- Behavioral Health, Digestive CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and anxiety may not seem like they’d have anything to do with each other. After all, one affects the gut while the other influences the mind. But new research has found that not only is there a connection, it’s written in our genes. What is the relationship between IBS and anxiety? Researchers have long known that the brain sends signals to the gut. Until recently, though, most scientists flat-out rejected the possibility that it could be a two-way street. Studies in the past decade, however, have shed new light on evidence that the communication does go both ways. And interest in the brain-gut connection is now gaining ground. A study published in late 2021 by the journal Nature Genetics sought to identify genetic risk factors for IBS. What researchers found was proof that IBS and anxiety share certain genetic pathways. That means that the genetic changes that put someone at an increased risk for IBS also put them at an increased risk for certain mental health conditions, like depression, insomnia and anxiety. The findings don’t just highlight the close ties between IBS and anxiety. They also set the stage for the development of new treatments. Taking a closer look at IBS and anxiety IBS is a common condition that affects one in 10 people worldwide. It causes symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating and bowel issues. Factors like diet, stress and behavior can increase a person’s risk. So can difficult early-life events, like physical or sexual abuse and certain mental health disorders. Anxiety may be a normal reaction to stress. It can also develop into a disorder when feelings of dread and unease don’t go away and worsen over time. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. Symptoms can include a pounding heartbeat, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms can interfere with a person’s daily life. What this news means for you The newfound genetic link between IBS and anxiety shows that anxiety aggravates IBS symptoms. And IBS, in turn, aggravates anxiety symptoms. But one disorder doesn’t cause the other. They simply share a common origin: the same mutated genes that lead to brain or nerve cell changes and symptoms in both the brain and gut. It’s already common practice for doctors to treat a person’s anxiety when working to manage their IBS symptoms. They’ve found success through treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medical hypnotherapy and progressive muscle relaxation, as well as antidepressants. CBT, for example, helps raise awareness of negative thinking so people can respond to challenging situations in a more effective way. In the future, scientists may be able to tailor treatments for IBS and anxiety based on these shared genetic differences. As with everything, though, therapies should be personalized to the individual. If you have IBS, talk to your doctor to see if mental health therapies might help you better manage your symptoms. Authors Showkat Bashir, MD, specializes in gastroenterology at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogOne in five children today are clinically obese, according to U.S. data. That’s a staggering statistic. Practicing an active lifestyle at an early age with your children is important. Whether you’re making it a family priority for the first time, or if COVID-19 has temporarily derailed you and you need to get back on track, here are ideas to get outside and active this summer. Understand Obesity in Kids As kids grow and develop, their body weight naturally fluctuates a bit as they go through various stages. At your child’s yearly checkup, the doctor will measure their weight and compare it to growth charts, your child’s personal history and your family history to make sure they’re staying in a healthy range. Children become overweight for a variety of reasons. Some reasons include family eating habits, community factors, what they eat and drink and how much exercise they get. Unfortunately, being overweight can set a child up to experience serious issues, such as: Breathing problems Heart disease Joint problems Social problems Type 2 diabetes Make Time to Play: 60 Minutes a Day With busy family schedules and children spending more time in front of screens, there can be fewer hours in the day to let them run, jump, climb and swing. But it’s worth making an intentional plan if you’re worried your child isn’t getting enough physical activity. Remember: Kids aged 6 to 17 should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day Kids aged 3 to 5 should stay active throughout the day to help their growth and development Anything that gets your kiddos up and moving — and gets their heart rate up — is a great place to start. Aim to allow both structured and unstructured activities. Work to help your child find physical activities they enjoy so they’re more likely to keep it up. Move Forward Together A great way to help your kids lead a healthy lifestyle is to lead one yourself. They’ll learn from your example. It helps when everyone feels like they’re on the same team. Try to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Cut back on sugary drinks and make regular physical activity a priority. Take a look at your summer calendar to make sure you’ve included enough regular, active play. If you want to kick-start a new routine, here are a few ideas to get moving as a family: Plan Backyard Hangouts: Blow bubbles and see who can catch the most Build a backyard obstacle course Chalk out a hopscotch or scooter-trick course Follow each other’s lead with Simon Says Plant a garden or work together in the yard Relive Your Youth: Get competitive with frisbee, kickball or tug of war Have a jump rope or hula hoop contest Make a slip ‘n slide using a plastic tarp Play hide and seek or tag outside Teach each other your coolest dance moves Take Your Fun on the Go: Check out an interesting local attraction Get together safely with friends at the playground or pool Head out on a family bike ride Make a picnic to take to the park Walk the dog (or a neighbor’s dog!) Enjoy a Healthy Summer Get out and enjoy yourself. It will feel great to take in some fresh air — and to get back to your favorite physical activities. As long as you plan ahead and follow local health and safety guidelines, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy a very active and healthy summer with your kids. Author Scott Eden, MD, is a practicing family medicine physician at Anne Arundel Medical Group Chesapeake Family Medicine in Annapolis.
- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFor a lot of us, the pandemic has taken its toll on our mental health and wellbeing. That’s especially true for teenagers. At Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, we have seen an increase in mental health visits to the pediatric emergency room. That’s why we have created a new space for young patients to relax and chill out. Over the past few months, a planning team has transformed the hospital’s old playroom into a Zen Den, an area specifically designed to meet the mental health needs of teens. “Before a teen is admitted, there is a fair amount of wait time anxiety,” said Melanie Lee, clinical nursing director of Pediatrics for Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “The Zen Den is a safe and supportive space that came at just the right time. During this pandemic, we saw an increase in teenagers needing mental health services.” The moment you walk in the room, you are surrounded by peace and calm – the lighting is dim, the walls are painted blue, and soft music is playing in the background. Teens can relax in a beanbag chair, write their feelings on a white board, or enjoy the Vector Jr. sensory station, complete with a bubble and jellyfish tower. “You feel like you are not in the hospital,” said Meghan Siegel, a certified child-life specialist at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, “and it’s already making a difference. Patients are relieved, peaceful, and less stressed. It’s really a simple space.” The Zen Den was made possible thanks to donations from the community. When Rob Rex died in November 2020, his family asked loved ones and friends to donate money for a new playroom at the hospital. Nearly $14,000 were raised through the Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation, which helped create this innovative addition to the Pediatric Emergency Unit. “We are happy to be able to give back to the community that has been so incredibly supportive of us,” said Jenn Rex. “There is not much more important than the mental health of our children and we are proud to have the Zen Den named in my husband’s memory and as a lasting reminder of the impact his life had on so many. Rob was the most positive person I have ever known and we look forward to doing as many positive things as we can in his honor.”
- Behavioral Health, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMeeting the behavioral needs of residents in Prince George’s County is the motivation behind a new partnership between Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) and Prince George’s County. Victoria Bayless, chief executive officer for Luminis Health, and Deneen Richmond, president of LHDCMC, joined County Executive Angela Alsobrooks for the official groundbreaking for the Behavioral Health Services Building. Located on the campus of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center, the facility will offer a broad continuum of behavioral health services. “Today is a momentous occasion for Luminis Health as we break ground on this facility – to provide patient centered care and local access to community members suffering from mental health and substance use disorders,” said Victoria Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “We are committed to removing barriers to health care, and ensuring everyone has access to the care needed to live a healthy life.” Right now, there are limited mental health resources in Prince George’s County. “We are here to serve the residents of Prince George’s County, and behavioral health care is one of the major needs,” said Deneen Richmond, president of LHDCMC. “In the last year, we have seen an incredible rise in the need for mental health services. I believe we all know that particularly during the pandemic, and even prior to COVID, there are a number of people suffering with mental health conditions and are unable to get the care and treatment they need and deserve.” The two-story 31,200 square foot facility is made possible thanks to a $20 million grant from Prince George’s County. “We understand the strength of this partnership and look forward to growing the program with the County as we continue to meet this community’s behavioral health needs,” said Richmond. ”These programs bring us one step closer to eliminating health disparities in Prince George’s County.” The project has two phases. The first phase, which is slated to be completed by Winter 2021, will include first floor ambulatory services: Walk-in/urgent care behavioral health services Outpatient transitional behavioral health clinic Substance use disorder intensive outpatient treatment program Mental health partial hospitalization programs for adults and adolescents 8-bed residential crisis program The second phase is a 16-bed adult inpatient psychiatric unit. A Certificate of Need was recently submitted to the Maryland Health Care Commission for approval for the second floor unit.
- Behavioral Health, CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhat’s in your medicine cabinet? It’s a good time to take a look inside. Friday, April 16, is National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day. A medicine cabinet packed with old or unused meds can be dangerous. Give yours a good cleaning. These simple steps can help keep your family, friends and neighbors safe. Here are ways you can remove the risk: Toss it and forget it You should toss leftover or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Your old prescription may no longer be effective for your current health condition. Additionally, expired medications may not work as well, or even become toxic and harm you. As a general rule, discard any prescriptions that are more than a year old, or medications that have passed their expiration dates. How to do it right Do not flush your pills down the toilet or the sink. They can harm the water supply and affect the fish we eat. Instead, dispose your leftover or expired meds in designated drop-off boxes. Conveniently, the Anne Arundel County Police Department has several locations. District stations are open 24/7, headquarters from 8 am to 4 pm. In Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties, you can often take old meds to your local pharmacy for disposal. Throwing meds in the trash can harm the earth. If you must, consider using a secured container or DisposeRX packets. Let’s Look Out for Each Other Doctors prescribe opioids to treat pain. Common types are oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin) and methadone. Did you know that 70% of people who misuse opioid painkillers get them from friends and relatives? It’s important to safely toss or lock your medications to protect those you care about. We can all do our part to end substance misuse and keep our community safe. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there is help including locally at Pathways, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s substance abuse and mental health treatment facility. Call (443) 481-5400. Authors Daniel Watkins is the director of substance use services at Pathways.
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