Lankenau Medical Building West

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 0
Shares: 9
Comments: 0

Who Knew Grocery Shopping Could Be So Stressful?

Pushing a shopping cart, braving crowded aisles and even unpacking bags feel perilous. Here’s our guide to shopping during the coronavirus crisis.

3 days ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 1
Shares: 0
Comments: 0

As we remain under what looks to be a long siege, Main Line Rheumatology & Osteoporosis continues to function. We are still seeing patients with rheumatologic emergencies, patients needing infusions and are ramped up to do TeleMed via the Internet and telephone. We are using Zoom, Doxy.me, as well as FaceTime. We are also "seeing" new patients until we are able to follow up with them in the office. If you have a fever, cough or have been exposed to somebody in the last 2 weeks whom you suspect to have Covid 19, out of respect to other patients and our hard-working staff, we ask that you do not come to the office.

If you are over 60 and need to do grocery shopping, you may already know that Whole Food and Acme open an hour earlier at 7 AM and Giant opens at 6 am. Whole Food is now only limiting 100 people into the store at a time which translates into about 3 customers every 10 minutes depending on the time you get there. We would recommend trying to go early or late to avoid this bottleneck. Trader Joe is not opening earlier for seniors.

When you shop, remember to wear latex gloves if you have them and wipe down the handle of the grocery cart, your car door handle and steering wheel. If you pull your credit card out of your pocket, take off your glove and remember to wash your hands again as well as wiping down the credit card and your cellphone. I never realized how much I touch my face but we should all try to make every effort to avoid that.

The newspapers are full of websites to try to entertain yourself at home including all kinds of music, museums and activities. One of my favorite pastimes is listening to Dr. Harder's wife, Debra Lew Harder, M.D., on WRTI 90.1 on Saturdays from 6 AM to noon and some weekdays from 10 AM to 2 PM. I cannot imagine anyone who knows more about music, has such a soothing voice and in her own right is a much recorded concert pianist.

Lastly, try to reach out to your neighbors who are living alone. We can get through these unprecedented difficult times. ... See MoreSee Less

6 days ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 4
Shares: 5
Comments: 0

For telemed services patients should call the office, give permission to do telemed and the office will set up a mutually convenient time.

We will need your cell phone number and an email address. We will need to know if you have facetime on your phone. If you don't know how to download the app, we will contact you via either Zoom or Doxy.me where you will receive an email from us with a link to connect to us. ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

Play

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 2
Shares: 0
Comments: 0

We will continue to see patients with emergencies or who are scheduled for infusions. However, out of concerns for the safety of our patients and staff, we can accommodate you with telemedicine if you have a cellphone or a computer. ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 4
Shares: 5
Comments: 0

How to Protect Older People From the Coronavirus

Here is a timely article for the elderly as well as for younger people who have elderly friends and relatives as relates to social distancing. Telemedicine is offered by our office. If you cannot get through to our office, send an email or private message on Facebook. ... See MoreSee Less

People over 60, and especially over 80, are particularly vulnerable to severe or fatal infection. Here are some steps to reduce their risk.

2 weeks ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 0
Shares: 7
Comments: 0

Main Line Rheumatology and Osteoporosis is still seeing patients with acute rheumatologic problems as well as patients who need to be infused. Unless new patients have an acute problem (i.e. painful swollen joints), we are rescheduling. Please remember, out of courtesy to our hard working staff and fellow patients, if you have a fever, cough or other respiratory symptoms, please do not come in and we will be happy to reschedule. These are extraordinarily difficult times for everyone. Hand washing frequently, staying 6 feet away from everyone and quarantining if you think you have been exposed to Covid 19 will help get us through this unprecedented journey. Please stay safe.

MLR & O ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 1
Shares: 5
Comments: 0

We are seeing patients, but please reschedule if you have the following symptoms; fever, sore throat, or difficulty breathing. #medical #medicine #arthritis #health #osteoporosis ... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 5
Shares: 6
Comments: 0

Rheumatoid arthritis and the incidence of influenza and influenza-related complications: a retrospective cohort study

Here is an interesting article that implies that rheumatoid arthritis patients are at greater risk than others of getting viral infections, including the flu. However, being on methotrexate and biologic drugs did not appear to increase their susceptibility. Obviously there is no data yet on coronavirus, but this is somewhat consoling. ... See MoreSee Less

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are known to be at increased risk of infection, particularly if they are taking drugs with immunomodulatory effects. There is a need for more information on the...

3 weeks ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 2
Shares: 7
Comments: 0

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is on everyone's mind. Our patients who need medicines to suppress an overactive immune system may be particularly concerned. So far there is no data to support that such patients are more at risk for getting this particular virus. The consequence of not taking medicine for inflammatory diseases is likely to result in disease flares, which can cause misery. Panic is not a good approach to dealing with any virus! Remember that the flu virus kills hundreds of thousands of people every year and we don't seem to give it much thought.

As for our rheumatology practice, if you do not have any current symptoms of sickness, then both your doctor and your team here feel it is safe to continue with infusions as well as oral medications to control your disease. Just as we do here, be sure to wash your hands frequently, avoid sick contacts, clean home surfaces, and avoid unnecessary travel or dense public spaces. Uncertainty can be scary, but keep in mind that it’s very likely that almost everyone who contracts COVID-19 experiences it as a mild illness, not a severe one. In the event you experience any symptoms after your treatment, make sure you call either your referring doctor’s office or your primary care physician and follow their instructions on how to proceed. For medications that affect the immune system, it is a judgment call for the individual prescribing physician. But, it is reasonable to say that a patient whose underlying disease is uncontrolled carries as much risk for viral infection as a patient who receives appropriate immunosuppression for a serious chronic illness. ... See MoreSee Less

1 month ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 3
Shares: 1
Comments: 0

Half of Us Face Obesity, Dire Projections Show

To no great surprise, obesity is on the increase and the implication for many illnesses including arthritis will become more troublesome.
#arthritis #obesity #illness #rheumatology #MainLineRheumatology #osteoporosis ... See MoreSee Less

By 2030, nearly one in two adults will be obese, and nearly one in four will be severely obese.

1 month ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 0
Shares: 5
Comments: 0

There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart. - Jane Austen ... See MoreSee Less

2 months ago

Play

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 4
Shares: 0
Comments: 0

Healthgrades' best 50 US hospitals for 2020: Healthgrades has released its America's Best Hospitals rankings for 2020.

Proud to be located within one of the 50 Best Hospitals for 2020! ... See MoreSee Less

Healthgrades has released its America's Best Hospitals rankings for 2020.

2 months ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 0
Shares: 0
Comments: 0

In PsA, Doc Visits Rise Before Diagnosis

This briefing from the Cleveland Clinic emphasizes the point that if you have psoriasis and unexplained musculoskeletal complaints, you should be evaluated for the possibility of psoriatic arthritis. There are numerous medications which can help treat psoriatic arthritis. Typically there is a delay in diagnosis making it more difficult to bring the disease under control. ... See MoreSee Less

Healthcare visits increase starting five years before diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis

2 months ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 1
Shares: 0
Comments: 0

Nearly 60% of rheumatology patients struggle to afford treatment

This article speaks to the obvious problem of being able to afford medical care with chronic rheumatic diseases. The biologic drugs which have been a Godsend to many patients suffering from auto immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus come at a huge price, pharmaceutical companies continue to make big profits charging in the vicinity of $60,000 a year for many of the drugs we use. For patients with commercial insurance, the cost to patients can be minimal, for patients who have Medicare part D, our practice works very hard at trying to find solutions as almost all pharmaceutical companies provide poor coverage for these patients. The exception for a variety of reasons is when the biologic drugs are given intravenously in the doctor’s office. In that instance, the medication will usually be covered by insurance. ... See MoreSee Less

Although 90% of patients with rheumatic diseases have health insurance, 57.13% report struggling to afford their medication, with one-quarter paying more than $1,000 out of pocket each year for treatm...

2 months ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 0
Shares: 0
Comments: 0

Nearly 40% of patients with rheumatic diseases use marijuana for pain relief

A recently published article speaks to how many patients with rheumatic diseases are using marijuana for pain relief, this comes at a time when the pendulum is swinging away from access to narcotics for pain relief. Marijuana may be helpful for pain in rheumatic diseases but does come with some concerns. There are not many controlled studies examining this subject, however, we do prescribe medical marijuana in our practice to established patients through a state sponsored program and can discuss this at your next visit. ... See MoreSee Less

ATLANTA — More than one-third of patients with rheumatic diseases reported using marijuana to relieve pain with minimal guidance from their physicians, according to findings presented at ACR/ARP 201...

2 months ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 2
Shares: 6
Comments: 1

When Life Throws You Curveballs, Embrace the ‘New Normal’

It works. As long as it takes the pain away. I have degenerative disc disease and arthritis in my spine, so I know first-hand!! I think it is great that you give some of your patients!!

Another interesting article from Jane Brody on adapting to what you have to consider when life throws you a curve ball. ... See MoreSee Less

For patients with life-altering illnesses or anyone just getting older, it helps to roll with the punches and make the best of the here and now.

2 months ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 2
Shares: 5
Comments: 0

“If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
― Martin Luther King Jr. ... See MoreSee Less

2 months ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 1
Shares: 0
Comments: 0

Move Your Body, Bolster Your Brain

Move your body, strengthen your muscles and bolster your brain! Interesting article about a promising new study published in Nature Medicine. ... See MoreSee Less

Exercise doesn’t just strengthen your muscles, it can also be good for your mind and memory. Fitness advice from the year in Well.

3 months ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 0
Shares: 0
Comments: 0

25 Again? How Exercise May Fight Aging

According to a new study, regular exercise throughout adulthood may protect our muscles against age-related loss and damage. ... See MoreSee Less

The muscles of those who worked out looked like those of 25-year-olds and showed less of the inflammation that is tied to health problems as we age.

3 months ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 0
Shares: 0
Comments: 0

Effective Ways to Avoid Fractures When You Have Osteoporosis

Some helpful information on how to prevent falls and fractures. ... See MoreSee Less

Falling and breaking your bone is dangerous, but they are especially alarming for those with osteoporosis.

3 months ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 0
Shares: 5
Comments: 0

We are always thankful to you for choosing us, for trusting us and for giving us the opportunity to serve you. happy new year to you and your family! ... See MoreSee Less

3 months ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 2
Shares: 0
Comments: 0

Tackling Inflammation to Fight Age-Related Ailments

An exciting new study! Rheumatologists may now be at the forefront of figuring out how to suppress inflammation tied to many illnesses in the aged. Chronic inflammation can eventually cause diseases and conditions and presents a major threat to the health and longevity of individuals. ... See MoreSee Less

Body-wide inflammation is tied to most chronic diseases, limiting people’s health and longevity.

3 months ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 1
Shares: 1
Comments: 0

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Holiday season. ... See MoreSee Less

3 months ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 3
Shares: 0
Comments: 0

May this Joyous Season bring you peace, health and happiness throughout the coming year. Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate. ... See MoreSee Less

3 months ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Likes: 3
Shares: 4
Comments: 0