- Physical TherapyGeneral Page Tier 3BlogDid you know that April is Occupational Therapy month? As described by the American Occupational Therapy Association, “Occupational therapists help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.” Stroke, brain injury and other neurological conditions can be life changing. Occupational therapists work with individuals of all ages to help them discover the possibilities of a brighter future. Therapists identify how their patients can complete activities in a safe, effective way, which helps them improve their independence. Occupational therapy addresses the actions that occupy your time. For example, returning to work or school, driving, getting dressing, bathing and grooming. Through skilled evaluation, they identify barriers such as sensation, strength, cognition, and visual impairments. Our OT teams help patient’s meet their goals. They provide education on adaptive equipment to improve independence with a task, recommend tools to support and protect and provide strategies for safely getting around your community. Our occupational therapists look at the whole person. They work as part of a neurorehabilitation team that may include physical therapists and speech language pathologists along with your physician. During your first visit with an OT, we collaborate with you and your family members or caregivers, identify your goals, and create a treatment plan to meet your specific goals. For more information on occupational therapy and to request an appointment, visit AAMGPhysicalTherapy.com. Author Kaitlyn Schwartz, MS, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist, specializing in neurorehabilitation, with Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Physical Therapy. To reach her office, call 443-481-1140. Originally published April 14, 2017. Last updated April 29, 2021.0
- Employee SpotlightGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSome say adversity is life throwing you a curveball to make it better. For every defeat or challenge you face, there’s a seed of growth and improvement planted with it. By his mid-30s, Earl Shellner’s life priorities were launching his own business, making money fast and partying with friends. This included traveling around the country frequently and missing important family events. Things quickly changed when adversity came ‘knocking on his door.’ It turns out, life had a different set of priorities for Earl. In 2013, Earl had a plane ticket bound to San Diego to spend the winter before returning to launch his business back in Maryland. Right before leaving for his trip, he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The diagnosis meant 25 sessions of radiation, 12 sessions of chemotherapy and two months of oral chemotherapy at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC). His outlook? “Cancer saved my life,” affirms Earl. “It completely changed me. One time, I found out my cousin was taking my mom to the hospital for heart issues while I was at Mardi Gras partying. Another time, I flew all the way to Houston to meet with a friend and didn’t even think of calling my grandparents who live there. When I found out about my cancer, I realized how really great my family is and that I wasn’t paying attention to them. I lived a totally different life but I like the person I became a lot more now.” When Earl completed his treatment, he experienced “chemo brain,” a symptom cancer survivors use to describe thinking and memory problems that can occur after cancer treatment. He couldn’t remember how to spell his name, called people by the wrong name and would have the same conversations repeatedly without noticing. One of the nurses informed him that AAMC had just started a program for cognitive behavioral therapy. “They thought they could maybe help me with my situation,” he says. “I started attending meetings for speech therapy and, after looking at the data, they said I was improving dramatically just from the therapy. I was told there were only four other patients doing this at the hospital and I thought to myself, ‘If it’s working for me so well, it must work well for others too.’” Having experienced what so many had already lived through, he was adamant in using his lessons to help others. Today, working as a patient family advisor (PFA), Earl has a different perspective toward his priorities. “I made it my goal to use the experiences I had lived through to make everything better for our patients,” he says. “I remember one time I was sitting in the infusion center getting my fluids and a woman approached me after she read an article I wrote with information about the cognitive program at AAMC and how to find help. She said she needed to thank me because she had attended one of the behavioral therapy courses and it had helped her dramatically. Knowing that I’m helping others is what brings me the greatest joy.” Earl has been a PFA at AAMC for four years. In April, he won the 2019 Beryl Institute’s Innovative Patient/Family Advisor Innovation Award for leading and inspiring an innovation that has improved the experiences of patients and their families. PRO TIP: “Sit down to think about the pros and cons in your life and find out what’s important to you. Once I realized the partying and the money were all gone, I realized there is so much more out there. Plan for tomorrow, live for today and enjoy life.” 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. Advisors directly influence our policies, programs and practices. This role allows people just like you to help us deliver the best health care experience possible. If you’re interested, please contact our advisor coordinator at 443-481-6054 or use our online form.0
- Cancer Care, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs the weather gets nice and you begin to spend more time outdoors, it’s important to keep the health of your skin in mind. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world today, with more than 3.5 million skin cancer cases diagnosed each year — that’s more than the incidence of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined. Skin cancer can affect anyone at any age. Understanding it and what you should watch for is key. Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers These are the most common forms of skin cancer. They generally show up in sun-exposed areas on the body, such as your face, arms and legs. Squamous cell cancers look like a crusty patch that you may think is a scab or a scrape that does not heal. Basal cell cancers look more raised and smooth, and may be pink or pearly white. You may also mistake them for a small injury or abrasion that does not go away. Dermatologists can easily identify these types of cancers. Cell cancers rarely spread anywhere else in the body. Your doctor will typically treat them by either surgically removing the cells or using a topical treatment. Melanoma Melanoma is a relatively rare type of skin cancer, but it is the most dangerous. It has the potential to spread to other parts of the body and can be deadly. This cancer develops when pigment-producing skin cells, called melanocytes, begin to grow and form a tumor, which can eventually spread. Most melanomas develop from a mole or look like a new mole. Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds is a major risk factor for the disease, along with family history. Through treatment, doctors can cure about 80 percent of melanoma skin cancers. Like squamous and basal cell skin cancers, your doctor may remove the spot and then usually check nearby lymph nodes. What Should You Watch For? When it comes to monitoring your moles, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends you know the ABCDE rule: A for Asymmetry — One half of the mole is different from the other half. B for Border Irregularity — The edges are notched, uneven or blurred. C for Color — The color is uneven. Shades of brown, tan and black are present. D for Diameter — The diameter is greater than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser). E for Evolving —There is change in size, color or shape over time, or additional symptoms like itching or bleeding start. Examine your skin every month. Check for moles on every part of your body — from your scalp to the bottoms of your feet and even under your fingernails. If you see any moles that concern you, or if you have a mole that itches, hurts or bleeds, talk with your doctor. Protect Yourself Skin cancers are related to sun exposure. You should remember that it may not be the sunburn from your last vacation, but rather the repeated exposure to sun over the years that can affect your risk of getting skin cancer. It’s important to protect yourself from the sun when you are outdoors. Seek shade from 10 am to 4 pm and wear a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses and protective clothing. Apply UV-blocking sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to all exposed skin every two hours. Most skin cancers are easily treatable, and highly curable, when caught early. Author Glen R. Gibson, MD, is a surgical oncologist with Anne Arundel Medical Center Surgical Oncology. His office can be reached at 443-481-3717. Originally published May 22, 2017. Last updated April 8, 2019.0
- Men's Health, Weight Loss, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThere is no shortage of surprising new health studies. But how do you know which are worth your attention? When it comes to nutrition, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype. Let’s look at which headlines to heed or ignore: “Celery juice is the new diet.” The latest internet sensation promotes celery juice as a weight loss and digestion remedy, attesting that it can even contribute to reducing inflammation and preventing cancer. There is no evidence that celery juice helps with weight loss, especially with the juicing process stripping away the fiber and feeling of fullness. There is also no evidence it improves digestion. When it comes to cancer prevention, studies show that certain types of fruits and vegetables either protect against certain cancers or have components that protect against cancer. However, there is no specific research on celery juice and this benefit. The whole celery has a flavonoid, which shows some anticancer effects. Bottom line: Eat the whole celery for its anti-inflammatory properties that promote the health of gut lining and may help regulate digestion. Like anything else, celery juice is not a cure-all and drinking it will not eliminate other unhealthy eating habits. “Dark chocolate relieves stress.” Two studies revealed that dark chocolate-influenced gene activity of participants, increased anti-inflammatory agents and increased infection-fighting cells. The studies also suggest chocolate could positively affect brain function. However, the studies never measured stress, inflammation, mood, memory or immunity. Bottom line: Presently, a large clinical trial is testing a supplement with cocoa flavanols on heart disease, stroke and memory. Even if the results of the study show that cocoa can help, you would have to eat 600 calories worth of dark chocolate a day to receive the therapeutic dose and reap the benefits. “Carbohydrates fuel cancer.” This idea tends to resurface from time to time, hinting that sugar feeds cancer. There is evidence, in fact, that higher insulin levels occur because of high sugar intake along with extra weight around the waist. However, the current thought is that insulin itself can get a tumor started. Evidence shows that people with high insulin levels have a higher risk of breast and colorectal cancer. Bottom line: Cut back on added sugar but do not count on that to prevent or halt the spread of cancer. “Your liver needs cleansing.” The liver is the workhorse organ for blood cleansing, blood cell making and bile production – it does not need your help. There is no validity to claims that we need to rid our livers of toxins. Bottom line: Our organs cleanse our systems of unhealthy substrates without wasting your money on ever-changing potions. “Beans and nightshade vegetables are toxic.” It appears that lectin (a type of protein found in beans and nightshade vegetables that can bind to sugar) is the new gluten. Lectin foods are well tolerated by most people. They are not ‘anti-nutrients’ but, in fact, deliver a host of nutrients, fiber and health benefits. Bottom line: Lectin foods are mostly denatured with cooking and we have antibodies that deal with them. While some people do not tolerate these foods, telling everyone to avoid them is irresponsible. If you are looking for credible nutrition information, it can be hard to find in a sea of conflicting information. It can be frustrating and confusing. Here are some red flags to look for: A story that appeals to your emotion — especially through fear — also twisted science, no science or only anecdotes. Keep in mind that good science evolves slowly. Pay close attention to how your body reacts to certain foods and diets, and do what works best for you. Authors Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford are nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555.0
- OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLacrosse is an exciting and fast-paced game that is one of the most rapidly growing team sports in the country. But, the combination of quick changes of direction, contact and a hard ball traveling at high speeds provides the perfect environment for injuries. There are many differences between girls’ and boys’ lacrosse. High school female lacrosse players are only required to wear protective eyewear and mouth guards, with headgear and gloves optional. The rules prohibit body contact and limit stick checking. Boys’ lacrosse is a full contact sport with mandatory use of helmets, mouth guards and other protective gear. Body and stick checking is allowed. These differences can explain the number and kinds of injuries sustained in male versus female high school lacrosse players. While boys have a higher overall injury rate than girls, here are a few common injuries in both male and female players: Lower extremity sprains and strains are the most common injury sustained by both male and female lacrosse players. These are usually the result of a noncontact injury while running and cutting. Anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, tears are the most common reason for loss of playing time, with girls having higher rates of knee injuries than boys. Concussions are the second most common injury. They occur equally among male and female lacrosse players. Male concussions are usually due to direct body contact, while female concussions are usually due to accidental stick or ball-to-head contact. Because girls are not required to wear helmets, they have a much higher rate of head and facial trauma. Hand and wrist fractures are common for both boys and girls from direct contact and stick checks. Females have slightly higher fracture rates due to their lack of padding. Gloves are optional and, if worn, are only lightly padded. Lacrosse Injury Prevention Injury prevention starts with strict rule enforcement, but here are a few things players can do to protect themselves: Limit head-to-head contact to decrease the risk of concussion. Players, coaches and parents need to learn the symptoms of a concussion. If a player shows signs of a concussion, it’s critical they are removed from the game and evaluated by a certified athletic trainer or medical provider. Wear well-fitting protective equipment. Girls should consider wearing helmets to reduce the risk of head and facial trauma. Girls should also consider wearing gloves to reduce the risk of hand and wrist trauma. Be proactive in preseason conditioning. This is important for all athletes. You need to warm up and stretch properly and drink appropriate amounts of water, especially during summer months. Athletes should also get plenty of rest after practice and games. If you experience a lacrosse-related injury, a sports medicine specialist helps speed your recovery and get you back on the lacrosse field as quickly and safely as possible. Author Daniel Redziniak, MD is a board-certified sports medicine orthopedic surgeon with AAMC Orthopedics. He specializes in arthroscopic surgery of the knees and shoulders. He is the team physician for several high school, college and professional teams, including the Chesapeake Bayhawks lacrosse team. Originally published Feb. 11, 2018. Last updated April 5, 2019.0
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