- OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogBeing able to hit the slopes to go skiing or snowboarding is one of the greatest advantages of the winter months. In fact, more and more people are trying these sports, especially snowboarding. Despite their popularity, these sports are also one of the most dangerous activities, with a higher risk of injury than many other common sports. Skiers are more likely to have lower extremity injuries, such as a sprained knee, broken tibia or torn knee ligaments. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are the most prevalent. Snowboarders, on the other hand, suffer more upper body injuries, such as broken wrists or collarbones, a separated acromioclavicular (AC) joint or concussions. Benjamin Petre, MD, orthopedic surgeon with AAMC Orthopedics and a team physician for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard team, shares tips to prevent injuries and stay safe on the slopes. Here are three of his recommendations: Know your limits. One of the most important ways to be prepared to ski or snowboard is to know your limits. This is especially important if you are a beginner on the slopes. Don’t try things outside of your skill level because it increases the risk of injury for yourself and others. Learning to be in control is key, so take the time for a lesson with a certified instructor. While your friends may be experienced skiers or snowboarders, a professional instructor will likely be able to teach you more. Also, a lesson not only better prepares you for the slopes and reduces your risk of injury, it’s fun. Even the most advanced skiers and snowboarders should know when to call it quits for the day or take time for a break. Most injuries occur after noon because you want to do one last run and ignore the signs that your body is too tired. Participating in a strength-training program focused on the lower body prior to skiing or snowboarding helps reduce leg fatigue, but you still must allow your body to rest. Warming up for a few minutes also better prepares you for a long day on the slopes. Wear a helmet. Whether you’re an Olympic athlete or only on the bunny hill, you should always wear a helmet on the slopes. It helps prevent minor to moderate head trauma, including concussions. Concussions are common, especially for snowboarders. Unfortunately, helmets may not be as effective in situations of severe head trauma or in cases of multiple concussions. Regardless, if you fall and hit your head, seek medical attention right away. Take any trauma to your head seriously. Have the right equipment and attire. Having improper equipment or clothing could ruin your day on the slopes, so be prepared. It’s important to have equipment that’s matched to your size and ability. Good bindings are an integral piece of your skiing or snowboarding experience, and reduce your risk of serious injury. Have them checked regularly. It’s also critical to dress appropriately for the changing weather on the mountains. Wearing layers can help you adjust to the changing temperatures throughout the day. Author By Benjamin Petre, MD, orthopedic surgeon at AAMC Orthopedics, a practice of Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach him, call 410-268-8862. Originally published Jan. 15, 2016. Last updated Jan. 21, 2020.0
- Wellness, Orthopedics, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogColder temperatures don’t mean the treadmill is your only option to get in a run. Running outside in the winter is doable with the proper precautions. Orthopedic Surgeon Benjamin Petre, MD, offers four tips for winter running: 1. Wear the proper shoes. One of the most important things to do to prevent injuries is wear the right shoes. Invest in a pair that provides grip and traction to handle snow and ice. Many brands make winter-specific running shoes that are also waterproof and retain warmth. Even with the proper shoes, it’s best to avoid ice and packed snow, and slow down your normal pace. 2. Dress in layers. Wearing multiple lighter layers, rather than one or two heavier items, helps you adjust to the temperature accordingly as you warm up. Opt for active wear that’s breathable and moisture wicking, with a waterproof outer layer for extra insulation. It’s also a good idea to keep your legs covered and wear a hat and gloves, especially in temperatures lower than 30 degrees. 3. Wear reflective gear. Reflective gear is a must for winter running because of the shorter days. Make sure you are visible to traffic by wearing reflective clothing, like a vest. Or, use a bike light or headlamp with a flashing light. When possible, opt to run during the day or in a well-lit area away from roads. 4. Stay hydrated. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t become dehydrated. In fact, there’s a high risk of becoming dehydrated in colder temperatures—it’s just harder to notice. Cold air holds less moisture than warm air so it’s much drier, and respiration in dry air results in more fluid loss. You are also less likely to hydrate because you don’t feel as thirsty as you do in warmer months. Author Benjamin Petre, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon at Luminis Health Orthopedics.0
- General Page Tier 3BlogMindful eating is an approach that examines our eating behaviors, focusing on how our eating patterns make us feel. Focusing on the experience of eating and becoming in touch with our hunger, fullness and satisfaction signals are all mindful eating strategies. This approach helps us enjoy food for the pleasure it provides. You can do this by eating slowly, savoring the flavor and not simultaneously watching a screen, walking around the kitchen or driving a car. Mindful eating apps can be a helpful resource in our quest for healthier eating habits, without putting all of the focus on calories consumed and burned. Let’s take a look at two that are currently available. Ate: This app is visual, easy to use and fast. You can set your own specific eating goals, such as “eat healthier,” and the app will select specific steps to take toward your goal from a variety of behavior-based recommendations. The basic plan is free and this app is ideal for those who prefer accountability that comes with keeping a food record or counting calories. Am I Hungry?: This app puts you in charge of your eating decisions without having to rely on restrictions and rules. It includes a hunger-fullness rating scale that lists strategies to help you understand why you might reach for foods without feeling hungry. With this knowledge, you can determine how to address the feeling, if necessary, with something other than food. For instance, perhaps you are thinking of eating food because you feel stressed. Here are some additional tips to help you become a mindful eater: It all begins with your grocery list. Plan meals and then make a list. Do not stray from the list and do not go to the store hungry. Chew slowly and pay attention to the food, portion, flavor and smell of what you are eating. Put utensils down between bites and engage in conversation, if possible. Eat at a designated place, preferably the kitchen table with no distractions. Do not eat on the run, in the car, standing or while simultaneously doing another activity. Pay attention to your fullness and hunger cues. Sometimes we think we are hungry when we are thirsty, or perhaps you want a break from your workspace, so eating is an excuse to pause. However, ask yourself if you are actually hungry. It takes 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain you are full, so resist pushing away from the table full. Keep a food journal and note what you eat, how much and your level of hunger on a scale of one to 10. It is also important to not allow yourself to get famished, which can lead to accelerated eating and over consumption. Mindful eating takes a little bit of practice, but it’s not impossible. Over time, the more you do it, the easier it’ll become and the more health benefits you will gain. It’s a way of helping you appreciate food rather that restricting it. So go ahead, reduce the distractions in your surroundings and go savor each flavorful bite. Happy mindful eating! Authors Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford are nutritionists and registered dietitians at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555.0
- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogA child’s brain is like a sponge. From the moment they are born to approximately age six, a child’s brain can soak up infinite amounts of information. During adolescence, the brain is still developing, making young children susceptible to the information they receive. In fact, the teenage years are a critical time of vulnerability to substance use disorders due to the brain’s malleability, according to research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Adolescents have creative and innovative minds, but unless you teach them about things they need to protect their mind, it is easy for them to fall into a trap of destructive decision-making behavior. The young people I know are curious, eager and ambitious. They are drawn by things that can give them instant gratification and are eager to invent new things. This is not a negative, and as parents, we can use this energy to help our children grow and make better choices. Learn more about the J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center, a 16-bed mental health hospital for adults opening in March. Communication and education are two of the most important keys in the fight against adolescent drug misuse and abuse. Parents are going to have to boost their efforts and get more comfortable with talking to their children about drugs. Here are some steps you can start with: Be in the know. Take time to educate yourself on the drug trends in the community and on the internet. Learn about drugs on the market and where they are sold. If you understand the effects of drug use and know the facts, you can give your child helpful information and clarify any doubts or questions. Know their social circles. Know the people your child is hanging out with and where they live. Kids who hang out with friends who use drugs are likely to want to try it out themselves, especially those who feel socially isolated and are trying to fit in. Show interest in knowing your child’s friends and their parents. Talk to your kids daily. Engage in conversations and pay attention to how your child is feeling. Create an environment of trust where your child does not feel judged. Make it clear that you’re available and willing to sit down to have an open conversation and listen. Encourage good decision-making skills. Let your child know his or her opinions are important and interesting. Praise all efforts and guide your child through things that he or she doesn’t know about but believe to fully understand. Be supportive. Recognize when your child is going through a hard time and show him or her that you have their back. An accepting environment, where your child feels like he or she can talk without fear of punishment or reprisal, increases the chances of your child turning to you for help and advice. Knowing this information will prepare you to start a conversation with your child. Parents are often surprised how comfortable a child is talking about drugs. Many kids are actually bothered by friends using drugs and have questions for their parents but they just don’t know how to approach parents or are too scared to do so. READ MORE: The power of parents in preventing substance abuse Make talking and communicating with your child a regular part of your day. The earlier we can teach our children about the dangers of drugs, the better the chances we have of them not wanting to try them. At least by the time they can choose for themselves, they will be able to make an informed decision. Author Keshia Brooks, BSPH, MBA, is supervisor of Prevention Education and Family Wellness at Pathways, Anne Arundel Medical Center’s substance abuse and mental health treatment facility. You can reach her office at 410-573-5422. Ask questions, find resources and learn more at askAAMC.org/HealthyMinds. Originally published May 8, 2018. Last updated Jan. 21, 2020.0
- Employee SpotlightGeneral Page Tier 3Blog“I can confidently say that 2019 was a very good year for me,” said Norma Sola. “I got my dream house and I’m happy where I work. I really like working alongside my coworkers. We all communicate well with each other and support each other.” Norma, an environmental attendant, is originally from Nueva Concepción, El Salvador. She moved to the U.S. 22 years ago with her husband. Prior to coming to Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) in 2018, she worked at a senior center for 12 years where she set out to buy her first home. Norma and her husband bought their home in 2019 and, that year, traveled back to her home country to visit family after more than 20 years. In this special year for Norma, she also received AAMC’s Champion Award — an award bestowed monthly to team members who display exceptional service excellence and demonstrate AAMC’s core values, including compassion, trust and dedication. Service excellence During her shift, Norma became acquainted with a patient who was scheduled for surgery. Without family or friends nearby, the patient felt anxious. Familiar with the feeling of not having loved ones close, Norma was touched and felt compelled. Coming into one of her normal shifts, she brought with her a little something extra special. “I was very moved and knew I wanted to do something for the patient,” Norma said. “When my husband brings me flowers – especially orchids – on Mother’s Day or during a special occasion, it always makes me very happy. So I brought the patient some flowers and reminded them that everything was going to work out and that they were not alone.” PRO TIP: “Just because you want something to work out right away doesn’t mean that it’s the right time. Be patient because things always work out.” The interview with Norma Sola was conducted in Spanish and translated into English for this article. 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
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