Latest news with #LifeBridgeHealth
CBS News
05-08-2025
- Health
- CBS News
TikTok trend linked to spike in teen deaths from nitrous oxide misuse, Maryland pharmacist says
A growing number of young people are misusing nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas or whippets, to get high, and a Maryland health expert warns that the consequences can be deadly. A study published July 30 in JAMA Network Open found that U.S. deaths from nitrous oxide jumped by 578% between 2010 and 2023. Last year alone, 156 minors died after inhaling the gas, often from small, presurized canisters sold as whipped cream chargers. Known by brand names like Galaxy Gas, the nitrous oxide canisters are sold online and at gas stations in flavored packaging. On TikTok and other social media platforms, videos of young people inhaling from the canisters have gone viral, drawing concerns from health professionals. "It might seem harmless at first, but it could just take one sitting," said David Berg-Lewis, an emergency medicine clinical pharmacist with LifeBridge Health in Maryland. "You start with a headache or dizziness, but that can quickly lead to seizures, loss of consciousness or even death." Berg-Lewis explained that nitrous oxide cuts off oxygen to the brain, effectively sedating a person's central nervous system. "It deprives people of oxygen," he said. "That's what leads to unconsciousness, suffocation and unfortunately, it can be fatal." The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Mississippi and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, analyzed 14 years of data on nitrous oxide-related deaths from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The authors of the study noted that the accessibility of the gas, the flavoring and its presence on social media have made it more appealing to young people. "The unconsciousness and suffocation can happen quickly," Berg-Lewis said. "But there are long-term risks too. People can develop numbness and tingling in their hands and legs, weakness, even permanent lung damage." According to Berg-Lewis, the effects depend heavily on the concentration of the gas. "Once the percentage of nitrous oxide in the air hits 80%, you're basically cutting off the brain's oxygen supply," he said. "At that point, someone can slip into an unconscious state." While Berg-Lewis hasn't personally treated a nitrous oxide-related case in the emergency department yet, he said some of his colleagues have, and he hopes he doesn't encounter one. "I mean, using it at all is not good," he said. "But the scary thing is how fast it can go from someone just trying it to a life-threatening situation." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning earlier this year, listing 15 nitrous oxide products, including Galaxy Gas, as potentially dangerous when misused. However, Berg-Lewis said dozens more are likely on the market, and many are not regulated or clearly labeled.
CBS News
15-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Ask A Doc: Dr. Melissa Foy shares what women need to know about menopause
Sponsored and provided by LifeBridge Health Dr. Melissa Foy is an OB-GYN who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. In this ASK A DOC, Dr. Melissa Foy shared what women should know about menopause. The ASK A DOC series is part of WJZ's partnership with LifeBridge Health. See more from the series HERE.
CBS News
13-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Maryland expert explains why annual physicals are important for long term health
Scheduling an annual physical may feel routine, but doctors say it's one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health. Dr. Leonard Raucher, a primary care physician at LifeBridge Health, says too many people wait until something feels off, a risky strategy that could cost them later. He compares the annual visit to car maintenance. Why do annual physicals matter? "It's like getting your oil changed," Raucher said. "You're waiting for things to break down. Why not come in and make sure everything is okay now, so we don't have problems down the road?" During a physical, doctors aren't just evaluating blood pressure or weight. They're checking for subtle warning signs and need full transparency from their patients to do that effectively. One of the first questions Raucher asks patients is about their diet and exercise habits. But he admits not everyone is forthcoming. "Unfortunately, no, not everyone is honest," he said. "The ones who are good about it usually are. But others leave things out, and that can be dangerous." The importance of family medical history Another commonly skipped topic? Family medical history. "If everyone in your family dies of cancer, that's something I need to know," Raucher said. "That's a red flag for us to monitor." Raucher also encourages patients to speak up about even seemingly minor symptoms—especially things they might find too personal or embarrassing to share. "People hold back when it comes to things like bleeding or digestive issues," he said. "But those can be important clues." Even snoring, he says, can indicate a larger issue like sleep apnea. While many patients dismiss it as a nuisance, Raucher urges them to think twice if their partner has moved to another room or they find themselves nodding off during the day. "Those are warning signs we can treat if we know about them," Raucher explained. And while it may be tempting to ask for "every test in the book," Raucher says that approach doesn't really exist. "We test based on risk factors," he said. "That's why giving me specific information like a pain that won't go away, or a strange symptom helps guide the care you get." Even when tests come back with unexpected results, Raucher tells patients not to panic. "Most of the time, it's not serious," he said. "If my staff calls you about your labs, it's probably routine. If I'm the one calling—okay, then you can be a little nervous," he added with a laugh. Ultimately, Raucher wants patients to stop thinking of physicals as optional. "Do you change your car's oil every 5,000 miles?" he asked. "So why aren't you doing that with your body? Preventing a heart attack is a hell of a lot easier than treating one."
CBS News
09-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Baltimore marks decline in gun violence with distribution of gun locks at awareness event
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and several of the city's leading hospital systems came together on Monday to celebrate a historic reduction in gun violence, while strategizing crime prevention efforts. Joined by partners from the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE), Johns Hopkins Health System, the University of Maryland Medical Center, LifeBridge Health, and several community violence intervention groups, Scott led a resource fair and free gun lock giveaway at Mondawmin Mall in West Baltimore. "We have the lowest amount of homicides this far into the year on record, in recorded history," Scott said. City officials say additional events and resources are planned throughout June in honor of Gun Violence Awareness Month. A yearly drop in Baltimore gun violence Baltimore City officials say the drop in gun violence follows a multi-year trend. In 2023, homicides fell by 20%. That figure declined by another 23% in early 2024, and non-fatal shootings were down by 34%. So far in 2025, homicides are down 22% compared to the same time last year, with 17 fewer people killed and 39 fewer non-deadly shootings, according to city data. A focus on gun safety The citywide gun lock giveaway aimed to expand access to secure firearm storage. Dozens of residents picked up free cable-style gun locks while receiving educational materials and wraparound services. "The leading cause of death for children in this country has now become gun violence. That is an unacceptable statement," said Kevin W. Sowers, president of Johns Hopkins Health System and executive vice president of Johns Hopkins Medicine. The event also featured remarks from Dr. Bert W. O'Malley, president and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical Center; Dr. Redonda Miller, president of The Johns Hopkins Hospital; and Adam Rosenberg, executive director of the Center for Hope and vice president of violence intervention and prevention at LifeBridge Health. Identifying public safety as a public health issue Through efforts led by MONSE and community-based programs like Safe Streets, city leaders say they are working to reimagine public safety through a public health lens. They believe Monday's collaboration exemplifies that approach. "It will feel like unbelievable success — an incredible accomplishment — if all of us come together, could end gun violence," O'Malley said. "That would be a great day, and I look forward to being a part of making that great day happen." Stefanie Mavronis, director of MONSE, also joined the event, helping connect residents with intervention resources, mental health support, and information on safe firearm practices.
CBS News
23-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Ask a Doc: Dr. Gaurav Kumar talks sun safety for children
Ask a Doc: Dr. Gaurav Kumar talks sun safety for children Ask a Doc: Dr. Gaurav Kumar talks sun safety for children Ask a Doc: Dr. Gaurav Kumar talks sun safety for children Sponsored and provided by LifeBridge Health Dr. Gaurav Kumar is a pediatrician who specializes in asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity. In this ASK A DOC, Dr. Kumar shares warnings and tips about children's sun safety. The ASK A DOC series is part of WJZ's partnership with LifeBridge Health. See more from the series HERE.
