- 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.0
- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen you know something is off with your child’s mental health, you just know. But often taking the steps to get them help can be a challenge. Once you have talked with your child, spoken with your insurance, made all the appropriate calls and appointments, and have gotten in front of a medical professional, it can feel like you will finally find the solution. The truth is there is no single solution or “magic pill.” Mental health treatment is a complex process that is different for every child and every family; however, the investment into finding what will work best for you and your child is worth the time, energy and emotion. Medication can help many children and adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety and attention disorders. But medication is just part of the answer. A well-rounded approach to mental health treatment has six components — medication being just one of them. There are many other places to look for solutions in addition to taking or considering a prescription. The total picture of health The best place to start is at the beginning. Try to collect as much information on your family medical history as possible and share it with your provider. A full panel of bloodwork is a great way to check things like metabolism, thyroid levels, Vitamin D and blood sugar. All of these can affect mood and sleep, which in turn affect overall mental health. If there is a deficiency in one of these areas, supplements or other therapies can make a difference. Talk to your provider about what will work best. Physical activity The benefits of exercise extend beyond the physical benefits. It helps kids get off their electronics and keeps their minds active, occupied and not dwelling on negative thoughts. Even just a short walk around the block can make a big difference. It’s not about being athletic or even losing weight necessarily – it’s good for you and a great distraction. Nutrition Eating healthier and avoiding processed foods sounds obvious when treating many health concerns; however, there are specific reasons why a healthy diet can help treat a mental health disorder. For example, we need proteins and fat for neurological functioning. Processed foods can have a negative effect on the gut, so your child may not be getting all of the vitamins and minerals needed from healthy foods. If your child is taking medication, his or her body may not be absorbing all of the benefits. Seeing a nutritionist can help with building a well-balanced plan for eating. Work toward healthier eating as a family and everyone will reap the rewards. Sleep Sleep hygiene — getting better sleep on a regular basis — is one of the most overlooked yet effective tools in a treatment plan. Many of us think because we slept for eight plus hours, we are good to go, but we still may not be getting enough rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. REM sleep affects memory, relieves anxiety, and helps to regulate male hormone secretion. Asking your child, “Do you feel rested?” or observing to see how much time they spend on electronics before bedtime can help to identify if there may be a lack of REM sleep. For a clearer picture, a sleep study can determine if your child’s sleep patterns, and give you insights on their sleep’s ability to regulate their mood, emotions and attention. Encouraging your child to shut down their electronic devices a few hours before bedtime is one small step toward better sleep hygiene. Home life This is a tough one for some parents, but many mental health concerns can be better treated with changes in the home. Often times, medication is used so that your child can perform better in stressful situations, but you should also focus on removing what stress you can. This means more consistency, stability and structure at home. Looking at your relationship with your partner and/or with yourself is important. Are you and your partner on the same page? Are you experiencing your own feelings of anxiousness or depression? Are there things that need to change? Don’t be discouraged by the answers to some or all of these questions. You are not the first parent who has faced these challenges feeling like they can’t get it right. The important thing is that you’re working on it. No one is perfect. Don’t forget to tell yourself and your child that the job you’re doing or the progress they’re making is good enough. Simply saying “good job” can have a huge impact. Show your kids it’s OK to make a mistake. Tell them you’re proud and be specific. Small things add up to big changes. Being receptive to a full treatment plan for your child can be the difference between success and failure. There is no one magical solution, but when you are open to all of the potential solutions, and finding which ones works best for your child and your family, amazing things will happen right before your eyes. Ask questions, find resources and learn more at askAAMC.org/HealthyMinds. Author Mitchell Odom, MSN, CRNP, PMHS, is a practitioner with AAMG Mental Health Specialists. To schedule an appointment with him, call 410-573-9000. Originally published Oct. 29, 2018. Last updated Oct. 8, 2019.0
- Behavioral Health, Lung CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe back-to-school seasons brings excitement—from new teachers to new backpacks. But amid the preparation, it’s also a key moment to have honest conversations with your teen about the risks of vaping and using marijuana. First, a reality check: In Maryland, 14% of high school students reported using marijuana in the past 30 days, according to the latest health data. While teen experimentation can be common, it doesn’t make it safe. That’s why it’s important to talk to your kids early and often. Sharing facts, not fear, can help them make informed, healthy choices. Marijuana’s impact on teenagers Marijuana is legal in Maryland, so it’s safe, right? Not for teens. Their brains are still developing and regular marijuana use can interfere with that growth in serious ways. Potential effects on children and adolescents include: Difficultly solving problems Impaired memory Poor physical coordination Slower reaction time Trouble focusing Increased irritability Increased risk of psychosis Interference with prescribed medication Still not convinced? Research shows that teens who start using pot before the age of 18 are seven times more likely to develop marijuana use disorder later in life—a condition where a person struggles to stop using marijuana, even when it negatively affects their health, school, or relationships. Vaping is more smoke and mirrors Vaping has become increasingly popular among young people. It’s often cheaper than cigarettes, comes in appealing flavors, and is heavily promoted on social media—which can make it especially attractive to teens. Many people assume that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking tobacco. But the reality is more complicated: Nicotine is still addictive. Most vapes contain nicotine—a highly addictive substance that can harm brain development in teens and increase the risk of future substance use. Harmful chemicals are still present. Vaping aerosols contain toxic substances like formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein—chemicals linked to lung damage and cancer risk. Lung injury is real. Vaping has been linked to serious lung illnesses, including EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury), which has led to hospitalizations and even deaths. Unknown long-term effects. Because vaping is relatively new, the full long-term health impacts are still unknown, but early research shows cause for concern. Tips for talking to teens about vaping and marijuana Having these conversations with your teen can feel uncomfortable at first. Here are some tips to get you started: Start early, talk often. Short, regular check-ins feel less like a lecture and more like a conversation. Lead with curiosity, not accusations. Ask open-ended questions: “What have you heard about vaping?” “How do kids get e-cigarettes?” Use facts, not fear. Share concrete data (e.g., nicotine addiction, lung injury, impaired brain development) instead of scare tactics. Connect to their goals. Explain how vaping or cannabis can hurt sports performance, concentration for classes, or driving safety. Model healthy coping skills. Discuss stressbusters such as exercise, music and journaling so nicotine or THC isn’t the default escape. Practice exit lines. Roleplay ways to say “no thanks” when offered a vape or joint (e.g., “I’ve got practice tomorrow,” “I’m good—don’t want the hassle”). Keep communication twoway. Listen without interrupting; validate feelings even if you disagree. Teens are more receptive when they feel heard. Set clear expectations and consequences. Explain family rules (e.g., no vaping, alcohol, or marijuana before 21) and what happens if they’re broken. Stay alert to peer influence and online marketing. Ask about social media trends or friends who vape; discuss how ads target teens. Revisit the topic. Trends, products, and pressures change quickly; schedule regular “checkins” rather than oneanddone talks. How Luminis Health can help Parenting can be tough, but you’re not alone. Luminis Health mental health providers, with expertise in adolescent care, have already laid the ground work. Through funding from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission, behavioral health education and support services have been successfully delivered in six high schools in Prince George’s County. The program—developed in close partnership with local schools—has demonstrated meaningful impact in supporting student well-being. Due to its success, the state has renewed funding for the upcoming school year following a highly competitive grant process. This continued investment underscores the importance of school-based behavioral health initiatives and the strength of collaborative community partnerships. If you or your children need additional support, the Behavioral Health Urgent Care walk-in clinic at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham offers treatment for non-life- threatening mental health needs for ages four and up. No appointment is necessary. Thanks to the state grant, we will expand our hours later this fall to include weeknights and Saturdays. Authors Dr. Jesselina Curry is the system medical director for ambulatory behavioral health services at Luminis Health. Supported by the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission and Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports, the views presented here are those of the grantee organization and not necessarily those of the Commission or Consortium.0
- Sleep, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt doesn’t matter if it’s insomnia or several late nights and early mornings. If you’re not getting enough sleep, you may be looking for help to catch those Zzz’s. For better slumber, many people turn to melatonin supplements. The average adult needs seven hours of nightly sleep. If you’re getting less, you’re not alone. Nearly 50 percent of U.S. adults aren’t sleeping enough. The problem worsens with age because your body produces less melatonin—the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle. So, if you’re struggling to sleep, a melatonin supplement may help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Before you take a tablet or chew a gummy, here’s what you should know. How much melatonin is safe? Melatonin supplements are generally safe for most children and adults, and studies suggest they may help improve sleep time. Still, it’s best to talk with your doctor before starting them. Supplements may interfere with medications like blood thinners or birth control. They can also worsen health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. If your doctor approves, the key is starting with a small dose. According to the Sleep Foundation, these doses are safe for children with insomnia: Preschool (ages 2 to 5): 1 to 2 milligrams (mg) School age (ages 6 to 12): 1 to 3 mg Adolescents (over age 13): 1 to 5 mg Adults should start with .5 to 1 mg nightly for a week. Take it between 30 and 60 minutes before bedtime. Timing is key. Taking a supplement at the wrong time can confuse your body and worsen insomnia. If you aren’t sleeping better within several days, increase your dose by one mg per week. Don’t take more than ten mg. Like children, older adults should consult their doctor. Lower doses can be safe but should be used with caution. Some people experience daytime sleepiness or dizziness. Those side effects increase the risk of falling. Studies from Nature of Science and Sleep focused on older adults with dementia show melatonin supplements decrease nighttime restlessness. But they can also increase depression symptoms. Can you take melatonin daily? Yes, taking supplements nightly is safe. But the Sleep Foundation recommends restricting yourself to short-term use. Daily use for one to two months is best. After that, it’s a good idea to take a break for a few weeks. Long-term daily use isn’t necessarily harmful. But you can become dependent on the supplements to fall asleep. Plus, they may become less effective. Choosing a reliable melatonin supplement Alongside tablets and gummies, some lotions, teas and bath products contain melatonin. When choosing a melatonin source, remember the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate them. Still, you can determine if the product you’re using is safe and effective. Show your doctor or check the label for third-party verification. Look for certification from either of these groups: NSF International: This global public health testing organization ensures products are tested for contaminants. It also verifies that each product’s ingredients match what’s printed on the label. U.S. Pharmacopeia: This non-profit group evaluates supplements for dose accuracy, purity and quality. Supplement alternatives If melatonin supplements don’t work for you, don’t worry. Consider these alternative supplements: Lavender: Research shows inhaling lavender scents promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety and stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system. This system helps regulate your blood pressure and heart rate, helping you sleep better for longer. Magnesium: This mineral promotes better sleep by supporting your nervous system and increasing your sense of calm. Zinc: This mineral regulates your sleep neurotransmitters like serotonin and affects the receptors in your brain that regulate sleep and wakefulness. If you prefer a non-supplement alternative, try these sleep-promoting activities: Acupuncture: A technique that uses small needles placed along specific points of your body to manage sleep disruptions like sleep apnea or insomnia. Mindful meditation: Quiet focus that can reduce stress, promote relaxation and improve your sleep. Yoga: Physical activity which blends breathing exercises and specific postures to reduce anxiety and stress, promoting relaxation and better sleep. A good night’s sleep supports your overall health. Melatonin supplements can help you get the rest you need. Check with your doctor to see if it’s right for you. If you have questions about the benefits and risks of melatonin supplements, contact your primary care provider. Authors Katherine Wollenberg is a family medicine nurse practitioner at Luminis Health.0
- Weight LossGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSitting in a dim-lit room – where the only lights are the neon wire lights fading in and out along the black walls and under the desk – Sam, sitting with his back towards Sara’s back, asks, “Are you online?” Sara replies with an attentive ‘yes’ as she, too, prepares to embark on an online-gaming session that can last hours. For Sam Mitchell, 37, and Sara Hays, 31, this is not a new scene in their Bowie residence. They’ve been dating for eight years and continue to perfect their gaming skills together. They spend many evenings and weekends doing this because they play on a team. “We have a hard time getting out of the house sometimes,” says Sara, 31. “Sometimes we want to go out to eat, but other online gamers are depending on us to come online so they can also play.” Although Sara had a very active childhood – playing sports like soccer, basketball and softball all the way through high school – she struggled with her weight, asserting she was always a heavy person. “I grew up with parents who would have meat, a potato and a vegetable for dinner and encouraged me to always clean up my plate,” she says. “That resonated with me for the rest of my life and I think that was part of the problem.” Sara tried countless diets to no avail, describing the results as a yo-yo effect, where she would lose about 50 pounds and regain 70 pounds soon after. Sara tried the gym, but didn’t feel comfortable working out in front of others. “I always feel like I’m being looked at or judged,” she says. In an attempt to look for a different alternative, the couple purchased an elliptical to workout at home. The solution lasted for merely a week before the piece of equipment was put away. The turning point Weight and self-image is something that has always been on Sara’s and Sam’s mind. But despite their many efforts, nothing seemed to work. They had thought about potentially undergoing surgery, but felt there was a negative stigma attached to this option because others claimed it was ‘cheating’. Their perception changed when one day an opportunity to look at things differently came knocking at their door, literally. The woman who I met weighing over 300 pounds was now 120 pounds. “One of our friends came over to talk to us about his wife who had done weight loss surgery,” Sam says, jokingly adding that his friend felt a little jealous because his wife was now getting more attention from others. “We had seen her before and didn’t think it could be that big of a deal. She came to our door two weeks later and when I opened the door, the woman who I met weighing over 300 pounds was now 120 pounds.” Shocked with the results, Sara and Sam decided to look more into weight loss surgery. “I didn’t even recognize her; she was like a whole new person,” Sara recalls. “I thought to myself, ‘You were my size, how did you do this? What happened?’ She went through the process with us and her feedback was that she wished she had done it 20 years ago. That was the turning point for us.” The couple started looking up the doctor their neighbor had used after the raving review, but were not fully sold on the idea until they came across Courtney Doyle, MD, general and bariatric surgeon with AAMG Surgical Specialists in Annapolis. After talking to other people who had done the surgery and meeting with Dr. Doyle personally, the couple was ready to move to the next step. The surgery The AAMC Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery Program performs more than 700 bariatric surgeries every year, a steady increase over the last few years. Recent research by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery found that 90 percent of patients were successful in maintaining 50 percent or more of their weight loss after their bariatric surgery. There are also health benefits that result from this, with data showing remission of Type 2 diabetes in more than 80 percent of patients after undergoing a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. After a gastric sleeve surgery, most patients can expect to lose up to 33 percent of excess weight by three months, 50 percent of excess weight by six months, and up to 70 percent of excess weight after the first year following the procedure. LEARN MORE: Dr. Courtney Doyle discusses bariatric surgery at AAMC’s Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery program, and how it can change patients’ lives. Dr. Doyle first met the couple a few months ago. She recalls Sam was the first one to come in to the office and said he wanted to do this together with Sara. “They felt like they were in a position where they were ready to do well and support each other through the process,” she says. After attending AAMC’s free bariatric seminar, where Sara and Sam learned about the types of weight loss surgery, program requirements, insurance specifics, and other details to start their weight loss journey, they put a date on their calendar for an official consultation. For Sara, the best option was to opt in for the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. “This surgery is performed laparoscopically, which is the way most bariatric surgeries are performed these days,” says Dr. Doyle. “This means that we make a few very small incisions as opposed to one very large incision, the way we used to do bariatric surgery.” The smaller stomach pouch limits how much food a person can eat at one time and in turn, will help Sara to feel full more quickly and for a longer period. They’re looking for a way to do that and this surgery is a really nice way to help them get to a healthy lifestyle without having to feel every day like they’re constantly on a diet. “They want to be active and healthy for the rest of their lives together,” says Dr. Doyle. “They’re looking for a way to do that and this surgery is a really nice way to help them get to a healthy lifestyle without having to feel every day like they’re constantly on a diet.” Sara underwent surgery in January. While she continues on her successful recovery, Sam has yet to schedule his surgery due to a fractured arm. However, his excitement of being by her side while she recovers is adding to the anticipation. Stay tuned in to the Weigh Beyond series for part 2 as we continue to follow their journey in real-time. Take the first step on your journey to weight loss. Register today for one of our free seminars to learn more about weight loss surgery (also called bariatric surgery). Courtney Doyle, MD Dr. Doyle is a board-certified, fellowship-trained laparoscopic general and bariatric surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center. She is an expert in both primary bariatric surgeries and bariatric revision surgery. To schedule a visit with her and explore your personal bariatric journey, call 443-481-6699. Originally published March 18, 2019. Last updated March 9, 2020.0
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