- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogKnowledge is power. When it comes to breast cancer, this statement rings true. Understanding your personal risk factors for breast cancer can empower you to make healthier choices. It can also make you more aware of any changes in your breasts early on, before cancer develops or while it is still highly curable. Every day we take action to protect ourselves from harm. We wear bike helmets, change passwords and slather on sunscreen. Understanding your risk for breast cancer is no different. This starts with a conversation with your healthcare provider to help you make informed decisions about your health. You can control some risk factors. Maintaining an active lifestyle, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol are all ways you can lower your risk for breast cancer. Other risks are outside of your control, such as inheriting a BRCA gene mutation or having a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Each of these risk factors are red flags, and women should talk to a healthcare provider about risk assessment testing and genetic counseling. Risk assessment and prevention programs help women understand and do something about these red flags. With innovative resources including genetic counseling, breast specialists work closely with each woman. They can talk with you about making lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of breast and other cancers, customize a screening schedule to help detect changes in your breasts at an early stage and, in some cases, recommend medications or surgery to reduce your risk. While risk assessments can give you valuable information, they can’t give definite conclusions. No single model can predict whether a woman will or will not develop breast cancer. Even women who have no detectable risk factors may still have a high risk of developing breast cancer. All women have about a 12 percent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. And risk increases with age. One in eight women who live into their eighties will develop some form of breast cancer. Most will be cured but even so, it can be a devastating diagnosis with lasting impact. Here are five questions you should ask yourself to help assess your breast cancer risk: Do you have a mother, daughter or sister who has been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer? Has any man in your family been diagnosed with breast cancer? Have any of your aunts or cousins or grandmothers been diagnosed with ovarian cancer? Have you been told that you have very dense or lumpy breasts? Have you had multiple breast biopsies? Have you been treated with radiation for Hodgkin’s disease? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you may be at risk for breast cancer and should consider taking proactive measures for your breast health. Talk with your healthcare providers about your risk and about steps you can take to prevent cancer. For some women, this might include consulting with a breast cancer specialist. Unfortunately, all women are at risk of developing breast cancer, even without having any clear risk factors. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, have regular check-ups including breast imaging as recommended by your providers and be aware of any changes in your breasts. If you notice anything that concerns you, talk to your healthcare provider right away. An ounce of prevention is indeed better than a pound of cure. But, the best chance of cure is early detection. Talk with your doctor to determine the right breast cancer screening schedule and methods for you. Call 888-909-XRAY (9729) or schedule your mammogram at Anne Arundel Diagnostics Imaging. Read about two more ways to fight breast cancer: Ways to Fight Breast Cancer: Get Support and Ways to Fight Breast Cancer: Get Physical. Author Robert Buras, MD, is an AAMC breast surgeon and part of the Fortney Breast Center’s Risk Assessment and Prevention (RAPP) program. Originally published Sept. 30, 2016. Last updated Oct. 5, 2018. Save0
- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen your child says their first word, it’s an exciting step into constant chatter, a lot (A LOT) of questions, and some pretty funny ‘kids say the darndest things’ moments. But what happens when your child stops talking, stops opening up and shies away from sharing their day with you? As kids grow, they move through different stages of social development. Knowing which one they are in can help you navigate and initiate meaningful conversations with your child. Keeping your kids talking is important. Not in a hovering way, but to keep connected, to check in, and keep the lines of communication open. Easier said than done, right? It can be a challenge to keep the dialogue going with your child when the day has been long for both of you. Here are some easy-to-remember conversation starters to help. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL At this age, kids will still be willing to chat with you if you take initiative and make it fun. Ask questions that focus on playful ways for them to share their emotions, interests and abilities. “What’s something really cool we could do/build/play later?” “Who was your favorite person at school today? “What did you do today that made you feel accomplished?” “What is the best thing in your backpack right now?” READ MORE: The 5 emotions you should talk about with your child TWEENS Ah, the middle school years. Your child wants to feel competent and show you that they are capable, so try to give them opportunities to share their thoughts and skills. They are also starting to form their identity, which can be tricky at best. You can learn a lot by listening to them talk to their friends and then try to pick up those same conversations later on. “Can you show me how you did that…” “In middle school I remember being…” “How is so-and-so doing?” “What’s the kindest thing you did for someone this week?” READ MORE: Understanding how your child experiences social pressure TEENS + YOUNG ADULTS Your little one isn’t so little anymore. They are fast approaching adulthood. This means you can really start to get on their level and vice versa. Current event and pop culture topics seem cliché as conversation topics, but being open to your child’s perspective and feedback can make a huge impact as they are figuring out who they are and where they feel comfortable and safe. Avoid ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ questions and don’t be offended if they don’t want to talk. You can share parts of your day to give them space to be themselves but still show you’re there. “What do you think about the latest updates on…” “Let me tell you about my day…” “Are there any movies or shows you’ve been wanting to watch?” Remember, if you’re having trouble getting your child or teen to talk, try not to worry. If they aren’t talking to you, they might just be opening up to friends, a cousin, another parent etc. It’s time to be concerned if you see them stop communicating with everyone, if their eating or sleeping habits change, or if you see a big shift in their mood over time. Every day, there are hundreds of opportunities to connect with your child. Time only allows us to take advantage of so many, but when you see your chance — start the conversation. Looking for some inspiration? Our printable cards can help you get the conversation started! Author Jo Deaton is the senior director of nursing for Mental Health at Anne Arundel Medical Center. She can be reached at 410-573-5454. Ask questions, find resources and learn more at askAAMC.org/HealthyMinds. Originally published Sept. 25, 2018. Last updated Nov. 5, 2019.0
- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogRemember when you used to play on the playground as a child? Going to the playground didn’t only mean you were going to play, it meant you were going to laugh, run around, scream, fall, probably cry a little bit, just to get back up and keep laughing and running without a care in the world. It was the best thing ever. What we didn’t realize as children is that a lot more was happening. Not only were we having a great time while our parents were not watching our every step, we were also getting physically, mentally, emotionally and cognitively stronger. A playground should be thought of as an “opportunity ground.” Recent research attests to the fact that play is an essential tool in a child’s development. Actually, play is so significant to optimal child development that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child. Outdoor free play gives kids invaluable benefits. But not just children – everyone really. As the adventure therapy coordinator at Pathways, Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (AAMC) substance use and co-occurring disorder treatment facility, I’ve witnessed how adventure and play can help, even with individuals who are fighting the very serious issues of addiction and substance abuse. READ MORE: What do Healthy Minds Need? Adventure therapy allows folks to see that they can do something they deemed as impossible. We try to convey the lessons learned during therapy in their day-to-day lives, showing them how to trust themselves and trust others – even when those “others” are people like them going through rehabilitation. Play is an opportunity for children to use their creativity while developing other crucial life skills, according to research by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Here are some of the many benefits your child attains when playing: Physical. For children, it’s just fun to run and jump around. But research shows active play is critical for a child’s physical development. When kids are playing, they are honing their coordination, balance, space awareness and fine- and gross-motor skills. Physically active kids also tend to be leaner and healthier. In addition, physical play uses up natural stores of energy, which leads to better eating and sleeping habits – which also means better sleep for parents! Double win. Emotional. Play can be an emotional outlet, acting as therapy for some children who might be emotionally distressed from a traumatic situation. Research shows that play helps children release and “play out” their current emotional state – from fear, frustration, anger and aggression – all while teaching them how to express and regulate feelings. It’s also a chance for them to practice empathy and understanding. Social. By playing with others, children learn how to create and maintain friendships. Cooperative play helps kids sharpen their social skills while learning how to negotiate group dynamics. It gives them the opportunity to learn how to collaborate and cooperate with others, recognize and respond to different feelings, share, show kindness, resolve conflicts and follow the rules. Plus, social skills also support academic success. Cognitive. The most crucial time for a child’s brain development is from birth to age three, when the brain is developing at the fastest rate in a child’s lifetime. During this time, their brains are like sponges, quickly absorbing learning skills, like paying attention, reasoning, remembering what they’ve learned and motor skills. Play with your child to stimulate brain development and reinforce these skills! Choose brain-teasers, puzzles and strategy-based games to help strengthen their critical thinking skills. Creative. Creativity will continue to serve kids throughout their lives. Play is a chance for kids to let loose their imaginations and create their own worlds, giving them the freedom to explore new possibilities and think outside the box. Communication. By listening, observing and sometimes noticing subtle clues, such as body language or facial expressions, they’re developing this skill. Pretend play comes in handy for communication development and literacy. Role-play is also a chance to use words kids have heard from adults and other kids, improving their vocabulary. The list could go on and on. It’s not all about just fun and games, play is really an important teaching tool that can lead to developing necessary skills for the rest of a child’s life. Next time you’re out with your child or at home, join them. The benefits of play apply to everyone. Author Mark Sakraida is the adventure therapy coordinator at Pathways, AAMC’s substance use and co-occurring disorder treatment facility. Ask questions, find resources and learn more at askAAMC.org/HealthyMinds.0
- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogConfidence. Balance. Adventure. Focus. Support. These are just a few key qualities kids need in order to develop the mental strength required to become strong, responsible adults. Mental strength isn’t about being strong-willed, defiant or tough. It’s about teaching kids how to cope with what life sends their way and giving them the courage and confidence to reach to their full potential. As a parent, how do you instill these values while navigating the changing tides of society? You’re told to make kids brave, but cautious. Raise them to be confident, but humble. Give them freedom, but not too much. Keep them active, but let them rest. In the coming months, we’ll explore the “how” with you. Our age-by-age conversation starters will help you foster open communication as your child grows. Our article “Is it puberty or something else?” will explore what’s within the normal range of emotions and behavior and help you determine when you should seek professional help. We’ll talk about creating a stimulus barrier for yourself and your children, how play is therapeutic and how to navigate the pressures of social media. Raising mentally strong kids also takes self-reflection. When you get emergency instructions on an airplane, the flight attendant tells you to put on your own oxygen mask first before attempting to help anyone else. It’s a metaphor that extends to all aspects of life — you need to take care of yourself in order to best take care of others. So as you read our upcoming articles, participate in online discussions and use our tools to help encourage better communication with your child, reflect on how you too handle difficult situations, show resiliency and communicate. Let’s build mental muscle together. We need to make caring for our minds, and the minds of the children looking up to us, a priority. Because ultimately, healthy minds need YOU. Ask questions, find resources and learn more at askAAMC.org/HealthyMinds.0
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLast summer, Brandy Brooks, 39, was on a family vacation with her boyfriend and two children. Grabbing some ice cream to enjoy the cold treat in the hot weather, Brandy was having a great time. It wasn’t until she started laughing that she noticed something was off and had to urgently use the restroom. On their way back to the resort where they were staying, again she noticed something was wrong. But this time, she wasn’t able to hold it. Walking into the resort, she did it again. “Every time I would laugh or sneeze, I would pee myself,” Brandy recalls. “It was embarrassing.” Everything started in 2005, when Brandy had her first child. Like many women, Brandy experienced urine leakage during her pregnancy. But she continued to experience similar symptoms after giving birth to her daughter. “It was still a problem, but not huge,” Brandy says. “I didn’t have to wear protective garments so I didn’t pay much attention.” In 2013, Brandy had her second child. After having her son, she says things got worse. “It got progressively bad, to the point I had to wear adult protection all the time,” Brandy says. “Sometimes, I would wear two types at the same time. I was also having bad menstrual cycles.” Brandy remembers talking to a colleague about her concerns. Her colleague mentioned to schedule an appointment with the doctor that had helped her. Brandy was experiencing the symptoms of a pelvic floor disorder (PFD), a common problem many women experience, especially after giving birth. Almost one-quarter of women have pelvic floor disorders, according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health. The study revealed that pelvic floor disorders affect about 10 percent of women ages 20 to 39; 27 percent of women ages 40 to 59; 37 percent of women ages 60 to 79; and nearly half of women age 80 or older. “I was having more leakage over time and I decided to have a procedure to correct some of my symptoms,” says Brandy. Understanding pelvic floor health “The problem for women not knowing about pelvic health disorders is that they walk around with symptoms that they think are normal,” says Kay Hoskey, MD, urogynecologist with AAMC Women’s Center for Pelvic Health. “Most of the time, if women leak a little bit or feel different during intercourse, they write it off as normal. These are not always normal symptoms and if this is something women don’t want to deal with, there’s help.” When Brandy came to AAMC Women’s Center for Pelvic Health, her complaint was having everyday issues with urinary incontinence. “We explored her history and did some diagnostic studies,” Dr. Hoskey says. Brandy had experienced symptoms for 11 years, while the average time that a woman takes to present with pelvic floor disorders is about seven years. “I would encourage women to not ignore the symptoms for that long,” Dr. Hoskey says. “You don’t have to deny, dismiss or disguise symptoms like these, there are options that can help women deal with PFDs.” At AAMC Women’s Center for Pelvic Health, the practice primarily focuses on bowel issues, urinary issues and pelvic organ prolapse, among other areas. Taking a holistic approach, the practice offers a variety of treatments, including dietary recommendations, exercise, biofeedback, massage and surgery when necessary. Brandy required robotic surgery, an option that allowed her to heal faster with less pain and scarring. “She didn’t want to use the restroom as often and she didn’t want to have heavy periods,” Dr. Hoskey says. “She wanted to get back to her normal activities, like being able to play with her kids without having any concerns.” Regaining a carefree life Two weeks after surgery, Brandy went out with her boyfriend to the store. Joking around, Brandy started laughing. “I laughed and laughed and realized I wasn’t rushing to the restroom,” Brandy says. “I told my boyfriend and started to cry because I was able to laugh without any worries.” Brandy also noticed other big changes, such as not experiencing heavy, painful periods. For her, this was a new opportunity to regain a carefree life. After years of experiencing incontinence and worrying about leaving her house and having to take protection with her, she no longer has to think about where the nearest restroom is or if she will have an embarrassing moment in public. A full-time mom and employee gearing up to get her nursing degree, Brandy encourages other women to not be embarrassed and pay attention to their health. “I feel like a young woman whose bladder is working the way it is supposed to,” Brandy says. “Don’t be afraid to seek the treatment for it or worry about what others will say, you really need to worry about yourself and take care of yourself first.” If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain due to a pelvic condition, visit AAMC Women’s Center for Pelvic Health website and schedule a consultation.0
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