Infectious Disease
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A Couple’s Unshakeable Bond: A Love Story in the Time of COVID-19
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Nothing can keep Rosa and Wayne Elliott separated – not even the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Edgewater couple was treated for the virus at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center this month. Rosa, 90, was admitted on Jan. 11. Wayne, 89, was admitted four days later.
But that didn’t stop date night for the Elliotts, who have been married for 71 years. They were on the same unit, so LHAAMC staff brought them together for each meal so they could still spend time together, hand in hand.
“Although bringing someone down the hall for meals seems simple, the impact it made for not just the patients, but the staff who care for them was uplifting,” says Justin Bowser, clinical nursing director of LHAAMC’s medical surgical unit, neurological care unit and inpatient wound/ostomy department.
Together, the Elliotts have lived an exciting life.
Wayne served in the U.S. Navy, where he lost an eye. But that hasn’t kept him from winning several awards for competitive shooting. The retired employee of the state prison system is a master carpenter and lover of woodworking, and he fixes up and shoots muzzleloaders in his spare time.
Rosa was the one who asked Wayne out for their first date all those years ago. A retired bank employee, she traveled all over the world with her husband when they were younger.
“We have seen a great deal of sadness, grief, loss during this pandemic. What we try to remember most are the positive memories, the memories where we make an impact on someone’s life,” Justin says. “This love story is a prime example of a positive memory we can cherish.”
The Elliotts were discharged from LHAAMC last week and are now recovering at home.
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Infectious Disease
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What We’ve Learned About COVID-19 Over the Last Year
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It’s been more than a year since the first cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were reported in Wuhan, China, sparking the beginning of a global pandemic.
Information changed daily, especially in those early days. We all had a lot to learn about this new virus. Its symptoms. How it spreads. Who’s most at risk.
As we begin 2021, here’s what we have learned about COVID-19.
COVID-19 spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets, produced when you cough, sneeze, talk and breathe. This happens when people are within about six feet of each other. We believe this is the main way the virus spreads. That’s why it’s so important to remember the 3Ws. Wash your hands. Wear a mask. Watch your distance.
Certain people are at higher risk of becoming more ill from COVID-19 than others. This includes older adults, particularly those who are 65 and older, and people with underlying health conditions. If you fall into these categories, it’s especially important to take precautions against getting the virus. But the virus can be unpredictable. Younger people, including those without pre-existing conditions, aren’t immune to getting sick.
The long-term effects of COVID-19 are still unknown. Most people who contract the virus recover within about two weeks. Yet others, known as “long haulers,” have symptoms that can last for months – even those who were never treated in the hospital. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most commonly reported long-term COVID symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, joint pain and chest pain. Other COVID long haulers have reported brain fog, depression, muscle pain, headache, fever that comes and goes and heart palpitations. Still others have experienced more serious complications, including heart, respiratory and neurological problems. It will be several years before we fully understand the virus’ long-term effects on people.
Vaccines are a ray of hope. But we’ll still have to be vigilant. The arrival of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in Maryland last month was a big step forward. And we’re excited and optimistic that this means the beginning of the end of the pandemic. But it will be months before the majority of Maryland residents receive the vaccination. Gov. Larry Hogan has rolled out a plan that involves a multi-tiered distribution process, allowing frontline health care workers and residents and employees of long-term care facilities to get the vaccine first. It will eventually be available to everyone who wants it. We believe this is our best shot at ending the pandemic. But it will take time. So, again, let’s continue to practice the 3Ws.
We’re all in this together. It’s going to take a collective effort to defeat this pandemic once and for all. Follow safety guidelines to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Get the vaccine once it’s available to you. Encourage your loved ones to do the same.
If we can work together to do these things, there’s reason to believe in a light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.
Author
Kanak Patel, MD, is Luminis Health’s system director of Critical Care Medicine.
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Recipe: Avocado Feta Salad
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Avocados are good for more than just making delicious guacamole or avocado toast. They’re packed full of healthy fats that offer many nutritional benefits. Plus, they can even help give your skin a healthy glow! These good fats give you long-lasting energy and help keep you full during the day.
For an easy way to incorporate this nutrient-dense fruit into your diet, try this avocado feta salad. Tip: It can also be used a dip and is great served with baked tortilla chips!
INGREDIENTS
2 large red tomatoes, chopped
1 ripe avocado
3 ounces crumbled feta cheese
1 clove minced garlic
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Juice from ½ lemon
INSTRUCTIONS
In bowl, gently toss tomatoes, avocado, garlic, parsley and feta. Gently stir in olive oil, lemon juice and vinegar. Cover and chill. Make sure to keep air out so the avocados don’t lose their signature green coloring.
To learn more about nutrition services at Anne Arundel Medical Center, visit AskAAMC.org/Nutrition.
Originally published Aug. 2, 2016. Last updated July 30, 2020.
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News & Press Releases
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Anne Arundel Medical Center Ranked among Top Five Hospitals in Maryland by U.S. News and World Report
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Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) has once again ranked among the top hospitals in the region. AAMC delivered steady performance year-over-year, ranking fourth for the second year in a row on U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best Hospitals in Maryland.
Also for the second year in a row, AAMC was rated as high performing in seven procedures and conditions: abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), colon cancer surgery, heart failure, hip and knee replacement and lung cancer surgery.
“It is because of our AAMC team, working together to provide outstanding, compassionate, patient and family centered care, that we have earned this honor,” said Sherry Perkins, president of Anne Arundel Medical Center. This formal recognition is a testimony to the excellence we see every day. Thanks to each team member who plays a part in the incredibly complex provision of care of our patients.”
To help patients decide where to receive care, U.S. News and World Report generates hospital rankings by evaluating data on nearly 5,000 hospitals across the nation. Regional rankings identify hospitals that perform well across a range of specialties, conditions and procedures.
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Pediatrics, Infectious Disease
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Caring for your child’s health during the pandemic
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As a parent, you’re probably still trying to learn how to navigate the new reality of dealing with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Your home is now your office. At the same time, it’s your new daycare facility. And just as you might have many questions about the new normal, you might also be wondering if you should take your child to the pediatrician during the pandemic.
The short answer is yes. If you’re concerned about keeping standing visits for your kids, it’s important that you remember that these are vital to their health. Getting immunizations and other regular check-ups remain important. This is especially true during the pandemic.
Pediatric practices are implementing new steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These extra precautions are designed to keep you safe. Some of these steps include screening children for symptoms by phone before their arrival. Additionally, staff are wearing masks and personal protective equipment when caring for your child.
Even while you are staying home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, there are still important reasons you may need to bring your child into the office, including:
Newborn visits after a baby is born. This is to make sure the baby is healthy and developing appropriately.
Immunizations. Especially during the pandemic, we want to prevent an outbreak of other illnesses.
Developmental screenings and tests. For example, hearing and vision screenings, monitoring growth, blood pressure and other vital signs.
Adolescent health concerns. This includes menstrual care, anxiety and depression screenings.
It’s also important to remember that our pediatrics Emergency Department (ED) is open. Patients must wear a mask to enter the ED. If patients need a mask, we give them one upon arrival. This is followed by screening questions at the front desk.
We encourage parents to call their pediatrician’s office if they’re concerned about their child’s health. However, if it’s an emergency, we encourage parents to come directly to the ED. Here, staff is ready and available to care for your child.
Understanding that you might feel anxious about bringing your child to the hospital, pediatric emergency visit turnaround time at AAMC has decreased to about 90 minutes for less acute symptoms. This is our way of giving you back your time and helping you get in and out as effectively as possible.
Whatever you might be calling or visiting us for, we can assure you we are taking steps to keep you and your children safe.
We understand things are a little different now and you might be worried about your child’s health. But, it’s important that you access care as soon as your child needs it. Waiting to come in will only prolong illness or symptoms. When a child needs to come in to the ED, the stay will likely be shorter the sooner you come.
We’re here to help you. We remain safe, ready and open to care for your child.
Authors
Lauren Fitzpatrick, MD, is the medical director of Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Pediatric Emergency Department.
Kristen Breslin, MD, MPH, is the medical director of Children’s National Emergency Department at Doctors Community Hospital.
Melanie Lee, MSN, RN, CPN, is the nursing manager of Pediatric Emergency and Inpatient Unit at Anne Arundel Medical Center.
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