- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogChildren are extremely savvy when it comes to using electronic devices. Starting at a young age, they learn how to maneuver electronics better than some adults. In fact, some children know how to turn on their favorite YouTube channel before they learn how to properly speak. In today’s society, children are exposed to technology through tablets and computerized learning toys from infancy. Smartphones and tablets have become the go-to devices to keep infants and toddlers occupied to avoid public tantrums due to idle time. Therefore, it’s only a matter of time before your child will want his or her own smartphone. As a parent, how do you respond to the constant nagging for a smartphone? And more importantly, how do you really know when your child is ready for one? Allowing your child to have a smartphone can be a great thing for both of you. You can instantly contact your child when you are running late for pickup; you can be contacted immediately if there is a problem at school; and you can use it as your own personal tracking device to keep tabs on your child’s location. However, before allowing children to dive headfirst into the smartphone world, be sure to have a conversation with them about appropriate use and responsibility. Here are some simple steps to help make sure you and your child are ready for the responsibility that comes with having a smartphone. Set up rules and expectations. Have a conversation about the rules and expectations of cellphone use. Create a cellphone contract with clear expectations for usage, and consequences if the contract is broken. It is extremely important that the contract is meaningful and enforceable at all times. If you treat it as another piece of paper, children will take it for granted. Set up time limits for phone use and rules around data usage. Make all rules clear! Do not assume that children “should have known” something. Have your child turn in the phone to you at night to ensure they are getting proper sleep and not messaging with friends throughout the night. Warn about inappropriate texts and pictures. You may not be prepared to have a conversation about sexual messages and pictures with your child. However, if they are old enough to have a smartphone, then you are trusting them enough to have a smart conversation about inappropriate behaviors. Sexting is real and it happens every day in the school environment. Make sure your child knows what to do if they get an inappropriate text or picture. Inform your child to not forward messages to friends and to immediately tell you or a teacher. Inform your child of the legal implications of sending nude pictures of themselves to someone or forwarding a sexually suggestive picture that he or she may have received from a classmate. Teach your child about cyberbullying and how NOT to be a cyberbully. A cellphone means 24/7 access to everyone. In a pre-cellphone and pre-social media era, bullies stayed at school and what happened at school most likely stayed at school. With round-the-clock electronic access, a bully is now hard to escape. Inform your child of the steps to take if he or she is bullied. Know the passwords of your child’s phone, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Kik and any other social media app he or she is using. READ MORE: Safeguard your child against cyberbullying Know who is sending direct messages to your child and the type of messages your child is sending to others. Social media platforms, games and group chats make it easy for kids to be bullied. Talk to them about the signs of and have open conversations with them on what you and the school will do about bullying when it is reported. Use it as an opportunity to teach responsibility. When children have a smartphone, they have a major responsibility. Smartphones are an expensive item. No matter if your child has the first version of an iPhone or the latest-and-greatest device, there are costs associated with having a smartphone. If your child earns an allowance, have your child contribute financially. As a household, brainstorm ways that you can use a cellphone as a teaching tool to increase personal responsibility. Always remember it is YOUR phone. If you buy a phone for your child, then you are allowing your child to use your phone. No matter what your child tells you, the phone is your property — you own it. It is your right to take it back, turn off the data and turn off the service if you feel your child cannot be responsible for your phone. Since it is your phone, it is important that you make sure you know how to use it. Children are smart and have amazing skills with using electronic devices, which can be dangerous for them. Don’t let your child outsmart you. When you give your child a cellphone, know what apps are downloaded and how to use them. Be aware of where they save pictures, texts, emails and messages so when you conduct daily searches of the phone, you know exactly what you are looking for. Always know passwords to unlock the phone. Be aware of the phone’s parental controls and safety measures. Smartphones are your child’s lifeline to the world. As a parent, you need to know what is going on in your child’s world to protect him or her from themselves and others. Teach and model putting the phone down. Have a set time each day for the family to unplug from electronic devices. Unplugging is an important habit that we all need to practice daily. For many of us, electronic devices are ringing, buzzing and pinging from the time we wake up in the morning to the time we go to bed at night. Set family time that is phone-free time. Create a phone box to put everyone’s phone in. Then, for at least 30 minutes to an hour each night, try to make your home a cellphone free zone. The use of electronic devices can quickly turn into an addictive behavior for some individuals. Allow children the ability to unplug from the electronic world so they can feel re-energized and refreshed the next day. Remember that you know your child best. You are aware of your child’s maturity level, friends and daily habits. When handing your child a device that requires a great level of responsibility, be sure to trust your instinct. A smartphone allows quick, instant access to everything in the real world. As a parent, do your best to monitor, protect and prepare your child so they can use their smartphone in a manner that is safe and responsible. 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. Ask questions, find resources and learn more at askAAMC.org/HealthyMinds.0
- Weight Loss, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSeason three of the popular television drama This is Us recently premiered on NBC. During the first episode, one of the main characters, Kate, is diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Commonly referred to as PCOS, this hormonal condition affects nearly 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Timing of the health discovery is particularly important since Kate and her husband are trying to get pregnant. The show has also documented the character’s struggle with her weight since puberty as fans look on with empathy. Kate’s diagnosis now helps to explain her infertility struggles and obesity, as it does for many Americans. What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? The exact cause of PCOS is not clear, but it is a set of symptoms caused by a problem with a woman’s hormones. It mainly affects the small organs that store a woman’s eggs, her ovaries. It can also affect the rest of the body. “Symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, abnormal hair growth, acne and weight gain,” says Dr. Chason. “An evaluation may find higher levels of androgen hormones, glucose intolerance, and enlarged ovaries with a high number of small follicles (cysts). It can be difficult to diagnose because PCOS has a wide range of symptoms. Even professional societies debate the most accurate standards for diagnosis.” Understanding PCOS and fertility The hormonal imbalance contributes to the high levels of androgens, one type being testosterone. Higher than normal androgen levels can prevent ovulation. Ovulation happens when a mature egg is released from an ovary. This happens so it can be fertilized by a male sperm. “Most women with PCOS are not ovulating regularly or at all,” Dr. Chason says. An increase in testosterone causes eggs in the ovaries to never fully mature. The immature eggs then cause irregular ovulation, making it difficult to get pregnant. In most women, eggs that do not mature break down. In those with PCOS, the eggs stay trapped in the ovaries and begin to pile up. In addition, many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. The disorder can increase the risk of miscarriage as well as the risk of diabetes before or during pregnancy. The connection between excess weight and infertility Women with PCOS often have difficulties with metabolism. Though gaining weight does not happen to everyone, it is a common symptom. Excess weight interferes with ovulation. It’s also a risk factor for infertility and miscarriage apart from PCOS. This is because obesity changes the release of a key hormone called LH (luteinizing hormone) and also increases testosterone levels. Both contribute to hormone imbalance and immature eggs within the ovary. Dr. Doyle sees many women with PCOS come through her door. “Many of our female patients in the AAMC Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery program suffer from PCOS as they begin their journey,” she says. “Almost 60 percent of women who suffer are obese. Similarly, half of sufferers have metabolic syndrome, a condition that increases the possibility of other health risks like diabetes and high blood pressure.” PCOS treatment and the odds of getting pregnant Lifestyle changes are the first line of therapy since exercise and weight loss can alter endocrine changes. This can’t cure PCOS, but it helps reduce symptoms and prevent some health problems. Often, losing weight decreases testosterone levels and regulates menstrual cycles. It also decreases a woman’s risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A full set of treatment for PCOS depends on many things: age, how bad it is, general wellbeing, etc. Dr. Chason says that for women with PCOS who are not trying to get pregnant, birth control pills can normalize periods and decrease abnormal hair growth. The pill regulates testosterone. For women who would like to be pregnant, oral medications are available to induce ovulation. There is also in vitro fertilization (IVF), as Kate tries on the show. “Even with fertility treatment, a healthy weight is key to having a healthy pregnancy and delivery,” says Dr. Chason. “If a woman has irregular periods, a couple should find a specialist right away for an evaluation rather than keep trying on their own. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking expert help can make a world of difference.” READ MORE: 7 tips for successful weight loss Weight loss surgery Another option to help PCOS sufferers become pregnant is weight loss surgery. “I’ve had many patients who had weight loss surgery,” Dr. Chason says. “All of them saw an improvement in their overall health, often stopping their blood pressure or diabetes medications. In addition, their periods became more regular. Some of them then got pregnant on their own. Others still needed help, but they responded more quickly and easily to fertility treatment.” Dr. Doyle says her team has helped hundreds of patients find a path to a healthier life. The nutrition planning and weight loss surgery relieves many of the symptoms related to PCOS. In fact, the rate of PCOS in weight loss surgery patients falls nearly 60 percent before surgery and another 7 percent after surgery. This success stems from patients both losing weight and maintaining their weight loss. “Almost 90 percent of PCOS patients resume normal menstrual cycles after surgery. Nearly 60 percent also report improvement in other PCOS symptoms, like less abnormal hair growth and better control of hormones.” Authors Have you recently been diagnosed with PCOS or are struggling to get pregnant? Find help today. Dr. Courtney Doyle has offices in Annapolis and Easton. To learn more and meet Dr. Doyle, register to attend a free weight loss surgery seminar as the first step. Call her office at 443-481-6699 or visit our website to sign up online. You can visit Dr. Rebecca Chason at the Shady Grove Fertility Center in Annapolis. To schedule a consultation, call 410-224-5500 today.0
- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe term “helicopter parent” may have been recently coined, but it’s certainly not a new phenomenon. The term is applied to parents who “hover over” their children, like a helicopter, paying extremely close attention to their experiences and problems, both in everyday life and academic settings. Parents may feel as if they’re looking out for their children’s welfare and helping their children excel, but there’s a downside to being overly involved and concerned. Studies are finding significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression in college students and young adults with helicopter parents. Ask questions, find resources and learn more at askAAMC.org/HealthyMinds. Why might that be? For one, helicopter parents may not allow their children to experience adversity and establish a sense of their own competence at managing things in the world around them. They can also convey a sense that perfection is what is required and demanded. “Hovering parents can lead to anxious kids because it doesn’t allow children to learn resilience. Parents need to give kids the opportunity to fail a bit, to learn from their mistakes and to grow from them. This helps build resiliency and the ability to deal with things in a healthy way,” says Ruth Milsten, MSW, LCSW-C, a mental health clinician and licensed social worker with AAMG Mental Health Specialists. Studies on the mental health of our youth confirm the harm done by expecting little when it comes to independence, yet much when it comes to achievements in school, sports or other extracurricular activities. Kids who are used to having their parents make every decision for them may face quite a shock when they enter a stage of life where more independence is expected, such as college or work. Inevitable small setbacks can feel like big failures, and a lack of feelings of self-sufficiency can lead to anxiety and depression. READ MORE: How to help your child cope with school safety anxiety One of the primary developmental tasks of adolescence is to create a growing sense of autonomy. Healthy functioning depends on learning to navigate between demands that are too extreme—creating too much anxiety—and a realistic sense of what is actually required in the world for success. Part of normal development has to involve processes of trial and error. What can parents do to help? Get comfortable with failure. The feeling of disappointment can be actually beneficial and children need to know you accept them as imperfect. Talk openly about dealing with setbacks or failures to help your child develop coping skills and emotional resilience. Be mindful of praise. We all know lack of approval can be devastating to children. At the same time, confidence grows from overcoming challenges, not being told how great you are all the time. Strike a balance, and keep in mind that sometimes “good” truly ought to be good enough. Remember, you’re the role model. It’s important to handle your own disappointments with grace—your kids are watching you. Help them see that adults make mistakes and experience setbacks. Own your decisions, and let them take ownership of theirs. It can be difficult for parents to experience the world as complicated and demanding and not be highly anxious about their children going out into it. Parents should support their children when they fail, but they shouldn’t prevent their child from ever experiencing failure. It’s the ability to go out into the world, experience some degree of failure, and pick oneself up to try again that gives an individual a healthy sense of the resources they have inside themselves to successfully navigate a path through life—a path that is truly theirs, not someone else’s. AAMG Mental Health Specialists offer care for diverse mental health needs. To schedule an appointment call 410-573-9000. Author Ruth Milsten, MSW, LCSW-C is a mental health clinician and licensed social worker with AAMG Mental Health Specialists. Originally published Aug. 25, 2015. Last updated May 7, 2018.0
- Community, Pediatrics, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWe are committed to improving the health of our community, illustrated by this sampling of our community outreach efforts: Helping Kids Say “No” Amanda Larkins is a prevention educator who visits high school students in their classrooms as part of a partnership among Anne Arundel County Public Schools, county coalitions and AAMC’s Pathways Prevention Program. The goal is to help students make good choices by arming them with information aboutthe dangers of alcohol and drug use and strategies for resisting peer pressure. In our photo above, Larkins has freshmen at Northeast High School in Pasadena spin the “Wheel of Misfortune,” taking turns testing their knowledge of drinks and drugs, and practice saying no. Reducing the Rate of Lung Cancer Deaths AAMC is committed to diagnosing lung cancer in people as early on in the disease process as possible. That’s because the earlier you catch it, the better your chances are for survival. We do this by providing low-dose CT Scans for low-income residents and, when necessary, enrollment in the rapid access chest and lung assessment program (RACLAP) for early intervention and diagnosis. Good news: The lung screening is covered by most insurances and Medicare, if you meet the screening criteria. If something suspicious is found, the RACLAP ensures patients get the information needed to decide on a course of action. Becoming Tobacco Free Since tobacco use is the leading cause of lung cancer and other related diseases, AAMC is committed to decreasing the use of tobacco products. We offer smoking cessation help through classes, individual counseling and support groups—all free to people who work or live in Anne Arundel County. AAMC is a tobacco free campus, which discourages the use of these products by employees, patients, visitors, and volunteers. Starting July 2015, AAMC takes a leadership position as a major employer in Maryland and stops hiring nicotine users. Our Community Benefit Report offers more details on our work in the community.0
- Wellness, Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe saying “you are what you eat” is more than just a catchphrase, it holds the key to potentially lowering your risk of cancer. According to the World Health Organization, adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes maintaining an ideal body weight and eating a nourishing diet, can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing cancer. But how can you achieve this? Here are things to include in your diet and what to avoid. Foods to add to your diet 1. Beans Beans and other legumes can give you fiber, which helps your gut and immune health—and can help prevent colorectal cancer. While all beans are beneficial, lentils offer the best protection. 2. Berries Berries like strawberries, blueberries and cranberries are full of antioxidants like vitamin C, and compounds called cyanidins, which protect your cells from stress and inflammation that could lead to cancer. 3. Broccoli Broccoli and other cruciferous foods like cauliflower, cabbage and kale have special plant compounds that help cells remove toxins and protect themselves. Studies show that eating these vegetables four or five times a week can reduce your risk of colorectal, prostate, bladder and breast cancer. 4. Nuts Studies have shown that tree nuts can help you prevent cancers in the digestive system. Common tree nuts, such as pecans, walnuts and almonds, have high levels of plant compounds called ellagitannins that can help gut bacteria stop cancer from growing. It’s best to choose unsalted and unsweetened nuts. If you don’t like them raw, mix the nuts into steamed vegetables, stir-fry, or salads. 5. Tomatoes Tomatoes are full of an antioxidant called lycopene, which may fight prostate cancer, according to many studies over the years. Other studies say that tomatoes (and tomato products such as tomato sauce) can lower your risk for breast, lung and colorectal cancer. Foods to avoid 1. Alcohol Alcohol, including beer, wine and spirits, causes tissue damage which can lead to changes in cells and increase your risk for cancer. If you don’t want to avoid alcohol entirely, try limiting yourself to one drink per day if you’re a woman, and two drinks per day if you’re a man. 2. Food and drinks with added sugar Candy, cookies and soda can lead to obesity, which in turn can increase your risk for cancer. Experts suggest you limit the amount of food and drinks in your diet that have added sugar. While diet sodas have no sugar and fewer calories, they lack essential nutrients found in water. 3. Fried foods When starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures (such as during the process of frying), they form a compound called acrylamide. Some studies have shown that acrylamide can damage cells, leading to a higher risk of cancer. Fried foods can also lead to obesity, which increases your risk for cancer. Air frying is a healthier alternative to than frying in traditional oil. It reduces calories by as much as 80% and significantly decreases fat content. 4. Processed meats This category includes most of the meats behind the deli counter, as well as hot dogs, ham, sausage, and anything sold in a pre-packaged container. These meats are often preserved using nitrates and nitrates, which increase your risk for colorectal and stomach cancers. 5. Red meats Researchers have found that consuming red meats such as beef, pork and lamb can increase your risk for colorectal cancer. Dietitians recommend eating less than 18 ounces of red meat each week. Balance is Key When it comes to healthy eating, it’s important to remember that finding a balance is essential to your overall success. Adding these cancer-fighting foods — and avoiding cancer-causing ones — as often as you’re able, can help you manage your risks. But making big, sweeping changes to your diet can sometimes be counterproductive. Be sure to start with small changes you know you can maintain. Finally, ongoing conversations with your primary care provider can help you better understand your personal cancer risk, and help you navigate any needed changes. To manage your overall wellness as well as cancer risks, schedule a visit with a primary care provider at Luminis Health Primary Care.0
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