- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTelehealth visits (also referred to as virtual visits, virtual consultations or telemedicine) are a great way to stay connected with your doctors from just about anywhere via a screen — like a computer, tablet or cell phone — instead of trekking to a medical office. Many chronic conditions and minor illnesses can be handled through a telehealth visit, including: Chronic disease guidance Dermatology care Medication management Mental health counseling Nutrition counseling Prescription refills Urgent care (sinusitis, back pain, urinary tract infections, common rashes, etc.) Wellness and general health information With the coronavirus pandemic in full swing, millions of people have found virtual visits to be a very convenient and effective way to stay in touch with their healthcare providers. Planning a telehealth visit? Download this handy checklist to help you prepare. A little prep goes a long way Know what you’ll need for your conversation with the doctor Taking the time to gather a few important items before your visit will help your virtual visit run smoothly and will allow you make the most of your time with your physician: Medication bottles: Those medication names can be real tongue-twisters. So, it’s best to let your doctor see the bottles and labels for each medication you take. That will ensure there are no mix-ups and clarify all medication names and dosage. Paperwork: Just like any medical visit, your insurance, medical history and other forms must be completed. Your doctor’s office can tell you if any forms on file need updating. Pen and paper: You’ll want to take notes while you talk to your doctor. Also, jot down your questions beforehand; it’s only natural to forget a question or two. Test results: If you’ve had any screening tests recently, make sure your doctor has the results prior to your visit. If you’ve done any home monitoring tests (like glucometer or blood pressure readings), it’s important to have those numbers on hand. Set up and test your equipment ahead of time If you’re new to virtual meetings, it’s essential to make time to get your device set up and ready to go. You might try a test with a friend, a quick check to make sure your doctor will get a clear picture and hear you well. Here are a few important reminders: Charge your device: Making sure your device is fully charged will help ensure your time with the doctor isn’t interrupted. Check your internet connection: If you’re using Wi-Fi, get the best signal you can. You may need to position yourself close to your internet router and/or close down other devices to improve your connection. Check your laptop, phone or tablet: Make sure video/camera and audio access has been enabled — and check the volume. Consider your lighting: Is your space private, quiet and well-lit? If you’re in front of a window, the bright light might shadow your face. Make sure your face is centered and your webcam is at eye level. Log on a few minutes early: This can help check for (and fix) any technological problems beforehand so you don’t delay your appointment. Why patients (and doctors) like telehealth visits During the pandemic, virtual visits went from being an item on our lists of things to try someday to becoming a necessity. And the benefits became clear, quickly: These visits helped us reduce exposure to COVID-19 while still getting the ongoing medical care we need. Even after we have coronavirus well under control, it’s likely doctors and patients alike will continue to enjoy the benefits of telehealth. After all, we’re much more comfortable with it now. Telehealth allows you to: Access medical specialists easily Address health issues without leaving home Save time off of work See your doctor quickly, possibly the same day We’re here, whenever and wherever you need us Telehealth visits are intended to help you get the medical attention you need without driving to see your doctor, risking exposure to contagious illnesses or spending time in a waiting room — especially if you aren’t feeling well. If you’re not sure about using your computer or cell phone for a telehealth visit, feel free to reach out to your provider’s office. They’ll be happy to walk you through the process, step by step, over the phone. Just remember: You aren’t the first to ask questions about telehealth visits. Our experts can explain it to you clearly, so you’ll feel comfortable. Authors Andrew McGlone, MD, is a physician with Anne Arundel Medical Group Annapolis Primary Care. You can reach him at 443-481-1150. Sufia Syed, MD, is an internal medicine physician at Doctors Community Practices at Laurel.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNothing 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.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’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.0
- General Page Tier 3BlogAvocados 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, 2020.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne 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.0
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