- OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLow back pain is one of the most common ailments in the United States. About 80 percent of people have at least one episode of low back pain during their lifetime. Factors that increase the risk of developing low back pain include smoking, obesity, older age, sedentary work, a stressful job, job dissatisfaction and psychological factors such as anxiety or depression. Physically strenuous work also contributes to low back pain. Most people with back pain have nonspecific back pain. Such people usually improve in a few weeks with conservative care. Less than one percent of people have serious causes, such as cancer or infection and less than 10 percent have less serious causes like fracture, pinched nerve, or narrowing of the spinal cord. Therefore, it’s important to see your primary care physician first, before seeking specialist care. Most of the time, a focused history and physical examination are enough to make a diagnosis of back pain. It is imperative to prevent back pain from developing in the first place. People can do a number of things to prevent back pain. 1. Exercise and stay active The most important thing you can do is exercise routinely and stay active. Regular exercise improves cardiovascular fitness and can be combined with specific exercises to strengthen the muscles of the hips and back. The abdominal muscles are particularly important in supporting the lower back and preventing back pain. Exercises can be as simple as walking every day. And other activities like Pilates, Yoga and aerobic exercises are also very helpful in preventing back pain. 2. Avoid high-impact activities It is important to avoid activities that involve repetitive bending or twisting and high-impact activities that increase stress in the spine. 3. Bend and lift correctly Bending and lifting correctly is also important. People with low back pain should learn the right way to bend and lift. For example, lift with the knees bent and the abdominal muscles tightened. This way you avoid straining the weaker muscles in the lower back. 4. Take a break People who sit or stand for long periods should change positions often and use a chair with appropriate support for the back. Readjust your office chair several times throughout the day to avoid sitting in the same position. Taking brief but frequent breaks to walk around will also prevent pain due to prolonged sitting or standing. People who stand in place for long periods can try placing a block of wood on the floor, stepping up and down every few minutes. Author Dr. Meetu Agrawal is a primary care physician with Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Largo Primary Care. To reach her practice, call 301-925-7610. Originally published Dec. 19, 2016. Last updated Dec. 16, 2019.0
- Behavioral Health, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogJuggling multiple commitments during the holidays might bring out the best in you. Or it might leave you feeling stressed, anxious or depressed. These feelings go well beyond your mental health. They can have short-term and long-term effects on your whole body, especially your heart. Boaz Rosen, MD, a cardiologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center, says it is important to find ways to manage the emotions the holidays bring out. “Stress and anxiety can affect the heart in a variety of ways, such as increasing blood pressure,” he explains. Tips to Relieve Holiday Stress When it comes to the holidays, finding the right balance between celebration and healthy habits will serve your heart well. Recognize your hot buttons. Think about the things that made you anxious or sad during previous holiday celebrations and develop a plan to cope with those stressors. Carve out some time for yourself. Exercise, meditation, yoga, prayer or time with a favorite book or movie can help you relieve stress. Practice moderation with sodium and alcohol. Repeated use of large amounts of sodium or alcohol can cause heart problems. More importantly, Dr. Rosen says, people may try to use food, smoking or alcohol to relieve stress, anxiety or depression. Weight gain from overeating can affect blood pressure and contribute to an increased risk of diabetes. Tobacco use has well-known short- and long-term effects on the heart and lungs. And while moderate intake of red wine (not more than one glass a day) can be beneficial, excessive alcohol use can affect heart, brain and liver function. Dr. Rosen also warns that it’s important to know the signs of a heart attack and to take any symptoms seriously. “A lot of people will ignore chest pain symptoms thinking it’s indigestion,” he says. “They describe a gassy feeling of pressure or discomfort in the chest. If there is any concern or if antacids don’t take care of that discomfort in minutes, think ‘heart’ and call 911. Even if it turns out to be indigestion, it’s better to be safe than sorry. On a positive note, I wish you and your family a happy, healthy holiday season!” Learn your “heart age” and risk for heart disease with AAMC’s free online heart risk assessment. Author Boaz Rosen, MD, is a cardiologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published Dec. 5, 2016. Last updated Dec. 12, 2019.0
- Plastic Surgery & Skin CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLaugh lines, crow’s feet and wrinkles around the forehead are signs of a life well lived – and a natural part of the aging process. But take heart: While wrinkles are a fact of life, there are safe and effective ways to minimize their appearance and, in some cases, slow their progression. Botox® and fillers are two of the most common noninvasive procedures to address wrinkles today and have grown in popularity over the last five to ten years. However, many patients still have questions and, sometimes, misconceptions about these approaches. We often see patients wanting to learn more about how injections and fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help them look younger. The first thing we do is talk about the difference between these procedures and the benefits of each. Then, together, we can determine which may be the best for you. Myth #1: Botox and fillers are the same thing While many confuse Botox and fillers, it’s important to understand they aren’t the same thing. Botox paralyzes muscles temporarily, which can help prevent the overlying skin from developing wrinkles. Fillers, on the other hand, can soften and fill lines and areas of volume loss like the cheeks or lips. With Botox injections, small amounts of Botox are injected into these areas to block signals from nerves to the muscles. The muscles are then no longer able to contract so the face doesn’t wrinkle. The most common areas for Botox include forehead lines and crow’s feet. Fillers, like Juvéderm® and Voluma® XC, use an injectable gel to fill a wrinkle that is already apparent. Juvéderm can be used to target wrinkles around the eyes and lips. Voluma XC can lift and smooth the cheeks. Another key difference between fillers and Botox is that Botox is a very effective measure to prevent or delay the appearance of wrinkles. The best time to start Botox is actually in your late 20s or early 30s, before wrinkles become obvious. The less you use the muscles in your face, the slower wrinkles will form. Of course, Botox and fillers need to be part of a comprehensive strategy that includes no smoking, sun protection and other skincare routines. READ MORE: Understanding your winter skincare routine Myth 2: My Botox won’t last The effects of Botox are not permanent but you and your provider can work together on a timeline that works to keep wrinkles at bay. Typically, we recommend about six months between injections, but that can vary based on your age and preference. The first sign it’s time to come back to the office is when the muscle begins to loosen up and start to move again, which is an indication the paralysis is wearing off. Fillers, on the other hand, can last up to two years. Your provider can help you decide what approach is best for you. You can experiment with fillers and Botox, but you need an experienced provider to guide you through the options that are best for you to ensure that injections are effectively administered. Just because you can get Botox at a spa or the dentist doesn’t mean you should. You need to see a knowledgeable provider who will create a strategy that addresses your concerns. Myth #3: My results won’t look natural One of the biggest misconceptions about Botox is that, because the muscles are paralyzed, you won’t be able to express emotion. But the areas targeted with Botox aren’t really needed to share your thoughts and feelings. For example, you don’t need to express anything with the muscles on your forehead, not being able to squint your eyes isn’t going to keep your family and friends from knowing how you feel and you can still certainly smile, frown and laugh. Fillers are also a natural, subtle way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Myth #4: Once I start, I can’t stop Botox and fillers are elective procedures that you can stop at any time, but it’s always best to discuss your plans with your provider to create a schedule that’s right for you. Your provider can also address any concerns you may have about the procedure or recommend a different approach to better meet your goals. AAMG Plastic Surgery offers nonsurgical and surgical cosmetic procedures to women and men. Choosing cosmetic plastic surgery is a deeply personal choice. To learn more about what’s the best fit for you, check out aahs.org/cosmetic. Authors Tripp Holton, MD is a plastic surgeon at AAMG Plastic Surgery. Kathryn Sidrow is a certified physician assistant at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Plastic Surgery.0
- Pediatrics, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogQ: How can I manage my asthma during the winter months? The most important aspect of asthma management is identifying the triggers. These tips can help you avoid winter asthma flare-ups: Avoid breathing cold, dry air. Cold air can irritate the small tubes of the lungs and trigger coughing or wheezing. Stay indoors as much as possible. Use your inhaler 15 to 20 minutes before going outside to prevent airway tightening. Know and avoid your indoor triggers. Avoid the hot, dry air of a fireplace. Sometimes molds, dust, animal dander, cockroaches or old carpets trigger asthma. Try to identify and remove these irritants from your home. Protect yourself from colds and flu. Colds and flu can worsen asthma symptoms. Wash your hands regularly, and get your flu shot. Asthma can be worse in children. Children with asthma should carry a rescue inhaler if there is concern about coming into contact with triggers. Also, talk with your doctor about taking a maintenance steroid inhaler. Originally published Feb. 15, 2017. Last updated Dec. 9, 2019.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) has been named one of the region’s Top Workplaces by The Baltimore Sun Media Group. The designation is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by research partner Energage, LLC. The anonymous survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution and connection. “We are passionate about creating a workplace environment where our team members are able to grow, thrive and make a difference,” said Julie McGovern, vice president and chief human resources officer at AAMC. “We are honored to be recognized once again as a Top Workplace by The Baltimore Sun Media Group, and equally honored that this recognition is based solely on the feedback of our employees.” “The Top Workplaces award is about much more than recognition and celebration,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “Our research also shows that these organizations achieve higher referral rates, lower employee turnover, and double the employee engagement levels. It just goes to show that being intentional about culture delivers bottom-line results.” For more information about career opportunities at AAMC, visit www.aamccareers.org.0
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