- Men's Health, Women's Health, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNot that long ago, juggling your schedule to get from your home or work to a doctor’s appointment was the norm. But with social-distancing guidelines brought on by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, telehealth has gained popularity. Now, telehealth is an important tool for the future of health care delivery. As a service to our community during COVID-19, we are temporarily waiving the fee for our CareConnectNow service throughout the declared pandemic. CareConnectNow is available Monday through Friday, 8 am-9 pm and Saturday through Sunday, 9 am-7 pm with access to trusted medical providers for patients aged 13 and up. Connect from your smartphone by calling 443-951-4270. What are the pros and cons? Telehealth connects providers and patients through video conferencing, online chat portals or telephone conversations for health-related services. Convenience and quick access to care are the top pros. Some patients also like the flexibility telehealth offers. However, not everything can be treated through telehealth. It can be hard to check vital signs if a patient doesn’t have a home kit. And listening to a patient’s lungs over the phone isn’t an option. Unfortunately, technology has its limits. Another con is that not everyone has access to a smartphone, tablet or a computer with video capabilities. This prevents telehealth from being a viable option to all. Will telehealth stay? Telehealth reveals new possibilities and is an opportunity to improve care in general. Whether it’s the way doctors interact with patients or the outcomes of those connections. Ultimately, telehealth is a tool that can boost access to care and integrate really well if combined with in-person care. The most important thing is that you do not delay your medical care, even during a pandemic. Contact your provider to discuss your options. We are here for you and ready to provide safe, effective and efficient care. Author Andrew McGlone, MD, is a physician with Anne Arundel Medical Group Annapolis Primary Care. You can reach him at 443-481-1150.0
- Wellness, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThat morning cup of joe could be more than a little pick-me-up—it may actually be helping your heart. A study published in the journal Heart finds that people who drink three to five cups of coffee a day are less likely to develop clogged arteries that could lead to heart attacks. The study, led by a team of researchers in Seoul, South Korea, found that people who consume a moderate amount of coffee had the least risk of coronary calcium in their arteries. Coronary artery calcium can cause blood clots that trigger a heart attack or stroke. Researchers say the new study adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests moderate coffee consumption is associated with a decreased risk of heart disease. “Over the years the caffeine and coffee benefits story has gone back and forth in terms of health benefits and health risks. For those of us tied to our Starbucks, I think the bottom line is still everything in moderation,” says Jonathan Altschuler, MD, cardiologist. “It’s certainly a provocative study, but we should remember that researchers looked at a patient population in Korea and the method they used to detect the presence of heart disease is probably less accurate in a younger population,” he added. Dr. Altschuler says for some people large amounts of coffee and caffeine can have a negative impact on blood pressure and even cause heart palpitations. As with all new healthcare research, it’s best to consult with your doctor before making lifestyle adjustments. Your doctor will be able to factor in your personal diet, lifestyle and risk factors for heart disease and make a recommendation that’s best for you Originally published March 3, 2015. Last updated Sept. 16, 2025.0
- General Page Tier 3BlogBonding with your baby is an incredible process that starts with hearing their heartbeat, feeling those first kicks and meeting them for the very first time. Every moment becomes a milestone and if you’re a nursing mother, that first latch can be the beginning of an incredible breastfeeding journey. Nursing your newborn can be both rewarding and challenging in those first few weeks. While every mother and every baby are different, these tips can help answer some common questions you might have when navigating this new relationship and routine. How do I know if baby is hungry? When they aren’t sleeping, newborn babies seem to eat almost constantly. This is completely normal. In the first few days after birth, babies need to remain in close contact with your breasts. This not only provides easier access for frequent feedings, but also helps stimulate your milk supply. Current recommendations are to ensure newborns have access to meals around the clock and should average out to be at least eight feedings in a 24-hour period. What if baby is sleeping? In the early days, it is common to need to wake a drowsy baby so they know it’s mealtime. Sleepy babies don’t tend to eat for long, so try to wake your little one by removing an article of clothing or changing their diaper. Gently rub the tummy or feet and place baby skin to skin, all while talking to, and encouraging them to leave their dreamy state. How do I keep baby awake during feedings? Sometimes babies become so relaxed during feedings they drift off to sleep, even if they’ve only been eating for a few minutes. If this happens, gently play with their feet, rub their cheeks, talk to your little one, or gently blow on their arms. With extra sleepy babies it can be helpful to gently rub a wet washcloth on them to help remind them it’s time to eat. Signs of a good feed are active suckling at the breast with occasional audible swallows. What is reclined latching? Reclined latching, also known as “baby led latching,” can be a wonderful breastfeeding position. If you have a chair that reclines, sit in it and gently recline the head back so you are in a comfortable position. Place baby parallel to your chest so that baby has access to your breast. Allow them to bob and move their head around, and eventually they will reach the bullseye and latch on. This position is great for giving baby a deeper latch. If you notice nipple pain, gently detach the baby from the breast and try again. How should I handle nighttime feedings? During night feedings, try to keep mealtimes as quiet and boring as possible. Dim the lights and avoid changing a diaper if you don’t have to. Once baby wakes up fully they tend to be up and ready for playtime, despite it being 3:30 in the morning. Where can I find support? Leaning on friends and family who are nursing or who have breastfed can make a world of difference during the early days of your journey. You can also find professional support. Do not hesitate to seek the guidance of a lactation consultant. They are professionals who went through additional training all with the desire to help during this learning process. Remember to breathe — you will find your routine. The first few weeks of the newborn stage can be exhausting; there is no doubt about it. This is a learning experience for both of you. Remember baby is trying to figure out this whole breastfeeding thing just as much as you are. Sleep when baby is sleeping. Dirty laundry and dishes can wait just a little while longer. Be patient with yourself, and eventually the family will settle into a routine. It does get easier! Author Ginny Bowers is a Certified Nurse Midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) at Chesapeake Women’s Health in Easton. 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 Feb. 4, 2019. Last updated Aug. 3, 2020.0
- Employee SpotlightGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSavanna Cowan, office assistant at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists, was finishing her shift and heading to class at Salisbury University, where she is currently pursuing a career in nursing. On her way out, she noticed a patient who had fallen in the garage. Without thinking twice, she rushed over to help the patient before going inside to get a wheelchair and her manager for more help. “I treat others the same I would want for myself or a family member,” Savanna says. “I love helping people and I always want to make sure they have a good experience.” Savanna applied to work at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) after her cousin encouraged her to join the same practice where she was working. Motivated by her cousin’s positive experience, Savanna submitted an application and, on the same day of her interview, was offered the position. “I was really interested when I went in for the interview and they told me what my job duties would entail,” she recalls. “Hearing of all the things I could do was really interesting to me, and I immediately accepted.” Those duties include scheduling patients to helping providers sort their mailboxes. But Savanna’s favorite thing to do is make others smile. “As an office assistant, I’m the first person patients see,” she explains. “I greet them and make sure I get them where they need to be. But when I see a patient smile as they walk away or hear ‘thank you,’ that’s what I find most rewarding.” Savanna credits some events in her life for guiding her career decisions. When she was in fourth grade, her father went into cardiac arrest, requiring him to get surgery. Hit with uncertainty at the time, the incident also served as motivation for Savanna to seek a career that would allow her to help others. “I went through that when I was eight-years old,” she says. “I know what it feels like and I want to be able to help other families with young children who have to face a similar situation.” Most recently, Savanna’s family welcomed three babies born prematurely. The births helped her identify her next big step. “When I went into the NICU to meet my little cousin and then to meet my boyfriend’s new niece and nephew, that’s when I knew this is definitely what I want to do,” Savanna says. In the next five to 10 years, Savanna envisions herself working as a NICU nurse. While she is completing her nursing degree, Savanna is focusing on helping patients receive their best experience with what she says is her strongest asset: her kindness and her smile. Pro tip: “Always be nice to others and just keep smiling.” If you know a great individual or a fantastic team going above and beyond to make a difference, make sure to let us know! Looking for a career in health care? We invite you to join a diverse and collaborative team of professionals working together to innovate the future of health care for our entire region. Check out our career opportunities.0
- General Page Tier 3BlogRound up your produce for an easy, delicious side dish that includes a healthy dose of veggies. Grilled Vegetable Platter INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons orange juice 2 tablespoons honey 4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon oregano ½ teaspoon garlic powder Dash of salt and pepper 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed 3 small carrots, cut in half lengthwise 1 large sweet red pepper, cut into 1-inch strips 1 medium yellow summer squash, cut into ½-inch slices INSTRUCTIONS In a small bowl, whisk together the first seven ingredients. Place 3 tablespoons of the mixture in a large reusable plastic bag. Add vegetables. Seal bag and mix to coat vegetables. Marinate 1-2 hours at room temperature. Transfer vegetables to a grilling grid. Place grid on grill rack. Grill vegetables, covered over medium heat for 8-12 minutes or until crisp-tender, turning occasionally. Place vegetables on a large serving plate. Drizzle with remaining marinade mixture. Yield: 6 servings The AAMC Farmers Market is open Fridays from 10:30 am-1:30 pm through Oct. 25. It is held in the Hospital Pavilion South (ground level) located at 2001 Medical Parkway. Authors By Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford, nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them call 443-481-5555. Originally published June 15, 2016. Last updated June 10, 2019.0
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