- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTeenage girls are in crisis. New research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals nearly three in five (57%) teen girls in the United States felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021. This is double that of teen boys and the highest level reported in the past decade. This data aligns with the increased number of teen girls who are being seen in the clinics and emergency departments in Prince George’s County, where Jesselina Curry, MD—a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Luminis Health—reports that the most common symptoms reported by these teenagers are low self-esteem and thoughts of not wanting to be alive. Why Are Teen Girls Affected Most? According to Dr. Curry, both teen boys and girls are experiencing increased mental health struggles, but girls often identify the struggle faster and are quicker to act on their feelings. There are a number of reasons for the increase, including among other things the loss of primary family members, academic stress and peer conflict. These factors are compounded by internal stressors such as trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be in life. LGBTQ and racial minority teens are struggling to find genuine safety and trust in relationships. Without feeling secure and a sense of real belonging, these teens tend to isolate from others, act impulsively or develop deep, prolonged sadness. Cultivating Connection with Adult Caregivers Creates Resilience Although many adults grew up with the philosophy of “speak only when you are spoken to,” it is important for adult guardians to create opportunities for teens to feel heard on a regular basis, not just once a conflict or crisis arises. For a host of reasons, grandparents are increasingly playing an important role in their grandchildren’s lives, especially since many parents are working longer hours to support the household. Because of the age difference, it might be harder for grandparents to connect with their grandkids. Dr. Curry encourages adult guardians to share a personal story of a difficult time from their own life, and then encourage the teen to share a personal hardship. It’s important for adults to ask the teen how the situation made them feel. That way they can then find solutions together. As adult caregivers help teens cope with the everyday tragedies and disappointments in life, you hope these life lessons stick with them into adulthood. Available Resources for Teens Every teen wants a sense of belonging. To help with their emotional growth, encourage them to join a club at school or a group with positive role models who can build up their self-esteem. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry website includes a variety of resources to support teens who may be struggling with their mental health, as well as helpful resources for their families. The site includes fact sheets, books recommendations, videos for teens and more. A few organizations that provide support, belonging and empowerment specific to teen girls include: Girls Scouts of the USA Girls on the Run Boys & Girls Clubs of America Key Takeaways from an Adolescent Psychiatrist According to Dr. Curry, the teenage years are the most difficult. To help successfully navigate these sometimes choppy seas, she encourages parents/caretakers do the following: Create a strong listening environment Don’t overlook changes in your teen’s behavior Continue to provide them with structure and a community of support Model coping skills in difficult situations The Behavioral Health Pavilion on the campus of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center provides Behavioral Health Walk-In Urgent Care for non-emergent behavioral health concerns for ages four years old and up. This service in Lanham is available Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Author Jesselina Curry, MD, is an adolescent psychiatrist at Luminis Health.0
- General Page Tier 3BlogThe holiday season only comes around once a year. While it can be an easy time to slip into unhealthy eating habits, you can fit holiday celebrations into an overall healthy lifestyle with a little bit of positive thinking — and planning. Here are our top six tips for maintaining healthy habits throughout the holidays. 1. Get Moving Make exercise part of the holiday season and burn more calories than you consume. Kick up your steps and exercise during the days right before a celebration or family gathering. On the actual holiday, take a walk early in the day and then again after a meal. Taking a walk together is a great way for family members of all ages to enjoy time together away from the table. Even when it starts to get dark outside, you can bundle up and tour the holiday lights in and around your neighborhood. Just be sure to wear reflective clothing, bring flashlights and be cautious of any traffic. 2. Fuel for the Day Remember to eat prior to the big feast. You don’t want to save up calories and find you are so hungry during dinnertime that you have difficulty controlling your appetite. If you include protein and fiber (think fruits and vegetables) early in the day as part of your breakfast or lunch, you won’t be as hungry and will have the will power to make better decisions about your food and drink choices. 3. Watch your Portions Don’t think you have to swear off dessert or your favorite holiday snacks to stay healthy. It’s truly all about portion size. Most people already know the foods that will be served at their holiday gatherings, and many of these foods are family favorites. Don’t spend your calories on items you can have any other time of year. Instead, choose your holiday favorites and stick to moderate portions. If you’re a guest at a family member or friend’s house, offer to bring a healthy dish you know you will enjoy and can substitute for a less healthy option. Remember, fruits and vegetables are your best options. 4. Think Water Alcohol and sugary drinks come packed with extra calories. Don’t drink your calories; save them for the delicious food. Sip a large glass of water or flavored sparkling water to stay hydrated and ward off cravings for calorie-laden drinks. If you do decide to have an alcoholic beverage, wine spritzers are a better choice than most cocktails. 5. Be Realistic Maintaining your standard weight through the holidays is a reasonable goal. However, this isn’t the easiest time to focus on weight loss. Most people are juggling busy schedules, food temptations and entertaining guests, so a realistic goal during this season is to avoid weight gain. 6. Shift the Food Focus The holiday season is the perfect time to focus on friends and family. Rather than making food the main focus, consider building traditions around socializing, time together and games. Remind yourself of what you’re thankful for and celebrate your relationships. This not only helps your physical health but your mental health as well. Do you know how many calories are hiding in classic holiday treats? Calories aren’t everything, but it’s helpful to stay conscious of how many calories you’re eating and drinking. While you don’t have to avoid all holiday treats, many of them are loaded with calories so it’s best to keep portions small. Here are some calorie counts for common holiday desserts and drinks. 1/8th of nine-inch wide pecan pie = 190 calories 1 cup of Irish coffee (no sugar added) = 263 calories 1/8th of nine-inch wide pumpkin pie = 171 calories 4-ounce glass of egg nog = 110 calories Three iced sugar cookies = 540 calories 1 cup of hot chocolate = 120 calories 1/16th of red velvet cake = 320 calories 16-ounce white chocolate peppermint drink = 460 calories 1/9th of eight-inch slice of gingerbread = 370 calories 5-ounce glass of wine = 120 calories Request an appointment with one of our registered dietitians for a variety of nutrition services. They can create a food plan tailored to your personal health needs, identify what nutrients you may be lacking and help you achieve your health goals. Authors By Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford, nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them call 443-481-5555. Originally published Dec. 6, 2016. Last updated Dec. 9, 2019.0
- Behavioral Health, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3Blog“Put on your oxygen mask first” might sound cliché, but it’s the best metaphor for self-care. How many times have you felt burned out but continued to push yourself past your limits? How many times have you put your needs on the back burner for your family despite being exhausted? And how many times have you said “yes” when really what you wanted to say was, “no, not today”? Being a parent is a beautiful gift. By nature, you begin to let go of your priorities to take care of your children. You can’t help but give them your all, even if that means coming home after a busy day and continuing to pull energy from a tank that otherwise feels empty. Your children need you. Now more than ever before as the discussion around mental health is at an all-time high. The statistics are eye opening. One in 5 children ages 13-18 have or will have a serious mental illness at some point during their life, according to the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI). Another finding shows that suicide is the third leading cause of death in ages 10-24. You play a crucial role in your child’s wellbeing and mental health, but caring for your child can have an impact on your health too. To best care for the people you love, you must first take care of yourself. Here are some steps you can take: Practice self-care. No, you’re not being selfish — this is important to remember. Self-care has become a trendy term but most people don’t put it into practice. A good way to start is to first give yourself permission to do it and focus on yourself, even if just for a day. Identify replenishing activities that work for you. Scrolling through your phone, being on social media or watching TV are activities that occupy your time but do not replenish you. Instead, try taking a walk, going for a jog or sitting somewhere surrounded by nature. Savor doing activities that replenish you and look forward to doing them. Know your limits. It’s OK to ask for help or delegate chores and responsibilities to others when you don’t feel like you can take on more. Not being able to do everything by yourself is not a sign of weakness. It is realistic to know your limits and to prioritize self-care. Look at the big picture and re-center. Centering helps you be a consistent and stable parent for your children. If you’re always involved in a frenzy of activities, you won’t be able to do this. Practice mindfulness — being present in the moment with full awareness and without judgment of thoughts and feelings — instead of being distracted by what’s next on the list. Engaging in self- care activities and reminding yourself of core values can help with centering. Set realistic expectations. Don’t compare yourself to other parents. Parenting is not a competition. What might be a priority for you might not be for another parent. Identify what is important to you and your family. Is it spending more time together? Sharing more things? Going out to the movies? Set your own goals and expectations, and focus on those. Schedule alone time. Yes, you’re allowed to do this! Listen and take care of yourself. Meditate/relax. Take a break from the “motor mind” by deep breathing, being a witness to the thoughts in your mind, or listening to music that uplifts you. This is a good way to relax, be present and unwind from your hectic day-to-day. Ask for help. Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. — 43.8 million — experiences mental illness in a given year, according to NAMI. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help or talk to your doctor about issues you may be experiencing. By taking care of your own physical and emotional health, you’ll be better equipped to serve as a role model for your child and/or handle the challenges of supporting someone with a mental illness. Neglecting your own emotional needs can lead to depression or anxiety down the line. Don’t forget that your children are watching and will learn from you how to deal with stressful situations. Be in tune with yourself. You can’t live a life that’s fulfilling and meaningful if you’re always focused on others. Like they tell you on an airplane, you can’t help the person next to you if you don’t have your oxygen mask on first. Authors Raymond Hoffman, MD, is medical director of Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Mental Health and Substance Use services. To reach him, call 410-573-9000. Aruna Gogineni, Ph.D., LCSW-C, is a mental health practitioner and researcher at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Mental Health Specialists. To reach her, call 410-573-9000. Originally published Jan. 21, 2019. Last updated Jan. 13, 2020.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the information we hear and see about the coronavirus (COVID-19). It’s important to know that not all information is fact or from a reliable source. Misinformation spreads rapidly and adds complexity to our response. So, let’s look at some facts! Vitamin and mineral supplements cannot prevent or cure COVID-19. There has been a lot of press about certain micronutrients and COVID-19 prevention and/or cure. Zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin D are critical for a healthy immune system and work to promote our overall health and nutritional needs of our diet. They do not prevent or cure the virus. The same is true for the use of green tea or Echinacea supplements that do not prevent individuals from getting the virus. Drinking alcohol does not protect you against COVID-19. The use of alcohol will not protect you from or cure COVID-19. The use of alcohol can increase your risk for health problems. It is important to drink responsibly. For those who choose to drink, in moderation, up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks a day for men – only adults of legal drinking age. Many individuals should not drink alcohol at all. Individuals taking certain over-the-counter medication or prescription medications or have certain medical conditions, those with alcoholism or women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding. Garlic is not a treatment or prevention for COVID-19 We know garlic is a commonly used herb that may have some antimicrobial properties. It enhances the flavor of our food. Allicin is the predominant phytochemical in garlic and may provide some health benefits when used as part of a well-balanced diet. There is no evidence to suggest it can prevent or cure COVID-19. Adding pepper to our meals or soups does not prevent or cure COVID-19. Hot peppers and other related spices might help improve the taste of your meals, but will not help you avoid contracting COVID-19. Products containing colloidal silver or oleander do not prevent or treat COVID-19 and can be dangerous. While these products have been marketed as COVID-19 treatments, they are not safe or effective. Colloidal silver can cause serious side effects and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned it isn’t safe or effective for treating any disease or condition. The extract from the oleander plant is poisonous and shouldn’t be taken as a supplement or home remedy. Try your best not to draw conclusions based on incorrect or incomplete information. This can cause stress, create confusion and can prevent you from making informed decisions regarding your health. No food or supplement can protect you from the coronavirus. Nevertheless, having a well-balanced diet is important in supporting our immune function and may influence the body’s ability to fight infection. During the time of the pandemic it is important to take control of what we can to optimize our health. Focus on eating well, maintaining adequate hydration, exercise and practice proven stress management techniques. Be sure to social distance, wash your hands thoroughly and wear a mask. Author Ann Caldwell is a nutritionist and registered dietitian at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach her, call 443-481-5555.0
- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogStars in your eyes, butterflies in your stomach, weak in the knees—falling in love is a feeling like no other. But did you know being in love actually has tangible health benefits for both your body and your mind? “We are social creatures and we do best when we have strong social support systems,” explains Baran Kilical, MD, a cardiologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center. “Being in love can affect everything from your stress levels to your heart health.” Here are few of the scientifically backed benefits of being in love: A longer life Research shows a clear link between strong social ties and longevity. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology assessed the relationships of nearly 5,000 adults ages 30 to 69. Those with strong, happy marriages lived longer than unmarried men and women. Unfortunately, the phenomenon goes both ways. In the same study, adults with poor social ties had twice the risk of death compared to others in the study. “Many different studies have replicated these findings, especially in men,” says Dr. Kilical. “Most research shows being married is even more beneficial to men’s health than women’s health.” And there’s a growing amount of research showing a higher risk of illness and death in people with low quantity and low quality of social relationships. “Social isolation is a major risk factor for death from a variety of causes in both genders,” says Dr. Kilical. Learn your risk for heart disease with our free online heart health profiler at askAAMC.org/HeartHealth and take the first step toward having a healthy heart for life. A healthy heart It’s fitting that the symbol for love is a heart, given all the heart health benefits of being in love. Married people experience half the risk of death from heart disease than that of unmarried or divorced men and women. “One theory explains this finding by citing improved function of the autonomic nervous system, which controls bodily functions like heart rate, in people who are married or in love,” says Dr. Kilical. “Our sympathetic nervous system, or our stress “fight-or-flight” response likely plays a role as well.” Being in love tends to decrease our stress response, which can in turn lower blood pressure. Studies show strong love, marriage and social ties improve blood pressure, while isolation and being around strangers increases it. The same holds true for heart rate. And if you do have a heart attack, being happily married helps. In a 2015 study, married people had a 14 percent lower risk of dying in the hospital after a heart attack. They also had shorter hospital stays by an average of two days. Healthy lungs It’s not just your heart that benefits from being in love. Being married can help protect against complications and death from pneumonia. Compared to unmarried men and women, married people are less likely to require ventilator support via a breathing machine, have shorter hospital stays, are less likely to end up in an intensive care unit and have 13 percent lower risk of dying during hospitalization for pneumonia. Less stress Besides the physical health benefits, being in love works wonders for your mental health as well. Love, marriage and overall wellbeing reduce stress, which also strengthens your immune system. But what really goes on in your mind when you’re in love? “Thanks to endocrine research (the study of hormones) and modern functional brain MRIs, we can get a peek behind the scenes,” says Dr. Kilical. “Love causes changes in many of your hormones including oxytocin, vasopressin, dopamine, serotonin, cortisol and testosterone.” Here’s some of what goes on in your brain: The hormones oxytocin and vasopressin interact with your dopamine reward system. This is the same system that causes people to feel good or happy when positive events happen, such as getting a pay raise or falling in love. Vasopressin helps control blood pressure. Cortisol, the stress hormone, initially rises when you fall in love, but quickly drops in a long-term, stable relationship. Low cortisol levels sustained in a long-term stable relationship contributes to many health benefits. Not in love? How to still reap the benefits If a significant other is lacking in your life, no need to worry. “Some of these health benefits still apply to people who have a strong social support system,” notes Dr. Kilical. “Positive, close relationships with family members and friends can keep you healthier, too.” Even something as simple as a hug can help. Most people know hugs can help you feel connected to other people, but did you know they can actually help prevent sickness? When you feel connected to others, especially through physical touch, you’re less prone to experience sickness caused by stress. In one study of more than 400 adults, researchers found that the more often people hugged, the more their chances of getting sick decreased. Hugging may be an indicator of overall social support in a person’s life, which also promotes good health. In the same study, the adults who said they have a strong social support system had fewer cold symptoms than those who said their support system was lacking. No matter what your relationship status, remember that positive, close relationships are important for your overall health and wellness. Taking the time to invest in family members and friends is also an investment in your personal health. Author Baran Kilical, MD, is a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist with Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published Feb. 13, 2017. Last updated Feb. 7, 2020.0
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