- 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
- News & Press Releases, Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLanham, MD — Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) has received a meaningful donation made in memory of Tyrena Spry, a beloved mother, sister, daughter, and friend who was cared for at the hospital before her passing in 2012 following a courageous battle with breast cancer. The donation of “chemo comfy bags” is intended to support patients currently undergoing cancer treatment and to honor Tyrena’s enduring spirit, strength, and compassion. Known as the glue that held her family together, Tyrena Spry was affectionately called Ma, Tye-Tye, Weenie, May May, Rennie, and Auntie Rena. Even as cancer challenged her body, Tyrena remained defined by her warmth, creativity, and devotion to her son, Kennedy Birdwell, while continuing to uplift everyone around her. "The hospital staff was with our family during one of the most difficult chapters of our lives," said Shavon Spry, Tyrena’s sister. "This donation is our way of saying thank you and carrying on Tyrena’s belief that even in the hardest moments, kindness and hope matter. She would want every patient to know they are not alone and that their strength is greater than they realize." The donation of “chemo comfy bags” are designed to provide comfort and encouragement to patients undergoing cancer treatment. Each bag is thoughtfully filled with items such as books, journals, cozy blankets, scarves, hats, snacks, and more to help ease long treatment days. The family initially set a goal of assembling 50 bags in honor of what would have been Tyrena’s 50th birthday, but the effort quickly gained momentum throughout the community. With support from friends, neighbors, and a local Girl Scout troop that joined the initiative, the drive ultimately resulted in the donation of more than 100 “chemo comfy bags” to cancer patients. To express gratitude for the family’s generosity and the opportunity to carry Tyrena’s legacy forward, nurses, physicians, and care team members gathered for a ceremony honoring Tyrena’s memory and reflecting on her courageous journey. “We are deeply honored to receive this donation in memory of Tyrena Spry,” said Deneen Richmond, president of LHDCMC “Her story reflects the courage, love, and perseverance we see in so many of our patients every day. Gifts like this help us provide comfort, compassion, and support to individuals and families navigating cancer treatment, and we are grateful to the Spry family for allowing us to be part of Tyrena’s lasting impact.” The donation will help support comfort initiatives for patients undergoing treatment, offering reassurance during a challenging time. The Spry family hopes that each recipient feels a sense of peace and encouragement, carrying forward Tyrena’s message of courage, faith, and joy. "Tyrena taught us that true strength isn’t about never falling," added representatives of the family. "It’s about rising every time and lifting others along the way."0
- Pediatrics, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSummer’s here which means it’s a great time for kids to get outside and play, but the heat can also take a serious toll on little bodies when we aren’t careful. Heat exhaustion is one of the most common conditions kids experience in the summer. A child’s body surface makes up a greater proportion of their overall weight than an adult’s, which puts them at greater risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion Severe thirst Nausea Fast and shallow breathing Headaches Muscle pain Cool, clammy skin If your child is experiencing these symptoms you should immediately bring them to a cooler place, remove any excess clothing, encourage them to drink cool fluids and call your doctor for advice. You can prevent heat exhaustion by being proactive about keeping your child hydrated. Make sure they drink cool water early and often. If they’re going out to play or to a sports practice make sure they’re fully hydrated before leaving and then make sure they take regular breaks to drink – even if they aren’t thirsty. Heat exhaustion starts slowly but if it’s not identified and treated quickly it can progress into heat stroke. Symptoms of Heat Stroke Pounding headache Dizziness and light-headedness Red, hot, dry skin Cramps or muscle weakness Rapid, shallow breathing Nausea, vomiting Confusion Unconsciousness Heat stroke is very serious and is considered a medical emergency. If you think someone has heat stroke, call 911 immediately. While you wait for medics to arrive you can try and cool the person down by moving them to a shady or cool area, fanning them and cooling down their skin with water. Author By David Afzal, DO, a family medicine physician with Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Waugh Chapel Family Medicine. To find an AAMG doctor in your area, visit MyAAMG.org. Originally published May 29, 2015. Last updated July 6, 2020.0
- Men's Health, Physical Therapy, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogDry needling is a technique that has been around for decades, yet many people remain unfamiliar with it. Specially trained physical therapists use dry needling to relieve pain and improve range of motion for patients. Dry needling evolved from trigger point therapy. Muscles often form trigger points, or contracted knots, if they’re stressed or strained. “Dry” refers to the fact that no fluids, such as anesthetics or saline, are injected into the trigger point. What is occurring at the cellular level with dry needling is a complex process. However, a shortened version is the needle inserts into a trigger point in the muscle, which elicits a twitch response. This causes the body to activate an immune response to help healing and decrease pain. In addition, increased blood flow to the area occurs. The needles are single-use, thin filiform needles, similar to those used for acupuncture. The gauge and length of the needles may vary. Dry needling is not the same as acupuncture, even though similar needles are used. Acupuncture is based upon traditional Chinese medicine, while dry needling is based upon Western medicine. Traditional Chinese acupuncture uses needles to direct energy, while physical therapists use dry needling to release tight muscles. With acupuncture the needles go into meridian pathways, while with dry needling the needles go in to trigger points to reduce pressure and pain. Dry needling often evokes a localized twitch response that helps decrease muscle contraction, improve flexibility and decrease pain. Dry needling can help many chronic and acute conditions. This includes conditions where manual physical therapy techniques haven’t reduced pain sufficiently. Dry needling can help treat many diagnoses including, but not limited to, chronic neck and back pain, headaches, and overuse injuries. Overuse injuries include tendinitis of the rotator cuff, tennis elbow, runner’s knee, etc. Not everyone is an ideal candidate for dry needling. While dry needling can benefit many, there are some who are not good candidates. This includes those with needle phobia or who have a history of an abnormal reaction to an injection. Those with lymphedema or who are in their first trimester of pregnancy may not be ideal candidates either. Dry needling is not for those with unmanaged blood-clotting or immune-system disorders. Plus, the American Physical Therapy Association does not recommend dry needling for children younger than 12. Always check with your medical provider or physical therapist if you have concerns. Trigger points are often the result of lack of mobility of a joint, muscular weakness, repetitive stress and/or improper movement patterns. They are the “effect.” In order to restore normal function, we must treat the “cause.” Dry needling is just one tool a physical therapist may use in your treatment plan to achieve this goal. Authors Melissa Lambiasi, DPT, is a physical therapist certified to perform dry needling.0
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