- Women's Health, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMy birth experience delivering Bella at Anne Arundel Medical Center was a very positive experience – in fact, it was a breeze. Even though this was our second child, my husband and I took a parenting class as a refresher course, and we would definitely recommend it. Our instructor was informative, warm and entertaining. One Wonderful Day I remember I went into labor very early in the morning. I waited a couple of hours at home to make sure it was the real thing. Then I had my husband pack up the car, I woke up our school-age son, and we got ready to go to the hospital. Upon arrival at the Thomas J. Frank Family Birth Center at AAMC, the nurses promptly brought me back to the triage area and confirmed (to no surprise) that I was in labor and dilated. The nurses were great about checking on my son, who was waiting outside the room until more of my family could arrive. My contractions were very intense, and I was having the dreadfully painful back labor. My nurse was so wonderful and calming while I waited to get my epidural. I remember her gently pressing down on my shoulders during the peak of my contractions and giving me words of encouragement. Somehow, that weight of her on my shoulders helped to make the pain more bearable. My epidural was a dream, and within minutes of getting it I was completely relaxed. I can truly say I was able to enjoy my labor — even being able to take a little nap and converse with family members. (Thank you, anesthesiologist!) My nurses were just the right balance of knowing when to let me rest and when to bring humor and lightness into the room. After 11 hours of labor and five minutes of pushing, we had our beautiful Bella in our arms. We had exactly the birth that we had wanted, and my doctors and nurses followed our birth plan to the tee. I had planned to breastfeed, so we had a lactation consultant pop into our hospital room before we left to make sure Bella was latching on properly, and to refresh me on breastfeeding basics. The lactation consultant was helpful and friendly. Advice For New Parents If I were to give advice to expectant moms and new parents, I would say remember to make time for you. Both pregnancy and parenthood are wonderful, joyous times. But they can also be both stressful and depleting. Remember that a healthy, happy mom makes for a healthy, happy family. As difficult as it may be to schedule in time just for you — even if it’s only 15 minutes — this goes a long way. And, never underestimate the power of three deep breaths to help you re-center and stay grounded. Staying Healthy My family and I stay healthy by making sure to get plenty of movement, eat healthy meals and receive acupuncture. My husband and I are both acupuncturists, and it is a true gift to be able to care for our family with this wonderful form of medicine. Our biggest teaching to our kids in terms of health and wellness is to listen to your body. Your body knows what it needs. If we ignore it, that’s when symptoms arise. It sounds simple, but so many of us override these messages. Get good rest, exercise, eat whole foods, drink enough water and balance work with play. Melissa Perilla is an acupuncturist in Annapolis.0
- CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSetting off fireworks is a fun and festive way to celebrate July 4. But fireworks and other explosives can also be dangerous. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks-related injuries send around 230 people to the emergency room around July 4. Risk of fireworks injuries is highest for children ages five through nine. Don’t let your celebration turn into tragedy. Here are some of the most common fireworks-related injuries that doctors treat around this holiday, and what to do if you or a loved one is hurt. Hand burns A hand burn is the most common injury from fireworks. A minor or first-degree burn causes redness and mild pain. More serious second-degree burns cause blisters, while the most serious third-degree burns cause white or blackened skin and possible numbness. If you have a first aid kit at home, now is a good time to make sure it’s up to date with over-the-counter pain medicine, cloths, burn pads and Aloe Vera gel for cooling down minor burns. If it’s a major burn that requires a trip to the emergency room, you can use a plastic wrap to protect the injury while you wait for treatment. Never pick up a firework that hasn’t ignited, and keep a bucket of water and a charged hose nearby. Other Hand Injuries Fireworks can cause other hand injuries including cuts, torn tendons and broken bones. In the case of a serious hand injury, take off your jewelry, cover your hand with a clean cloth, put an ice pack on the injury and elevate your hand. Seek medical care immediately. Facial Injuries Injuries can include broken bones and loss of facial tissue. If this happens to you, keep your head raised, cover the injury with a clean cloth, place an ice pack over it and get emergency care immediately. Eye Injuries In case of an eye injury, get medical attention immediately. Don’t attempt to rinse out the eye, and avoid putting pressure on it. You should also avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen, which thins the blood and may increase bleeding. And don’t apply ointment or other topical medication, which is probably not sterile. Remember to wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks. Hearing Loss Sounds that are louder than 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss. Fireworks that are three feet away can be as loud as 150 decibels, so keep your distance. If you experience pain or ringing in your ears, make an appointment to see your doctor. Other Risks Fireworks aren’t the only risky July 4 tradition. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and can quickly cause clothing to catch on fire. Bottle rockets, firecrackers and Roman candles can also be dangerous if used incorrectly. Maryland generally bans private displays of fireworks, and a permit must be obtained for a fireworks display. Fireworks, sparklers and other July 4 favorites are not toys, so don’t treat them that way. Take proper care if you are going to be using these items, and have a safe and happy Fourth of July.0
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogDuring the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people in the United States delayed getting routine cancer screenings. Fortunately, data shows cancer screening rates are returning to pre-COVID levels but, even in the best of times, the number of people who are screened is lower than it should be. But what screenings should you get and when? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages screening for breast, cervical, colorectal (colon), and lung cancers because early detection leads to better outcomes. April is Cancer Control Month, which raises awareness for cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. Many people don’t realize that they are due for a cancer screening. Read the guidelines below to make sure you are up to date. Breast Cancer Screening Individuals should undergo breast cancer risk assessment by age 25 years and be counseled regarding potential benefits, risks, and limitations of breast screening in the context of their risk stratification. You and your doctor can work together to decide what’s best for you and we strongly encourage you to ask questions and share your concerns. Our providers recommend that women who are at least 40 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram annually. Cervical Cancer Screening The HPV test and the Pap test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause cell changes on the cervix. The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.If you are 30 to 65 years old, talk to your doctor about which testing option is right for you: An HPV test only. This is called primary HPV testing. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test. An HPV test along with the Pap test. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test. A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test. If you are older than 65, your doctor may tell you that you don’t need to be screened for cervical cancer anymore if: You have had normal screening test results for several years, and You have not had a cervical precancer in the past, or You have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids. Colon Cancer Screening It is now recommended that regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer and finding it early. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men younger than 50. Most people should get a colonoscopy at least once every 10 years. You may need to get one every 5 years after you turn 60 if your risk of cancer increases. Stool-based tests are becoming more popular because they are done at home, so many people find them easier than a colonoscopy. But, although these tests are easier to implement, they need to be done more often. If the result from a stool test is abnormal, a timely colonoscopy is required to check for cancer. Lung Cancer Screening We recommend annual lung cancer screening for people who: Have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history, and Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years, and Are between 50 and 80 years old. A 20 pack-year is smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years. Talk to your doctor about lung cancer screenings if you have regular exposure to second hand smoke. Lung cancer screenings can stop when the person being screened: Turns 81 years old, or Has not smoked in 15 or more years, or Develops a health problem that makes him or her unwilling or unable to have surgery if lung cancer is found. Ask your doctor which cancer screenings are right for you and if you have concerns about cancer, you should talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Author Robert Rice, MD, PhD is the executive medical director of oncology at Luminis Health, with more than 20 years of oncology experience.0
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogOver the past few months, many people are talking about race relations in America. Those conversations are hard at times, awkward and even uncomfortable. For those who experience prejudice and discrimination based on religion, race or gender identity, the effect on your mental health can be devastating and long lasting. The day after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jane Elliott conducted her now famous “blue eyes, brown eyes” exercise with her third grade class. She separated the class into two groups based on eye color. She told one group that they were superior and had special privileges. Meanwhile, she told the other group they were inferior and didn’t give the same praise and privileges as the superior group. Eventually, the kids who were ‘superior’ soared in confidence and felt they were smarter. The kids in the ‘inferior’ group, on the other hand, started making mistakes that they would not normally make, became timid and were angry. This experiment only lasted for a couple of days. Now, imagine if every day of your life felt like Mrs. Elliott’s third grade classroom. And, imagine you are always in the inferior group. Even if no one ever overtly says you are inferior. When people experience prejudice, they may feel that they are not wanted or don’t belong. This causes feelings of mal adjustment that takes a dangerous toll on mental health. Ways Experiences of Prejudice can Affect Your Mental Health Depression If you are constantly in an environment where you are experiencing prejudice, it’s normal to experience feelings of depression. You may start feeling emotionally drained, isolated or lonely. You may also start feeling physical exhaustion, leading to fatigue or insomnia or feelings of low motivation and feelings of wanting to quit. Anxiety If you are feeling judged, whether at work, school or in the community, this can lead to feelings of generalized or social anxiety. For example, you may feel nervous about starting projects or taking risks around others in their daily environment. You may also experience worry about what other people think. This can then lead to negative self-talk and low sense of self. Low self-worth You may question your own worth. For example, you might wonder, “Am I good enough?” or, “Do I even belong here?” Questions like this lead you to start questioning your own value. You will wonder what will you have to do to be treated differently because nothing will ever appear to be good enough. You may feel the effects of imposter syndrome and start to question your own intelligence, your value and your skill level as a result. Feelings of hopelessness You may start to wonder, “Will things ever get better?” or you may start to feel like all hope is lost for change. At this point, you may begin to internalize feelings of being in an inferior group. Then, you may stop demanding for things to change, stop using your voice and accept negative treatment because of a lack of equality. How You can Overcome the Effects of Prejudice We have to pay attention to our internal selves and listen to our mind and bodies. Then, we can start to take care of ourselves. Self-care You can’t pour from an empty cup. Before you can take care of anyone else, you have to take care of yourself first. Take a step back from the TV and social media. Engage in a hobby that you enjoy or spend time with your loved ones. Breathe Take time during the day to just breathe. Set breathing interval times throughout the day so you can remember to clear your mind. Relax your body and decrease stimulation that can feel overwhelming. Positive self-talk Use daily positive self-talk to help increase your self-esteem and self-worth. Tell yourself that you are good enough and you deserve the best from any position that you are in. By reminding yourself that you are worth it, you will believe that you belong when others may want you to believe otherwise. Increase self-awareness Know that you are not the problem. Understand that prejudice exists on many levels in society. When people are able to acknowledge that a greater issue exists, then they can increase self-confidence and be a voice for positive change. The impact of prejudice can be devastating to a person’s mental health. The repercussions can last a lifetime and those feelings can be passed through generations. It is important for all people to continue to have those uncomfortable, difficult conversations about prejudice in society. When we take the time to listen to each other, we will feel like we are making a change. And when there is change, we will notice a positive effect in mental health based on inclusion and equality. Author Jennifer Williams, MA, LPC, LCPC, is a mental health professional at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Mental Health Specialists, located in Annapolis. To reach her, call 410-573-9000.0
- Men's Health, Senior Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogCarpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes tingling, numbness and pain in the wrists and hands. With more than three million new cases every year in the U.S., typing and overuse of the hands are often associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. However, many studies now suggest these are not causes, and genetics are actually believed to play a major role in determining who gets carpal tunnel syndrome. Orthopedic Surgeon Alex Shushan, MD explains the truth about carpal tunnel syndrome. What causes carpal tunnel syndrome? The carpal tunnel is a small space in your wrist. Nerves and tendons run through this space from your forearm to your hand. Anything that decreases the space available for the nerve may cause carpal tunnel syndrome. This may include: Pregnancy. Thyroid issues. Arthritis. Diabetes. Many cases are “idiopathic,” which means we can’t determine the underlying cause. In these cases, genetics may play a significant role. What are the symptoms? Symptoms include pain, numbness or tingling in your hands or wrists. Most patients experience this first at night, waking up with tingling in the hand that can be “shaken off.” This can progress to daytime numbness and tingling. As the symptoms worsen, patients may have trouble manipulating small objects, such as buttons on a shirt. Symptoms may occur in one or both hands. Who is most at risk? People between age 40 and 60 are especially at risk for carpal tunnel. Women are three times more likely to develop the condition. What about treatment? Splints at night are often prescribed. If this does not help, a nerve study is frequently performed to determine the severity of nerve compression. Those who don’t improve after conservative treatments may be candidates for surgery. Surgery is very effective, with more than 500,000 operations performed each year in the U.S. Ninety-eight percent of patients report they have a “good to excellent” result with surgical carpal tunnel release. Learn how carpal tunnel release surgery provided relief for this local cashier. Contributor Alex Shushan, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery at AAMG Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists.0
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