- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn Anne Arundel County, one in four youth ages 12-20 reported alcohol use in the past 30 days, according to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. That’s higher than both the state and national averages. Even more troubling is parents’ role in underage drinking. “Parents are giving alcohol to their child and their child’s friends because they think it’s safer for kids to drink under parental supervision,” says Sandy Smolnicky, prevention specialist for the Anne Arundel County Health Department. “In reality, it’s illegal and dangerous for everyone involved.” A recipe for disaster Regardless of intention, providing alcohol to your child’s friends is prohibited by law. Parents can be prosecuted, fined and sued. Alcohol also puts kids at risk for sexual assault, violence, alcohol poisoning, drunk driving, addiction, and delayed brain development. But the outcomes don’t have to be extreme to warrant parents’ attention. “Your child might just wake up the next morning feeling sick or embarrassed, but you still don’t want that for them,” says Mandy Larkins, prevention education coordinator for Pathways, Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (AAMC) substance use and mental health treatment center. “With social media, kids are posting embarrassing pictures and videos online for everyone to see. These pictures don’t disappear, and they can really affect kids’ future plans.” Parents and prevention Preventing the consequences of underage drinking begins by changing the attitudes that justify it, and the perceptions that perpetuate it. That’s the idea behind the county-wide campaign, “Parents Who Host, Lose the Most,” funded by a grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office. Aimed at addressing parents’ roles in preventing underage drinking, the campaign is promoted especially during times when parents are more likely to host parties, such as homecoming and prom seasons. “We need to change the way kids think about drinking, and that starts with parents,” says Mandy. “There’s no prescription for parenting, but there are things parents can do to create a positive, healthy culture for their kids that doesn’t involve alcohol.” Tips for parents Communication is key. Take initiative to talk to your child about the risks of drinking. Know where your child is and establish times for them to call (not text) you. Set up a contract with your child to form clear guidelines and expectations. If your child gets into trouble, maintain an open line of communication, avoid accusatory language and establish a consequence together. Offer alternatives. Engage your child in activities that don’t involve alcohol. Host alcohol-free parties and encourage other parents to do the same. To anonymously report a party, call the Anne Arundel County Police Department tip line at 443-390-8477. Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities. Celebrate your child’s achievements. Be involved. Stay informed. Play an active role in your child’s life. Know your child. Choose strategies that work for their personality. Get to know your child’s friends. Get to know their parents. Educate yourself on current trends and lingo related to teen partying so you can identify warning signs when you see them. Set an example. Be aware of how you use alcohol in front of your child. If you depend on alcohol to cope with stress or have fun at social events, your child may learn to imitate those habits. If you keep alcohol in your home, ensure your child cannot access it. For more information on AAMC’s Pathways, visit PathwaysProgram.org. Contributor Mandy Larkins is a prevention education coordinator at Pathways and can be reached at 410-573-5428. Sources: Anne Arundel County Health Department Drug Free Action Alliance0
- Behavioral Health, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogToday (9/23), the Maryland Health Care Commission voted to approve Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center’s (LHDCMC) Certificate of Need (CON) application for a 16-bed adult inpatient behavioral health unit. This is an incredible step forward for expanding access to critically needed mental health care in our community. Building on the legacy Luminis Health has established with mental health care in Anne Arundel County, this new behavioral health unit will allow LHDCMC to expand comprehensive and integrated mental health care right here in Prince George’s County. Today’s positive vote means we can move forward with our plans to begin construction of the inpatient unit this fall, with doors opening to our community in the winter of 2022. This is in addition to the construction of our outpatient programs, which is expected to be complete in spring 2022. Across both areas, our new behavioral health pavilion will include inpatient psychiatric care for adults, outpatient therapy and medication management, walk-in urgent care, psychiatric day treatment programs (partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient), family support services, prevention programs, and care coordination with community-based support services. These programs and services would be impossible without the support of Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, the county council and health department and their commitment to the needs of our community. We continue to work in close partnership to deliver these much needed services. I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you for your support. Many of you have been with us from the beginning, and provided impactful letters of support as part of our application. The support of everyone in our Luminis Health family and our community has helped bring this approval for much needed inpatient behavioral health services. I look forward to keeping you updated on our progress. Thank you, Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center0
- Behavioral Health, Community, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogJohn and Jill DePaola of the Bo DePaola Family Foundation hosted the inaugural Bo’s Effort Golf Tournament at South River Country Club on May 23, 2016, in memory of their son Bo DePaola. It raised funds to support a behavioral health nurse navigator position for AAMC’s Pathways, outpatient mental health clinic and ER. As part of AAMC’s family-centered care, nurse navigators advocate for patients and their families. They remove barriers, coordinate activities to meet patients’ needs, and identify ways to improve the patient journey and enhance patient and family support during a complex diagnosis. “This was a tribute to our beautiful son, Bo, who left this life early but will continue in spirit to do great things for the community. He is doing his part to help other families who are going through the uncertainty of living with mental illness,” said John DePaola, Bo’s dad. Bo’s Effort’s mission is to break the stigma of mental illness with education and guidance. Through partnerships with Anne Arundel Medical Center, the National Alliance on Mental Illness – Anne Arundel County, and valued community partners, the event is raising awareness. Mark your calendars for the 2017 Bo’s Effort Golf Tournament on Monday, May 22.0
- Women's Health, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a source of anxiety for many. And if you’re pregnant, it’s likely you’re worried about your health and your baby’s wellbeing. That anxiety you may feel is a normal response to a threatening situation. Changes around doctors’ office visits and hospital policies have affected the pregnancy experience for most women. But, it’s important to keep in mind that these changes are being done to protect you and your baby. Your obstetrician’s goal is always safe mom and safe baby. Your obstetrician also can reassure you that the hospital is a safe place to come—whether it’s for delivery or other urgent health care concerns. Attention to safety is any hospital’s number one priority. This makes hospitals a safer place than most anywhere else you’ll visit during this pandemic. We are careful and constantly evaluating the effectiveness of our safety. And while you continue to progress through your pregnancy journey, there are several options you can consider to ease your anxiety during this pandemic. Take virtual classes. There are many interactive and informative virtual options available. Most hospitals offer their own virtual opportunities, including tours, support groups, prenatal exercises (like yoga), newborn care and breastfeeding support. These are now offered through online platforms and apps that focus on self-care and wellness throughout pregnancy. Share your worries. Share them no matter how small you may think they are. Talking to trusted friends, family and even your physician can be beneficial. Keeping your worries and anxieties to yourself can create additional anxiety. Enjoy some fresh air. Never underestimate the healing power of sunshine and the outdoors. Fresh air can help decrease anxiety and create a renewed sense of calm. Practice mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness on a regular basis has proven physical and emotional benefits. It can benefit your immune system, lower your blood pressure and regulate your body’s reaction to stress and fatigue. These are all very important during pregnancy, especially during this time. Consider practicing mindfulness meditation and mindful breathing outdoors. Disconnect. Take a break from social media platforms for a few days. Also, try minimizing your exposure to news coverage. It is important to be informed. But, it’s more important to find a healthy balance of reliable information without triggering anxiety. Be positive. Create a mindset to focus on all of the positives. Center your mind. Try following the daily/weekly development for you and your baby. Also, try creating positive affirmations. Hang these on the refrigerator as reminders. Make an effort to let the positives of pregnancy outweigh your worries. With good practice, minds are very capable of resetting. This will help you to focus during this worrying time. Be easy on yourself, no matter where you are on your pregnancy journey. Know that anxiety is a very normal and expected emotion in any pregnancy. Even before COVID-19 existed. Anxiety is certainly higher than usual. Especially during our new normal. But, don’t forget, there are many ways to help decrease your anxiety and worry. Reach out for mental health support if you get to a point that your anxiety is getting in the way of your daily routine. This can include impacting your appetite or sleep patterns, or by increasing your feelings of hopelessness or nervousness. Many mental health services are now virtual. If you need to, you can reach out for help within the privacy of your own home. Author Cindy Radovic, MA, BSN-BC, is clinical director of Emergency and Inpatient Mental Health Services at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To schedule an appointment with her, call 443-481-3519.0
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLife can be tough. There are the daily stresses, unexpected events and relentless responsibilities that can all be challenging. At times, we can feel overwhelmed and may need a little extra support. It may surprise you to hear one in five experience a diagnosed mental health condition each year. How can you help a loved one, friend, co-worker or family member who may be going through a hard time? Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s give you a mental health first-aid kit of sorts. Recognizing the Signs One way to provide support is to acknowledge when someone is going through a difficult time. Here are some common signs of mental health challenges: Excessive worrying or fear Feeling extremely sad or low Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning Severe mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” Persistent or strong feelings of irritability or anger Avoiding friends and social activities Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite Overuse of alcohol or drugs Vague and ongoing “aches and pains” without an obvious cause Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress How to Approach Difficult Conversations If you suspect that a friend or loved one might be going through a rough patch, trust your gut. Speak to them one-on-one. Start by saying how much you care, followed by your observations. You might say, “I care about you, and I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately. You seem more frustrated than you’ve been in a while and I’m wondering how you’re doing.” Tell the person you understand and it’s normal to ask for help. If it’s a child or teenager, ask them who you should talk to because you should never handle someone else’s mental health crisis on your own. If granted permission, enlist help from someone they trust, such as a parent, caregivers, older siblings, other relatives or a teacher, even a coach. Is Your Loved One in Danger? Some behaviors may indicate that a person is at immediate risk for suicide. Here are some warning signs: Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or getting a gun Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live If someone you care about shows these behaviors, you should call or text 988 right away or call a mental health professional. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support for anyone who is thinking about suicide, concerned about a loved one or needing emotional support. Helpful Resources The National Alliance of Mental Illness is a nationwide grassroots organization that offers support for those with mental illness and for their friends and loved ones. They have a number of helpful support groups, including some in Prince George’s County. Maryland Coalition of Families supports families who have loved ones with behavioral health conditions. In addition, Luminis Health offers Pathways Family Wellness Workshop, a program that brings together family members (such as parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, or anyone else who is considered family) for an educational session, group therapy and personal growth. The program equips family members with communication skills, relapse prevention strategies and coping mechanisms for ongoing recovery. To register for an upcoming workshop, call 443-481-5449. Take Care of Yourself, Too If someone you are close to is working through mental health challenges, both you and the person in crisis are not alone. Reach out for support for yourself if you need it. Remember that it’s important to maintain boundaries between someone else’s experience and your own. You can empathize with what someone else is going through without owning responsibility for their experience.0
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