- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) has earned the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) 2020 Digital Health Most Wired designation. AAMC is recognized for applying core and advanced technologies into clinical and business programs to improve health and care in the community it serves. “Now more than ever the use of technology is vital in healthcare,” said Ron Nolte, associate chief information officer at AAMC. “We are using technology to keep our patients connected to their loved ones during this time, to enable access to expert care through telehealth visits and so much more. Anne Arundel Medical Center is proud to be recognized for the most advance technologies that help improve health outcomes for our patients, create efficiencies for our workforce and, ultimately, enhance the health of our community.” “Digital technology has been a driver of innovation in healthcare for many years now, but never to the degree that we saw in 2020 with the pandemic,” said CHIME President and CEO Russell P. Branzell. “The Digital Health Most Wired program underscores why healthcare organizations keep pushing themselves to be digital leaders and shows what amazing feats they can achieve. This certification recognizes their exemplary performance in 2020.” This is the third year that CHIME has conducted the survey and overseen the program. In each successive year, CHIME has expanded the survey to capture more types of organizations that serve patients across the continuum of care. CHIME also continues to promote the program internationally to provide a global overview of digital health advancements.0
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWith plant-based carbohydrates and belly-filling protein, this acorn squash recipe is ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The squash’s natural sugars are released while baking, making this no-sugar-added recipe perfect for people with diabetes. Plus, the vitamin A in squash will make your skin glow during these winter months. Enjoy with some decaffeinated chai tea to warm you up! Ingredients • 2 acorn squash • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 16 ounces fat-free cottage cheese • ¼ cup chopped/slivered almonds or pecans • ½ teaspoon nutmeg Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 425° F. Cut each squash in half. Scoop out and discard seeds. 2. Pour olive oil onto baking sheet and spread over baking sheet with paper towel. Place squash face down on the baking sheet and bake until golden brown, about 20–25 minutes. 3. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10–15 minutes. After squash have cooled, turn them over, cut side up. 4. Fill each squash half with ½ cup cottage cheese. Top each with 1/8 teaspoon(dash) of nutmeg and 1 tablespoon chopped nuts. Serves 4. READ MORE: More articles and tips in our Recipes + Nutrition section Originally published Nov. 17, 2015. Last updated Oct. 16, 2020.0
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhere care extends beyond treatment Navigating cancer treatment is about so much more than showing up for appointments. Your cancer journey can affect every aspect of your life — keeping you from work, from your favorite activities and sometimes even from your loved ones. And while it’s sometimes hard to admit you need help, help is always close by. In fact, the Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute has built programs around all of your needs — physical, mental, financial, spiritual or emotional. Because we profoundly believe these programs will light the way to better outcomes. Learn more about our cancer support services and how they can help you. Genetic testing to help you find answers Your genes hold many secrets to your health. And we’re now better able to understand those secrets, thanks to genetic testing. Genetic testing and counseling services can help you and your family better understand cancer risks, allowing you to make informed and empowered healthcare decisions. You can count on us to help you decide if genetic testing is right for you and your loved ones. And our support won’t end after you get your test results. Together, we’ll review your options and give you the time, space and confidence you need to make the best decision for you. Financial counseling to help ease your worries Your most important job during cancer treatment is to get better. That can be hard when you’re worried about the financial impact of your care. Our financial counselors are here to lighten that burden. We’ll connect you and your family to financial assistance (if you qualify), explain confusing insurance requirements and benefits, and make a plan so you can stay focused on what really matters – getting back to all the people and activities you enjoy. Specialized care to help keep your body strong We’ll be at your side for every twist and turn — before, during and after treatment. Our physical, occupational and speech therapists will recommend safe and easy exercise and stretching routines to keep your muscles strong during treatment. And we’ll be here with proven rehabilitation programs to help you overcome any side effects after treatment, like lymphedema, swallowing trouble, pain and much more. What you eat and drink can also have a big impact on how you feel, but you may experience changes in your appetite and tastes that make it difficult to get the nutrition you need. Our registered dietitians and nutritionists are specially trained to help you overcome the unique obstacles that come with cancer treatment. Working closely with you, we’ll create a personalized eating plan that ensures you get all the nutrients your body needs. Social services to help support your unique needs Everyone copes with cancer a little differently. That means every patient needs different support. Our social services — which include financial assistance; connections to community resources or professional guidance for any of the physical, mental and emotional challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis — are far reaching and wide ranging, so you can find the help you need. Nurse navigators to help you keep it all straight Constantly navigating appointments, treatment plans and recommendations from your care team can become overwhelming. That’s why we’ll make sure you’re assigned a nurse navigator that can help you keep it all straight. Our team of nurse navigators will streamline your care and – just as importantly – offer up a comforting, consistent presence during a stressful time. We’ll take care of the details, while you focus on healing. Spiritual care to help your heart heal Spiritual health is so much more than religion. It’s about finding an inner peace that can help you and your loved ones achieve life balance. For you, that may include sitting in a chapel and praying. Or, it could mean meditation, volunteering, forgiveness or optimism. No matter your beliefs, our spiritual care team is here to help you and your family find that sense of calm. And we’ll start by listening to you and your needs. Palliative care to help you manage painful symptoms Sometimes, the hardest part of dealing with cancer is managing painful symptoms. And palliative care may be the answer. This important medical service helps relieve suffering and improve your quality of life during treatment. At the DeCesaris Cancer Institute, our palliative care team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers and chaplains who share the same goal: Helping you and your loved ones. That support can look very different depending on where you on your path to healing. We’ll work hard to help you: Find ways to ease your pain and discomfort from treatment Create realistic goals for your care Communicate openly and honestly with your entire care team and family Bring family members together for productive conversations Coordinate care among treatment teams Bring peace and comfort during end-of-life situations Survivorship and caregiver support to help lift your spirit Your care doesn’t end when your treatments do. Because, believe it or not, sometimes ending treatment can be a little jarring. After all, you and your loved one have grown accustomed to regular appointments, meeting with doctors and having a nurse just a phone call away. Take heart in knowing you’ll continue to work closely with your primary oncology provider and primary care provider to ensure you stay healthy, well and strong. Cancer is a journey, and everyone’s path is different. Sharing your story, whether it’s as a cancer survivor or caregiver, can also go a long way in helping you (and others in your group) heal. Here, as a part of our survivorship or caregiver support program, you can connect with people in similar situations; who understand the challenges you face and can give you the safe space you need to process your emotions. We offer many different types of support groups, including groups for patients, survivors, family members. We also have support groups for specific cancers, including head and neck, lung, prostate and breast. We’re here to meet you where you are Sometimes, asking for help is the hardest part. And during a challenging time like a cancer diagnosis, it can be hard to even know what you need. We’ve built our support services for patients just like you. If you’re not even sure where to begin, let your nurse navigator, doctor or any member of your care team know what’s on your mind. We’ll take it from there, help you find the solutions and support you need. Call us anytime at 443-481-5800.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogCostumes, candy, spooky stories – whether you are young, or just young at heart, Halloween is a holiday many of us love to celebrate every year. But the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed everything these last few months. Including our favorite holiday traditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines that recommend against trick-or-treating this year, along with other high-risk activities, such as attending Halloween parties inside someone’s house, visiting indoor haunted houses or attending other large, crowded events. We may not be bobbing for apples together. But there are still things you can do to celebrate safely at home with your immediate family. Here are some ideas, courtesy of the CDC. Carve pumpkins with your family. Gather everyone who lives in your home together and have fun carving your spookiest jack-o-lanterns. Take pictures and share them on social media. You could even host an online photo contest and see which ones gets the most likes. Or, you and your neighbors could have a socially distant carving party and carve pumpkins on your front porches. Organize a virtual costume party. Thanks to Zoom and other technology platforms, you can still get together with your friends from the safety of your own home. Log onto your computer, dress up in your best Halloween costume, and let the celebration begin. Hold a Halloween scavenger hunt. Buy some Halloween treats and toys and hide them all around your home or yard for your kids to find. Have a movie night. Halloween is the best time to binge watch scary movies. Cuddle up on the couch and put on your favorite flick. You could even host a group virtual watch party. You could use Zoom and share your screen with your friends. Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime also have remote streaming capabilities. Outside is safer than inside Outdoor activities are safer than indoor ones, as long as you are following COVID-19 safety guidelines. That includes wearing masks, washing hands often and staying at least six feet apart from those who aren’t in your household. The CDC classifies several Halloween activities as moderate risk, such as going to a pumpkin patch or an apple orchard, visiting an open-air haunted forest or having a costume party outside. If you are going to be screaming, stay more than six feet apart. Setting up a table with individually wrapped treats at the end of your driveway or yard for children to take is also a less risky way to participate in Halloween. Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after you put together any goodie bags. Remember that a Halloween mask isn’t the same as wearing a cloth mask. Your mask should have two or more layers of breathable fabric, and cover your mouth and nose. It should not leave gaps around your face. Do not wear a costume mask over your cloth mask, as it may make it difficult to breathe and is a safety hazard. Most importantly, if anyone in your family is sick with COVID-19 symptoms—stay home. From all of us at Luminis Health, we wish you a healthy and safe Halloween with more treats than tricks. Author Jean Murray is the director of Infection Control at Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- Community, GivingGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHoliday shopping season is upon us! But if the mall is too crowded for you this time of year, or you want something more unique than what you might find on Amazon, you might consider shopping local instead. At Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC), there are several options for you to do just that, while knowing your money is directly benefiting the hospital. “It’s retail therapy that gives back to the community,” said Catherine Pels, supervisor of AAMC’s gift shops. The gift shops, in addition to the Out of the Box consignment shop, raise about $300,000 annually for AAMC. They are also staffed entirely by the dedicated volunteers of the AAMC Auxiliary. The gift shops have around 50 volunteers, while Out of the Box has 53. The consignment shop, located on Bestgate Road in Annapolis, has grown so much in the past few years that store manager Jeanne Kayser says she could use about 20 more volunteers. “If we had more volunteers, we could extend (the hours) that we can do consignments,” Jeanne says. Here’s how you can shop for a good cause this holiday season. AAMC gift shops The hospital has two gift shops geared toward the public – the Beacon Boutique gift shop on the first floor of Hospital Pavilion North and the Bayside Beacon gift shop on the second floor of the Belcher Pavilion. Beacon Boutique is a more traditional hospital gift shop, with items for patients as well as seasonal merchandise. Bayside Beacon, a 6,500 square foot space stocked with clothes, jewelry, handbags and other lifestyle accessories, has morphed into a shopping destination for more than just patients. “This is more of a boutique shopping experience,” Catherine says. “It’s definitely a fun part of the Belcher Pavilion.” Typically, customers discover the shop while they are at the hospital getting treatment, then return later on. Employees, who receive a 10 percent discount, are also regular customers. Some popular brands the store carries include Barefoot Dreams, Scout, Spartina and S’Well. Lifeguard Press items, including licensed housewares, stationary and other accessories by Lilly Pulitzer and Kate Spade, are also top sellers. The store also carries work from local artists, including Liz Lind, Becky McVan, Kim Hovell and Joanie Nixon. Of course, holiday-themed merchandise is also sprinkled throughout the store. On Dec. 19, the store will hold its annual holiday madness sale, which is always a hit with AAMC staff, Catherine says. “People will be lined up at the door,” she says. The Bayside Beacon gift shop is open from 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. The Beacon Boutique gift shop is open from 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 4 pm Friday and 11 am to 3 pm Saturday. Out of the Box By early November, Out of the Box was already brimming with holiday cheer. A local woman had donated eight Christmas trees, plus ornaments, wreaths and ribbons, in memory of her daughter. Born on Christmas, her daughter passed away last summer. “It’s definitely been therapeutic for her,” says Jeanne, adding the woman has spent hours decorating the trees for the store. Jeanne Kayser is the manager of the Out of the Box consignment store. Out of the Box, formerly known as The Clothes Box, has evolved since it moved from the hospital’s main campus to its much larger location on Bestgate. Before the move, around 70 percent of the items were donated and 30 percent were consignments. Today, about 60 percent of the merchandise is consignment – and it’s much more upscale, Jeanne says. The shift toward higher-end clothing and accessories happened after a volunteer donated some of her designer clothing. “And we thought, maybe we could raise the level of the store with these clothes,” says Jeanne, who began as a volunteer before becoming a sales associate and later, the store’s manager. Now, Out of the Box carries brands including St. John, Ralph Lauren, Jimmy Choo, Stuart Weitzman, Burberry, Cole Haan and more. The store only accepts items for sale that are in pristine condition. Out of the Box also carries accessories including handbags and jewelry, plus a wide selection of furniture and housewares. Consignors receive 40 percent of the proceeds from the sales of their items, while the rest goes back to AAMC. Donations that aren’t appropriate for sale are sent to the Emergency Department, for patients who might need a change of clothes upon leaving the hospital, as well as local charities. The store’s 12 Days of Christmas promotion begins Dec. 6 and features a new sale every day the store is open through Dec. 21. Customers will receive an email the night before each sale with all the details. To get on the store’s email list, stop by Out of the Box or call 443-775-5223. “Our customers tell us they look forward to finding out the next day’s sale,” Jeanne says. Out of the Box is open 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Thursday, 10 am to 4 pm Friday and 10 am to 2 pm Saturday. Volunteers accept consignments from 9:30 am until noon during the week. Donations are accepted any time during regular business hours. Follow Out of the Box’s Facebook page for updates and news of upcoming sales.0
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