- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogA physical therapist by training, Kelly Rund is used to working in the outpatient world, without the lines, tubes and monitors that are fixtures of a hospital room. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed things. Kelly is one of 36 physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists and rehabilitation aides redeployed to work with COVID-19 patients on Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (AAMC) medical/surgical units as part of the new Prone and Mobility team. Six members of the team are working in AAMC’s Intensive Care Unit. The program has two components. Staff members are trained to “prone” patients, or place them on their stomach. The process takes about an hour and helps mitigate COVID-19 symptoms and increase the amount of oxygen they are getting into their lungs. They are also trained to assist with patients’ mobility, helping them walk around their rooms and do other activities to keep them moving. Kelly, who normally is based at AAMG Physical Therapy’s Edgewater office, says the program has given her an opportunity to support patients emotionally as well as medically. It’s nice for them to see a friendly face, even if it’s hidden behind masks and face shields, she adds. “I feel very thankful just to be someone who can be in there and sit with them,” Kelly says. Christy Wu, AAMC’s inpatient physical therapy manager, says the program began at the start of the pandemic. Clinic staff members were originally redeployed to help patients with their mobility, which decreases their fall risk and the likelihood that they’ll have to return to the hospital. But there was a growing need to have clinical staff on hand to prone position patients. Studies have shown that prone positioning could lead to improved outcomes for patients who are on ventilators. Doctors at hospitals in New York and Massachusetts have seen improvements when COVID-19 patients are placed in the prone position. “You definitely see a difference when you get these patients off of their backs,” says Clarisse Labor, a physical therapist with AAMG Physical Therapy’s Bowie North office. Each team member is trained to do both prone positioning and mobility – it just depends on what and where the need is. AAMC already had mobility training in place for nursing staff and has adapted prone positioning training from Massachusetts General Hospital. “They have amazing clinical skills, and we are putting them where they are needed and helping to support the nursing units,” Christy says. “We’ve had really great feedback from the nursing directors.” Since the beginning of May, the team has prone positioned 150 COVID-19 patients, Christy says. Mobility numbers aren’t yet available. Kelly and Clarisse say their colleagues in the hospital have been supportive and eager to show them the ropes. “It’s been several years since I worked in acute care, and it’s definitely different than outpatient,” Clarisse says. “But the nurses and therapists have been very helpful and I definitely felt welcomed. I feel fortunate that I am still able to help in these times.” Elizabeth Bailey, clinical supervisor on the Observation Unit, added that the team has gone above and beyond their assigned duties. “Today I watched a special needs patient on our unit just beam with pride as they encouraged her, telling her how well she was doing,” she says. “They assisted other patients with ambulation to the commode, and even changed briefs and bed linens as they worked with the patients. This was not expected or even asked of them – they wanted to do it.” Christie Thibeault, nursing manager on the Observation Unit, praised team members for providing an extra set of hands in an extremely busy time. Thanks to the team, nurses can stay focused on other aspects of care. “They have just been phenomenal support for our nursing staff, and have improved the quality of patient care tremendously,” Christie says. A former ICU and trauma nurse, Christie has long been familiar with the benefits of prone positioning and says she’s eager to dive more deeply into how it’s improved COVID-19 patient outcomes post-pandemic. “There’s so much that should come out of this,” she says. “Did it decrease their length of stay? Did it prevent them from going on a ventilator?” Christie is excited to see the impact of this important work.0
- NutritionGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s the holiday season – a time to enjoy our favorite seasonal treats. Watching your sugar or calorie intake this year? We have you covered with these recipes, which offer your sweet tooth a healthier alternative. Snickerdoodles This version of the holiday staple has less added sugar. Ingredients 1 cup trans-fat free tub margarine 1/4 cup stevia sugar blend plus 1 tablespoon stevia sugar blend, divided use 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Directions Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the margarine, 1/ 4 cup stevia sugar blend, egg, and vanilla until smooth. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using the electric mixer on medium speed, gradually beat the flour mixture into the stevia sugar blend mixture just until moistened but no flour is visible. In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 1 tablespoon stevia sugar blend and the cinnamon. Using your hands, shape the dough into 1 and 1/4-inch balls to make 24 cookies. Gently roll in the stevia sugar blend cinnamon mixture, coating lightly. Place about 2 inches apart on a large baking sheet or two small baking sheets. With the palm of your hand or a fork, lightly flatten each ball. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms are browned. Serving size one cookie, 91 calories per cookie. Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association. Mint-Chocolate Meringue Cookies Ingredients 3 egg whites 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted 1/4 teaspoon mint extract 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped bittersweet chocolate Directions Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, securing the edges with tape. With an electric mixer, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Add cocoa powder and beat until the mixture becomes glossy. Add mint extract. Gently fold in chips. Place mixture in a pastry bag fitted with a 1/ 2 or 3/ 4- inch tip. Pipe 1-inch rounds onto the parchment, leaving 1 to 2 inches between cookies. With damp fingertips, press down any peaks. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating pans halfway through baking. Place baking sheets on a cooling rack for 10 minutes before peeling cookies off the parchment. If a pastry bag isn’t available, spoon mixture into a zip-top bag and snip a ½-inch hole in the bottom corner of the bag. Batter can also be dropped with a tablespoon onto the parchment. Makes about 60 cookies. Serving size one cookie, 15 calories per cookie. Recipe courtesy of the American Cancer Society. Poached Pears with Pomegranate Sauce Ingredients 1/3 cup pomegranate juice 2 teaspoons sugar 1 medium pears (peeled, halved, cored) 1 teaspoon water 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons sliced almonds (dry-roasted, crumbled) 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch Directions In a small saucepan, stir together the pomegranate juice and sugar. Add the pear halves with the cut side down. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for five minutes, or until tender, turning occasionally. Remove from the heat. Leaving the liquid in the pan, transfer the pear halves with the cut side down to dessert plates. Put the cornstarch in a small bowl. Add the water, stirring to dissolve. Pour into the same pan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Boil for one minute. Remove from the heat. Stir in the lemon zest and vanilla. Spoon over the pears. Sprinkle with the almonds. Tip: Be sure to use a ripe pear for peak texture and flavor. Using a firm pear not only will require at least twice as much cooking time but also will not be as tender, sweet, and flavorful. Serving size one pear half and one tablespoon of sauce, 120 calories per serving. Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association. Enjoy!0
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogProactive, regularly scheduled screenings are your best defense against cancer. By checking for cancer before you have symptoms, you can catch it early — when it’s most treatable and gives you the best chance for a successful outcome. Dr. Feras Abdul-Khalek, medical oncologist for the Luminis Health Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, suggests talking with your doctor about the types of cancer screening that are right for you and when you should have them. Know your risk factors The timing and type of cancer screenings you need depends on your risk factors. And each type of cancer has its own set of risk factors; some you can control and some you cannot. If you’re concerned about a specific type of cancer, ask your doctor which risk factors may make you more likely to get cancer. Common risk factors include: Age Alcohol use Certain gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 for breast cancer Dense breast tissue Diet Family history First pregnancy after age 30 Gender Physical activity Sun exposure Tobacco use Ultraviolet radiation exposure (such as tanning beds) Weight Understand screening types When it comes to cancer screening, remember you’re your first line of defense. Know your body and tell your doctor about any changes or symptoms as soon as you find them. Healthcare professionals are specially trained to listen to — and follow up on — your concerns. They will also likely recommend some routine cancer screenings based on your unique needs: Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer. Several types of screening can help detect colorectal cancer, including a colonoscopy. Men and women at average risk for colorectal cancer should have screening between 45 and 75. CT Scan for lung cancer. A low-dose CT scan, which combines x-ray imaging with computer processing, can reduce lung cancer deaths in heavy smokers. Adults age 50-80 who either currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years may be eligible for annual screening. Exams for skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. and typically affects exposed skin like your face, hands and arms. Schedule a skin cancer screening or talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in your skin, like a new mole or changes to a mole you already have. HPV and Pap tests for cervical cancer. The human papillomavirus test (HPV) and Pap test, alone or in combination, are the standard screening tests for cervical cancer. Women age 21 should begin screening for cervical cancer (Pap test alone); age 30-65 Pap test every 3 years or Pap test and/or HPV test every 5 years. Remember – the HPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancers. Mammograms for breast cancer. Mammography uses a low-level x-ray to take images of the breast tissue and check for any masses. Women age 40 and older should get a mammogram every year. PSA test for prostate cancer. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures a protein produced by prostate cells. Men aged 55 and older are at a higher risk for prostate cancer and should regularly have screenings. Trust Luminis Health with your health Cancer specialists at Luminis Health offer advanced cancer screening and diagnostic tests. Talk to your doctor to help determine if you need a specific type of cancer screening. Authors Dr. Feras Abdul-Khalek is a medical oncologist for the Luminis Health Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Dr. Abdul-Khalek is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology. To make an appointment with him, please call 443-481-4884.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhat started in 1966 as the Pink Lady Ball culminated in a celebration unlike any other gala event in this region. The 2016 Heart of Gold Gala was held on April 9 at the Hilton Baltimore at the Inner Harbor. Nearly 1,000 guests came together to raise more than $1 million for Anne Arundel Medical Center and our growing cardiovascular program. Ringing in a new era, guests celebrated AAMC’s 50th anniversary gala with a new venue, new format, and a handful of surprises and gifts for gala guests. The Heart of Gold Gala was chaired by AAMC Foundation Board Vice-Chair Mark Powell, his wife Lynne, and Jerry Segal, MD, medical director of AAMC’s Heart Institute. A huge thank you to our Gold sponsors for their support: BB&T, Comcast, Creston G. & Betty Jane Tate Foundation, and Mark & Lynne Powell, The Powell Foundation. Please save the date! AAMC Foundation’s Denim & Diamonds Spring Bash is back next year—April 29, 2017, at AAMC’s South Campus. For more information about the AAMC Foundation’s 2017 Denim & Diamonds Spring Bash, please contact Kendra Smith Houghton at 443-481-4739 or email [email protected].0
- Community, Giving, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogDuring the AAMC Auxiliary’s Annual Holiday Luncheon in November, AAMC Auxiliary leadership presented their 2016 charitable gift of $805,000 to AAMC, with funds earmarked for the hospital’s direct patient care programs. With more than 72 years of commitment and 500 active volunteers, the Auxiliary generously contributes more than 140,000 hours of service each year in a variety of capacities for AAMC programs, patients and care areas. Creating a legacy of helping hands and a history of giving, AAMC’s Auxiliary has provided more than $13 million in support to AAMC since it began. This year’s donation was made possible by creative fundraisers organized by the Auxiliary, and sales from the hospital’s three volunteer-run gift shops and our resale shop, Out of the Box. While volunteering offers vital help to the hospital, the personal benefits of volunteering can be greater. Volunteering at AAMC easily fits into your schedule and areas of interest, including direct patient care, retail, administration and more. Giving back not only helps others, but also can improve your health and happiness. Are you interested in getting involved with AAMC’s Auxiliary? Contact Volunteer Services Manager Diana Emerson at [email protected]. Call the AAMC Foundation at 443-481-4747 or visit AAMCFoundation.org to learn how you can help.0
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