- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHeart failure occurs when the heart muscle can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Signs and symptoms of heart failure include: Shortness of breath. Swelling in the legs, ankles and/or belly. Sudden weight gain. Fatigue. Jennifer Brown, MD, cardiologist and heart failure expert with Anne Arundel Medical Center, focuses on helping patients learn how to manage this disease. “Heart failure is one of the top reasons patients are admitted to hospitals across the country, and the number-one reason patients are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days after discharge,” Dr. Brown stresses. While most of the time heart failure cannot be cured, it can be managed. Dr. Brown recommends a four-pronged approach. See Your Cardiologist “If diagnosed with heart failure while in the hospital, the most important thing you can do to keep from being readmitted is see your cardiologist within seven to 10 days post-discharge and as advised after that,” Dr. Brown says. Follow-up visits with a cardiologist are critical, since medications started in the hospital are often adjusted after discharge to optimize symptoms. Take Your Medications Not taking your medications as directed will likely lead to ER visits. Medications for heart failure — as well as other chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes — should be carefully managed. “The heart is negatively impacted when other disease states are not well controlled. For example, poorly controlled diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension and untreated sleep apnea can all worsen heart failure,” says Dr. Brown. “Many patients misunderstand how connected the body is.” Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle Lifestyle changes and self-management can go a long way toward improving your symptoms and overall quality of life. Dr. Brown recommends: If you smoke, quit. Manage fluids, drinking no more than 2 liters daily. Weigh yourself daily. Sudden weight gain can signal fluid retention. Contact your cardiologist if you gain 3 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week. Choose a heart-healthy diet. Limiting sodium is especially important for people with heart failure. In addition, staying active, getting enough sleep and avoiding heavy alcohol consumption and other drug use can reduce symptoms and prevent hospitalization. Manage Depression “It’s common for cardiac patients to experience depression, and when left untreated, patients may lose motivation to exercise, eat a heart-healthy diet, take their medications … and the list goes on,” Dr. Brown says. “If there’s any question of depression, making sure it’s treated appropriately is critical.” Your best defense against heart failure is prevention. Anne Arundel Medical Center offers Heart Health 101, a free class that delivers all the information you need to achieve a healthy heart for life. The class helps you understand: How the heart works. Causes of heart disease. How to manage heart disease risks. Symptoms that something is wrong. Diagnosis and treatment for heart disease. Early heart attack warning signs for men and women. Register for the next Heart Health 101 class on August 15 at 6 pm. Medical school taught Dr. Brown how to treat heart failure. But her mother-in-law’s experience with it taught Dr. Brown how to care for people with heart failure. Read Dr. Brown’s inspiring personal story. Find out how you can get involved in bringing cardiac surgery to AAMC. Author Jennifer Brown, MD, is a cardiologist and heart failure expert with Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNovember is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize the love and dedication that go into caring for others. With the holidays approaching, it’s also a wonderful time to connect with older friends and family to ensure they’re feeling well and supported. According to the latest census, that’s more important than ever since Maryland’s population of older adults is growing faster than most of the country. And many people, including your older loved ones, need additional assistance to manage their health. Here’s what you should know to keep them — and yourself — healthy, should you become a caregiver. Recognizing when it’s time to help It can be difficult to tell if your loved one is struggling. Watch for these common signs: Changes at home: Is their space clean and safe? Are they eating well taking and taking medications as prescribed? Memory problems: Occasional forgetfulness is normal, but regular confusion or poor decision-making may signal a larger issue. Mental health concerns: Look for signs of depression, anxiety, or hopelessness—and seek help promptly if needed. Other health concerns: Difficulty walking, falling, poor hygiene or significant weight changes can all indicate the need for more support. Isolation is another red flag. Supporting their health and independence If you take on a caregiver role, be specific about how you can help. Offer to drive them to appointments, cook together on weekends, or plan regular social activities. You can also strengthen their care by: Being their advocate: Help communicate their needs to their healthcare providers. Coordinate appointments: Schedule and provide transportation to medical visits. Tracking health information: Keep a list of medications, health changes, and care plans. Manage medications: Use a pill organizer and create a schedule to prevent missed doses. Taking care of yourself Caring for an older loved one can be deeply rewarding, but also demanding. To avoid burnout, focus on the 4Ms of caregiving: What Matters: Identify the goals that are most important to both of you. Share them with health care providers and set aside time for yourself. Mobility: Encourage your loved one to stay active, and make time for your own exercise and well-being. Mentation: Report cognitive changes to their provider, and protect your own mental health by connecting with friends or joining a support group. Medication: Review prescriptions with their care team and ensure both of you eat well and stay hydrated. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Making those requests — even for small tasks — can help you avoid caregiver burnout. Additionally, be sure you get enough sleep and practice stress reduction techniques like meditation or yoga. How we can help Luminis Health is proud to be a national leader in age-friendly care. In fact, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement recognized two of our hospitals for excellence in older-adult services. Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis was named one of five Age-Friendly Health System Pioneers nationwide. In addition, Luminis Health Doctor Community Medical Center in Lantham — and our primary care practices — earned the Age-Friendly Healthy System Level 2-Commited to Care Excellence designation. With this widespread expertise, we’re ready to walk with you every step of your caregiver journey. Visit our caregivers page for additional caregiving resources. Authors Lillian Banchero, MSN RN, is the program coordinator for Luminis Health’s Institute of Healthy Aging.0
- Women's Health, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs women move beyond the child-bearing years, their responsibilities and sources of stress can shift and even increase. But the transition from mommy to midlife shouldn’t be a crisis. Women in their forties and fifties are often called the sandwich generation for a reason. We’re still parenting, yet may find ourselves caring for aging parents. In that squeeze women must remember to put their oxygen mask on first because women who take the time to care for their own physical and emotional well being are better equipped to handle everything else on their plate. Midlife is the time to tackle those issues our younger selves may have been too busy to address or too embarrassed to talk about. What are some of the top uncomfortable conversations to have with your doctor? Intimacy Issues A lot of intimacy issues I see with midlife women stem from loss of libido, or sexual desire. There’s no little blue pill to prescribe, but your doctor can help you can help you get to the heart of the problem, uncovering possible medical reasons for the issue. Bladder Control Problems Urinary incontinence, or loss of bladder control, is common for women as they age—whether it’s the strong sudden urge to go out of nowhere or the type that come on when you sneeze, laugh or cough. But it is not something you have to live with. There are exercises and diet changes that can help, as well as procedures that can be done. Perimenopause/Menopause As an OB-GYN I help many women manage the symptoms of menopause. Things that help include exercise, controlling your weight and, in some cases, hormone replacement therapy. New therapies have emerged, too. Healthy Habits Your doctor can help you make those necessary lifestyle changes you’ve been meaning to do, like quitting smoking, eating healthier, getting enough sleep, and exercising. In some cases, these changes may go hand in hand with helping a medical issue you’ve been having. Abuse Your conversations with your doctor are confidential, yet crucial if you don’t know what to do about your situation. Stress/Depression Talk to your doctor to better understand the chaos hormones may be inserting into your life, plus to help you navigate your stresses. Stress and/or depression could be tied to some of the other issues above, so taking care of one may help the other. Your doctor can help you navigate these midlife matters, allowing you to put down the supermom cape and realize you’re not alone on your health journey. Author By Karen Hardart, MD, an OB-GYN at Anne Arundel Medical Center. She can be reached at 410-573-9530. Originally published May 4, 2015. Last updated Aug. 6, 2018.0
- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogI sent the group chat a message literally 10 minutes ago. Why aren’t they responding, are they mad? I can see they read it. Did I do something wrong? Maybe I annoyed them. Are they busy? No, they’re mad. Do they think I’m pushy? I shouldn’t have sent it. But I’m just trying to make plans with them, why would that be wrong? Maybe I’m not funny enough? Is it because I don’t have that many friends? Social pressure can be best defined as the influence that society has on an individual – or for the purpose of this post, children and young adults. The scenario above is a representation of what can go through a child’s mind when they’re experiencing the pressure of wanting to fit in or being liked by others. This can also often lead to anxiety, which more children are experiencing today than just a few years ago. In fact, there was a 20 percent increase in diagnoses of anxiety in kids ages 6 to 17 from 2007 to 2012, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics with data collected from the National Survey of Children’s Health. The data on anxiety among 18- and 19-year-olds is even more concerning. Since 1985, the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA has been asking college freshmen if they “felt overwhelmed” by all the tasks they were assigned to do. The first year, 18 percent of students replied yes. By 2000, that increased to 28 percent. Six years later, this number was nearly 41 percent. But why? There are many reasons. There’s more data available today than there was before that allows us to examine these numbers more in depth. There’s also more emphasis on “success” and “not failing”, more demanding tasks, more focus on “happiness”, joining sports teams, participating in enough activities, and parents pressuring children to do more of these activities. And then there’s digital devices and social media. A lot of times children have access to a computer or internet and are constantly connected to everything that is going on outside of their world. It never shuts down. So from the time they wake up in the morning to the time they go to sleep, they’re being pressured by somebody or something. How many people have liked my picture? Are there any comments? Have I gained new followers? How does this impact my child? Continuous access to digital devices allows kids to escape emotions they deem as uncomfortable, like boredom, loneliness or sadness. Escaping to a cyber world lets them “do something” at all times, even when they’re away from situations or places that might make them feel pressured or anxious. Their electronics have substituted opportunities to develop mental strength, such as coping with discomfort, spending time with their very own thoughts or connecting with others. These are basic skills we all need in our everyday lives. Social media has created a culture of constant comparison and the need to portray a specific lifestyle. And this, in turn, adds to the social pressure of often feeling the need to “show” others what you’re doing and documenting everything. Is it “kids just being kids” or should I be concerned? Around age four to six, it’s normal for kids to want to play by themselves. However, once they get a little older and they refuse to talk to others because of their anxiety, that’s when you should start paying attention. If they don’t interact with other kids or don’t want to play, that’s when you want to reach out to them and check in. If they can’t feel like they can be themselves, struggle to adapt to their environment or start losing a sense of themselves because that hasn’t been developed yet, talk to them. For teenagers, you’ll see their anxiety expressed more outwardly. It’s normal for them to want their own space and start developing relationships with others. However, if they want to stay at home a lot, they’re not talking to anybody or start avoiding activities that involve interacting with others, that should be a red flag. They might have many friends on the internet, but it’s also important to have friends in real life so they can have meaningful conversations with others and develop basic social skills. Is anyone to blame? No! It’s not anything that anyone does wrong. It’s kids going through phases of life and learning how they cope with those phases. Most of the times, children want to be listened to without being judged. A good way to keep the pressure down is creating an environment where they can feel they can communicate with you without feeling judged. Don’t just dismiss certain behaviors because for children, events that might not seem like “a big deal” for parents can be a very big deal for them. Don’t judge them or their friends. Give them correct alternatives but don’t force them into behaving a specific way. All children are different. What can I do? A lot, actually! Here are a few tips you can follow: Pre-teens: Pay attention. Take some time with your child before bed or in the morning to talk. Encourage self-expression. Allow your child to express him or herself. Try things like art and music. Get them involved. Your child should engage in outside activities away from tablets and video games. They should also have interaction with their peers so they can learn appropriate social behaviors. At this age, you still have a lot of control over the activities your child does. Get them involved early on! Set family time. Without electronic devices! Playing a board game together, cooking together and building something together is always a good idea. Monitor access. Pay attention to their YouTube channels and the things they’re watching on TV. Be careful with the news, scary movies or shows that are not age appropriate. Teens: Know their social circles. Knowing their friend group and the kids they’re spending most of their time with is important. It’s OK to ask questions and want to be involved. Know their social media. It’s hard for parents to do this because very few kids, especially teens, want to be friends with their parents on social media. But this goes back to communication. If you can communicate with your child then you can know what’s going on and understand what pressure they have. Get them involved. Make sure they’re not spending all day in their rooms. Find some fun activities to do together, both in and out of the house. Make sure they have a schedule. Teens need structured time as much as possible to avoid any negative influences. You can’t sleep all day and stay up all night. Your child needs motivation and their body needs to be productive. It’s healthy to have proper sleeping hygiene and a routine. Open communication. Have family time without electronics. It’s crucial to have time set aside in your home where you can talk to each other and open conversations. Ask questions, find resources and learn more at askAAMC.org/HealthyMinds. Author Jennifer Williams (Walton), MA, LPC, LCPC, is a mental health professional at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Mental Health Specialists, located in Annapolis. To reach her, call 410-573-9000. Originally published Aug. 27, 2018. Last updated Feb. 21, 2020.0
- Behavioral Health, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFrom the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we knew to be concerned about our physical health. But what we didn’t think as much about — especially since we couldn’t have foreseen the true impact it would have on our lives or the length of time it would last — is how it could affect our mental health. And today, we’re still learning. In general, we know the disruption we’ve all faced — from fear of the virus and drastic changes to our daily routines to complete isolation — isn’t good for us. And while some effects were already known, others reveal themselves every day. For example, we’re just now beginning to understand the connections between the pandemic and mental health issues that often plague teenagers, including eating disorders. Check out these recent observations: According to the National Eating Disorders Association, calls, texts and online chats to their helpline increased 58% from March 2020 to October 2021. A recent study shows a 25% jump in eating disorder-related hospitalizations for 12-18-year-olds overall. Girls 12-18 years old were hospitalized for eating disorders 30% more during the pandemic. The numbers are clear. And that means parents have a reason to be concerned. Learn more, so you can be ready if your teen needs help. What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are serious but treatable illness that affects people mentally and physically — and there are many types. People are most familiar with anorexia nervosa (self-starvation by severely reducing calories to lose weight) and bulimia (purging after eating an excessive amount of food). But other eating disorders can involve binge eating, obsessing over healthy eating, abusing laxatives and compulsive exercising. What’s behind the jump in eating disorders in teenagers? The pandemic pummeled teens’ daily routine and structure: Schools closed their doors and extracurricular activities, including beloved sports, came to a halt. But what hit them the hardest? Hanging with friends — a teen’s lifeblood — wasn’t an option (or was limited at best). Eating disorders are often related to control, so it makes sense that the uncertainty and stress of the pandemic could be a powerful trigger. When life feels turned upside down, someone with a tendency toward disordered eating could easily turn to controlling food — how much, what or when they eat — to feel like they’re in control of something. For example, stuck at home with less structure and more access to food, teens may binge-eat to deal with anxiety and stress. Then, if weight gain hits, they may go to the other extreme, restricting food and becoming overly focused on exercise. It’s no surprise: Social media fuels the fire. With school and activities limited, teens turned to their phones to feel connected to someone. They spent more time than ever scrolling through sites such as Instagram and TikTok. And although teens may feel less alone when they’re online, excess screen time exposes them to negative messages. What are signs of an eating disorder? Even today, with most schools and activities up and running again, stress and uncertainty still linger. Teens, like everyone else, are trying to live with the reality that COVID-19 is here to stay. Unfortunately, eating disorders continue to be how many teens try to cope. Changes in your teen’s regular eating and exercise habits are signs your teen may be struggling. Keep an eye out for these signs and take action if you notice: Defensiveness about food Obsessive workouts Preoccupation with counting calories Refusal to eat specific categories of food Skipped meals Sudden weight loss Also pay attention to what your teen’s saying. For example, comments about food — feeling guilt or anxiety about what they’re eating or not eating — or unhappiness about their body are red flags of a brewing eating disorder. Know how to help your teen Talking with teens can be tricky, but it’s the place to start if you suspect they’re using food or eating in an unhealthy way. Be direct and ask what’s going on without launching into a lecture. They’ll be more receptive to discussions in small doses. Focus on your concerns for their health, not body shape or size. Stumped for what those conversations should cover? Start with: Emotional eating. Help your teen understand how food can be a way people deal with emotions. Explain how talking through problems with friends, family or a counselor is a more effective (and healthy) way to cope with a problem. Healthy eating habits. Talk about eating when hungry and how to fuel their body to be healthy and strong. Make regular meals together a habit. Media messages. Help your teen understand that social media, television shows and movies portray unrealistic (and often “doctored”) body types as normal. Positive body image. Ask your teen how they feel about how they look, and explain how healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes. Remember, as a parent, you’re setting an example. Practice the attitudes about food, eating and body image you want them to have. Reaching for ice cream for comfort after a tough day at work or bashing your “thunder thighs” every time you put on shorts is a message you’re sending that eventually sticks. You may think your teen isn’t listening or watching, but they are. Finally, don’t assume eating issues are “just a phase” your teen will grow out of. Research shows dealing with concerns about an eating disorder early and getting professional help are key to successfully treating it. Start by scheduling an appointment with your teen’s primary care provider. Sometimes it takes hearing something from someone other than mom and dad for a message to get through. But it may take more. If so, your doctor can offer the appropriate support or referral your teen needs. This article originally ran in the Enquirer Gazette. Authors Lauren Fitzpatrick, MD, medical director, Luminis Health Pediatric Emergency Department.0
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