Infectious Disease
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5 Ways to Stay Resilient during COVID-19
Blog
It’s been one year since COVID-19 became one of the most common terms in our vocabulary. It’s been a hard year, filled with the consequences of a “once in a hundred years” pandemic.
We’ve adapted to unexpected changes to our daily routines and our way of life. Our usual coping skills are put to the test on a daily basis. Stress has been a constant.
How do we keep going? How do we keep a hopeful, positive attitude?
The first thing is to acknowledge and accept that none of this is “normal.” We are used to crises that resolve within a matter of days or weeks, not a global crisis of this magnitude. However, through difficulty comes resilience.
Resilience is our ability to adapt to loss and changes to get to a place of learning and growth. Resilience can help us cope with stress, overcome adversity, and enjoy the better days to come.
Here are some ideas for staying resilient during difficult times:
Connect with supportive people in safe ways. Stay connected to positive relationships with loved ones and friends who can provide you with support and acceptance. Talk with friends on the phone or a Zoom call. Attend a virtual church service. Or, set up a virtual coffee or lunch date. It’s the human connection—hearing the right words, seeing someone’s smile—that can make all the difference to how you’re feeling.
Take care of your needs. Even if you’re working from home follow a daily schedule — exercise, shower, get dressed, make your bed and prepare for your day. Eat food that supports your health. Get plenty of sleep. And find a relaxing way to spend your downtime. Read a good book. Watch a funny movie. Listen to music. Take up a hobby. Make time for self-care.
Think of at least one good thing each day. It might be very simple: I taught my daughter how to access the library online, or my family and I ate a good dinner. Expressing gratitude each day is a healthy way to counterbalance feelings of unease or worry.
Spend time outdoors. Getting fresh air outside is an important way to destress and recharge. Stepping away from your work or daily routine to go outside can help clear your thoughts. This can help improve your concentration and mood.
Think about what you’ve learned during COVID. How can you use those things to make a new goal? Resilient people see change as an opportunity to align priorities and purpose.
We know we’ll eventually get through this difficult time. The vaccine is helping. The number of people testing positive is decreasing. Hospitalizations and deaths have also begun to decrease. Spring is coming.
We’re slowly getting back to life. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s keep moving forward.
Authors
Jo Deaton is the senior director of nursing for Behavioral Health at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. She can be reached at 667-204-7313.
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Wound Care, Uncategorized
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Heart Health and the Impact on Chronic Wounds
Blog
Your heart affects every aspect of your health. This includes your ability to heal wounds. Your heart circulates oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout your body. Cardiovascular diseases damage blood vessels. They also cause blockages that obstruct the flow of blood. This decreased blood flow hinders the delivery of oxygen and nutrition needed for proper wound healing.
Currently, 48% of American adults, suffer from cardiovascular disease including Coronary Artery Disease, Peripheral Artery Disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Eight million Americans are currently living with a chronic wound. Most of them have three to four other chronic conditions including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. These people are at high risk for complications without proper wound care. An unhealed wound on the foot or leg can lead to amputation. In fact, 82% of lower leg amputations are due to poor circulation of the affected limb.
Take steps to prevent conditions that may affect the health of your heart and proper wound healing. The Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) offers the following tips to live a heart healthy life.
Eat Heathy
Low-fat, high-fiber foods are good for your heart. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains every day.
Be Active
Walk, run, dance, swim . . . find a way to get moving for at least 30 minutes every day. Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight.
Take Care
Be kind to yourself. Practice positive self-talk. Make sleep a priority. Reduce stress with fun hobbies. Stop smoking and all use of nicotine.
Get Screened
See your health care provider at least twice a year. Ask about screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, peripheral vascular disease and diabetes.
If you or someone you know is living with a cardiovascular disease, it is especially important to detect wounds early. Seek specialized wound care to prevent possible infection, hospitalization and amputation due to poor circulation. For more information, contact The Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine at LHDCMC at 240-965-3690 or visit https://www.dchweb.org/locations/center-wound-healing-and-hyperbaric-medicine.
Author: Queen Mbanuzue, DPM, podiatrist at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center
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Wellness, Heart Care
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What’s Your Reason for Staying Heart Healthy?
Blog
February is Heart Month. And we want to know – what is your reason for staying heart healthy?
Here’s the deal: Heart disease continues to be the number one killer of men and women in the U.S. Not to mention 90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease. With our “What’s Your Reason?” campaign, we’re empowering you with resources — like our heart health risk assessment — to take control of your heart health.
Fill out your heart health risk assessment to learn your risk for heart disease and be better informed on what will help you live your best life. What’s more? When you complete your heart health risk assessment you’ll be automatically entered to win a Peloton bike! (We’re hearing delivery times for Peloton are getting pretty good.)
When it comes to your health and wellness, we’re here for you. Which is why this Heart Month, we’re proud to mark an historic milestone for our patients and community with the launch of our cardiac surgery program at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC).
For years, cardiac surgery has been the missing link to a full spectrum of heart care services at LHAAMC. Now, with our state-of-the-art cardiac surgery program, we’re providing a seamless experience for patients and their families, with less disruption and the best possible outcomes.
We can’t thank our community members enough for their ongoing support.
Questions? Our heart team is here to help. Call us at 443-481-1358.
More Heart Month resources:
How to Stay Heart Healthy During Lockdown
7 Ways to Manage Your Blood Pressure
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News & Press Releases
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Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Receives National Award for Respiratory Care
Blog
Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) has once again received the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) Apex Recognition Award for demonstrating continued best practices in respiratory care. LHAAMC promotes patient safety by providing access to respiratory therapists to deliver high quality care.
“This is truly an honor to be part of an elite group of respiratory care teams around the country to receive this prestigious award,” said Simon Haile, manager of Pulmonary and Neurodiagnostic Services at LHAAMC. LHAAMC is among only 15 acute care hospitals to receive this award.
“Respiratory care departments everywhere are coming off a hard year. Their skills and stamina have been tested like never before. As a vital component to a patient’s care team, respiratory therapists work hard each day to deliver quality patient care,” said Sheri Tooley, BSRT, RRT, RRT-NPS, AE-C, CPFT, FAARC, AARC President. “These teams reach high standards and bring specialized skills, unique to respiratory care departments. We are thrilled to honor these organizations as Apex Recognition Award recipients.”
The AARC Apex Recognition Award was established in 2017 as a way for the AARC Board to recognize respiratory care departments that demonstrate high quality care. The award program distinguishes organizations for their commitment to excellence in professional development, evidence-based care, patient safety, patient satisfaction and quality improvement. The Apex Recognition Award includes five categories for recognition: acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, home medical equipment (HME) companies, entry-level educational programs, and dedicated transport teams.
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Infectious Disease
General Page Tier 3
Spread the Love and Slow the Spread of COVID-19 This Valentine’s Day
Blog
Just because Valentine’s Day hugs may have to take a backseat this year, love doesn’t have to. Keep your loved ones safe this Valentine’s Day by keeping their health and wellbeing in mind.
Encourage Vaccination: Motivate family and friends to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it’s their turn. Vaccination is our best shot at stopping this pandemic. If they are eligible, they can pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine through our vaccine interest form.
Spread the Facts: Make sure your loved ones know the best ways to protect themselves from COVID-19 and have the facts on vaccination.
Be a Good Neighbor: Take the time to connect with your neighbors. If they have unreliable transportation, help them find a way to get to their vaccination appointment. Assist with online registration. If they don’t have email, call the Luminis Health COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 443-481-6852.
Remember the 3Ws: In addition to vaccination, the best ways to slow the spread of COVID-19 are by wearing a mask, washing your hands and watching your distance.
Send a Card: Not a talented poet like Amanda Gorman? Use one of our V-Day printables to send a note to someone special. Your note will show them you care and remind them how they can protect themselves and others from COVID-19.
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