- Behavioral Health, Men's Health, Women's Health, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYou’re in holiday overdrive, baking cookies, running to the mall and rushing back home to arrive before your out-of-town guests. Is the gift you want most for yourself a nap? That may be just what you need. The holidays are meant to be a season of peace, not pressure. Carving out some downtime—whether it’s to recharge with a nap, take a walk or even play a game with your family—can make your holidays less stressful. And by slowing down, you may even have more energy to host guests and tackle your holiday to-do list. What else can you do to de-stress this holiday season? Try these tips: Focus on What Really Matters Say the word ‘holiday’ and a lot of us imagine picture-perfect celebrations. That fantasy is almost certain to stress you out if you buy into it. It’s okay if this year’s tree is a little lopsided or the cookies get burnt. Instead of focusing on presents and parties, focus on what truly gives the holidays meaning: time spent with family and friends. Make it a tradition to write letters to loved ones as gifts. This practice is both relaxing and rewarding, and can create deeper bonds with your loved ones. Get Moving As winter weather sets in and schedules get hectic, it’s not as easy to stay active. Exercise can help reduce stress, give you a fresh perspective and produce mood-boosting endorphins. Try fun activities that keep you moving such as sledding, building snowmen, skiing and ice skating. Simply taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking around the mall before you start your holiday shopping can make a difference. Try going to a group exercise class with a friend to stay motivated. Our Energize fitness classes are great for staying active during the winter. If you’re consistent with exercise, your body will respond with healthy outcomes. Mind Your Mental Health Take a step back and remember to prioritize your health. Anticipate the holiday stressors that affect you and create a plan to manage them. Making time for yourself is important to stay calm during the holiday season. While electronics help connect us to family and friends, being constantly “plugged in” can create anxiety due to information overload. Everyone should unplug and spend some quiet time alone. Journaling or writing down a list of things you’re thankful for can help put you at ease. For some, keeping up the holiday spirit can be hard work. The shorter, cold days of winter can create a downward spiral into a phase of depression. This is known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and affects millions of people every year. It’s important to recognize when you may need help and talk to your doctor. Prevent Illness Getting sick only adds to stress and can put a damper on holiday activities. Winter also brings cold and flu season. You can keep the flu away by getting a flu shot, making sure to wash your hands and cover your cough. And remember, you are what you eat. A nutrient-dense diet can help strengthen your immune system to fight off illness. Stay in contact with your doctor if you have any concerns about your health or feel like you’re getting sick. Don’t Drink Your Calories From cider and eggnog to hot chocolate, there’s no shortage of delicious holiday drinks. However, it’s important to keep in mind how these will affect your health in the long run. For example, one cup of eggnog can pack around 350 calories. Drink smart; keep portions small and limit yourself to one glass per occasion. Better yet, trade in the high-calorie drinks for something with a lower calorie content, like sparkling wine with fresh cranberries. Originally published Dec. 17, 2015. Last updated Dec. 2, 2019.0
- Cancer Care, Plastic Surgery & Skin Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn January 2019, Alison Jordan, 58, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Soon after her diagnosis, Alison received breast surgery by Rubie Sue Jackson, MD, at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC). “After my first lumpectomy with Dr. Jackson, we went through another biopsy and found more cancer,” Alison said. “Instead of doing another lumpectomy, the treatment team recommended a mastectomy because there were cancer cells found even in areas that were not calcified.” Alison did not want to take any chances of cancer resurfacing. Although a difficult decision, she agreed to the mastectomy but knew she would want breast reconstruction. She met with Devinder Singh, MD, chief of Plastic Surgery at AAMC and medical director of Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Plastic Surgery, who walked her through her options. “One option was to get a silicone implant, but the thought of a foreign object in my body didn’t resonate with me,” Alison said. “Another option was a procedure using my own tissue. That’s what I chose.” The procedure is known as Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap. DIEP flap DIEP flap is a breast reconstruction procedure that uses tissue from the lower abdomen to make a new breast mound. The delicate blood vessels are re-connected under microscope. Essentially, this makes a living breast implant from skin and fat from the lower abdomen – the same tissue a plastic surgeon would discard during a tummy tuck. AAMC is the only hospital in Anne Arundel County that offers this procedure. DIEP Flap combines breast reconstruction with a tummy tuck, making it a popular choice for breast cancer patients who get a mastectomy. “Most patients choose an implant because it’s quick and easy,” says Dr. Singh. “But these can come with some potential problems, including possible infection and scarring around the implant. Although it is a more intense operating room experience and recovery takes longer, when patients choose their own tissue there is almost no downstream maintenance for them.” It takes a village The DIEP flap procedure is highly intricate, requiring the surgeons to reconnect vessels in order to make the tissue live and using tools so small they can’t be seen with the naked eye. But the effort is worth it and the results are pleasing. Dr. Singh and his partner Tripp Holton, MD, who is also a plastic surgeon at AAMG Plastic Surgery, worked with the operating room nursing team to build a dedicated operating room and team specifically focused on microsurgical breast reconstruction. Dr. Singh and Dr. Holton know that even the most skilled microvascular surgeon can’t do this alone. “We always have the same nurses and technicians for these cases,” said Dr. Singh about the team. “When we are in the operating room, we don’t have to ask for anything because they know our every move. Our team is like a NASCAR pit crew.” In addition to their team-based approach, the doctors attribute their success to their use of the most innovative technologies to ensure the success of their surgeries. They use a 3D computerized tomography of the abdomen and pelvis – or CT scan of the belly – as a ‘roadmap’ that informs them of what to expect as they dissect the flap (or belly skin that will create a new breast). The team also uses Xact, an alternative energy source technology that’s less damaging to the muscle when making cuts to access tissue, as well as SPY fluorescence imaging to better visualize microvascular blood flow. They credit such tools as the secret to their extremely high success rates. “A really good breast reconstruction is also an aesthetic reconstruction,” says Dr. Singh. “That’s the new standard of breast reconstruction and that’s our standard. It has to look good to be good.” Keeping patient experience at the forefront Performing approximately 50 DIEP flaps each year, the plastic surgery team has seen a nearly 100 percent success rate due not only to medical expertise but to the program they planned from beginning to end. Even after the patient has left the operating room, the team continues to prioritize patient care and experience. “We have an intelligent recipe that allows the patient to recover very rapidly with a high level of dignity and comfort,” said Dr. Holton. He says that instead of sending patients to the intensive care unit, patients go to a designated floor in the hospital with a dedicated team of oncology nurses. The dream team Alison says Dr. Jackson, and the entire care team, provided her a very unique experience. “I felt like I was at home when I was with Dr. Jackson and her team,” she said. “The icing on the cake was to have two personable and brilliant plastic surgeons that further confirmed that I was at the right place. All the staff was on it at all times. They were lovely, working with me through every step of the way. When I came to AAMC, I knew I was at the right place, in the right hands. I’m ever so grateful to have successfully gone through this at AAMC and to have this support network.” Authors Devinder Singh, MD, is chief of Plastic Surgery at AAMC and medical director of Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Plastic Surgery. Tripp Holton, MD, is a plastic surgeon at AAMG Plastic Surgery.0
- Employee SpotlightGeneral Page Tier 3BlogRaymond (Ray) Freeland’s name is synonymous with his huge smile and infectious energy his colleagues have come to admire. Ray is also meticulous, downright zealous about his work as an environmental attendant at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC). He often goes above and beyond for the patients his work impacts. For this combination of dedication and passion, Ray was named AAMC’s April Champion Award winner. A Baltimore native, Ray was studying IT when he started looking for new opportunities away from the city. He heard from different sources that AAMC had several positions open before he started looking for jobs in the Annapolis area. He was offered the position this February and by March, he was on campus learning about the ins and outs of the Environmental Services Department. Ray explains that to keep a hospital clean is the foundation of a hospital itself. “If it’s not clean, then everyone is going to get sick,” he says. He also sees his work as contributing to the wellbeing of others. “It’s not about what I am supposed to do or not, it’s about the patients and making them feel comfortable.” Now, Ray is happy to add Champion Award winner to the many positive things for which he’s known. “There’s nothing like application and feeling valued,” he says. Pro tip: “If you have a positive attitude towards your job – no matter what the job is or how bad your day is going – you’ll have a good day. Every day is a good day; it’s up to you to make it a great day.” 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
- CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe mission: Spread an attitude of gratitude! The ingredients: You’ll need a jar, a ribbon to decorate, a suction hook, a pen, gratitude cards and an attitude of gratitude. You can use a small jar you have at home or easily buy one at a craft store. The steps: Place the ribbon around the jar’s neck ring to add a touch of color. Hang the hook on the side of the jar so you can place the gratitude notes once you’ve hole punched them. Leave the pen inside the jar so it’s easily accessible when looking to write on the cards. Inspire and share: Place the jar in middle of the dinner table, on top of a desk or in a visible location. Have a set time when you write down notes and fill the jar with the cards — make it a family affair! Let your creative juices flow and write down what you truly are grateful for. Read your cards: Remember to open the jar occasionally and read the notes to remind you of all the wonderful things you have in your life. Read your card aloud orpass the jar around and let everyone read one. Take a moment to reflect and smile! Gratitude is contagious. Spread the good vibes: Think about making a jar for the office and sharing your gratitude practice with others. Learn more about how to raise a generous teen and the health benefits of gratitude. Originally published Nov. 19, 2018. Last updated Nov. 22, 2019.0
- CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWith the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy to let your guard down and forget to take your usual safety precautions. Unfortunately, that can make you an easy target for criminals. Make sure you are following these crime prevention tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this holiday season: Use credit or debit cards whenever possible to avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Be careful at the ATM. Guard your PIN, and do not walk away from the machine counting your money. Be careful how you handle your money in public. Never flash or count money in front of others. Have your car keys already in your hand when approaching your car just in case you need to get inside quickly. Look inside your car’s passenger area first to make sure it’s safe inside before you try to enter. Once inside your car, make sure all your doors and windows are closed and locked. Be extremely cautious of anyone who tries to get you to step outside of your car for any reason. Do not get out of your car unless you are confident you will be safe. If not, drive off if you can. Place all packages and other valuables out of sight and locked inside your trunk while your car is parked. Remember to walk in well-lit areas so that you and others can clearly see any suspicious behavior. Park your car in well-lit places as well. If you feel it is too dark, then find another space. Be aware of everything and everyone around you at all times, especially while outdoors. Be aware of people who bump into you. They may be trying to pick your pocket or purse. Never leave your purse or packages unattended, not even for a short amount of time. Never purchase more items than you can easily carry. You become an easy target when you’re struggling to carry packages. Trust your instincts. If you sense something is wrong, then it most likely is. Never be afraid to call 911 for help. Nothing you own is more valuable than your life or good health. If someone grabs your purse or packages, let them go. Crime can happen anywhere, to anyone. But you can help to prevent it by staying vigilant and following these safety tips. From all of us at AAMC, we wish you and your family a safe and healthy holiday season! Originally published Nov. 30, 2018. Last updated Nov. 22, 2019.0
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