- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMost people who fall ill from COVID-19 don’t need advanced medical attention. Some benefit from a caretaker, a person committed to help manage recovery. Caring for someone else is a big responsibility. You want to fully understand how to properly care for your loved one, and for yourself, when dealing with a contagious illness like COVID-19. We can help you prepare. What makes a good caretaker COVID-19 caretakers put themselves in potentially harmful situations. Caretakers should be compassionate, flexible and in good health. Those who are fully vaccinated are much less likely to contract COVID-19 than those who are not vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discourages caregiving for those who have a compromised immune system or a chronic condition like heart disease or diabetes. Caretaker duties Many people who contract COVID-19 become physically unable to keep up with their daily activities. They may need help with basic needs, like shopping for groceries and caring for pets. As a caretaker, you may need to coordinate visits to the doctor that could be in-person or virtual. Your loved one will probably be asked to stay home. Picking up their medication and helping them follow their doctor’s orders, like resting and drinking fluids, are essential duties. Cleaning Maintaining cleanliness and personal hygiene stops COVID-19 from spreading. Identify frequently touched objects and surface areas and clean them often, in some cases, after each use. Household soap and detergent kill virus particles that collect on doorknobs, tables, light switches, canes, walkers and countertops. Wearing a mask Masks keep droplets from passing to others. You and your loved one should wear a mask any time you are in the same area. Your loved one should mask any time they are around others, even outdoors. Masks are most effective when worn properly, covering the nose and mouth. Keeping contact minimal Limiting contact is hard, but it’s the most effective way to avoid spreading the virus. Keep personal items separated, like utensils, plates and towels. Stay in separate rooms, including bedrooms and bathrooms. If you’re unable to maintain physical distance, make sure your surroundings have good air circulation. You can open windows or run fans. Keeping your loved one socially active Isolation is taxing. Make sure your loved one can still communicate with others throughout their recovery. Your loved one can stay connected, even at a distance, by greeting the mailperson from the window or receiving mail from family. Video calls through smartphones and laptops bring friends, family members and care team members right to your loved one without risking anyone’s safety. Knowing your signs As a caretaker, you can observe and monitor your loved one’s condition. COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. If these symptoms begin to worsen, you may want to consider taking your loved one to the emergency room. Emergency warning signs include: Chest pain or pressure Confusion Labored breathing Skin that has turned pale, gray or blue Unconsciousness Preparing for the unexpected If your loved one’s condition worsens, seek emergency care immediately. Prepare a medical “go bag” ahead of time. In case of emergency, you can grab the bag in a hurry. You won’t waste critical time pulling items together, and you’ll reduce the likelihood that you’ll forget to bring something important to the hospital. Also, make sure you have a plan in case you, the caretaker, get sick. Designate an emergency contact with your loved one who can fulfill your duties if you are not able. Make sure your loved one has plenty of food, water, medication and other essentials. Many businesses offer delivery now. You may want to research the options ahead of time to help avoid panic. Helpful items for a caretaker Eye protection (face shield or goggles) Dish soap, hand soap and laundry soap Hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol Medical masks Over the counter medication to reduce fever (ibuprofen, acetaminophen) A thermometer Tissues and disposable paper towels Caring for yourself Caregiving can take its toll. Don’t feel discouraged if you face challenges. Watch for symptoms of burnout, like poor eating habits, difficulty sleeping and feeling of hopelessness. You need to meet your needs to be able to help your loved one. You can help care for yourself through: Breaking a big task into small, achievable steps Eating a healthy diet Limiting news intake Exercising regularly Taking a break from caregiving to recharge Author Stefanie Osterloh, CRNP, is a family nurse practitioner with Luminis Health Primary Care in Crofton, Md.0
- Primary Care, Pediatrics, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogPrevent the spread of COVID-19 with these helpful tips There’s something magical this time of year, with little ghosts and goblins eager to fill their candy buckets. But sadly, in 2020, many sat out of the beloved childhood rite of passage as COVID-19 spread through our communities. This year, parents and kids alike have awaited guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hopeful for the “all-clear” to trick or treat this Halloween. Luckily, we don’t have to wait any more: The CDC has given the green light (just with a few safety recommendations). Trick-or-Treating: What’s Safe, What to Avoid The CDC recommends that families follow the same precautions this Halloween as they have throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. What does that mean? Well, you might need that creative candy chute again. Here’s what the CDC says: Avoid crowds (even outside). Skip events you know will be crowded or cause kids to bunch up in groups, like trunk-or-treating, haunted houses or Halloween parties. Get a flu shot. It won’t protect you or your kids from COVID-19, but it can cut down on the flu. And experts predict this season will be a doozy. Keep your distance. Try to stay six feet away from other Halloween revelers. That may mean another candy chute or sitting out bagged treats for kids to take themselves. Stay outside. The fresh air helps scatter the virus – making it more difficult to spread among trick-or-treaters and adults. Stick to your household. It’s best to trick-or-treat with just the family members. If COVID-19 numbers aren’t high in your neighborhood, you may be able to head out with a few friends that live nearby. Wash your hands. Before diving into the night’s haul, make sure your little ghouls wash or sanitize their hands. Wear a mask. And we’re not talking about Halloween masks. Make sure your child wears the face coverings they wear at school or out in public, and don’t layer it under a costume mask that could make it hard to breathe. Halloween Advice for Kids-at-Heart Children aren’t the only ones who enjoy Halloween – many adults look forward to annual costume parties. (What better way to feel like a kid again?) You can still celebrate this year, but you may want to take a few precautions: Get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. If you’re not yet vaccinated, roll up those sleeves and get your shot. (And while you’re there, get a flu shot, too!) If you’re sick – stay home. It’s tough to miss out on the fun, but if you’re experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, protect yourself and others by staying at home. Keep it small. Limit your guest list to vaccinated people you’re typically around. Move it outdoors. Nothing says Halloween like a bonfire party. Help limit the spread of COVID-19 by keeping the party outdoors or popping open a few windows. Set expectations. If you’re hosting, let your guests know the ground rules. That might include wearing a mask if someone’s not vaccinated or limiting the number of people you invite. Wear a mask. The science is clear: A face covering (not a costume mask) helps reduce the spread of COVID-19. Still confused? We’re here to help. You can always call your doctor’s office for information or send a message through MyChart. And you can be confident we’ll keep you up to date with the latest COVID news and advice from the experts in the field. Author Heather Newhard, MSN, CRNP-F, is a family nurse practitioner with Luminis Health Primary Care in Crofton, Md.0
- Pediatrics, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogQ: How can I manage my asthma during the winter months? The most important aspect of asthma management is identifying the triggers. These tips can help you avoid winter asthma flare-ups: Avoid breathing cold, dry air. Cold air can irritate the small tubes of the lungs and trigger coughing or wheezing. Stay indoors as much as possible. Use your inhaler 15 to 20 minutes before going outside to prevent airway tightening. Know and avoid your indoor triggers. Avoid the hot, dry air of a fireplace. Sometimes molds, dust, animal dander, cockroaches or old carpets trigger asthma. Try to identify and remove these irritants from your home. Protect yourself from colds and flu. Colds and flu can worsen asthma symptoms. Wash your hands regularly, and get your flu shot. Asthma can be worse in children. Children with asthma should carry a rescue inhaler if there is concern about coming into contact with triggers. Also, talk with your doctor about taking a maintenance steroid inhaler. Originally published Feb. 15, 2017. Last updated Dec. 9, 2019.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogJust because Valentine’s Day hugs may have to take a backseat this year, love doesn’t have to. Keep your loved ones safe this Valentine’s Day by keeping their health and wellbeing in mind. Encourage Vaccination: Motivate family and friends to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it’s their turn. Vaccination is our best shot at stopping this pandemic. If they are eligible, they can pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine through our vaccine interest form. Spread the Facts: Make sure your loved ones know the best ways to protect themselves from COVID-19 and have the facts on vaccination. Be a Good Neighbor: Take the time to connect with your neighbors. If they have unreliable transportation, help them find a way to get to their vaccination appointment. Assist with online registration. If they don’t have email, call the Luminis Health COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 443-481-6852. Remember the 3Ws: In addition to vaccination, the best ways to slow the spread of COVID-19 are by wearing a mask, washing your hands and watching your distance. Send a Card: Not a talented poet like Amanda Gorman? Use one of our V-Day printables to send a note to someone special. Your note will show them you care and remind them how they can protect themselves and others from COVID-19.0
- Community, News & Press Releases, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAt Anne Arundel Medical Center we know that small acts make a big difference in the lives of our employees…and especially our patients. So, this Heart Month we’ve asked our employees to take the lead on committing random acts of kindness (RAKs) throughout the hospital in order to show their Heart@Work. We’ve even equipped our employees with special Heart@Work cards they can hand out to fellow employees, visitors and patients when they’ve been “RAKed.” Plus, there are displays around the hospital where you can pick up cards. We hope you’ll get in on the action and share your story with us here on our blog, our Facebook page, or Twitter. A cup of tea, flowers out of the blue, an encouraging note – it’s amazing how a simple act of kindness can turn around someone’s day. Need some ideas to get started: Place an encouraging Post-It note on a co-worker’s computer. If you have long hair, cut it and donate it to a charity that provides wigs for those in need. Invite someone new over for dinner or prepare a meal for someone. Buy a coloring book and crayons. Keep a few sheets and crayons in your bag to help a parent with a restless child. Buy a cup of coffee for the person behind you in line. Leave a generous tip.0
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