- Wellness, Men's Health, Senior Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s holiday time again, and the days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can be filled with temptation. From office parties to family celebrations, the holidays are times of sharing food and entertaining. You can keep your holiday party traditions on track without sacrificing taste. Here are some tips to help enjoy the season and stay healthy. Plan ahead. Try not to arrive at the party hungry. You are less tempted to over-indulge if you eat a light snack before getting there. Eat structured meals. Skipping meals leads to overeating later or snacking on bits and pieces of high calorie foods that have more calories than the meal yet leave you hungry. Budget wisely. Don’t eat everything at the feast. Prioritize favorites and spend calories on the foods you love. Be careful with beverages. Limit alcohol since it is high in calories and can stimulate your appetite. Always consume alcohol with food, and avoid sweet wines and liqueurs. Try club soda, sparkling water or water with a slice of fruit. Make room for fruits and vegetables. Adding fruits and vegetables into your eating routine provides you essential nutrients to keep you healthy and fiber to help you feel full. Plus, these foods are low in calories. Distance yourself from the food table. You’re more likely to overeat if you are next to the food. Remember you are at the event to socialize first. Once you see all the goodies, it is difficult to resist. Make recipe adjustments. Reduce the fat in your favorite holiday recipes and offer to bring one to the holiday party. Your food will have less calories and fat, yet have the same great taste and texture. Use the lower-fat versions of sour cream or cream cheese, or substitute with yogurt or evaporated milk. Substitute whole milk with almond or coconut milk, which still have similar consistencies to whole milk. Following these tips can help you navigate the parties, but what if you end up overeating? Remember, tomorrow is a new day and get back on track without calling yourself “bad.” Food should never define us as people. Also, no one gains 20 pounds overnight. Weight gain occurs from a steady accumulation of overeating. If you eat too much today, eat a little less tomorrow. Exercise also helps relieve holiday stress and prevent weight gain. A moderate and daily increase in exercise can help partially offset increased holiday eating. Although food is an integral part of the holidays, put the focus on family and friends, laughter and cheer. If balance and moderation are your usual guides, it’s okay to indulge once in a while. Remember a holiday feast is one day, the season lasts all month. Happy holidays!0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTywana Jackson, respiratory therapist at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, explains why she decided to get the COVID-19 vaccine. I’ve been stopped quite a bit the last few days. And my fellow co-workers are asking me, “Ms. Tywana, why would you get the vaccine? I’m afraid of the vaccine. What made you do that?” Here’s why. In December, I became one of the first employees to get the vaccine. What an honor it was to receive it. But to be fully transparent, I had some apprehension. I set aside my fears, thinking this small step of faith would not only protect myself, it would also protect others—and lead to the end of this terrible virus. Excitement started to build, as I thought about things kind of going back to normal. And I was glad to do it. But I had a question. Not about the safety of the vaccine, because I had put my trust in the scientific data. So I assumed that was safe. But my question really went to the very core of why I decided to be in health care. Why do we decide to be in health care? Most of us will respond with, I want to help people. I want to help people get well. Well, if that’s true, are you really willing to be a true frontline hero? We like to be recognized as such. It sounds so important. And we may like the perks that go along with it – a discount here, a discount there. What about the reality of being a frontline hero? What does it really mean to be on the frontline? Hopefully, my answer to this will help you to understand why I got the vaccine and help persuade you to do likewise. Prior to 2020, when we thought of frontline heroes, we often thought of our police officers ready to respond to any dangerous situation. We thought about firefighters who are ready at the ring of the bell to respond to blazing fires, rushing in the darkness, rescuing those who are trapped. Or even our soldiers of all ranks in our military, standing shoulder to shoulder, ready with their weapons, charging into battle to protect us. To serve and to respond to any needs of our nation. United, together, one mission, one clarion call. But now, this is a medical crisis. And we cannot call on those valiant men and women to respond to this fight. This fight is ours. In this fight, we must be the leaders. This time, it is us, the medical community, that must stand like frontline soldiers, united. One mission, one call. We must be ready to charge into this medical crisis, united as never before. Our whole health care community — our doctors, nurses, therapists like myself, technicians, housekeeping, lab, pharmacy workers — everyone must unite in an unprecedented way. And collectively stand to defeat that enemy of COVID, which has cast darkness and devastation across our whole world. We must unite with our weapons. Not batons and guns. Not hoses and axes. But stethoscopes, ventilators, medication, X-rays, lab work, oxygen. Lead the way. We cannot ask other front liners to do what we have been trying to do. We cannot influence our community if we don’t lead ourselves. It is our time to shine. Let’s shine a bright pathway toward ending the virus. It starts with the vaccine. And then our community can follow us. Join me in taking the vaccine, so that you truly will be a frontline hero. Lead the way, so that others in the face of darkness can see a light shining through us. Thank you. Stay safe.0
- News & Press Releases, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogPeer-reviewed publication in New England Journal of Medicine validates findings first announced in December The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) has published final results of a nationwide multicenter study led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health that show plasma from patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and whose blood contains antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the causative virus, is an effective and safe option as an early outpatient treatment for the disease. Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center was one of twenty-two academic medical centers nationwide that participated in the study. The research showed that antibody-rich COVID-19 convalescent plasma —collected from recovered patients and administered to COVID-19 outpatients within nine days after testing positive — reduced the need for hospitalization by more than half. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently authorizes this plasma as a treatment option for inpatients and outpatients with immunocompromised status. “Based on our findings and conclusions — which are now validated through the peer-review process — we encourage health care professionals to keep SARS-CoV-2 antibody-rich blood plasma available in their blood banks as part of the treatment arsenal against early-stage COVID-19,” says study co-lead author David Sullivan, M.D., professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with a joint appointment in infectious diseases at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “We believe that the best role for convalescent plasma is extending its use to early outpatient treatment when other therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies or drugs, are either not readily available — as in low- and middle-income countries — or ineffective, as with SARS-CoV-2 variants that are resistant to certain monoclonal antibodies,” Sullivan adds. “The research team at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) honors the patients involved in this study who are among the more than 400 patients at LHAAMC who have participated in research studies for COVID-19,” said Barry Meisenberg, M.D., chair of the department of medicine at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center and local principal investigator for the study. “Their voluntary participation has led the search for lifesaving therapies, not just for themselves, but for future patients all around the world.” In the outpatient early-treatment study conducted between June 2020 and October 2021, the researchers provided 1,181 randomized patients with one dose each of either high antibody containing convalescent plasma (containing a concentrated mixture of antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2) or placebo control plasma (with no SARS-CoV-2 antibodies). The patients were 18 and older, and had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within eight days prior to transfusion. The study found that 17 patients out of 592 (2.9%) who received the convalescent plasma required hospitalization within 28 days of their transfusion, compared with 37 out of 589 (6.3%) who received placebo control plasma. This translated to a relative risk reduction for hospitalization of 54%. Patients treated within 5 days of the positive test appeared to have an even better outcome: reduction of 80% in the risk of hospitalization, similar to other authorized therapies. The next step, the researchers say, is to make convalescent more accessible to those who might need it. As part of that effort, they have provided clinicians with a guide for implementing a plasma transfusion center for outpatients with COVID-19, including logistical, staffing and blood banking requirements. The team also continues to seek more understanding of how convalescent plasma works. A soon-to-be published study will look at the ability of plasma to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants, including delta and omicron, despite no previous donor exposure to those viruses. You can read the pre-print manuscript here.0
- Senior CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNo one wants to think about getting sick or hurt on vacation. But if this does happen, being prepared can make the experience much better—and safer. Here’s a safety checklist for your pre-trip planning. If you’re older or have chronic health issues, see your doctor four to six weeks before your trip to make sure it’s safe for you to travel. Tell your doctor where you’re traveling, for how long and what activities you might do. Check to make sure your vaccinations are current, including a flu shot. Make a list of your current medications and allergies and take the list with you on your trip. Include the names and phone numbers of your doctors and your pharmacy. If you have a history of heart disease, ask your cardiologist to give you a wallet-sized version of your latest electrocardiogram (EKG). This will give emergency department (ED) doctors something to compare if you have heart troubles while away. It’s also a good idea to bring over-the-counter medicines: Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, Benadryl and a thermometer should be part of your travel health kit. Remember to bring a note on your doctor’s letterhead if you are taking controlled substances or injectable medications. For older travelers with health conditions, be careful about your amount of activity —going to graduations, weddings, reunions and other parties on top of sightseeing can be stressful and make health issues worse. Try to build in rest time so you stay safe and healthy. What to expect in the ED If you do end up in the ED, a nurse will assess your symptoms, measure your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature and oxygen level), and gauge any pain you may be having. This process helps define how severe your condition is, so that the most urgent patients are seen first. The ED has an expert team led by emergency physicians to assess and treat problems. Other team members may include registered nurses, physician assistants, registered nurse practitioners, ED technicians, respiratory therapists, care managers and social workers. Most EDs, like ours, have specialists such as orthopedists, cardiologists and surgeons on call 24/7. We can call them in to provide care when needed. After your care team reviews all necessary treatments and procedures, your provider will determine whether you can leave the hospital, or if it’s necessary to stay. If you require follow up while you’re still in town, a doctor will refer you to a local primary care provider or specialist. In some instances you may need to return to the ED for a final checkup. While you may not be able to prevent an illness or injury while traveling, planning ahead can make it easier to deal with. Author Mike Remoll, MD, is the medical director of the Emergency Department at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published June 29, 2016. Last updated May 21, 2019.0
- Digestive CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSoon, kids everywhere will be making their way back to the classroom — and in some cases, for the first time in quite a while. Whether thoughts of your little ones heading back to school evoke tears or applause, this much is clear: It’ll take some time to get back in the swing of things, even for mom and dad. Though you may be out of practice packing your kids’ lunches, this midday meal is essential to fuel your child’s mind and body for the afternoon. You might be thinking, “how do I prepare a healthy meal for my child? Or, “how do I get them to eat it?” These are good questions, and we’ve got the answers. 1) Brush up on food facts A healthy meal for a school-aged child is pretty much the same as a healthy meal for an adult. It includes nutrient-rich foods from key food groups — proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy products — and goes easy on added sugars, and saturated fats and sodium. By design, school lunch programs provide nutritious meals that are a good value for your money. But if your kiddos would rather bring a meal from home, allowing them to pack will go a long way in ensuring they get a midday recharge. 2) Consider a sandwich makeover Sandwiches are a noontime staple. To boost their nutritional content, serve them on whole-grain bread and add veggies, such as baby spinach, tomatoes, sliced cucumbers or shredded carrots. To make a sandwich more interesting — and something your child will be more likely to eat — you could even use cookie cutters to make them into fun shapes. Other unique “sandwich” options include: Making mini sandwiches on sweet potato or whole wheat crackers instead of bread Rolling meats, cheese and lettuce, in a whole wheat tortilla and then slicing it into small rounds Smearing low-fat cream cheese low-sodium pickle or carrot stick and wrapping it in deli meat 3) Rethink your child’s drink Choosing a healthy drink for your child’s lunch is just as important as choosing healthy foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends providing mostly water and unflavored milk for beverages. The amount of fluid your child will need every day will depend on their age, but in general the recommendations can range from 32-64 ounces per day. To help limit the amount of added sugar your child drinks per day, limit flavored milks, sports drinks, and other juices that contain added sugar. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting 100% fruit juices to 4 to 8 ounces per day. 4) Think outside the (lunch) box Of course, sandwiches don’t have to be part of every lunch. Mixing things up may keep your child from getting bored. Get creative and try: Finger foods. Cubed cheese and deli meats, sliced hard boiled eggs, berries, baby carrots, popcorn, and nuts are great choices. (Be sure to check the school’s policy on nuts in the lunchroom. They can be dangerous for kids with allergies.) Fruit kabobs. Place your kids’ favorite fruits on a wooden skewer to make rainbow kabobs: think blueberries, green grapes, pineapple, cantaloupe and strawberries, for example. It’s also fun to include also plain yogurt for dipping. Veggie kabobs. Just like fruit kabobs, veggie kabobs can be appealing and delicious. Options include cucumber slices, zucchini chunks, grape tomatoes, olives or whatever your child enjoys. Hummus, peanut butter or light ranch dressing are possible dips. 5) Eat the rainbow Choosing colorful food can help make a more attractive plate that is fun to eat for kids. The different colors of fruits and vegetables provide different vitamins and minerals. So, by including a variety of colors in your child’s lunch you are increasing the amount of nutrition they get from their meal. 6) Get the kiddos involved Kids are more likely to be excited about their lunches if they have choices and are involved in the process. Here are a few suggestions: a. Make a list. Together with your kids, create a list of healthy foods they enjoy within each key food group. It might look something like this: Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, low-fat cheese, cottage cheese Fruits: Apples, grapes, watermelon, berries, pineapple, cantaloupe, olives (Yep, they’re fruit!) Protein: Deli turkey or roast beef, hard-boiled eggs, nut butters, hummus, nuts Vegetables: Carrots, celery, grape tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, cucumbers Whole grains: Whole wheat tortillas, popcorn, whole-grain bread, pasta, crackers, cereal b. Shop together. Take your kids to the grocery store with you and let them pick out healthy items (with your approval). They might even find new foods they’re willing to try. It’s also a good idea to get your child’s input when purchasing a lunch bag and storage containers. Just like a backpack, this back-to-school item allows kids to show a little personality. Kids are also more likely to take care of their belongings if they love them. c. Plan a menu. Based on your purchases, sit down together and plan a lunch menu for the week. Aim to include foods from each category each day. And occasionally, a few bites of dark chocolate or an oatmeal raisin cookie are nice. d. Pack ahead. Try bagging or packing items on the weekend for the upcoming week. It’s easy enough to keep them fresh in the fridge, and it will help your mornings run more smoothly. It’s also fun to add a note, funny picture or joke every day. These little pieces of home give kids reassurance, encouragement and something to look forward to at lunch time. 7) Keep it safe When it comes to food, safety should always be a priority. Before packing the lunch pail, consider these safety tips: Freeze drinks, such as juice boxes, water bottles or milk cartons. They should thaw by lunchtime. Use an ice pack to keep perishable foods safe. A frozen water bottle also works well. Wash reusable storage items every day, including lunch boxes, utensils, cups or thermoses and reusable storage containers or bags. Author Allie Helbling, MS, RD, LDN, is a dietitian at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.0
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