- Orthopedics, Women's Health, Pediatrics, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen it comes to back-to-school sports injury prevention, we hear a lot about how to protect our young athletes from sports-related injuries. As a former quarterback and now team doctor for several local college and high school football teams, as well as the Chesapeake Bayhawks, I know there’s good reason for these safety precautions. But as an orthopedic surgeon and father of a daughter, I know there’s a fact that parents of our young female athletes need to know: Female athletes are up to eight times as likely to suffer an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury as male athletes. In fact, a recent University of North Carolina School of Medicine study found a sharp 59 percent increase in the number of ACL reconstruction surgeries performed in females aged 13 to 17 in the last 13 years. The ACL runs diagonally in the middle of each knee. It controls rotational movement and prevents the tibia from sliding out in the front of the femur. A torn ACL is a serious, potentially career-ending sports injury. Surprisingly, more than two-thirds of ACL injuries involve little or no contact with another player. The rates of ACL injuries are higher for jumping and cutting sports. These include soccer, basketball, volleyball and lacrosse. Non-contact ACL injuries result from things like: Sudden change in direction. Cutting movements. Landing from a jump incorrectly. Pivoting with your foot firmly planted. ACL injuries and female athletes I start seeing these injuries appear in my office as female athletes enter puberty. In order to help prevent these injuries, it’s important to understand the hormonal changes and anatomical differences between boys and girls that develop during puberty. Boys entering puberty are flooded with testosterone, which allows them to more easily add lean muscle mass and lose body fat. Added muscle often makes them stronger, but less flexible. On the other hand, the increased estrogen levels that girls experience makes their ligaments lax. Girls often have better overall body flexibility compared to boys. While this increased flexibility can be a competitive advantage, it can lead to increased risk of injury if there isn’t enough muscle to keep joints in stable, safe positions. Estrogen also has less of an effect than testosterone on lean muscle mass gains, and actually increases body fat percentage in females going through puberty. This combination of increased laxity, less lean muscle mass gains and higher body fat percentage is thought to be related to the greater rate of ACL tears in female athletes. Is there a way to identify females at an increased risk for ACL tears? Yes, there’s a two-legged jump test that a coach, trainer or parent can give: Jump off of a stair or box and land with your hips, knees and ankles in line with each other. This shows the athlete’s landing technique and whether there’s good core, hip and thigh strength. If your knees buckle inward or assume a “knock knee” posture, that’s a sign of muscle weakness and shows an increased risk for ACL tear. Athletes at risk can start jump training and other strengthening exercises to help decrease their risk of ACL tears. Other preventative measures include: Do strength training for core, hip and pelvis, and thigh muscles. Start balance and stability training to increase the ability of all muscles to work in unison surrounding the hip, knee and ankle joints. Learn how to safely accelerate, decelerate, jump, land and cut. Begin proper training prior to the start of sports season. Many female athlete ACL injuries can be prevented with early detection and putting into practice strength and stability training. Author Daniel Redziniak, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon with Luminis Health Orthopedics and is board-certified in sports medicine. His office can be reached at 410-268-8862. Originally published Aug. 14, 2017. Last updated July 8, 2019.0
- Men's Health, Women's Health, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogEven if you successfully make diet changes at home, it’s easy to falter when you go out to eat. The reality is nowadays, Americans are spending approximately 43 percent of our food dollars on food outside the home, compared to 26 percent in 1970. If we are going to drive our health in the right direction, we must be conscious of the choices we make while eating out. Before your next meal out take these tips to heart, and you’ll go a long way toward eating healthier. 1. Understand Your Power When you go out you’re footing the bill, so understand the power you have over the choices you make. It starts at the beginning, with the choice of restaurant. Most of the time, you do have a choice for where to go, so research your options online. Once you’re there, feel free to make special requests to get the meal prepared in a healthier way—you are paying the bill. 2. Know Before You Go A lot of restaurants offer their menus online, so look up your options. Often we eat with our eyes first, so rather than be tempted by something you see walking in, select a healthy option before you go. You’ll likely make the best meal choices by choosing in advance rather than potentially being rushed or tempted at the restaurant. Plus, you may be able to do more research, like finding out calorie counts or ingredients online. 3. Avoid the All-You-Can-Eat Specials and Buffets They may seem like a bargain, but you may pay the price with your health since you’re encouraged to overeat. Buffets are often filled with the cheaper fried or overly processed foods. 4. Choose Wisely Choose seafood, chicken or another lean meat for your entree. Or, try a vegetarian option. Make smart choices for how your entrée is prepared. Steamed, broiled, baked, grilled, poached or roasted are generally the best options. Remember fifty percent of your plate should be a vegetable. 5. Put the Fixings on the Side If you’re not prepared to give up the fixings—butter, sour cream, dressings, gravies, etc.—order them on the side. You’ll be able to control how much is used versus allowing the restaurant to drench your food. 6. Watch Your Portion Size Just because the restaurant serves you a super-sized portion doesn’t mean you have to eat it all. Often meals are two times the size you really need, so decide in advance to eat half your meal and box up the rest for another time. If you worry about self-control, order smaller portions or order an appetizer with a side salad. And if you follow this advice don’t feel you have to deny yourself dessert. Choose a lighter option, like fresh fruit or sorbet. Or, order a dessert your whole table can share so that you’re only indulging in a few bites. LHAAMC’s comprehensive nutrition services provide nutrition coaching to individuals of all ages. We can help you optimize your nutritional health and get results. Also, LHAAMC offers a full-range of Healthier U events and workshops. Author By Ann Caldwell, nutritionist and registered dietitian at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach her call 443-481-5555. Originally published March 29, 2015. Last updated July 5, 2019.0
- Physical TherapyGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFrom personal trainers to coaches and even apps on our phone, today we have an abundance of resources to help improve our athletic abilities for all levels of play. Unfortunately, sports can lead to injuries. And when that happens, the key to getting back on the field, the court, the track, or simply everyday life, is the way you recover. Recovery can be quick or can take time, depending on the injury. At clinics with sports performance zones, like that available at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Physical Therapy – Jennifer Square, physical therapists can combine traditional physical therapy with sports performance practices to support an individual’s ability to perform at their peak level and recover successfully. READ MORE: AAMG Physical Therapy opens new location at Jennifer Square You might not realize it but your recovery period has many benefits, which is why you should take it seriously. Below are some ways physical therapy can change your sports performance: Avoid training hazards and future injuries. Training with a physical therapist whose expertise is in both sports and rehabilitation can help you get back in the game better than ever before. A provider can help you heal and perform at your highest level while also showing you how to avoid potential training hazards or future injuries. This maintenance approach is similar to how we see a dentist several times a year for preventative care and not just before having a cavity or tooth pain. Gain an edge in sports or higher-level hobbies. Of course, as a patient, you must be willing to work to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and performance. Look for a program that provides a personalized exercise program for sport-specific training, total body strength, power, stamina, flexibility and movement. Spot incorrect patterns of movement. Identifying muscle weaknesses, tightness and coordination problems can help you avoid injury and move more efficiently within your sport of choice. For example, if you are concerned with keeping up with the pace of play or feel like you can’t hit the ball as well as you should, seek a physical therapist who can correct improper movement patterns to help you get back on the court – better, faster and stronger. Perform exercises in a controlled, comfortable environment. Perform higher-level exercises in an environment with skilled experts prior to doing them on your own. If you pair that with innovative techniques, you can easily access parts of recovery not typically available in traditional physical therapy clinics. For example, think instrument-assisted soft tissue massage, cupping, blood-flow restriction training and dry needling. Authors James Bickley, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist at AAMG Physical Therapy’s Jennifer Square location. He can be reached at 443-481-1140.0
- Senior CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogImagine this: You’re in a room with several objects on a table — pens, books, clothes. A family member or friend is standing right in front of you saying something directly to you, making eye contact and gesturing as part of the conversation but you can’t comprehend what the person is saying. The person leaves the room and you feel confused because you couldn’t hear what was said. All you could hear were the hundreds of thoughts crossing your mind. You feel disoriented. You walk towards the table and reach for one of the books but somehow can’t completely feel the old, wrinkled texture of the cover that hugs the pages inside of it. As you place the book back on the table, you accidentally knock over some of the pens. You didn’t see them because your peripheral vision is impaired. The person that was talking to you before walks back in the room and asks, “have you folded the clothes yet like I had asked you to?” No. Because you weren’t aware of this. You saw the person’s lips move, but you didn’t understand what they were saying. That’s what it can feel like to live with dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is a general term to refer to a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia is an overall term used to describe symptoms that have an impact on memory, performance of daily activities, communication abilities and all five senses. Although symptoms differ greatly from case to case, at least two of the following core mental functions must be greatly impaired in order to be considered dementia: memory; communication and language; ability to focus and pay attention; reasoning and judgement; and visual perception. READ MORE: Understanding adult speech therapy Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth leading cause of death in the country, is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. In fact, an estimated 5.7 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s. This number includes nearly 5.5 million people age 65 and older and about 200,000 individuals under age 65. Today, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s every 65 seconds. By mid-century, statistics project this will change to every 33 seconds. There are some risk factors you can’t change, like age and genetics. And while many dementias are progressive — meaning symptoms start out slowly and gradually get worse — research shows there are steps you can take for risk reduction and prevention. Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol: Your brain is sustained by one of your body’s richest networks of blood vessels. Something that damages blood vessels in your body can also harm blood vessels in your brain, depriving brain cells of vital food and oxygen. These changes can cause faster decline or make impairments more severe. Manage or avoid diabetes and don’t smoke: You can help protect your brain as you would protect your heart. Take steps to keep your blood pressure and blood sugar within the recommended limits. And don’t smoke. Be more mentally engaged in life: This includes mental and social activities. Mentally challenging activities — like learning a new skill or hobby — can have short and long-term benefits for your brain. Similarly, engaging socially is associated with reduced rates of disability, mortality and depression. There are countless ways to stay socially active. Think about joining a club, volunteering or getting involved in your community. Take care of your diet: What you eat can affect brain health through its effect on heart health. Current evidence suggests that heart-healthy eating patterns, like the Mediterranean diet, may help protect the brain. This diet includes minor intake of red meat and a higher consumption of whole grains; fruits and vegetables; fish and shellfish; nuts; olive oil; and other healthy fats. Be active: There are endless benefits of regular physical exercise, including lowering the risk for some types of dementia. Evidence shows exercise may directly benefit brain cells by increasing blood and oxygen flow to the brain. Dementia is always a tough topic to talk about, especially as there aren’t any recent developments in diagnosis or treatment. However, there are ways you can help take care of your health or that of a loved one. If you think you or someone you care about is showing signs of dementia, contact your doctor. Early diagnosis gives you a higher chance to seek treatment and plan for your future. Author Scott Eden, MD, is a practicing family medicine physician at Anne Arundel Medical Group Chesapeake Family Medicine in Annapolis. He can be reached at 443-481-4080. Originally published June 25, 2018. Last updated June 17, 2019.0
- PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSleep-related deaths claim about 3,500 infants each year in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Locally, we have seen an increase. In 2016, eight infants died in Anne Arundel County as a result of unsafe sleeping practices. This is up from two deaths in 2015 and three in 2014, according to statistics from the Anne Arundel County Department of Health. Health department officials say all deaths were linked to unsafe sleeping practices, such as infants sharing a bed or sleeping under blankets. But you can take steps to prevent this type of tragedy by being mindful of how you put your baby to sleep, using the right sleep surface and avoiding bed sharing. Know your ABCs AAP urges all caregivers to follow the ABCs to make sure babies are sleeping safely. Always place your infant to sleep alone, on his or her back, and in a crib or bassinet with a firm surface. “If you don’t do anything else follow the ABCs,” says Debbie Wasem, supervisor of Women’s Education for AAMC. Wasem says experts used to tell parents to place babies to sleep on their stomachs, believing that if the infants were choking or throwing up, there would be less chance of suffocation. But that’s not true. “When you look at the anatomy of a newborn it makes sense to place babies on their backs,” she says. Source: The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Use a firm sleep surface You should place your baby to sleep on a firm sleep surface, covered by a fitted sheet, with no other bedding, pillows or toys, to reduce the risk of suffocation. Soft mattresses, including those made from memory foam, could increase the chance of rebreathing in carbon dioxide or suffocation if the infant rolls over. Use the right crib You should look for cribs with slat spacing less the 2 3/8 inches, snug fitting and firm mattresses, and no drop sides. You should not use a crib with missing hardware. Experts also caution against the use of bumper pads in cribs. Maryland banned the sale of these items in 2013. Be careful with swaddling If you swaddle your infant, you should always put the baby to sleep on his or her back. You should stop swaddling once the infant shows signs of trying to roll over. Big bulky blankets could also potentially cover an infant’s face leading to breathing problems, Wasem says. Consider using a pacifier Several studies indicate a pacifier may reduce the chances of a sleep-related death, though it’s unclear why. You should use a pacifier when putting the baby to sleep. Never hang a pacifier around an infant’s neck. You should also wait to use a pacifier until breastfeeding is well established. The National Institute of Child Health and Development broke down some of the studies here. Infants should sleep close to your bed — but not in it There is evidence that sleeping in the parents’ room – but on a separate surface – decreases the risk of sleep-related deaths by as much as 50 percent. “One of the big things mothers say is ‘when I breastfeed, it’s so much easier to have the baby right next to me,’” Wasem says. “We tell them have the crib or bassinet right beside your bed so you can easily reach the baby for feedings. That is safer than risking falling asleep with the baby in bed with you.” Learn more about how to care for the new addition to your life at AAMC’s Newborn Care class. Originally published April 5, 2017. Last updated June 13, 2019.0
How can we help?
Common Searches
Common Searches
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?
Your Account
Go to MyChart
Messages
Billing Summary
Find Care
Schedule Appointment
My Care Team
My Record
Appointments
Medications
Insurance Summary
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?