- Orthopedics, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogI was concerned about going to a doctor since I’m in a high-risk group for COVID-19, but the pain in my shoulder was intense, movement was limited and my symptoms kept getting worse. In 2016, I had surgery on my left hand to repair an artery. After the surgery, my activities were restricted for several months to allow complete healing of the artery. It was during this time that some of my muscles atrophied and my left shoulder froze. However, after several months of rehabilitation, I was able to return to the gym and exercise. Once gyms closed because of COVID-19, I really lost the ability to continue exercising and started to experience problems with my left shoulder again. I contacted my physician at AAMG Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Specialists. My physician explained the safety protocols they had put in place to keep patients safe and I made an appointment. Once I got to the office, I called the receptionist to let her know that I had arrived. She told me to wait in the lobby where I could safely distance while keeping comfortable. When the doctor was ready for me, the receptionist called and instructed me to go directly to the appropriate waiting area without needing to otherwise sign in. Next, a nurse took my temperature. No one else was in the waiting room. A staff member directed me to an exam room where I met the doctor. The whole experience was professional, efficient and safe. I’m so happy that I did not postpone my visit. My shoulder would have continued to deteriorate and the pain would have gotten worse. Now I am improving my flexibility. The pain in my shoulder is subsiding. I will no longer hesitate to return for follow-up appointments knowing that AAMC has established protocols to keep patients safe. Author Tony R. is a resident of Millersville, Maryland.0
- PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogBreastfeeding takes patience and persistence but the journey is a beautiful thing. Your body is supporting the growth and development of a tiny human – that’s no small task! Repeat these mantras to yourself whenever you need a little encouragement along the way. “One more time, one more time.” Some moms may set an initial goal of breastfeeding for a year, or longer. In those first few days, or weeks, the long-term goals may actually make breastfeeding feel very overwhelming. When you are dealing with a bad latch, over- or under-supply, or general exhaustion, you may think, “How am I going to get through the day, let alone a year?” Stop right there. Deal with one feeding, then another, and then take on tomorrow, and then the day after that. Meeting smaller goals may help you reach the larger goal you set for yourself. “I am doing something beautiful.” You might feel awkward or self-conscious about nursing in public or even around friends and family. Besides figuring out the logistics—where to sit, do you want to cover to feel comfortable, what to wear to make nursing easy—you may be wondering what other people are thinking about you. The only person you need to worry about is your baby! You are doing something beautiful and natural. Keep your mind focused on this thought and let everything else fade away. Also, don’t forget you’re protected by Maryland law to breastfeed your baby in any public or private place where you’re permitted to be. “It’s ok, relax. Help is on speed dial.” You don’t have to do this alone. We’re in the midst of a breastfeeding revolution and support resources are readily available. Take advantage of them. Find a lactation consultant before you actually need the help. Put AAMC’s Warm Line in your speed dial list (its 443-481-6977). Join a social network of other new moms. Many moms use these tools to help them not only deal with breastfeeding difficulties, but also to help adjust to their new role of “mom.” (See below for a full list of resources.) “Sometimes goals change and that’s okay! A happy mom is a good mom.” If you start to feel unhappy or stressed, you may be putting too much pressure on yourself! If breastfeeding is in your heart then by all means keep going —find help and remind yourself that you are doing the best job you can. But, if you need to adjust your breastfeeding goal, be confident in that decision too. Don’t beat yourself up. Any amount of breast milk is important. Be proud of yourself! Your baby thinks you are the best mother just as you are. “I’m doing a great job!” Motherhood can be scary, difficult and, at times, overwhelming no matter how you feed your baby. But, it can be amazing, beautiful, fun and life-changing. Remind yourself every day that you’re doing a great job! Best wishes in your breastfeeding journey. It might be a piece of cake. But, if it’s a bit challenging keep telling yourself, “I got this.” Take advantage of helpful resources, embrace it and enjoy discovering the amazing strength that you never knew you had. Author Lindsay Bittinger is a local mom, living in southern Anne Arundel County with her husband, two daughters and one crazy puppy. Breastfeeding Resources AAMC offers several breastfeeding support classes, all of which have gone virtual due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. See a complete schedule here. Breastfeeding Warm Line: Anne Arundel Medical Center’s lactation staff is available to answer any questions you might have about breastfeeding. You can reach our consultants seven days a week via our Warm Line at 443-481-6977. Simply leave a message and they’ll return your call between 9 am and 4 pm the same day. You can also e-mail our lactation staff anytime at [email protected]. Find a Lactation Consultant: A board-certified lactation consultant can help address your breastfeeding concerns or challenges. You can find one in your area through the United States Lactation Consultant Association directory. AAMC Smart Parents: Join our Facebook community focused on the journey of parenthood. This is a safe, non-judgmental group to ask questions and get answers from local moms and dads, and AAMC experts. Originally published April 14, 2016. Last updated Sept. 16, 2025.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) has once again received the Mission: Lifeline® Gold Plus Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks. Every year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the deadliest type of heart attack, caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. It’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication. AAMC earned the award by meeting specific criteria and standards of performance for quick and appropriate treatment through emergency procedures to re-establish blood flow to blocked arteries in heart attack patients. “A heart attack is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention. It’s critically important not to delay care if you think you are experiencing symptoms. At Anne Arundel Medical Center, we are safe, ready and open to care for you,” said Jerome Segal, MD, medical director of Cardiovascular Services at AAMC. “This award is testament to our consistent, coordinated team approach that is quick and efficient in delivering life-saving care during this time and into the future.” “We commend AAMC for this award in recognition for following evidence-based guidelines for timely heart attack treatment,” said Tim Henry, MD, chair of the Mission: Lifeline Acute Coronary Syndrome Subcommittee. “We applaud the significant institutional commitment to their critical role in the system of care for quickly and appropriately treating heart attack patients.” Services for heart attack patients Hospitals that meet AHA quality standards not only know the importance of treating quickly and safely, but they also follow evidence-based research that helps to determine why a patient had a heart attack or stroke in the first place. To learn more about AAMC’s heart services, visit www.askAAMC.org/heart.0
- Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNearly everyone has heartburn once in a while. But if your heartburn happens two or more times a week, it may be a symptom of something more serious. You may have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. GERD is a digestive disorder that affects up to one in five U.S. adults. It occurs when the valve in the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens or relaxes too often or for too long or becomes loose. This causes stomach contents to back up into the food pipe, causing heartburn and acid indigestion. In addition to getting heartburn two or more times a week, you should seek a doctor’s help if you have trouble or pain when swallowing, coughing or choking during the night and/or heartburn pain that interferes with your daily activities. These are symptoms of GERD. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic cough, increased belching and bad breath. While there isn’t yet a cure for GERD, you can manage your symptoms. Doctors often recommend diet and lifestyle changes. Simple approaches include: Maintaining a healthy weight Avoiding tight-fitting clothing Avoiding trigger foods and drinks, such as fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, garlic, onion and caffeine Eating smaller meals slowly Waiting at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed Elevating the head of your bed Quitting smoking Chronic or refractory GERD In addition to lifestyle changes, your doctor might also recommend prescription medication to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. While most patients respond well to these treatments, some might find that their symptoms persist. In this case, you may have chronic or refractory GERD. Refractory GERD can be debilitating and harm your quality of life. It’s important not to lose hope. There are minimally invasive surgical options available to treat refractory GERD. When left untreated, GERD can lead to more serious health problems over time, including esophageal cancer. If you’re currently taking antacids or over-the-counter medications, it’s important to visit your primary care doctor. These medicines may only mask symptoms. We know that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is still on everyone’s mind. But your health may still require medical attention. Our medical offices have procedures in place to keep patients and staff safe. We sanitize exam rooms before and after each patient, patients and staff are screened for COVID-19 before they enter the building, and masks are required at all times. We are safe, ready and open to care for you during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Don’t let your GERD symptoms take away from your quality of life. Your doctor can direct you to an option that will ultimately provide you with relief. Author Adrian Park, MD, is chair of Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Department of Surgery and an internationally recognized specialist in minimally invasive surgery. To reach him, call 443-481-6699.0
- PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAny way you choose to feed your baby is a loving act. If you decide breastfeeding is the right choice for you and your baby, connecting with other moms, friends and experts who have first-hand experience with breastfeeding can be key to your own success– and often sanity! Breastfeeding is a new skill– some moms will get the hang of it on the first day, and for others it may take more time. Think about the last time you tried something new. It probably took some time to feel confident. Remember, your baby is learning too. AAMC asked local moms to offer words of wisdom from their own breastfeeding experience. Many moms shared similar thoughts such as: It can be awkward or difficult at first, but it gets easier. Use knowledgeable resources. Talk to other moms for advice and support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Believe in yourself! Here’s more encouragement for moms, from moms: Breastfeeding is hard work and commitment, but completely worth it! Stick to it and you’ll be surprised at just how far you and your little one will come. Things start clicking around six weeks and you’ll be glad you pushed through. – Amy, Pasadena Just try it. It is not for everyone, but from someone who was about as anti-breastfeeding as they come prior to having my baby, my advice is to just try it– you might just surprise yourself. I did. – Casey, Severna Park Enjoy it, because it goes by really fast. You think you’ll have a baby tied to the boob forever, but suddenly your toddler doesn’t have time for you anymore. Breastfeeding became a really big part of my life. It’s a cool club to be in and I’ve met some amazing, supportive women along the way. – Marisa, Annapolis It may not be beautiful bonding instantly. It takes time for you and baby to get the hang of it. I remember about two months in finally having the moment where I was like, ‘ohhh I love this!’ Also, even when you’re doing everything right, your body is adjusting and it can be uncomfortable. But it gets better! – Jemma, Gambrills There is a lot of advice out there– how often the baby should eat, how many ounces, how many minutes, what mom should and shouldn’t eat– it’s enough to drive a new mother crazy. Every baby is different. Relax, follow your instincts and best judgment, and don’t expect perfection from yourself or anyone else. – Whitney, Severna Park It’s overwhelming until you get the hang of it, but it’s all worth it. Breastfeeding is so special and rewarding. I’m glad I stuck it out. The support of friends and my pediatrician was so important, especially in the first few weeks! – Alexandra, Annapolis Nursing doesn’t work out for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still provide your baby with the benefits of breast milk. Exclusively pumping is an option you should read about and consider. – Katie, Davidsonville After an emergency c-section, my body was under so much stress it took longer for my milk to come in. I put pressure on myself, thinking the harder I tried, the faster my milk would come in. The pressure I put on myself ended up working against me. I wish I’d known it can take time for your milk supply to regulate to your baby’s needs. Redefining my vision of success to focus on the things that mattered– my baby was healthy and gaining weight and we were bonding– is what ultimately drove me to stick with breastfeeding, and I’m so happy I did. – Bridget, Annapolis Breastfeeding is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. When it feels like you can’t do it anymore set a small goal, like a day, and then another day. Use small goals as long as you can to help you reach your bigger goals. – Katy, Pasadena I worried about others judging me if I chose to breastfeed in public, so I refrained for a while. I wish I knew the vast majority of people I have encountered are supportive, or at the very least don’t give any indication that they’re bothered by it. You will hear advice from everyone. Go with what works best for you and your family. – Jen, Centreville If you have to supplement with formula, it isn’t the end of the world. Any amount of breast milk you can give your baby for as long as you can is better than none at all! – Brooke, Crofton For something so “natural,” it may not feel that way at first. You and your baby have the instincts to build a nursing bond but it takes work and patience. Stick to it, it gets so much easier and then becomes amazing! – Diana, Crofton (pictured with baby Josephine above) Take a class with your support person. My husband was my biggest help! When we first got home from the hospital I was so tired I couldn’t remember anything from the class. He remembered so many tips and tricks. He set up a nursing station for me with drinks, snacks, blankets and a remote so I could be as comfortable as possible. I was ready to quit at the two week mark, and he asked me to check out the AAMC support group first. Attending the support group that day changed everything for us. I ended up nursing my first son for 11 months! We never set a goal of how long to breastfeed but just told ourselves we would do it until we were ready to stop. – Heather, Annapolis If you’d like more encouragement, advice or have questions for other moms, join AAMC Smart Parents on Facebook. Breastfeeding Resources Originally published April 13, 2016. Last updated Sept. 16, 2025.0
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