- 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
- Cancer Care, GivingGeneral Page Tier 3BlogBeth Prout Lennon remembers when her mother, Maureen Prout, was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2002. Maureen was told, “Only 5 percent of people make it.” Her response to the life-altering news was, “Well, somebody has to be that 5 percent!” For the next five years and throughout more than 100 chemotherapy treatments, Maureen’s enthusiasm was an inspiration to all who came in contact with her. Encouraged by her mother’s positive outlook after an aggressive ovarian cancer diagnosis, Beth is following in her mother’s footsteps, cofounding the DeCesaris/Prout Cancer Foundation. In partnership with JoAnn DeCesaris Wellington, whose father Geaton DeCesaris was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2002, these daughters are on a mission to profoundly affect research on lung and ovarian cancer. They want to bring awareness to those who do not know they are at risk, and make a difference in these diseases through better treatment options. “Our hope is, with awareness, people can recognize the symptoms in the early stages of both these life-threatening diseases, and get the treatment they need,” says Beth. Beth, of Friendship, shared that her mother’s faith and close relationships with her family, friends and her care team helped her through her journey with cancer. During her treatment, Maureen was determined to support others battling cancer. She shared her experiences with others and made herself available to anyone who needed help or just an ear to listen. New ovarian cancer support program During Maureen’s care, she and her family met single moms who had to walk home after treatments because they didn’t have anyone to pick them up or didn’t have money for cab fare. They met other mothers who were worried about affording groceries for their children and still others who needed babysitters to watch their children during treatments. Despite facing her own disease, Maureen spent time and energy helping others she met along the way. In the fall of 2016, the DeCesaris/Prout Foundation provided initial funding for a new Ovarian Cancer Support Program for patients undergoing treatment at AAMC’s Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute. “This incredible gift will support a woman’s unique emotional, spiritual and social needs and has the power to help balance the everyday challenges women face while undergoing treatment and beyond,” says Cathy Copertino, AAMC’s vice president of Cancer Services. Beth feels that she is honoring her mother’s legacy of compassion and caring through the establishment of this new program. “We want this Survivors Fund to help those women and their families who need a bus ticket, grocery gift card, or other needed services during this difficult time,” says Beth. “My mom would be very happy today to know that her inspiration is helping other women manage their cancer journey.” To learn more about how you can make a difference in cancer survivorship programs at AAMC, contact 443-481-4747 or [email protected]. Originally published Sept. 11, 2017. Last updated Sept. 4, 2018.0
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