associated skin conditions. It is a key component of what I feel is the most effective skincare antiaging strategy ( a serum with stabilized L- ascorbic acid and vitamin E like phloretin, retin-A and sunblock with effective UVA and UVB protection).
RAB
| |
|
|
|
Spring Seminar 2009:Live To Be 110 and feel Like You Are Forty
TBA
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,
|
Richard A. Bernstein M.D. |
|
|
