- Behavioral Health, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhile heart attacks are physical health problems, many people don’t realize they can create mental health issues as well. Feeling depressed after a heart attack isn’t uncommon. According to the American Heart Association, up to 33 percent of heart attack patients experience depression. When someone has a heart attack they’re typically doing something, such as running or walking up stairs. After the heart attack they may be afraid their heart is delicate and hesitate to complete common activities. Most heart attack patients experience feelings of shock or sadness after a heart attack, but some people can slip into a deeper depression. If these emotions continue for several weeks, it’s time to seek help. Because depression can affect physical health, addressing symptoms quickly can help avoid other problems down the road. I tell patients, “You’re going to go back to your usual life, as long as you take the right steps.” These steps include faithfully taking prescribed medications, eating a healthy diet and exercising. And cardiac rehabilitation can help. Cardiac rehab provides a safe environment to start increasing physical fitness. AAMC’s Outpatient Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program includes counseling to help patients improve their health and reduce the risk of future heart problems. Oftentimes, patients who choose to participate in cardiac rehab have better outcomes than those who don’t. Family members and loved ones also play an important role in helping heart attack patients recover. If you think you know someone experiencing post-heart-attack depression, look for these warning signs: -Extreme changes in appetite -Extreme changes in sleeping patterns -Avoiding previously enjoyable activities -Insomnia -Restlessness -Fatigue -Feelings of worthlessness -Feelings of excessive or inappropriate guilt -Trouble concentrating Encourage people who show these signs to seek help. For some, support groups are a healthy environment to cope with depression after a heart attack. AAMC’s healthy hearts cardiac support group is available for those who have experienced heart issues. Call 410-507-3766 for more information. Heart attack patients can experience the same quality of life as they did before their heart attack, but sometimes they need to take extra steps to get there. Author Baran Kilical, MD, is a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist with Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published Feb. 23, 2016. Last updated March 27, 2019.0
- News & Press Releases, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) has achieved the “Center of Excellence in Education and Training” designation from the Maryland Patient Safety Center and Vermont Oxford Network (VON) for completing universal training for care of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS is drug withdrawal syndrome experienced by infants exposed to opioids while in utero. Infants born with NAS are more likely to have respiratory complications, feeding difficulty, low birthweights and extended hospital stays. The collaborative approach to universal training included rapid-cycle distribution of current evidence-based practices to the entire interdisciplinary workforce engaged in caring for substance-exposed infants and families. This approach has been proven to reduce length of hospital stay and length of pharmacologic treatment while increasing family satisfaction. AAMC’s Newborn Cuddle Program is one approach its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) team uses to treat substance-exposed infants. Hospital trained volunteers use comforting techniques, such as holding, rocking, singing or reading, which help decrease length of stay and the need for medication. “This designation recognizes our dedication to elevating care for infants and families affected by neonatal abstinence syndrome,” said Suzi Rindfleisch, medical director, Neonatal Services at AAMC. “We are committed to interdisciplinary education and service for this important, vulnerable population.” “The collective dedication of entire teams – including physicians, bedside nurses, social workers, and other health care professionals – make improvement possible,” said Bonnie DiPietro, director of operations for the Maryland Patient Safety Center. “We are already seeing fewer transports of infants, which means families get to stay closer to their local support system, and we expect to see outcomes improve even more over time.”0
- Men's Health, Women's Health, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnn Caldwell, a nutritionist and registered dietitian at AAMC, breaks down five common heart health misconceptions. Myth #1 – Eggs and other foods high in cholesterol are unhealthy and to be avoided. The cholesterol in foods actually has little effect on most people’s cholesterol levels. In fact, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s recent finding is that cholesterol in the diet need no longer be considered a “nutrient of concern.” The bigger concern continues to be too many servings of foods high in saturated fats and trans fats, such as fatty meats, whole milk dairy products, fried foods, and butter. Try focusing instead on less processed foods and a more plant-based diet. Myth #2 – If I had high blood pressure, I would know. High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because you don’t usually know you have it. You may never experience symptoms, so don’t wait for your body to alert you there is a problem. The way to know if you have high blood pressure is to check your numbers with a simple blood pressure test. Early treatment of high blood pressure is critical because, if left untreated, it can cause heart attack, stroke, kidney damage and other serious health problems. Myth #3– If I don’t have an hour to do cardio, it is not worth it. Sedentary lifestyle is a major risk for heart disease. Compared with people who exercise regularly, inactive people have nearly twice the risk of heart disease. After checking with your physician, set yourself a weekly exercise goal and start gradually. Do not wait to find time—be proactive by setting aside time for daily exercise. Being more active isn’t just about heart health; exercise improves our sleep, emotional health, reduces stress, and improves agility and balance. Myth #4 – Drink wine, eat dark chocolate and live forever. Wouldn’t it be great if we had to eat chocolate and drink wine to stay healthy? Unfortunately, this is not the case. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there is not conclusive evidence that either of these indulgences have any health benefits. Although a few small studies have pointed to some benefit, the fat, sugar and alcohol outweigh the benefit. Myth #5 – I am too young to worry about heart disease. How you live now affects your risk for cardiovascular disease later in life. As early as childhood and adolescence, plaque can start accumulating in the arteries and later lead to clogged arteries. One in three Americans has cardiovascular disease, but not all of them are senior citizens. Even young and middle-aged people can develop heart problems, especially now that obesity, type 2 diabetes and other risk factors are becoming more common at a younger age. Author Ann Caldwell is a nutritionist and registered dietitian at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published Feb. 27, 2015. Last updated March 25, 2019.0
- Men's Health, Weight Loss, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSpring is officially here. As you’re rolling up your sleeves for spring cleaning, why not overhaul your cupboards and remove the foods that are sabotaging your health? Start eating healthy and purge your kitchen of processed foods, products with more than five ingredients, expired items, and sugary and salty snacks. Avoid foods with ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, trans or saturated fats, and any other additives you cannot pronounce. Load up on lean proteins, such as tuna, sardines, salmon and low sodium beans. Trade out high-sugared cereals for oatmeal flavored with cinnamon and fruit. Try some new grains such as quinoa, faro or buckwheat. Declutter your freezer It’s easy to throw foods in the freezer and forget about them, or allow them to become buried by recent purchases. Get rid of anything with ice crystals forming on it. Foods with freezer burn not only lose flavor, but also their nutrient density, especially produce. Meats can keep up to nine months in the freezer. Make room for frozen fruits and vegetables to have on hand to supplement meals, shooting for the “My Plate” goal of making half your plate fruits and vegetables. Lighten up your fridge Even with plenty of frozen fruits and vegetables, you want to be sure to have room for fresh varieties. Aim for foods that keep for days such as oranges, cauliflower, apples and cabbage. Don’t cut up anything or pre-wash produce when you bring it home from the store. Although this may seem like a time saver, it will make the produce spoil sooner. Save food prepping for the night before to save time. Swap out creamy condiments like mayo, salad dressings and sour cream for mustard, flavored vinegars, lemon or lime juice, Greek yogurt and olive oil. Always have a carton of eggs for a quick protein that goes well with any snack or meal. Food storage Finally, put everything in its place. To make sure your healthy habits stick, it is important to put energy and time into where you are storing your foods. Keep the nutrient-dense options front and center and the treats in the back, perhaps out of sight out of mind. It is also key to keep the FIFO method of inventory in mind when restocking shelves, which means ‘first in, first out.’ In other words, rotate the items you already have to the front of the freezer, or cupboards and then put the newer items in the back. Authors By Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford, nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them call 443-481-5555. Originally published April 3, 2017. Last updated March 25, 2019.0
- Cancer Care, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogColorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer, and cause of death from cancer, in the United States. According to a recent study by the American Cancer Society, the rate of colorectal cancers, located in the colon or rectum, is on the rise for people under 50. But despite that trend, experts project almost 60 percent of new diagnoses in 2017 will be for those 65 years old and up. March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. A good time to remember that colorectal cancer can be prevented by detecting precancerous polyps, which are small, abnormal growths in the colon. Polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy. Many people have no symptoms of early colorectal cancer. Screenings are important because they can detect cancer at an early, curable stage. Studies show a lower death rate from colorectal cancer among people who get screened compared to those who do not. You have several screening options — the most effective one is the one you will follow through with. Fecal Screening Tests Fecal screening tests can find tiny amounts of blood in stool that can either be a sign of large polyps or cancer. Your health care provider will determine if you need this screening every year or every two years. You can take these types of tests at home with a kit and instructions from your doctor’s office. If your results are positive, you will need to follow up with a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy Many studies show the rate of cancer death is 68 to 88 percent lower for people who have a colonoscopy compared to those who do not. This is because experts can remove polyps during the colonoscopy, before polyps can become cancerous. A polyp is considered a pre-cancerous lesion. Removing them is a primary prevention strategy. This screening can also detect cancer in an early, curable stage. CT Colonography A CT Colonography is a procedure using imaging or x-rays to produce a detailed image of the colon and rectum. A CT Colonography can be effective in detecting raised polyps. However, this type of screening is not as good as a colonoscopy for detecting flat polyps, which are harder to recognize. Also, with CT Colonography, if a polyp is discovered it cannot be removed right then. You will need a colonoscopy to remove the polyp. Blood-Based Tests The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a blood-based colorectal cancer screening test. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the long-term benefit of this screening tool. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends you start getting screened when you turn 50 if you are at average risk for colorectal cancer. The guidelines suggest a stool test annually or every three years, or a colonoscopy every 10 years, or a CT Colonography every five years. If you are between 76 and 85 years old, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of screening. You should stop screening after 85 years of age. The task force recommends earlier and more frequent screening if you’re high risk. If you have a direct relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer before 60 years of age, you should have a colonoscopy when you turn 40, or when you’re 10 years younger than the relative’s age when they were diagnosed. Whichever is earlier. There is no “best” strategy for colorectal cancer screening. The best test to screen for colon cancer is the test you can complete consistently. Author Naeem Newman, MD, is a surgical oncologist at AAMC Surgical Oncology. Originally published March 21, 2017. Last updated March 13, 2019.0
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