- Behavioral Health, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs families continue to adjust to the “new normal” of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, both parents and children may feel anxiety and fear. The boundaries between work, school and home have gotten fuzzy, often leading to emotional burnout. It’s important to remember this whole situation is new for everyone. There is no right way to get everything done. With so much change and uncertainty, it’s more important than ever for parents to take care of their mental health so they can continue to laugh, have fun and appreciate every family moment. Here are some tips on how to stay positive while juggling a full schedule. Prioritize self-care: There will be a lot of unknowns this year, so it’s important to remain calm and remember to breathe when dealing with the unexpected. Each day, take time to do at least one thing that’s just for you. That could mean taking a few minutes in the morning before everyone wakes up to enjoy the quiet, mediate, write in a journal, read a book or watch your favorite television show. Be flexible: Keep an open mind, especially when it comes to virtual learning. If you don’t stress over changes, your child will be less likely to stress. Have a daily routine: While flexibility is key, it’s still important for parents to set and maintain a daily routine during the hours that school is not is in session. Even if the plan needs to change, having a road map for your day will make it more manageable. Set boundaries: If possible, have separate spaces for work, school and relaxation. No parent wants to feel like they are living at work, and no child wants to feel like they are living at school. Having designated spaces for each part of your life will make it easier for everyone to stay focused when they need to focus, and relax when it’s time to relax. Stay in the loop: Don’t be afraid to communicate with your child’s teacher about how they are doing in school. Teachers can offer amazing tips on how your child can stay engaged with school virtually. Staying informed will help both you and your child be less anxious. Have a support system: Ask for help. Many parents all over the country are trying to work, take care of their households, and make sure their children are doing well with virtual learning. It’s not easy, and some days, the whole family may need one big cry and one big hug. Everyone is in this together. Parents set the tone for how children will respond to a virtual learning experience. The calmer and more positive you are, the more excited your child will be about jumping into that virtual school day. 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
- Behavioral Health, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed our lives in ways we never could have expected. For many people, these changes have been difficult. Now more than ever, it is important to reach out for help if you are beginning to suffer mentally and emotionally. Here is what we want you to know. Support groups can help For people already dealing with mental health concerns, isolation has been one of the hardest parts of the pandemic. Humans are social creatures. Many who had relied on community resources for support, such as senior centers, day programs, and wellness centers, were left in vulnerable positions when those gathering places closed. Many people are also experiencing grief as a result of the pandemic, even if they haven’t lost anyone due to COVID-19. Some people may have flare ups of depression and anxiety as a result. People may even develop new cases of depression and anxiety, even if this wasn’t previously an issue. Mental health support groups can be a huge help. It’s comforting to know that someone else is going through the same thing you are, that you are not alone. They also give you the opportunity to learn from others. And because many groups are virtual due to the pandemic, it’s easy to log on from whatever device you choose. Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (AAMC) COVID-19 Loss and Grief Support Group is one of those groups. Sessions are held via Zoom and are for anyone affected by the virus. The group, led by AAMC’s Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, meets Wednesdays from 5-6:30 pm. To join, email [email protected]. Support for Children Keep in mind that these are hard times for our kids, too. Their lives – including school routines, activities and gatherings with friends – look completely different today than they did a year ago. A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that 71% of parents worry about the effect the pandemic has had on their children’s social skills. Meanwhile, 55% of parents say their children have been acting out more since the pandemic started. Kids thrive on structure. This is important to remember as the school year begins and many are enrolled in online classes. Build breaks into their schedules and make sure they are getting outside. A little fresh air and sunshine can do wonders. We encourage parents to make time to talk to their kids and find out how they are coping. Even if you don’t have a lot of extra time these days, a five-minute conversation can make a difference. Pay attention to changes in their eating and sleeping habits and call your doctor with concerns. AAMC is also working on setting up a COVID-19 support group for teens. To learn more, email [email protected]. But don’t forget, parents need to look out for their own mental health, too. You can’t take care of anyone else if you aren’t first taking care of yourself. We are safe, ready and open If you or someone you love is experiencing mental health issues, whether it’s because of COVID-19 or something else, please don’t hesitate to seek help. Early in the pandemic, we set up telehealth services for patients, allowing them to get care from the comfort of their homes. AAMC’s Psychiatric Day Hospital along with our outpatient clinics offer both in-person and online services. Our hospital, including our Emergency Department, Pathways and the J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center, all have procedures in place to protect against the spread of COVID-19. We are safe, ready and open for you. There is always help, and there is always hope. Authors Eric Anderson, MD, FAPA, is the medical director of the J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center. Cindy Radovic, MA, BSN-BC, is clinical director of Emergency and Inpatient Mental Health Services at Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) Foundation held its biennial Denim & Diamonds Bash on Saturday, April 29, at AAMC’s South Campus. More than 1,100 people attended the event, raising nearly $1 million to support AAMC’s efforts to increase mental health services. “You don’t often get to host something that can positively impact the lives of thousands of people,” said Jan Wood, Foundation president and chief development officer. “Thanks to strong community and corporate support, the funds generated through this event will help us provide critical funding for mental health care and programs in our region.” Last year, AAMC opened its Psychiatric Day Hospital, an intensive daytime treatment program providing clinical, diagnostic and mental health treatment services for adults and adolescents. The program is designed for patients who are either transitioning from inpatient care or need help stabilizing a condition in order to prevent hospitalization. AAMC also wants to help expand access to mental health services and filed a Certificate of Need (CON) with the Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) last year to establish a 16-bed mental health hospital. That decision is pending.0
- Behavioral Health, Nutrition, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe brain is the body’s control center that is working day and night. As a result, it requires fuel to keep functioning. By eating higher quality foods — containing a lot of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants — your brain can better protect itself from oxidative stress, or the waste products produced by your metabolism. On the flip side, eating a lot of processed or refined foods can displace other nutrients and be harmful to your brain. High-sugar, high-fat and high-salt foods cause inflammation. For example, eating a lot of sugar and refined carbohydrates worsens your body’s regulation of insulin. Multiple studies found a link between a diet high in refined sugars and impaired brain function. This included a worsening of mood disorders, such as depression. Here are some of the most studied problems caused by a poor diet that researchers have linked to mental health issues: Chronic low-grade inflammation. This is caused by lifestyle factors, including poor diet, smoking, lack of sleep and psychological stress. And it has been observed in people with depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Elevated oxidative stress. Patients with depression experience this. Many people with a mental illness have lower levels of antioxidants in their system compared to control groups. Brain plasticity. Some research shows healthy dietary patterns improve brain plasticity, or the capacity of the brain to change with learning throughout life. Gastrointestinal microbiota. There is a link between mental illness and “gut flora,” or the microbe population living in our digestive tracts. When inflammation starts in the gut, paired with a poor combination of nutrients that affect the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria ratio, it can in turn cause brain inflammation. Ultimately, this causes our brain cells to die. Studies have shown that people taking probiotics have improved their anxiety levels, perception of stress and mental outlook. Mental illness is a top cause of global disability, and the problem continues to grow. Mental health is complex, and if you’re experiencing a problem you should work with a professional on a well-rounded solution. Nutritional psychiatry supports the role of diet in mental health, and its potential role as a modifiable risk factor for mental illness. Some of the nutrients identified – such as magnesium, vitamin D, zinc, omega 3, b-vitamins and probiotics – are prevalent in a Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet is high in vegetables, fruits, unprocessed grains, fish and seafood, with modest amounts of lean meats and dairy. They are also void of processed foods, which are staples of the Western diet. If you’re interested in seeing how food affects your mood, start keeping a food record. Jot down how eating different foods make you feel, not just in the moment, but the next day. Make positive changes and compare how you feel . Your body — and brain — will benefit. Authors Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford are nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555. Originally published Dec. 3, 2018. Last updated Feb. 10, 2020.0
- Infectious Disease, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen you’re sick, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids. Fever, diarrhea or vomiting can all lead to dehydration, which occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body. The most obvious remedy is to drink more water, but what if you or your kids want to mix it up with a healthy alternative? We have some ideas for you. Sports/Electrolyte Drinks Electrolyte drinks are popular among athletes, particularly when training in the summer heat. However, they are also a common go-to when illness strikes. Loss of water often leads to an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, are minerals and salts that the body needs to function. If you see white residue on you or your child’s skin or clothing, that indicates sodium loss and that you may want to reach for an electrolyte drink. There are several recipes online for creating a homemade electrolyte drink, but here’s an easy one for you to use from Health, Home and Happiness: Homemade Sports/Electrolyte Drink 1 cup lemon juice (approximately six to eight lemons) 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Place in a pint jar or container. Stir to combine (the lemon juice and baking soda will react, so stir it down). Keep concentrate in the fridge. This can be added to 1 gallon of water, or add 1-2 tablespoons to each 8 ounces (1 cup) of water. But if electrolyte drinks aren’t your thing, fruit-infused water will also provide you with some extra flavor. Fruit-Infused Water There are endless combinations of your favorite fruits and herbs (especially mint and basil) you can add to water. Test out your favorite combinations, plus consider preserving your herbs and fruit in ice cubes for an easy way to add flavor to your water on the go. Try this simple recipe for water with strawberry and mint leaves: Strawberry-Mint Water Slice 1/2 cup fresh, rinsed strawberries Rinse several sprigs of fresh mint Add to one to two quarts of cool water Refrigerate for several hours to let flavors mingle Authors Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford are nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555.0
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