- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSummer means freedom from your socks and shoes, but what happens when your feet don’t look “sandal ready?” It may be that you have athlete’s foot or toenail fungus. These infections commonly follow the cooler seasons due to the lack of air circulation in socks and boots. Signs of an infection may include cracking of the skin, redness, itching, burning and discoloring of the toenails. If you think you have a fungal or bacterial infection, make an appointment to see your primary care provider or dermatologist because often these infections don’t go away on their own. It’s important to identify what the cause is, because there are a variety of diseases, including melanoma, that can cause changes in the toenails. Your doctor can recommend strategies such as over-the-counter antifungal creams, prescription drugs or other remedies. Not seeking treatment may allow the infection to spread to other parts of your body, like the hands and groin. Practicing good foot hygiene is crucial for the treatment and prevention of any foot or toe infection. This includes keeping your feet clean and dry on a daily basis. Always wear flip-flops or shower shoes in a moist environment, and especially avoid being barefoot in public areas, such as locker rooms, public pools and showers. Try an At-Home Pedicure Step 1: Soak feet in lukewarm water. This softens up your nails, as well as calluses and dead skin. Step 2: Scrub feet to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. Step 3: Use a pumice stone or foot file to smooth out calluses. Step 4: Cut your toenails with sanitized nail scissors or clippers, making sure to cut them straight across. Avoid cutting them too short. Gently using a nail file on any sharp edges is fine. Step 5: Apply cuticle oil. The cuticles help keep germs away from your skin and nails. Step 6: Massage feet with a rich moisturizing lotion. Step 7: Add polish if desired, but apply a base coat to prevent the yellowing of nails and to extend the polish’s wear. Originally published Aug. 9, 2016. Last updated May 31, 2019.0
- Men's Health, News & Press Releases, Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, Senior Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn celebrating the opening of AAMC Pavilion – Easton, we caught up with three Eastern Shore patients – Mettah, Yvette and Bob – who have traveled over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge for Anne Arundel Medical Center services. With our recent growth into Easton in Talbot County, these residents are now able to receive the same quality care closer to home. Read their stories to learn about how our service expansion can positively impact those you love, too, just as it has for Mettah, Yvette and Bob. Mettah Kollman, patient of AAMC’s Women’s Center for Pelvic Health and AAMC Orthopedics Mettah KollmanPatient of AAMC’s Women’s Center for Pelvic Health and AAMC Orthopedics ► Visit their new Easton locations today After retiring from her career as a human resources specialist for the federal government in 2004, Mettah Kollman and her husband moved from Laurel, Md., to the Eastern Shore. Mettah describes herself as a “frequent flyer” at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC). To date, she’s had three knee replacements, a hip replacement, spine surgery, and most recently, pelvic floor reconstruction. “For the nine months prior to pelvic surgery, I had continuous urinary tract infections (UTIs),” Mettah said. “I was dependent upon the various kinds of sanitary products designed for bladder leakage.” This discomfort took its toll on 71-year-old Mettah, and she decided to get help. Mettah can now enjoy her retirement and continue her interests without pain. Currently, she serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to aid children who come into the court system due to parental neglect or abuse. She is also active in the Easton branch of the American Association of University Women, dotes on her three grandsons, enjoys a book club and plays bridge regularly. Though Mettah hopes to avoid the need for further treatment, she feels comforted by the fact that AAMC specialists are no longer as far away and, instead, located nearby at the new AAMC Pavilion in Easton. READ MORE: AAMC Women’s Center for Pelvic Health recognized as leaders in women’s health care Yvette Foster Brown, patient of AAMC’s Rebecca Fortney Breast Center and Anne Arundel Diagnostic Imaging Yvette Foster Brown Patient of AAMC’s Rebecca Fortney Breast Center and Anne Arundel Diagnostic Imaging ► Visit its new Easton location today Yvette’s breast cancer journey began when she was in her mid-20s. “My mother, who was only 43, died from breast cancer in 1986.” Nearly 40 years later, Yvette found herself in the same position. After a routine mammogram at Anne Arundel Diagnostic Imaging (AADI), the imaging specialist referred her to the Rebecca Fortney Breast Center at AAMC in October 2017. Yvette met with breast surgeon Dr. Lorraine Tafra and attended several consultations before undergoing a breast biopsy in November. “When I received the phone call from the breast surgeon to inform me of the biopsy results, I was devastated. My biopsy came back positive for cancer,” she recalled. At the age of 55, separated and living by herself, she was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) stage 3A breast cancer in January 2018. A breast cancer nurse navigator aided Yvette as she began her journey. “She was very supportive. She made all my required lab and imaging appointments, discussed surgical options, and reviewed my treatment plan with me.” In January 2018, Yvette had a mastectomy and d-flap breast reconstruction surgery. “My four-day hospital stay was very pleasant. The nursing staff and nursing assistants were so nurturing. Since I live by myself, I had never been pampered so caringly and efficiently the way the hospital staff did. Even the hospital meals were delicious.” In March, after recovering for several weeks, Yvette began her 15 months of chemotherapy. “I was able to tour the AAMC Outpatient Infusion Therapy Center where I would receive my chemo treatments. The nursing staff at the infusion center are so nurturing and knowledgeable,” she said. “They make sure the infusion patients are comfortable while receiving their medications. They offer patients drinks, snacks, and blankets as well as lunch.” Yvette reached out to a local breast cancer survivor group for support and advice. “Some women get their hair shaven off as a way of having some power or control over the chemo. Taking that advice, I went to a local hair salon and had my beautiful shoulder-length sister locks cutoff and scalp shaved bald,” she said. “I didn’t like looking in the mirror much after that. I purchased several wigs and I wore them even though they were uncomfortable.” The treatment was agonizing both physically and mentally. There were times when Yvette admitted she wanted to give up, but stayed strong with the loving support from her daughter as her motivation. “She drove me to and from my appointments, did my grocery shopping, laundry, and cleaning for the first few months. Due to the loss of appetite during the early phases of the chemo, my weight decreased rapidly.” In September, Yvette began six weeks of daily radiation treatments under the direction of Dr. Luqman Dad. “Having gone through my breast cancer journey in 2018 has made me a much stronger woman. I always considered myself confident, healthy, and independent, but never have I had to battle a life-challenging disease before and it was particularly scary knowing I would go through it alone,” she said. “I came through this journey with a newfound outlook on life and self-determination I didn’t know I had.” Yvette completes her chemotherapy plan this May. Her fight continues with the daily dose of Tamoxifen for the next five years. “My breast cancer journey has made me a more confident woman and I have a much greater appreciation for my relationships with family, friends and work colleagues. I am so blessed and so grateful to the wonderful doctors, nurses, and assistants at AAMC. The staff are so nurturing and pleasant, which has made my breast cancer journey such a positive experience. Thank you, AAMC!” William (Bob) Nelson, patient of AAMG Physical Therapy and AAMC Orthopedics William (Bob) Nelson Patient of AAMG Physical Therapy and AAMC Orthopedics ► Visit their new Easton locations today Kent Island resident and construction worker William (Bob) Nelson began April of 2018 just like any other month. Bob rode his motorcycle when the weather was nice, played the bass guitar with his band, and enjoyed spending time with his soon-to-be wife. On April 11, this all changed when he injured himself on the job. “I went to the doctor’s office and they initially said it was a sprain and had me start physical therapy elsewhere.” After two months, Bob’s knee was not improving. He was still working, and each day was a struggle. He received an X-ray and, upon review, the specialist determined surgery, in addition to physical therapy, might be the answer. His in-laws recommended Sports Medicine Specialist Dr. Benjamin Petre at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC). “Since this was a workers’ compensation claim, I was able to choose my own doctor. I brought my MRI results to Dr. Petre and we set up a plan to start with physical therapy and a cortisone shot.” Throughout the rest of the summer, Bob continued physical therapy twice a week. In September, he had surgery. Bob was unable to bear any weight for the first six weeks while recovering, then only 50 percent of his body weight for two more weeks. Afterwards, he returned to physical therapy and finished his series of visits at the end of February. “My physical therapy was flawless from beginning to end. The equipment was up-to-date. The therapists were all knowledgeable and friendly. While I’m hoping I never have to go back for physical therapy, I would be quite happy to run into any of these people in the street and buy them a drink.” The last week of March, Bob began regular duty again and is back out in the field. “While my knee is not entirely back to normal, as Dr. Petre said it would take almost a year, its better every day, and I’m able to get back to the job – and activities – I love.”0
- Pediatrics, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSweet summertime — kids look forward to it all year long. For many children, summer means sleeping in, no homework and a break from scheduled activities. But for parents, summer may require more work and creativity than usual to keep kids active, off the couch and away from electronic devices and video games. Encouraging regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your child’s health. Aim for about 60 minutes of physical activity each day to keep children healthy. It’s important to note that this doesn’t require playing sports or traditional forms of exercise. Any way to get kids moving will do, like hopscotch, jumping rope or rollerblading — the sky’s the limit! The most important thing is to make it fun. Here are some simple tips to keep your kids active this summer: Frame activity as a reward. Using physical activity as a reward can make all the difference in how your children think about being active. If you give your kids chores or other tasks to do, let them pick between a swim at the pool, bike ride or trip to the park after they finish. Join them. Being active together as a family will teach kids healthy habits at a young age. Children learn by example and if they see you enjoying physical activity, they’re more likely to enjoy it as well. You can keep it simple with a walk around the block, shooting hoops in your driveway or at a local park, or a weekend hiking trip. Avoid the heat. To help prevent fatigue, try to avoid the hottest hours of the day (typically 11am to 4pm) for the most rigorous activities. Late morning and early evening are great times to get outside. Swimming is a great option for hot afternoons, just don’t forget the SPF! Reveal the wonders of the outdoors. A healthy dose of fresh air and sunlight is good for your health. Same goes for your kids. There are many beautiful sights to see and discover as a child, but your kids may need you to show them the wonders of the outdoors. If your children are prone to staying inside, take them to a local park or hiking trail and let them explore. You may even want to plan a weekend hiking or camping trip with the whole family. Use community resources. There are likely plenty of opportunities to keep kids active right around you, but it may require a little research. Get online to check out local cooking classes, camps, sports leagues, community pools, parks and more. Park trails are great for walks and bike rides! It’s not all up to you to come up with new experiences for your children. See what’s out there and try something new. Make it educational. Try visiting a museum or science center. Pick something that interests your child and offers interactive components to keep them engaged. They won’t even realize they’ve been on their feet moving around the whole time. Plus, it’s a great way to escape the heat for a day. Author By Michelle Skinner, DO, primary care doctor at Waugh Chapel Family Medicine. To reach her practice, call 410-721-1507. Originally published July 18, 2016. Last updated May 28, 2019.0
- Behavioral Health, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMost parents know about the importance of play for their children to develop essential life skills. But did you know about the importance of play for grown-ups, too? When you think of the word play, you probably imagine a group of children running around, chasing a colorful ball as they laugh and cheer. But play is so much more than that, and it’s not restricted to a certain age group. Play can be defined simply as engaging in activity for pure enjoyment and recreation. Play is for everyone, regardless of age (or profession) Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron admitted to playing Angry Birds on his phone as a way to decompress after a long day. Soccer star David Beckham credited Lego toys for saving his life, saying that they served as therapy for a brain injury he sustained after a jet crash. Barack Obama said he enjoyed playing basketball or golf as a way to relax. The best thing about play, besides the fact that it’s something you enjoy, is that while you’re doing it, it’s benefiting your overall wellbeing and impacting your health. It can fuel your creativity, emotional wellbeing and ability to problem solve. It’s part of evolution, but it’s also healthy During one of his TED talks, Peter Gray, research professor of psychology at Boston College, said, “from a biological evolutionary perspective, play is nature’s means of ensuring that young mammals, including young human beings, acquire the skills that they need to acquire to develop successfully into adulthood.” And more research is revealing that the benefits of play for adults are myriad: It’s good for your stress levels. Play can trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. These promote an overall sense of wellbeing and can temporarily relieve pain. It improves your brain function. Playing games that challenge the brain – such as chess and puzzles – can help prevent memory problems and improve brain function. This can also help ward off depression. It stimulates your mind and boosts activity. And, it makes you more productive. More companies – like Google – have set up play stations and encourage employees to play and collaborate. This, in turn, helps foster team building and cooperation within the company. It’s a win-win situation. It improves your relationships. Laughing and having fun with others can foster empathy, compassion, trust and intimacy. Developing a playful nature can help you loosen up in stressful situations, break the ice with strangers and make new friends. As Dr. Gray puts it, play is by definition creative and innovative. It is an outlet where we, as human beings, can experience joy, learn to get along with peers, practice empathy and get over narcissism while improving our health. Learn more about the J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center, a 16-bed mental health hospital for adults opening in March. “It’s the getaway to vitality” Play is the gateway to vitality according to the National Institute for Play (NIFP). Play is uniquely “rewarding, it generates optimism, seeks out novelty, makes perseverance fun, leads to mastery, gives the immune system a bounce and fosters empathy.” Play is also powerful in creating a sense of community. For example, some treatment centers for drug or alcohol abuse turn to outdoor recreation and play as a vital part of their recovery programs. It’s a way to spark an individual’s interest in sober activities. Adventure therapy, for instance, requires individuals to engage in outdoor activities while working with others to problem solve and overcome challenges as a team. And although it’s part of therapy, it’s also a form of play that is helping individuals work on their addiction while having fun. The benefits of outdoor recreation include increased attention span, improved relaxation, decreased anxiety, reduced blood pressure and decreased risk of depression. Adventure therapy is just a term used to describe what’s known as experiential education. Play is no different. You can learn life skills and improve your health while playing. And just as children turn to play when they want to distress – or just enjoy their time – play can help you be the best versions of yourself when facing “adult problems,” like career stress, parenting, marriage and the many other responsibilities that come with age. Don’t think of play as a waste of time or as an activity that’s only for children. Instead, consider it an investment in your overall mental and physical wellbeing. Let's play Need a few ideas for fun play? Pick a hobby and make time for it. Make some time to do the things that you enjoy the most. Make sure you find joy in the process of that hobby and don’t just focus on the end product. Do something fun with others. Doing fun things with others is key when it comes to playfulness. Whether it’s playing with others, participating in a specific activity or just going out for coffee to catch up, consider spending some time with someone else. Play games. You can always create your own game with those around you, with or without the use of a device. Try racing someone up a hill, walking faster than them until you reach the end of the street or go outside and play ball. Visit a park or a playground. Go out in nature and have some fun. This not only boosts your mood, but it can also be a fun way to socialize. When was the last time you got on a swing? Try it! It’s so much fun. Be present. Playful people are those who take the time to appreciate beauty in the world. Practice mindfulness and pick a flower, step on the leaves and laugh as they crunch, feel the cool breeze against your face on a breezy day or go jump in that puddle of water that accumulated after the last rainstorm. Enjoy the process, just as much as you would if you were a child again. Author Mark Sakraida is the adventure therapy coordinator at Pathways, AAMC’s substance use and co-occurring disorder treatment facility.0
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThis year, National Cancer Survivors Day is celebrated on June 2. This is a day that recognizes cancer survivors and their loved ones. A day in which people share their journeys and experiences with others to give hope and inspire. But most importantly, it’s a day that raises awareness of a disease that has a major impact on society in the United States and across the world. A person is considered a cancer survivor from the day of diagnosis throughout the rest of their life. Cancer survivors face challenges during and after treatment. As a nurse navigator for cancer patients who has been working in the field for over 15 years, I am sure most of you know someone touched by the diagnosis of cancer. READ MORE: Conquering cancer: What’s next? Throughout my career, I’ve seen many people desperately wanting to help when a loved one is touched by cancer. It’s a challenging time. Drawing from my experiences, here are a few tips to keep in mind along the journey of cancer: Treat your friend or family member the same as you would normally. They are the same person they have always been. Try not to let the new diagnosis alter your relationship. Try to explore your own feelings and emotions ahead of time. It is very difficult to hear that a loved one has cancer. By processing your own feelings, you can better focus on your friend or family member. Listen to their thoughts and concerns. A cancer diagnosis is life changing. Your loved one will be trying to establish a “new normal”. Educate yourself. Take time to learn about and prepare for the cancer type that your friend or family member has experienced. Side effects and treatment results vary. Cancer treatments are not all the same. For example, a person treated for breast or prostate cancer will experience completely different side effects than someone with head and neck cancer. Learn about the diagnosis. What is predicted to be a significant side effect of the cancer or treatment? Head and neck cancer treatments result in significant swallowing difficulties and severe dry mouth. It can take quite some time for a person treated for head and neck cancer to complete a meal, if they are able to eat at all. Consider other ways of support rather than bringing them food, like spending time with them or helping with chores. Do not be afraid to ask how you can help them. Be patient. Keep in mind that long after treatment is complete, side effects can continue. Head and neck cancer can cause some patients to dread going out to dinner or participating in a shared meal. Often their tastes have changed and they no longer enjoy the foods they used to. Or as mentioned, a meal can take a long time to get through and friends and family have completed their meal long before they have. Sharing a meal is such a big part of our culture. Consider alternative ways to bond and connect. Be supportive. Often, the most difficult time for some survivors is after treatment is over. The routine of actively treating the cancer is complete. Waiting for the tests and imaging to determine if the cancer is gone is quite scary. When treatment is completed, survivors are no longer surrounded by their treatment team and can sometimes feel abandoned. There is often a perception from friends and family that treatment is over and life should go back to normal. Recovery from treatment can take up to a year or more. It is at this time when patients feel like “nothing is being done” that they may need you the most. READ MORE: Patient advisor helps fellow cancer survivors and patients Life does go on and survivors have the beautiful gift of being here to live it – probably with more intensity and appreciation for the little things in life. If you’re a survivor, be kind to yourself and give yourself, your family, and those around you time. Facing your feelings and learning how to cope with them is important. It took time to adjust to cancer, you should also give yourself time to adjust to life after cancer. But don’t forget, you’re a survivor and are now stronger than you were before. You will get through this. Author Jacqueline Shanahan is a nurse navigator at the DeCesaris Cancer Institute at Anne Arundel Medical Center. She can be reached at 443-481-5801. Originally published June 4, 2018. Last updated May 22, 2019.0
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