- Senior Care, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe holidays are usually a time to gather with family and friends. Our calendars fill up with parties and other social outings. We celebrate with our loved ones. We reflect on the past year and look forward to the future. But the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to months of physical distancing as we work together to slow the spread of the virus. This has sparked feelings of loneliness in many people. Including seniors, who may be at risk of severe illness from COVID-19. 43 percent of seniors say they feel lonely on a regular basis. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), about 20 percent of adults who are at least 65 years old live alone. Those who are lonely can suffer from health problems as a result. The health effects of social isolation In her 2015 study on public health and loneliness, Brigham Young University Professor Julianne Holt-Lunstad said social isolation can be as damaging to one’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. And according to the NIA, research has also linked loneliness to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weaker immune system, depression, anxiety and dementia. Having loved ones around often encourages people to take better care of themselves. Including eating well, exercising and taking necessary medications. Living alone and not leaving the house on a regular basis are two major things that can cause loneliness in seniors. How you can help Feeling connected to others is key. And these days, many of these connections are happening virtually. Thanks to FaceTime, Zoom and Skype, staying in touch is easier than ever. If you have an older family member or friend who wants to learn to use the new technology, set up some time to explain to them how it works. Or, simply give them a call. Chat with them about their worries and concerns. Let them know you are thinking of them. This year has been like no other. This holiday season will be no exception. The best gift you could give during the holidays or any day is to reach out to those who may be feeling lonely. Offer them connection and companionship. It costs nothing, and you’ll brighten someone’s day. Author Lil Banchero is the senior director of Luminis Health AAMC’s Institute for Healthy Aging. Originally published Dec. 16, 2019. Last updated Dec. 7, 2020.0
- Men's Health, News & Press Releases, Women's Health, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSudden cardiac arrest, a condition that occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating, kills more than 300,000 Americans each year. Previously, the condition was believed to strike without warning, but a new study from the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests otherwise. “We used to think there were no symptoms. This study shows that may not necessarily be true,” says Baran Kilical, MD, cardiologist and electrophysiologist with Anne Arundel Medical Group Cardiology Specialists. “The study suggests people may have slight warning signs, such as chest pain and shortness of breath. It’s important to recognize symptoms and seek help.” Symptoms of a heart attack and cardiac arrest are similar, but they are very different conditions. “Even 18-year-olds can experience sudden cardiac death,” explains Dr. Kilical. “Unlike a heart attack where arteries are blocked, sudden cardiac arrest is an electrical problem. If there’s an electrical short circuit the heart is quivering instead of squeezing. This means it isn’t pumping blood to the brain and other vital organs. That’s how death occurs.” The study included more than 800 people who survived cardiac arrest. About 50 percent of men and 53 percent of women reported at least some warning signs before their hearts stopped. Only 19 percent say they sought emergency treatment. In addition to chest pains and shortness of breath, some patients reported heart palpitations and flu-like symptoms. “When in doubt, if it’s something that’s unusual for you, it’s worth a phone call,” says Dr. Kilical. “It’s best not to play Dr. Google at home. Call your doctor or 911 and ask about it.” Listen to the full interview with Dr. Kilical on WTOP radio. Learn more about the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest. Contributor Baran Kilical, MD, is a board-certified cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist with AAMG Cardiology Specialists. To reach his office, call 410-897–0822.0
- Men's Health, Women's Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you’re outdoors a lot during the summer, you probably know to watch out for ticks. These insects, especially deer ticks, can transmit Lyme disease and other viruses. While ticks are most active during warmer months, they remain a concern long after Labor Day. Deer ticks can be active as long as the ground isn’t covered with snow, or frozen. Which means a disease-carrying tick can bite you, and infect you, even after the first frost. According to the University of Rhode Island’s TickEncounter Resource Center, deer ticks, also known as blacklegged ticks, start to become active in their adult stage as summer fades away into fall. In the Northeast, there are more adult stage ticks in early October. But ticks can also be an issue in the winter, according to TickEncounter. Ticks that didn’t find a host to latch onto when it was warmer outside can come out from under the snow when the ground thaws, and look for a host then. Not all deer ticks are infected with the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, but it’s still a concern. Since the late 1990s, the number of reported cases of Lyme disease in the U.S. has tripled, researchers say. Lyme disease is rarely fatal but it can be debilitating. Its early symptoms resemble the flu, and a rash sometimes develops around the bite. Preventing ticks Prevention is key. If you’re out hiking at any time of year, stay in the center of trails and avoid areas with thick vegetation and grass. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that you use repellent containing 20 percent or more DEET on exposed skin. You should also use products that contain permethrin to treat pants and shoes, or choose outdoor clothing that is pre-treated with permethrin. Know what to look for: Adult deer ticks grow only to about the size of a sesame seed, and have reddish hind bodies with black markings and legs. After you come in from outside, you should take a bath or shower as soon as you can to wash off any ticks before they bite. Wash your clothes in hot water, or dry them on high heat. The CDC also advises people to examine pets after they come inside to make sure they aren’t bringing ticks with them. What to do if You Find a Tick on Your Skin If you do find a tick on your skin, you should take fine-tipped tweezers and grasp onto the insect as close to your skin as possible. Pull the tick upward. Once you remove the body of the tick, it can’t transmit disease. Wash the bite area and your hands. Take special note of whether the tick was engorged, or full of blood. Ticks that look “puffy” are more likely to transmit diseases. You may also want to save the tick in a plastic baggie, in case you need to go to the doctor and identify the type of tick. If you start to notice any of the signs of Lyme disease, including fever, headache, fatigue, or muscle or joint aches, call your doctor. Don’t let a fear of ticks keep you indoors. By taking the proper precautions, you can enjoy being outside all year long. Originally published Sept. 11, 2017. Last updated Sept. 16, 2025.0
- CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWith the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy to let your guard down and forget to take your usual safety precautions. Unfortunately, that can make you an easy target for criminals. Make sure you are following these crime prevention tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this holiday season: Use credit or debit cards whenever possible to avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Be careful at the ATM. Guard your PIN, and do not walk away from the machine counting your money. Be careful how you handle your money in public. Never flash or count money in front of others. Have your car keys already in your hand when approaching your car just in case you need to get inside quickly. Look inside your car’s passenger area first to make sure it’s safe inside before you try to enter. Once inside your car, make sure all your doors and windows are closed and locked. Be extremely cautious of anyone who tries to get you to step outside of your car for any reason. Do not get out of your car unless you are confident you will be safe. If not, drive off if you can. Place all packages and other valuables out of sight and locked inside your trunk while your car is parked. Remember to walk in well-lit areas so that you and others can clearly see any suspicious behavior. Park your car in well-lit places as well. If you feel it is too dark, then find another space. Be aware of everything and everyone around you at all times, especially while outdoors. Be aware of people who bump into you. They may be trying to pick your pocket or purse. Never leave your purse or packages unattended, not even for a short amount of time. Never purchase more items than you can easily carry. You become an easy target when you’re struggling to carry packages. Trust your instincts. If you sense something is wrong, then it most likely is. Never be afraid to call 911 for help. Nothing you own is more valuable than your life or good health. If someone grabs your purse or packages, let them go. Crime can happen anywhere, to anyone. But you can help to prevent it by staying vigilant and following these safety tips. From all of us at AAMC, we wish you and your family a safe and healthy holiday season! Originally published Nov. 30, 2018. Last updated Nov. 22, 2019.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAfter returning to Maryland from an international trip, I started having symptoms of what I thought might be a cold or the flu. I thought I would quickly recover from it. But on March 29, I started to exhibit more symptoms, including a fever, chest pressure, cough, a prolonged headache, labored breathing and loss of appetite. I scheduled a Zoom call with my primary care physician on April 6, had a test on April 7, and found out I was positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) on April 9. After my diagnosis, I was told to head to Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) for a CT scan of my lungs. My husband and I were scared to death, especially not knowing much about COVID-19 during the early stages of the pandemic. It’s hard to believe that I’m still the only one in my core group of friends and family members who has been diagnosed and has recovered from this virus. Looking back, I’m glad I’m here to tell my story. The care that I received at AAMC was great. The staff treated me with great respect. I really felt that my care team, along with my primary care physician, cared about my wellbeing and wanted to see me recover. On May 22, I was asked if I wanted to donate my plasma to aid in the fight against this deadly virus. I quickly said yes. I was asked about 15 to 20 antibody screening questions and on May 28, it was determined that I was able to donate. Many close to me ask why I would want to donate. My question to them is, why not? To me, I had to donate. I’m one of the lucky ones to beat this out of hundreds of thousands of people. I have to pay it forward and help someone else. There was no way that I wasn’t going to donate. The donation process was fast and easier than I expected. Now, as an “official” plasma donor, I have to wait 55 days to donate again, and I already have my date scheduled. It’s been three months since my diagnosis. I’m pretty much back to normal. My stamina has returned, though it took a while to get back to my pre-COVID self. My daily routines took a little longer to complete, as I would often get a little winded doing simple things like walking up stairs. As a COVID survivor, I want to remind people of a few things as we begin to re-open. We must continue wearing masks. We must continue practicing social distancing. We must make sure that we are correctly washing and sanitizing our hands. We need to get into these habits and be rigorous in following safety guidelines from the state and from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Author Clare Vanderbeek, a mid-60s resident of Edgewater, Maryland, is a COVID-19 survivor.0
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