- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLast summer, Brandy Brooks, 39, was on a family vacation with her boyfriend and two children. Grabbing some ice cream to enjoy the cold treat in the hot weather, Brandy was having a great time. It wasn’t until she started laughing that she noticed something was off and had to urgently use the restroom. On their way back to the resort where they were staying, again she noticed something was wrong. But this time, she wasn’t able to hold it. Walking into the resort, she did it again. “Every time I would laugh or sneeze, I would pee myself,” Brandy recalls. “It was embarrassing.” Everything started in 2005, when Brandy had her first child. Like many women, Brandy experienced urine leakage during her pregnancy. But she continued to experience similar symptoms after giving birth to her daughter. “It was still a problem, but not huge,” Brandy says. “I didn’t have to wear protective garments so I didn’t pay much attention.” In 2013, Brandy had her second child. After having her son, she says things got worse. “It got progressively bad, to the point I had to wear adult protection all the time,” Brandy says. “Sometimes, I would wear two types at the same time. I was also having bad menstrual cycles.” Brandy remembers talking to a colleague about her concerns. Her colleague mentioned to schedule an appointment with the doctor that had helped her. Brandy was experiencing the symptoms of a pelvic floor disorder (PFD), a common problem many women experience, especially after giving birth. Almost one-quarter of women have pelvic floor disorders, according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health. The study revealed that pelvic floor disorders affect about 10 percent of women ages 20 to 39; 27 percent of women ages 40 to 59; 37 percent of women ages 60 to 79; and nearly half of women age 80 or older. “I was having more leakage over time and I decided to have a procedure to correct some of my symptoms,” says Brandy. Understanding pelvic floor health “The problem for women not knowing about pelvic health disorders is that they walk around with symptoms that they think are normal,” says Kay Hoskey, MD, urogynecologist with AAMC Women’s Center for Pelvic Health. “Most of the time, if women leak a little bit or feel different during intercourse, they write it off as normal. These are not always normal symptoms and if this is something women don’t want to deal with, there’s help.” When Brandy came to AAMC Women’s Center for Pelvic Health, her complaint was having everyday issues with urinary incontinence. “We explored her history and did some diagnostic studies,” Dr. Hoskey says. Brandy had experienced symptoms for 11 years, while the average time that a woman takes to present with pelvic floor disorders is about seven years. “I would encourage women to not ignore the symptoms for that long,” Dr. Hoskey says. “You don’t have to deny, dismiss or disguise symptoms like these, there are options that can help women deal with PFDs.” At AAMC Women’s Center for Pelvic Health, the practice primarily focuses on bowel issues, urinary issues and pelvic organ prolapse, among other areas. Taking a holistic approach, the practice offers a variety of treatments, including dietary recommendations, exercise, biofeedback, massage and surgery when necessary. Brandy required robotic surgery, an option that allowed her to heal faster with less pain and scarring. “She didn’t want to use the restroom as often and she didn’t want to have heavy periods,” Dr. Hoskey says. “She wanted to get back to her normal activities, like being able to play with her kids without having any concerns.” Regaining a carefree life Two weeks after surgery, Brandy went out with her boyfriend to the store. Joking around, Brandy started laughing. “I laughed and laughed and realized I wasn’t rushing to the restroom,” Brandy says. “I told my boyfriend and started to cry because I was able to laugh without any worries.” Brandy also noticed other big changes, such as not experiencing heavy, painful periods. For her, this was a new opportunity to regain a carefree life. After years of experiencing incontinence and worrying about leaving her house and having to take protection with her, she no longer has to think about where the nearest restroom is or if she will have an embarrassing moment in public. A full-time mom and employee gearing up to get her nursing degree, Brandy encourages other women to not be embarrassed and pay attention to their health. “I feel like a young woman whose bladder is working the way it is supposed to,” Brandy says. “Don’t be afraid to seek the treatment for it or worry about what others will say, you really need to worry about yourself and take care of yourself first.” If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain due to a pelvic condition, visit AAMC Women’s Center for Pelvic Health website and schedule a consultation.0
- Plastic Surgery & Skin CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogProtecting your skin from the sun with the right sunscreen is crucial. But picking the right sunscreen can be daunting. Knowing the basics before shopping can streamline your decision-making process, and hopefully prevent cancer. Why sunscreen matters One in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime — it is the most common cancer in the United States, and the most preventable. Your best defense is protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. That’s why the American Cancer Society recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when outdoors. Broad-spectrum sunscreens The sun emits two types of rays: UVA and UVB, both capable of damaging the skin. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and most skin cancers, directly damaging DNA in skin cells, prompting rapid growth and tumor formation. In contrast, UVA rays accelerate skin cell aging, leading to long-term issues like wrinkles and rough skin. They can also indirectly harm skin cell DNA, contributing to certain skin cancers. A sunscreen labeled “broad-spectrum” is proven to shield the skin from both UVA and UVA rays. Why use an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen? SPF stands for sun protection factor—the sunscreen’s protection level against UVB rays. The higher the SPF number, the more protection you get. Here’s how SPF works: When using an SPF 30 sunscreen on your skin, for every 30 minutes you spend in the sun, you only get equal to 1 minute of UVB rays. Here’s how much UVB rays each SPF filters: SPF 15 filters out about 93% SPF 30 filters out about 97% SPF 50 filters about 98% SPF 100 filters about 99% SPF below 15 shields against sunburn but not against sun damage or cancer.. No sunscreen can filter or block all UV rays or protect you completely. Chemical and mineral sunscreens: pros and cons Sunscreens use either chemical or mineral ingredients, or a combination, to filter or block UV rays. Chemical sunscreens use various chemical ingredients, including avobenzone, homosalate, and oxybenzone, to absorb UV rays before they can damage your skin. Pros: They are invisible once absorbed into your skin and feel comfortable. Cons: They can irritate sensitive skin, but need time to absorb before working. Mineral-based sunscreens contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, creating a barrier on your skin’s surface that reflects UV rays. Pros: These work right away. They are safe for sensitive skin and are considered safe for coral reefs and marine life. Cons: They can feel thick or greasy and may leave a white residue on your skin, especially on darker skin. What about water-resistant and tinted sunscreens? Sunscreens can’t claim to be waterproof, they can only claim to be “water resistant” for 40 or 80 minutes. If you sweat a lot or spend time in the water, you may want to use water-resistant sunscreen. Similarly, tinted sunscreens offers additional protection against visible light, benefiting individuals with hyperpigmentation disorders, commonly impacting. How to apply sunscreen Sunscreen only works if you use it correctly Maximize its effectiveness with these tips: Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Use enough to cover exposed skin (if you can see light through your clothing, UV rays can reach that skin, too). Most adults must use one ounce of sunscreen, a shot glass, or a palm full Don’t forget your ears, both sides of your feet, and the back of your neck Reapply at least every two hours Apply again after swimming, sweating, or towel drying One last tip- there’s no difference between baby and adult sunscreen. Both are safe to use. However, sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months. If you have questions about your skin health, please contact Luminis Health Plastic Surgery for a consultation. Our experts can work with you to improve sun damage and protect your skin for years to come. Author Telisha Johnson, NP, is a plastic surgery nurse practitioner at Luminis Health.0
- General Page Tier 3BlogNow more than ever, it’s important to do everything you can to stay healthy. And you may have wondered if there are ways to boost your immune system. There’s still much research to be done on the link between your nutrition and lifestyle choices, and your immune system. But here’s what we know now. Your Nutrition Choices You’ve probably seen supplements at the grocery store that claim to support your immune system. But remember this – nutrients work together, so having too much of one nutrient might undermine how effective another one is. Also, unless you are malnourished or have a disease affecting how you absorb nutrients, there’s no evidence that suggests adding extra supplements beyond what you already eat will help. Instead, stick to a healthy diet with a balanced amount of protein, vitamins and other minerals and nutrients. Protein. The body uses protein to build and repair tissues, plus make hormones and enzymes that promote the body’s daily functions. You can get protein from meats, fish, beans, cheeses, eggs, peanut butter, nuts and dairy products. Vitamin A. This fat-soluble vitamin also supports vision, reproduction and healthy organ function. You can get vitamin A from poultry, fish, potatoes, leafy green vegetables and non-citrus fruits. Vitamin C. This water-soluble vitamin supports wound healing and acts as an antioxidant to protect cells. You can get vitamin C from citrus fruits, tomato juice, broccoli, strawberries and cantaloupes. Folate and folic acid. These help create and repair cell’s DNA in your body. Folate and folic acid are in leafy green vegetables, beans, peas, Brussels sprouts and fortified cereals. Selenium. This is a mineral that also supports thyroid gland function and DNA production. You can find it in seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy, meat and whole grains. Zinc. This nutrient supports cell creation and wound healing. Vitamins E, D, B6 and iron could also help support your immune system. Your Lifestyle Choices Your lifestyle can also play a role in how often you get sick. Here are some things you should do to help keep your immune system in top shape. Sleep. You need sleep to rest and recharge. Without it, you increase your risk for developing serious health problems, such as Alzheimer’s disease, obesity and heart disease. Exercise. Exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. It improves your cardiovascular health, controls your weight, lowers your blood pressure, reduces your risk of many cancer types and protects you from a variety of other diseases. Exercise also promotes good circulation, which allows cells and substances to move through the body and do their job most effective. That helps your immune system. Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk of infections such as pneumonia and flu. Studies show you could also be at greater risk of developing a severe case of COVID-19 if you smoke or vape. Lower your stress. This year has been full of uncertainty. But it’s still important for you to take care of yourself, because your immune system can weaken when you’re stressed out. Focus on what you can control, instead of what you can’t. There is no magic food or nutrient that can stop you from getting sick. But a balanced diet will help support your immune system – which will help your body fight off infections and diseases. Butternut Squash and Kale Soup This hearty soup is full of vitamins A, C and B6. Ingredients 1 large sweet onion, cut into wedges 4 cups of cubed butternut squash (cut into 3/ 4 inch cubes) 1 tablespoon of olive oil Fresh ground black pepper to taste 1 teaspoon of dried thyme 1 14.5-oz. can of low sodium chicken broth 3/ 4 cup of water 3 cups of chopped kale Directions Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking pan with aluminum foil and spread onion and squash over foil in a single layer. Drizzle vegetables with olive oil and toss lightly to coat; then season with pepper and thyme. Place in oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until vegetables are cooked through and starting to brown. Note: take vegetables out at least one during cooking to stir. Combine roasted vegetables, chicken broth and water in a large saucepan and use an immersion blender to blend ingredients together until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender to make this soup, you can use a regular blender to blend the vegetables and the liquid together. Heat blended soup over medium heat until heated through, then stir in kale and cook until wilted, about three minutes. Recipe courtesy of the Diabetes Food Hub. Author Ann Caldwell is a nutritionist and registered dietitian at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach her, call 443-481-5555.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has brought many changes to our lives, including our eating habits. Today, frequent trips to the grocery store are not practical or encouraged. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend keeping enough nutritious foods in the house that will last for up to two weeks. As such, we may need to take a closer look at what we have on our shopping list and perhaps broaden our horizons with new ways to meet our nutritional needs. There are, however, a few obstacles that make this challenging. For example, you might have to accommodate shrinking household income, consider timing of when to go to the store or work with the limited options of food staples. The following are guidelines to help direct what selections you can make to keep the essentials in your home while keeping costs to a minimum. Stock your pantry First, think about how many people you are shopping for and purchase only what you need to leave some for others, too. Plan for a variety of fresh, frozen and shelf-stable items. Because not all stores will have everything you’re looking for, keep your list flexible. Vegetables: Look for produce that has a longer shelf life, such as broccoli, carrots, celery, onions, leeks, potatoes and cauliflower. If they are out of broccoli, look for other alternatives, such as brussel sprouts or zucchini. Frozen vegetable mixes will help carry you through the two weeks, along with canned diced tomatoes. Fruits: Consider dried fruits, canned fruits packed in juices or water, and fresh fruit packaged in bags such as apples, oranges and kiwi. Beans and protein: Chickpeas, lentils and legumes are healthy options, especially with the meat shortage and likely higher prices for meat. Also consider frozen fish or tuna, salmon and chicken in cans as sources of protein. Other affordable and nutritious options include nut butters and eggs. Starches: These include shelf-stable options such as whole grain rice, pasta and quinoa. Condiments: If you like flavoring your food, some affordable recipe additives include plain nonfat yogurt, soy sauce, broths, spices, vinegars, olive oil and mustard. Dairy foods: Flavored Greek yogurts and plain nonfat yogurt is a great substitute in recipes for sour cream or cream cheese. If the milk refrigerators are bare, shelf-stable dry milk is also an option. Reconsider your options Whether it’s about recipe substitutions or how to get your groceries, there are alternative options out there for you to consider. Don’t know what to do with your leftovers? Use them with what is on hand in other recipes. For example, put dried tomatoes in salads with pine nuts, cranberries in tuna, nuts and raisins in oatmeal. You can get creative when making soups by adding leftovers and using vegetable or chicken broth as a substitute. Think beyond your usual recipe ingredients. If you are making enchiladas and do not have peppers, add zucchini, olives, black beans and taco sauce. Worried about going to the grocery store? Explore your shopping options. If going to the store causes you anxiety, consider purchasing food from places that have delivery options. The fees are reasonable and keep you off the frontlines, especially if you are in a high-risk group. If transportation is not a problem, curbside pick-up can also be an option. Don’t forget that many stores also have special shopping hours for older Americans. While everyone is at home together, consider sharing the cooking responsibilities. Try new dishes or, if you prefer, stick to simple items or familiar foods and tastes that provide you comfort. Plan what works for you and your family. By purchasing a mix of fresh, frozen and shelf-stable items, you can create a healthy balanced diet that satisfies both food cravings and budget concerns. Authors Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford are nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555.0
- Cancer Care, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogColorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer, and cause of death from cancer, in the United States. According to a recent study by the American Cancer Society, the rate of colorectal cancers, located in the colon or rectum, is on the rise for people under 50. But despite that trend, experts project almost 60 percent of new diagnoses in 2017 will be for those 65 years old and up. March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. A good time to remember that colorectal cancer can be prevented by detecting precancerous polyps, which are small, abnormal growths in the colon. Polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy. Many people have no symptoms of early colorectal cancer. Screenings are important because they can detect cancer at an early, curable stage. Studies show a lower death rate from colorectal cancer among people who get screened compared to those who do not. You have several screening options — the most effective one is the one you will follow through with. Fecal Screening Tests Fecal screening tests can find tiny amounts of blood in stool that can either be a sign of large polyps or cancer. Your health care provider will determine if you need this screening every year or every two years. You can take these types of tests at home with a kit and instructions from your doctor’s office. If your results are positive, you will need to follow up with a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy Many studies show the rate of cancer death is 68 to 88 percent lower for people who have a colonoscopy compared to those who do not. This is because experts can remove polyps during the colonoscopy, before polyps can become cancerous. A polyp is considered a pre-cancerous lesion. Removing them is a primary prevention strategy. This screening can also detect cancer in an early, curable stage. CT Colonography A CT Colonography is a procedure using imaging or x-rays to produce a detailed image of the colon and rectum. A CT Colonography can be effective in detecting raised polyps. However, this type of screening is not as good as a colonoscopy for detecting flat polyps, which are harder to recognize. Also, with CT Colonography, if a polyp is discovered it cannot be removed right then. You will need a colonoscopy to remove the polyp. Blood-Based Tests The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a blood-based colorectal cancer screening test. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the long-term benefit of this screening tool. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends you start getting screened when you turn 50 if you are at average risk for colorectal cancer. The guidelines suggest a stool test annually or every three years, or a colonoscopy every 10 years, or a CT Colonography every five years. If you are between 76 and 85 years old, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of screening. You should stop screening after 85 years of age. The task force recommends earlier and more frequent screening if you’re high risk. If you have a direct relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer before 60 years of age, you should have a colonoscopy when you turn 40, or when you’re 10 years younger than the relative’s age when they were diagnosed. Whichever is earlier. There is no “best” strategy for colorectal cancer screening. The best test to screen for colon cancer is the test you can complete consistently. Author Naeem Newman, MD, is a surgical oncologist at AAMC Surgical Oncology. Originally published March 21, 2017. Last updated March 13, 2019.0
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