- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) has been recognized by the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Institute for Diversity and Health Equity with the 2019 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award. The Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award is bestowed annually and was created to recognize outstanding efforts among hospitals and health care systems to advance equity of care to all patients, and to spread lessons learned and progress toward achieving health equity. AAMC is being recognized for its efforts to provide equitable care and reduce health inequities. In 2016, AAMC established a Health Equity Task Force, which for the past two years has published a health equity report identifying trends in patient demographics and health care disparities. This data has resulted in the development of action plans to improve patient outcomes across the health system. As the first hospital in the nation to sponsor a local chapter of Coming to the Table, an employee circle group, AAMC is also focused on creating a more diverse and inclusive culture by having open, candid conversations about cultural differences and discussing ways to understand and mitigate unconscious bias. These discussions led to diversity, equity and inclusion as a top priority in the organization’s operating plan, and AAMC’s strategic efforts have enhanced the organization’s candidate selection process. AAMC has increased the diversity of its leadership over 30 percent in one year. In addition, AAMC’s LGBTQIA Business Resource Group, African-American Business Resource Group and Generation Now Business Resource Group are grassroots groups formed by employees of all demographics to propel numerous strategies and actions to further diversity and equity across the health system. As a result, in 2018, AAMC was recognized by the Human Rights Campaign as an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Top Performer. READ MORE: Anne Arundel Medical Center recognized as a top performer in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality “Anne Arundel Medical Center is committed to strengthening our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts to better harness the innovation and power that effective diversity and inclusion inspires,” said AAMC President/CEO Victoria Bayless. “With compassion, trust, dedication, quality, innovation, diversity and collaboration as our core values and steering philosophies, we recognize that a strong diversity, equity and inclusion culture will help facilitate our success. We are proud to be recognized with the Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award for our efforts.” In its announcement, AHA President/CEO Rick Pollack and Vice President Duane Reynolds said, “Hospitals and health systems that participate in the Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award process demonstrate a commitment to improving health for all people. Their work is not only a moral imperative but it’s also the way in which hospitals will be positioned to succeed under population health and value-based care,” said Pollack. “We thank Anne Arundel Medical Center and the Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care honorees for their innovative work to improve outcomes and advance health equity in the communities they serve.” “Across the country, racial, ethnic and cultural inequities are everyday realities for far too many individuals, limiting their highest potential for health and hospitals and health systems are committed to closing the gaps,” said Reynolds, who also serves as president and CEO of the AHA’s Institute for Diversity and Health Equity. “A focus on eliminating disparities is one way in which hospitals and health systems make a commitment to just and equitable care for their patients and communities.” The Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award will be presented to AAMC on July 25 at the AHA’s Leadership Summit in San Diego.0
- CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFor the most delicious and nutrient-dense produce, look no farther than your local farmers market. These markets offer fruits and vegetables at the peak of their growing season, which means the produce is at its freshest and tastes the best. And it’s likely more nutritious than what you’d buy at the grocery store. Most fruits and vegetables at the supermarket are grown in other states or even other countries. When food is shipped across the globe or the country, it loses quality and nutrients along the way. If that’s not enough, here are six other reasons to visit farmers markets this season. Get the best nutrients. Most food at farmers markets is minimally processed. Many farmers go to great lengths to grow the most nutritious produce possible by using sustainable techniques and picking produce right before selling. Access a wide variety of produce. Farmers markets offer an array of produce you don’t see in the supermarket: red carrots, a rainbow of heirloom tomatoes, purple cauliflower, gooseberries, watermelon radishes, donut peaches, quail eggs and much more. Pick something new to try! Learn cooking tips and meal ideas. Farmers are often passionate cooks with plenty of free advice about how to prepare the foods they sell. Just ask! Enjoy a fun family outing. These markets are kid-friendly and a great opportunity to talk about where food comes from. Encourage healthier snacks by letting your kids pick something to try. Protect the environment. Food in the U.S. travels an average of 1500 miles before it ends up on your plate. This shipping uses large amounts of natural resources (like fossil fuels) that create pollution and trash from extra packaging. Most food at farmers markets is grown and sold near the same place, using sustainable methods. Support the local economy. Shopping at farmers markets also supports your local farmers and keeps the money you spend on food closer to your neighborhood. The AAMC farmers market is open to the community and runs every Friday from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm through Oct. 25 in the Hospital Pavilion South (ground level) located at 2001 Medical Parkway. The AAMC farmers market now accepts Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits via the electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. By accepting SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, AAMC is expanding access to fresh fruits and vegetables to everyone in our community. Want to turn your produce into a delicious side dish? Try this grilled veggie platter for dinner. 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 3, 2019.0
- Behavioral Health, Men's Health, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogEven a tough guy goes to the hospital if a tree falls on his head. So why won’t men seek medical help when their world comes crashing down on them, as it can with depression? Nearly 6 million American men experience depression each year, yet few seek treatment. Perhaps men don’t realize that depression is a disease—not a weakness. Or maybe they’re not aware that successful treatments exist. No matter the reason, depression is a disease that shouldn’t be ignored by anyone—including men. Recognizing depression “The vast majority of people who seek treatment for depression end up feeling better,” says Raymond Hoffman, MD, a psychiatrist and the medical director of mental health and substance abuse at AAMC. It’s a good idea to visit your doctor if you’re experiencing these signs and symptoms of depression: loss of energy or increased fatigue restlessness, anger or irritability a lack of interest in favorite activities sleep problems changes in appetite excessive feelings of sadness, worthlessness or guilt trouble concentrating, remembering or making decisions thoughts of, or attempts at, suicide Your doctor can check to see if physical problems are affecting your emotional health. Plus, he or she can refer you to a therapist or counselor who will work with you to relieve your symptoms. It’s OK to ask for help “It may not be easy to talk about how you’re feeling,” Dr. Hoffman says. “But depression can seriously interfere with your work and personal life. Acknowledging it and getting treatment can help you get your life back to normal.” Originally published Oct. 23, 2014. Last updated May 31, 2019.0
- OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you’re a long-distance runner, you know the importance of fueling up before you hit the streets or your favorite running trail. What you should eat and drink to maximize your performance, though, is a mystery for many runners. Should you load up on carbohydrates? Go heavy on the protein? Down sports drinks? Here’s what runners should consider as they train. Carbohydrates and running The National Academy of Sports Medicine (ASCM) says athletes may have up to 40 percent greater energy needs than non-athletes. That means if you’re not eating the right foods, your performance could suffer. Carbohydrates are an important part of any runner’s nutrition plan. Carbs are stored in your muscles as glycogen, which serves as long-term energy storage. Your body relies on glycogen when you exercise, and it’s important to keep your glycogen stores full so you don’t crash during a tough workout. Eat before you work out, even if you don’t feel hungry, says The American College of Sports Medicine. About three to four hours before your workout, eat a meal of 300-600 calories that contains mostly carbohydrates, a moderate amount of protein, and a low amount of fat. Examples include toast with peanut butter, or a turkey sandwich with fruit. The ACSM says endurance athletes, such as distance runners, should refuel every 45 to 60 minutes during a long workout, taking in 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates (or 120-240 calories) each hour. For shorter races or runs, it is not necessary to consume food during the race, but post-run replenishment is most efficient immediately after exercise. Good foods to eat during a long exercise session include energy gels or beans, honey, bananas or oranges. Eat your protein Remember the importance of protein. It is the building block of your cells, and it’s especially important during the recovery process. Running and training breaks down cells. As you recover, those cells are repaired to make you better, faster and stronger — as long as the right ingredients, including protein, are available. The ACSM recommends eating a post-workout snack of 300 to 400 calories containing a mix of carbs and protein. The carb-to-protein ratio should be 2:1 in short, low- to medium-intensity workouts, or 3:1 in long, high-intensity workouts. Opt for low-fat, high-protein sources, such as beans, fish and poultry. Milk-based protein, like chocolate milk, is thought to be one of the best sources of protein post-workout. Fats aren’t all bad Fats, like carbs, provide energy. Healthy fats, such as polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats, are part of a balanced diet. They should be at least 20 percent of your total fat intake, according to the ACSM. Avocados are a good source, as well as nuts, olive oil, and salmon. Steer clear of saturated and trans fats, which can raise your cholesterol and lead to heart disease. A few special micronutrients: Iron, vitamin D, and calcium Long-distance runners are at high risk of iron-deficiency anemia. Low iron can result in decreased performance and a general feeling of tiredness. Your level of ferritin, a protein that stores iron, can determine if you need to take supplements. There is some debate over what is considered low, though 35 nanograms per millileter is often used as a minimum benchmark. You should talk to your doctor about the appropriate screenings for this. Adding iron-rich foods, like beef, can help. Turkey, chicken and some fish also have lesser amounts of iron, which your body can best absorb alongside foods rich in vitamin C. Vitamin D is crucial for bone health. Research has connected it to muscle strength, inflammation, and many other functions. Unfortunately, it is hard to get enough vitamin D, especially if you are wearing your sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. You can get your vitamin D level tested with a blood draw to determine if you need a supplement. Many doctors recommend taking 1,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D as a general rule. Calcium is also an important ingredient for not only strong bones, but also muscle and nerve health. Getting 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium from food each day is best. Hydration is important Making sure you are drinking enough water is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for runners. Research shows that dehydration, even if it’s mild to moderate, can decrease performance. There is some debate about whether you should use thirst as an indicator to drink, or if you should drink water before thirst sets in. Current recommendations are to bring water along with you on runs that are longer than an hour, or longer than a 10K. The ACSM suggests drinking two to four ounces every 15 to 20 minutes. It is possible to drink too much water during a long race, such as a marathon. In serious cases, you could develop hyponatremia, when your body has too much water and the level of sodium in the blood is too low. For long runs, consider a sports drink. Not only do they give you an extra boost of carbohydrates, they also replace sodium that you lose while sweating. They are also a good choice for hydrating after a run longer than 60-90 minutes. One last bit of advice: Don’t try any new foods or drinks on race day. You never know how your body might react, and that could be the difference between a great race and a bad one. By choosing the right foods and making sure you are staying properly hydrated — both during training and on race day — you can have your best race ever. Author Christina Morganti, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center and avid long-distance runner. Dr. Morganti ran cross country and track at Brown University, and continues to compete in road races herself and run around cheering on her kids in their races. She has run numerous marathons, including New York, Boston, and the Marine Corps Marathon. You can reach her practice, AAMC Orthopedics, at 410-268-8862. Originally published Nov. 14, 2017. Last updated May 31, 2019.0
- Orthopedics, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogI’m often asked for advice in choosing which shoes would be best for running fast, far and without injury. This is a difficult question to answer because so many variables are involved: your running goal, your history of injury, the type of running surface and other factors. These general guidelines are a great starting point for choosing the right running shoes: The shoes should feel comfortable in the store. Don’t expect you’ll be able to “break in” the shoes later. Your heel should not slip out of the shoes. Your toes should not hit the front of the shoes. The shoes should fit your arch type and foot mechanics. Ask for help, if needed. The shoes should be light and flexible, but also with a slight degree of stiffness for support and durability. Most running shoe stores organize the shoes in broad categories, including cushion, lightweight cushion, forefront cushion, motion control and neutral. In recent years another category—minimalist shoes—has developed. Here’s what you should know about each category of running shoes. Cushion Provides heel-to-toe comfort Best for heavier runners Tends to be heavier Good for runners with joint degeneration Lightweight cushion Has thick soles made of lighter weight material Newer technology, offers less “feel” for the road but more cushion without the weight Forefoot cushion Has less cushion in the heel relative to the forefoot, which is the opposite of traditional shoes Design encourages a foot strike pattern more on the midfoot than the heel Adapt to your new gait pattern carefully and gradually Motion control Specially designed with performance elements for stability Best for runners with excessive motion in the hind foot Neutral Good for runners without serious biomechanical issues or for use with orthotics Less expensive and lighter than other options Minimalist Lighter weight, less heel cushion Adapt to these shoes carefully and gradually to avoid injury I recommend trying on multiple pairs and going with what feels good after walking around the store. Many stores have a treadmill so you can try running in the shoes. Some even allow video analysis to check for stability. Even after giving shoe selection a lot of thought and research, there’s often an element of trial and error involved. These guidelines can get you running in the right direction to make your selection. Quick Running Tips Choosing a place: Avoid hard or rough road surfaces. An ideal running surface is flat, smooth, resilient and soft. Avoid crowded roads and run against traffic. Stay in well-lit areas, including schools and public streets. Choosing a time: Running during daylight is preferable. Avoid running if temperatures are above 90 degrees and humidity is high. Safety tips: Carry a cell phone with you. Avoid using headphones if you’re running on the street. Author Christina Morganti, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center and avid long-distance runner. Dr. Morganti ran cross country and track at Brown University, and continues to compete in road races herself and run around cheering on her kids in their races. She has run numerous marathons, including New York, Boston, and the Marine Corps Marathon. You can reach her practice, AAMC Orthopedics at 410-268-8862. Originally published June 15, 2016. Last updated May 31, 2019.0
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