Former CMS administrator takes helm of health department saddled with controversy
Dr. Meena Seshamani officially took over as Maryland's new secretary of health Wednesday, taking the helm of a department that has been mired in controversy in recent years.
Advocates say they are antsy to begin working with the secretary on some of those challenges, and to improve relationships between the department and the people it affects.
'We're looking to meet with the new secretary soon and hope to right that ship,' Ande Kolp, executive director with the Arc Maryland, said Tuesday. Kolp has been a frequent critic of issues this spring at the Developmental Disabilities Administration, which is overseen by the health department.
Seshamani takes over following the February departure of former Secretary Laura Herrera Scott, who left the position amid a flurry of negative press for the department.
Changes coming to Health Department
At the news of Herrera Scott's departure, Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) said the department needed 'significant financial cleanup' following reports of incorrect spending projections for Medicaid and for the Developmental Disabilities Administration.
The health department was at the center of a budget storm in the just-ended legislative session, when lawmakers and Gov. Wes Moore (D) debated cutting hundreds of millions from the DDA to help close a projected $3 billion gap in the fiscal 2026 state budget.
Moore initially proposed cutting a total of $457 million cut from the DDA, arguing that the agency was experiencing 'unsustainable' spending and growth in its programs. Those cuts faced stiff opposition from the public, and lawmakers were able to settle on a still painful, but much more manageable, DDA cut of about $164 million in the final version of the fiscal 2026 budget approved Monday.
The budget woes added on to an already strained relationship between the department and the developmental disabilities community, with the department facing criticisms over transparency, along with complaints of burdensome paperwork for services.
Seshamani also inherits issues at the Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Centud6yikiku in Howard County, a high-security hospital that has been riddled with complaints of patient abuse and violence.
In addition to the long-standing state-level challenges, Seshamani will lead the department into uncharted waters in federal relations, given the iiualso the lead the state health department while operating under the Trump Administration's health care policies.
Seshamani previously served as deputy administrator at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services under the Biden administration. She is a Hopkins-trained surgeon who was a head and neck surgeon at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, and she has a Ph.D. in economics from Oxford, according to a statement from Moore's ]office announcing her appointment as secretary. She is a former executive with MedStar.
Despite the challenges, Seshamani said she is 'honored' to serve as the Maryland Secretary of Health, and thanked Gov. Wes Moore and the General Assembly for the opportunity in a written statement Wednesday.
'I seek to protect and improve the health of all Marylanders in a thoughtful, data-driven way in partnership with the staff of the Department, across the Moore-Miller Administration, with the Maryland General Assembly, and with all the organizations in the state who strive to provide a world-class health care system for all Marylanders,' she said in the written statement.
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Cardiologists say you might need these 4 heart monitoring devices to check your heart health at home
The right blood pressure cuff or smartwatch may provide valuable information you can share with your healthcare provider. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S., highlighting the importance of staying on top of your heart health and taking proactive measures to manage risk factors and conditions. But while you likely get your blood pressure and blood oxygen saturation levels checked when you visit the doctor, cardiologists say it can be helpful to know your health stats outside of your regularly scheduled appointments. Fortunately, it's never been easier or more convenient to stay on top of your heart health data outside the doctor's office. Smart watches, home blood pressure cuffs and other devices can provide a fast way to learn more about your heart health, giving you useful data you can take to your health care provider. These devices aren't perfect, and they don't replace the need to see your doctor regularly, especially if you have risk factors or other heart disease symptoms. But cardiologists generally agree that they can be an important part of your cardiovascular care plan. "I encourage this for the majority of my patients, particularly those with an existing diagnosis," Dr. Yu-Ming Ni, cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Calif., tells Yahoo Life. Here's which home heart health monitoring devices may be most useful, plus who can actually benefit from them, according to cardiologists. Table of contents Home blood pressure monitoring cuff Smartwatch with health tracking capabilities ECG monitor An automated external defibrillator (AED) FAQs Meet the experts (back to top) Home blood pressure monitoring cuff These home devices have become increasingly common with patients, Dr. Basel Ramlawi, system chief of cardiothoracic surgery and co-director of the Lankenau Heart Institute at Main Line Health, tells Yahoo Life. Home blood pressure monitors are similar to the ones that are used in doctor's offices; they typically strap onto your arm, squeeze the arm momentarily, then deliver a blood pressure reading. While there are blood pressure monitors that go on the wrist, these are usually less accurate than options that secure to your upper arm, Dr. Christopher Tanayan, cardiologist at Northwell Health, tells Yahoo Life. "These devices are widely accessible, available at pharmacies, local stores or online at relatively low costs," Ramlawi says. "Many patients come to medical visits equipped with printouts or app-generated summaries of their readings, which provide valuable clinical data." Pros and cons of a home blood pressure cuff The big benefit of having a home blood pressure cuff is that it allows you to track blood pressure trends over time, Ramlawi says. This is particularly true if you've had high blood pressure readings when at your doctor's office. The data you compile from a home monitor can be shared with your doctor to help determine a pattern. "It helps mitigate 'white coat syndrome,' where blood pressure readings may be artificially high during a doctor's visit due to anxiety," he says. Research into how home blood pressure cuffs may impact your overall blood pressure has had mixed findings. Some studies have determined that people who use these devices have lower blood pressure than those who don't, while others found that blood pressure is similar whether someone uses a cuff or not. However, doctors stress that these devices can provide information to patients and their health care providers that can be used to make well-informed decisions about ongoing care. Of course, the accuracy of these readings depend a lot on the person using the device, Ramlawi says. "User error — whether in taking measurements or recording data — can limit reliability," he points out. "Additionally, these devices are not a substitute for advanced medical diagnostics." How to use a home blood pressure cuff Cardiologists agree that the best way to use a home blood pressure cuff is to get a reading around the same time every day, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Ni recommends that his patients get up, brush their teeth and get dressed before taking their blood pressure reading. "They should do this before they eat any food, drink any caffeinated beverages and before they turn on the TV — because anything [on TV] these days can raise your blood pressure," he says. To use a blood pressure cuff, sit at a table with the cuff at arm level and keep your legs uncrossed, Ni says. "Just relax," he adds. You can take several readings to get a more accurate estimate or just one reading. (back to top) Smartwatch with health tracking capabilities Many smartwatches now have features that track health metrics, including electrocardiogram (ECG), a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. "If you have atrial fibrillation — a heart rhythm disorder — smart watches that have a feature for ECG can be very helpful," Tanayan says. Smartwatches can also measure heart rate (how many heart beats you have per minute) and oxygen saturation, Ramlawi points out. "In some cases, a smartwatch may alert a user to a potentially serious condition that requires further evaluation," he adds. In addition, step counts and stair counts can be helpful for patients who are looking to ramp up their activity for heart health, Ni says. "But what's more commonly used for me and my patients is heart rate monitoring," he says. Many smartwatches and fitness trackers continuously monitor heart rate and track averages for resting heart rate over time. They can also provide useful information on heart rate variances during exercise and whether you're working in heart rate zones helpful for improving cardiovascular fitness during physical activity. Pros and cons of smartwatches to track heart health Smartwatches provide a quick and easy way to stay on top of heart health metrics, and the fact that they're constantly worn can be helpful, Tanayan says. A small 2022 study also found that people who used a smartwatch with a blood pressure-monitoring feature had better blood pressure and resting heart rate readings after three months than before they used the watch. But these devices aren't perfect. "It's crucial to understand the limitations," Ramlawi says. "Smartwatches cannot replace medical-grade monitors nor can they provide direct treatment. They are primarily a tool for identifying potential issues that should prompt a visit to a health care professional." How to use a smartwatch to track heart health Every smart watch is slightly different, but many will clearly state your heart rate and step count in a place that's easy to find (usually on the main screen or by swiping left or down). More complex features like ECG, however, may require you to enter a separate mode to run a brief test. If you're interested in using a smartwatch to track your heart health, check with your health care provider. They may suggest you regularly write down certain metrics or use an app to record them so you can share them with your doctor at your next visit. There are a wide range of smartwatches that can track heart health, but Apple watches have the most features. The Apple Watch series 10 is the latest version, and provides ECG, heart rate monitoring, step counts and more. (back to top) ECG monitor A home ECG monitor (also known as an EKG monitor) allows you to measure your heart beat and rhythm. People who have certain conditions like atrial fibrillation may benefit from tracking their heart rhythm at home, Ni says. Research has also found that for those at high risk of atrial fibrillation, using an ECG monitor at home increases the odds of being diagnosed. However, it's not clear how well these devices help prevent complications of the condition, like stroke and heart failure. Pros and cons of an ECG monitor An ECG monitor makes it easy to get a reading on your heart rate and rhythm without having to go to the doctor. But an ECG monitor is likely not as helpful for people without an atrial fibrillation diagnosis, Tanayan says. "There are so many things that go into interpreting this data," he says. "Getting a notification [about a heartbeat irregularity] when you have no known diagnosis of atrial fibrillation is not as reliable compared to when you know you have atrial fibrillation." Among other things, Tanayan says these alerts can freak out people for no reason. How to use an ECG monitor If you're considering getting an ECG monitor, it's best to check in with your health care provider to see how they want you to use this. That includes when they'd like you to take readings, and how often. But the best way to use an ECG monitor is very similar to how you should use a blood pressure cuff, Ni says. That means sitting down and relaxing before taking your reading, and avoiding taking a reading shortly after exercising or other physical activities. (back to top) An automated external defibrillator (AED) File this under "not for everyone." According to the American Heart Association (AHA), an automated external defibrillator (or AED) is a portable device that delivers an electric shock to the heart during a sudden cardiac arrest when it detects an abnormal rhythm. This shock helps to change the rhythm back to normal. "Automated external defibrillators are life-saving devices," Ramlawi says. Research backs that up, repeatedly suggesting that having an AED at home can help those who are at risk for serious cardiac events. Pros and cons of an AED AEDs can help people who have sudden cardiac arrest, but doctors say they're really only best for someone at risk for these sudden cardiac events. These are also serious medical devices. "Proper training is essential — misuse can lead to dangerous consequences," Ramlawi says. It's also important to note that during a cardiac arrest, you can't use the device on yourself. You have to have someone else at the ready who is trained in using an AED to apply the pads and deliver the shock. For individuals who live alone or who don't have ready assistance when needed, having an AED at home may not be helpful. How to use an AED If you're interested in getting a home AED device, talk to your health care provider or your loved one's health care provider. Proper training is crucial with these devices, both to know when and how to use them. "While AEDs are now commercially available and easy to purchase, individuals should receive training to ensure safe and effective use," Ramlawi says. The American Heart Association is one organization that provides CPR and AED training online. Overall, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor before investing in a device to monitor your heart health. "There are a lot of products out there, and I have personally recommended some to patients," Ni says. "It's important to get a device that patients can feel confident with." Ramlawi agrees. "Research your options, compare models and consult your doctor to ensure you are tracking the right metrics effectively," he says. (back to top) FAQs Who should be monitoring their heart health at home? There are two main groups of people who should consider monitoring their heart health at home, according to Ramlawi. One is people with a known diagnosis. "Patients with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmias or aneurysms can use monitoring to manage their condition and provide their doctors with more comprehensive data," he says. The other group is people who are at risk of developing a heart condition but don't have a diagnosis. "People with a family history of heart disease or other risk factors may use home monitoring as an early detection tool," Ramlawi says. When should you start monitoring your heart health at home? Technically, you can start monitoring your heart health at home at any time. But Tanayan says it's a good idea to talk to a doctor first to see what you should be looking for, the best tools to help and how to use them. Together, you can come up with a plan to keep track of your heart health and gather data that you can bring to future appointments. Can you detect an irregular heartbeat at home? Yes, you can detect an irregular heartbeat at home. An ECG monitor is a good way to do this, although some smart watches also can do an ECG test. Ramlawi just stresses that these devices shouldn't be the only thing you rely on if you get an irregular heartbeat reading. If you get a notice of an irregular heartbeat once, Tanayan says it's unlikely to be a cause for concern. But if this is consistently happening, it's a good idea to flag it to a doctor. When should you contact your doctor about a heart rate reading? Doctors agree that heart rate monitors work best when it comes to establishing a pattern. So, if you get one reading that's high or low, but you otherwise feel fine, Ni says there's no need to panic. But if you find that your heart rate is consistently high or low, he says it's worth contacting your doctor for a proper evaluation. "This should always be confirmed with an official, medical-grade device such as a heart rate monitor," he says. (back to top) Meet the experts Dr. Yu-Ming Ni, cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Calif. Dr. Basel Ramlawi, system chief of cardiothoracic surgery and co-director of the Lankenau Heart Institute at Main Line Health in Pennsylvania Dr. Christopher Tanayan, cardiologist at Northwell Health in New York City Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Yahoo
an hour ago
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Should you drink apple cider vinegar? A dietitian outlines pros and cons
Bottoms up! This sour, tangy tonic could be the wellness add-on you need — here's what to know before trying it out. You're off to a great start: You're exercising daily, meeting your step goals and eating healthy. Looking for something else to bump up your health game? Consider adding apple cider vinegar to your diet. This pungent pantry staple is often mixed into salad dressings and other recipes, but it's also touted for its health benefits, including its role in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol as well as supporting gut health. I spoke with Julia Zumpano, a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Human Nutrition, to find out how beneficial apple cider vinegar really is, and whether there are any risks involved with consuming it. Table of contents What are the health benefits of apple cider vinegar? Does apple cider vinegar help with weight loss? How much apple cider vinegar do you need daily? What's the best way to consume apple cider vinegar? What are the risks of consuming apple cider vinegar? (back to top) What are the health benefits of apple cider vinegar? Apple cider vinegar is made through the fermentation of apples (hence the name), and it contains vitamins B and C, acetic acid — helpful for killing harmful bacteria — and natural probiotics and antioxidants. Zumpano says apple cider vinegar can help improve your blood pressure, ease inflammation, promote gut health, and lower triglycerides and cholesterol, among other things. Lowers cholesterol Research has linked apple cider vinegar to a reduction in total cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as fasting plasma glucose. It also helps raise high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, considered "good cholesterol" because it helps remove bad cholesterol from the bloodstream and lowers the risk of heart disease. Manages blood sugar The research referenced above also suggests that apple cider vinegar helps decrease fasting plasma glucose levels when it's consumed for more than eight weeks. Apple cider vinegar slows down the rate of digestion, slowing the body's release of glucose, Zumpano says. Supports gut health Since apple cider vinegar is a probiotic, it can support a healthy gut, Zumpano says. That means it promotes good bacteria in your gut that can help with bowel regularity, immune function and digestion, and sometimes guard against reflux, she says. Can be used as a disinfectant Outside the body, apple cider vinegar can kill certain types of pathogens, but not all germs, Zumpano says. Studies have found that it's effective in fighting off bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). (back to top) Does apple cider vinegar help with weight loss? There's not enough scientific evidence to prove apple cider vinegar aids weight loss, but Zumpano notes that the potential is there. A 2024 study conducted over three months found that participants who drank apple cider vinegar daily lost a significant amount of weight, lowered their body mass index (BMI), and lowered their levels of blood glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol compared with participants given a placebo. Other studies suggest that apple cider vinegar may act as a short-term appetite suppressant, but there's no evidence that it works long-term. If your main goal is weight loss, keep this in mind — and check out the best weight loss meal delivery services, as tested by nutritionists. (back to top) How much apple cider vinegar do you need daily? Great news: You don't have to drink a full glass of apple cider vinegar to reap the benefits. One or two tablespoons is enough, Zumpano says, and even less than that can be helpful. She says you can start with 1 teaspoon and work your way up to 1-2 tablespoons per day. (back to top) What's the best way to consume apple cider vinegar? More good news: You don't have to drink it alone (nor would you probably want to). Zumpano recommends mixing it with water to make it easier to stomach. You can either take it before eating or right after to help with digestion. "How you take it depends on how well you tolerate it and what your goal of taking it is," she says. You can also use apple cider vinegar to make homemade salad dressings or sauces, which is another way to mask the taste. In any case, apple cider vinegar is potent and should be diluted — it can lead to several risks if taken straight, Zumpano says. Pouring the recommended amount into a full glass of water should help. (back to top) What are the risks of consuming apple cider vinegar? In general, apple cider vinegar is safe to consume, but there are some risks to consider. As mentioned above, you should always dilute apple cider vinegar before you consume it because it's highly acidic. If you don't, it can damage the lining of your esophagus and even erode the enamel of your teeth, Zumpano says. This can also happen if you consume more than the recommended amount. Some people report gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, reflux or upset stomach, Zumpano adds. Apple cider vinegar can also lower potassium levels, which can interfere with certain medications, including digoxin, insulin and diuretic drugs. Since it lowers blood sugar levels, it can also interfere with diabetes medications. Again, while apple cider vinegar is safe to consume the right way — diluted, in small amounts — consult with your doctor to make sure it won't interfere with any medications you're taking or worsen any health complications you may have. (back to top) Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Yahoo
an hour ago
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The One Supplement To Avoid if You're a Woman Over 50, According to a Gerontological Nutritionist
The One Supplement To Avoid if You're a Woman Over 50, According to a Gerontological Nutritionist originally appeared on Parade. While the macro- and micronutrients the body needs to thrive are important no matter how old we are, the specifics of how much we need change over time. Babies, teenagers and pregnant women all have different nutritional needs, for the time you're 50, your dietary habits have long been in place. You know what foods your body thrives on and makes you feel your best. Similarly, you know which foods may be delicious in the moment, but make you feel not so great later. You probably also have some supplements as part of your routine to fill any gaps in your diet. After all, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of adults in the U.S. take dietary supplements. While knowing what foods make you feel your best is helpful intel, it's important to know how nutritional needs change after 50 as well, which can also impact what supplements you're taking (or avoiding). There's one supplement in particular that can be especially detrimental to take if you are a woman 50 or older.🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 The Supplement To Avoid After 50 According to Katie Dodd, RDN, a gerontological nutritionist (a registered dietitian specializing in geriatric health), many women don't realize that their iron needs change as they age. And if you are taking a high-dose iron supplement, you are likely getting too much, which can be dangerous.'The recommended daily allowance of iron varies based on age and gender," Dodd says. "Women between the ages of 14 and 50 require more iron due to menstruation. Iron needs decrease after age 50 due to menopause. Once menstruation ends, there is a lower need for iron. Women 50 and older need 8 milligrams of iron daily." Related: A quick Google search for iron supplements will show you that many contain 25 milligrams of the nutrient or more, which is significantly higher than what women 50 and older need, as Dodd has explained. 'Iron is an important nutrient for health, but too much can be detrimental. Taking a high-dose iron supplement can lead to iron toxicity,' she says. We need iron because it's required for oxygen transport and energy production. This is why not getting enough can make you feel fatigued. Iron is also important for immune health and maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails. But getting too much, regardless of age or overall need (Dodd says "too much" considered more than 45 milligrams for women 19 and older), is dangerous. 'Taking too much iron can cause gastrointestinal issues, including stomach pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, taking too much iron can result in hospitalization or even death,' she explains. Related: To avoid this, it's important to be mindful of your iron intake, both through food and supplements. This doesn't mean you shouldn't eat iron-containing foods. On the contrary, eating these foods is important (and it's worth reiterating that the body needs iron to function—you just want to make sure you're not overdoing it). Other Ways Nutritional Needs Change After 50 Needing less iron isn't the only nutritional change that happens after 50. Dodd says that it's also important to tweak your protein intake. Unlike with iron, we need more protein as we age, not less. This, Dodd explains, is to help prevent muscle loss, which naturally occurs with age. If you're 50 or older, aim for consuming between 1.2 and 1.6 milligrams of protein per kilogram of body weight a day. For example, if you weigh 165 pounds, this means getting between 90 and 120 kilograms of protein a To protect against bone loss (like with muscle, bone loss also happens naturally with age), Dodd says it's important to up intake in vitamin D, calcium and vitamin B12. 'Absorption of vitamin B12 through food sources decreases with age,' she explains, adding this is another reason why it's important to get more of it after 50. Aim to get 600 IU of vitamin D, 1,200 milligrams of calcium and 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 a day. Age isn't the only factor that determines a person's nutritional needs. Dodd recommends consulting a registered dietitian for guidance on what to eat depending on your health goals, also taking into account any underlying health conditions you may have and your health history. As far as supplements go, they're there to fill any nutritional gaps in your diet, and should mostly be used to address known deficiencies. So, remember to reevaluate your supplement routine over time. Just like your diet, it may require a little tweaking as you age. Up Next:Sources Katie Dodd, RDN, gerontological nutritionist (registered dietitian specializing in geriatric health) Dietary Supplement Use Among Adults: United States, 2017-2018. National Center for Health Statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Iron. National Institutes of Health Review on iron and its importance for human of Research in Medical Sciences. 2014 Iron: a cosmetic constituent but an essential nutrient for healthy Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2001 Protein Consumption and the Elderly: What Is the Optimal Level of Intake?Nutrients. 2016 Protein Needs for Adults 50+. Stanford Aging and bone loss: new insights for the Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease. 2012 Vitamin D. Mayo Clinic Calcium and calcium supplements: Achieving the right balance. Mayo Clinic Vitamin B12. National Institutes of Health The One Supplement To Avoid if You're a Woman Over 50, According to a Gerontological Nutritionist first appeared on Parade on Aug 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 20, 2025, where it first appeared.