- Community, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogJessie Paltell, RN, Becca Burnett, BSN, RN, and Steve Roy, patient care technician, recently returned from Uganda, where they volunteered their time as medical professionals with a church group. The village where we pitched our tents for the work week was in the Kole District of Northern Uganda. During our time there, we provided medical services and distributed eye glasses, mosquito nets, soccer balls, and other necessities such as Bibles, clothing, hand-knitted hats, sunglasses, toothbrushes, tennis shoes, bicycles and a huge water filtration system to be used by the families in the surrounding villages. Our medical clinic was nothing fancy—far from any medical facilities or clinics we have around here. We used two rooms in the old school building to set up our triage, clinic, and pharmacy areas. Our triage and clinic “stations” were school desks positioned throughout the rooms. Our pharmacy was set up out of cardboard boxes and plastic trunks, with plastic bags for distribution of medications. Every day, families lined up, hundreds at a time, to wait in line to be seen. By some miracle, we were able to treat 3,039 people over four days. We were able to bandage wounds, drain infected cysts, diagnose skin rashes, provide medications for malaria, worms, pain, viruses, and STDs, treat burn victims, and so much more. Every night we played soccer with the kids in the surrounding villages using soccer balls we brought with us to hand out to them. The toys they were accustomed to included empty water bottles for sword fighting and rocks for soccer and kickball-type games. Seeing their faces light up when we handed them soccer balls was a once-in-a-lifetime experience – that was true joy! We were able to make a difference while we were in Uganda. We healed those who were sick, bandaged wounds, provided necessary medications. But furthermore, we were able to experience the amazing places and build relationships with the beautiful people of Uganda, Africa.0
- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhile many people associate heart issues such as heart attacks and cardiac arrest with older adults, young athletes can also be at risk. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, about 2,000 people under the age of 25 die from sudden cardiac arrest each year. Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating. The risk is three times greater in competitive athletes. In young adults, it’s most common among high-school and college-aged athletes who play high-intensity sports such as soccer, football and basketball. It seems illogical. Why would young, healthy and active athletes be at a higher risk for heart issues than the average young adult? Sudden cardiac arrest has to do with the heart’s electrical circuitry or a structural problem in the heart. Unlike a heart attack where arteries are blocked, cardiac arrest is an electrical problem. If there’s an electrical short circuit, the heart is “quivering” instead of “squeezing.” This means it isn’t pumping blood to the brain and other vital organs. Death can result from this. One of the most common of these electrical or structural problems is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), where the heart muscle is abnormally thickened. HCM is the most common cause of cardiac arrest found in athletes in the United States (approximately one-third of cases). In competitive athletes, there are often structural changes to the heart from intense exercise. When coupled with the sudden physical demands placed on the heart, the risk of sudden cardiac death increases. It’s very difficult to prevent, but recognizing cardiac arrest is the first step. The warning signs–dizziness and shortness of breath–don’t always happen. Furthermore, athletes are goal-oriented and often ignore warning signs as they push their bodies to the point of exhaustion. If you see someone collapse, you should always call 911 immediately. Cardiac arrest is time-crucial. Giving chest compressions and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) while you wait for help to arrive can make the difference between life and death. While imaging tests like electrocardiograms (EKG) and echocardiograms can detect heart problems that may lead to cardiac arrest, the American Heart Association doesn’t routinely recommend these tests for everyone. Athletes should get their blood pressure and heartbeat checked at their yearly physical exam and let their doctor know about family medical history. If anything raises a red flag, more advanced tests may be necessary. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms that are unusual for them, it’s worth asking your doctor about it. Author Baran Kilical, MD, is a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist with Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published Aug. 2, 2016. Last updated March 7, 2019.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the information we hear and see about the coronavirus (COVID-19). It’s important to know that not all information is fact or from a reliable source. Misinformation spreads rapidly and adds complexity to our response. So, let’s look at some facts! Vitamin and mineral supplements cannot prevent or cure COVID-19. There has been a lot of press about certain micronutrients and COVID-19 prevention and/or cure. Zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin D are critical for a healthy immune system and work to promote our overall health and nutritional needs of our diet. They do not prevent or cure the virus. The same is true for the use of green tea or Echinacea supplements that do not prevent individuals from getting the virus. Drinking alcohol does not protect you against COVID-19. The use of alcohol will not protect you from or cure COVID-19. The use of alcohol can increase your risk for health problems. It is important to drink responsibly. For those who choose to drink, in moderation, up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks a day for men – only adults of legal drinking age. Many individuals should not drink alcohol at all. Individuals taking certain over-the-counter medication or prescription medications or have certain medical conditions, those with alcoholism or women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding. Garlic is not a treatment or prevention for COVID-19 We know garlic is a commonly used herb that may have some antimicrobial properties. It enhances the flavor of our food. Allicin is the predominant phytochemical in garlic and may provide some health benefits when used as part of a well-balanced diet. There is no evidence to suggest it can prevent or cure COVID-19. Adding pepper to our meals or soups does not prevent or cure COVID-19. Hot peppers and other related spices might help improve the taste of your meals, but will not help you avoid contracting COVID-19. Products containing colloidal silver or oleander do not prevent or treat COVID-19 and can be dangerous. While these products have been marketed as COVID-19 treatments, they are not safe or effective. Colloidal silver can cause serious side effects and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned it isn’t safe or effective for treating any disease or condition. The extract from the oleander plant is poisonous and shouldn’t be taken as a supplement or home remedy. Try your best not to draw conclusions based on incorrect or incomplete information. This can cause stress, create confusion and can prevent you from making informed decisions regarding your health. No food or supplement can protect you from the coronavirus. Nevertheless, having a well-balanced diet is important in supporting our immune function and may influence the body’s ability to fight infection. During the time of the pandemic it is important to take control of what we can to optimize our health. Focus on eating well, maintaining adequate hydration, exercise and practice proven stress management techniques. Be sure to social distance, wash your hands thoroughly and wear a mask. Author Ann Caldwell is a nutritionist and registered dietitian at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach her, call 443-481-5555.0
- Physical Therapy, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHave you ever experienced leakage after having a baby? Does it happen when you are hiking with family? Or when your cough or sneeze? Have felt embarrassed to go out with your girlfriends because you fear laughing with them will cause you to pee? Has it ever crossed your mind that maybe there’s something you can do to prevent this from happening? These are a lot of questions, I know. But many women feel these things are an inevitable part of aging, or something that’s normal after you have a child. Leakage — also called incontinence — is not something you have to live with. It’s one of many pelvic floor disorders that can strip women of their confidence in doing normal, everyday things they like to do. But I have good news for you. There is a solution — preventative pelvic floor therapy. What is it? Pelvic floor physical therapy involves the pelvic floor muscle group. A person might consider this type of therapy to help treat incontinence, difficulty with urination or bowel movements, constipation, chronic pelvic pain and painful intercourse. Pelvic floor disorders are very common, affecting nearly 25 percent of women in the United States, according to research. Women’s bodies go through many changes in their life from puberty to menopause. These changes come with a torrent of hormonal and physical imbalances that can wreak havoc on the pelvic floor. Many women endure urinary and fecal incontinence as well as acute pelvic pain, back pain, muscle tears, tailbone fractures and other fractures, prolapsed bladders and rectum, painful sexual intercourse and abdominal separation. Some experience this at some point in their lives, most commonly after childbirth. READ MORE: The importance of good pelvic health Can you prevent a pelvic floor disorder? There are many things you can do to prevent or lessen pelvic floor damage. You don’t have to wait to have signs or symptoms — such as incontinence — to work on strengthening your pelvic floor. Here are a few tips to reduce incontinence and other issues and to help prevent future problems: Do your Kegels. Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder, small intestine and rectum. These exercises can help you prevent or better control incontinence and other pelvic floor problems. Check for organ prolapse. Bladder, rectal and/or uterine prolapse can cause bowel and bladder control issues, feeling of heaviness/bulging in vagina, incomplete emptying, and pain with intercourse among other things. Work with your urogynecologist and a pelvic floor rehab specialist to help alleviate and prevent future problems. Small changes count. Take control of constipation to prevent undue stress on the pelvic floor and strain on these muscles by drinking more water, eating fiber rich foods and using a squatty potty to relax the muscles during bowel movements. Take care of your diet. Decreasing bladder irritants such as coffee, soda, carbonated beverages, spicy foods and artificial sugars can slow down an overactive bladder and urgency that can lead to leakage. Check your bathroom schedule. Avoid going to bathroom less than every two hours but do not hold more than four hours. The ideal range is between two and four hours to avoid creating any future problems related to overactive bladder or retention. You shouldn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed if you’re experiencing a pelvic floor issue. In fact, I encourage you to be open and reach out to a specialist with any questions or concerns you might have related to your pelvic health. At Anne Arundel Medical Center, we have specialists who can review with you all the above tips to alleviate any question and decrease or prevent any problems to help you improve your quality of life. Just remember, it’s completely normal and there are ways to help. We’re here to help you get back to leading a more confident life! Author Kinnariben Patel is a physical therapist at AAMG Physical Therapy. To reach her, call 443-481-1140. Originally published Oct. 2, 2018. Last updated Feb. 4, 2020.0
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLet’s face it, urinary incontinence—the loss of bladder control—is not a sexy subject. But it’s a common problem that women of all ages often find too embarrassing to even talk about. For women affected by this, everyday life things—like going to the gym, sitting in a meeting or a night out with friends—can be extremely difficult, not to mention downright depressing. Think this is an “old person” issue? Not so. Surprisingly, one in four women under the age of 40 experience some form of incontinence. Women tend to suffer two types of incontinence: urge incontinence, the sudden and strong desire to urinate with only a few moments’ warning, OR stress incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine during physical exertion—such as lifting heavy objects and exercise, or even coughing, laughing and sneezing—that puts pressure on the bladder. Carrying and having a baby is not always the cause of urinary incontinence. Sometimes there are anatomical problems in the pelvis or in the back that can contribute. Also, certain medications, medical conditions and lifestyle habits can cause leakage issues. There is a bright side to this; while urinary incontinence isn’t always preventable, you can decrease your risk: Maintain a healthy weight Practice pelvic floor exercises, especially during pregnancy Avoid bladder irritants, such as caffeine and acidic foods Eat more fiber, which can prevent constipation, a cause of urinary incontinence So when do you need to see a doctor? When the leaks become problematic and impact normal everyday living. Make sure to bring up incontinence problems with your primary care doctor or gynecologist so they can refer you to a specialist. To learn more about treating urinary incontinence, visit askAAMC.org/PelvicHealth. Author By Kay Hoskey, MD, urogynecologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Women’s Center for Pelvic Health. She can be reached at 443-481-1199.0
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