- Women's Health, Pediatrics, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen Katie Voelcker thinks about her life before she had quadruplets, she remembers reading books, tending to housework, and spontaneous trips to the park with her 4-year-old son, Tyler. “Now,” says Katie, who lives with husband Allen in Chestertown, Md., “things are a little more hectic.” Their lives went from easygoing to warp speed last fall when doctors and nurses at AAMC helped Katie deliver quadruplets—two boys, Daniel and William, and two girls, Allison and Alexis. “The C-section procedure went very well. It was uncomplicated,” says Anthony Moorman, MD, one of the OB-GYNs who delivered the babies. Katie delivered the children at 32 weeks and 4 days. She had been hospitalized for two weeks before delivery. As is standard procedure in premature, high-risk births, the quadruplets remained in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) under observation for several weeks before being sent home. Fast-forward to fall 2013, the Voelcker babies keep their parents on their toes. They are crawling, working on pulling themselves up to a standing position, eating solids, and refining their communication skills. Do you go places? “We went to Wal-Mart the other day,” Katie sighs and smiles. “We have a minivan. It’s a tight squeeze, so we are looking at getting a bigger passenger van. I don’t want to, but we may have no choice!” Most of the time, Katie is happy and overwhelmed at the same time. But she has her moments. “Some days when it’s just me and the kids, I kind of shut down.” Who has been helpful along the way? “Allen is my best friend and partner in this crazy life of ours. I couldn’t keep going without his support and love,” Katie says. “My mother-in-law, Edwina, lives in Pasadena and has been here for us since the later part of my pregnancy. My mom came in from Utah and was here for two months. People from our church also have been a big help too. They send us meals; come over to lend a hand with anything we need; and take our oldest, Tyler, out to play.” There is also an online community of quad moms Katie regularly checks in with. “It helps to see there are other people who are going through it at the same time. It makes it feel normal. I don’t feel so different.” How do you make time for yourself? “It’s harder. I look forward to going to the grocery store, taking a shower, nap time, and bed time,” says Katie. “From 7:30 to 10pm is my time when I relax.” There is an especially caring teenager from church named Nikki who loves babies and happily babysits all five children so Katie and Allen can go on date nights. “I call her my little lifesaver. She knows the routine as well as I do,” Katie says. Do you have advice for other moms? “Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Katie says. “That was the hardest thing for me. Believe it or not, there are good people out there who not only can help but want to help. You just have to ask.” AAMC is the Safe, Smart Place for you and your baby. Get acquainted with the space by taking a video tour here.0
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNurse practitioners are having a moment, and it’s worth paying attention to how they can benefit you and your family. While many might think that the role is a recent development, educational programs for nurse practitioners were first established in 1965 to address the healthcare needs of underserved populations by training nurses to make advance clinical decisions. As demand for medical care increased and doctors faced capacity challenges, more programs emerged across the United States to help meet these growing needs. Awareness of nurse practitioners has grown slowly, becoming more widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent article from the National Institute for Health referred to the pandemic “an unprecedented opportunity for nurse practitioners to reform healthcare.” What is a nurse practitioner? A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has received additional training in treating patients. In Maryland, nurse practitioners have full practice authority. This means they can serve as your provider, prescribing medications, ordering lab tests and addressing your medical concerns. What distinguishes a doctor from a nurse practitioner? The primary difference lies in their training: Nurse practitioners first earn their registered nurse (RN) license by completing a bachelor’s degree program in nursing, and then a graduate degree. From start to finish, it can take six to eight years to become a nurse practitioner. Doctors, on the other hand, first complete a bachelor’s degree. Then, they go to medical school and complete a residency in the specialty they chose. It can take 10 to 14 years to become a fully licensed doctor. What to expect when seeing a nurse practitioner? If you’re dealing with a sore throat, seasonal allergies, or the flu, a quickly scheduled visit with a nurse practitioner can provide much-needed relief without having to go to the emergency room. Nurse practitioners offer a wide range of health care services, including: Physical exams: Performing physical exams and taking health histories Diagnosis and treatment: Diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions, and managing overall care Prescribing medication: Prescribing and managing medications and therapies Ordering tests: Ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic tests Education: Teaching patients about disease prevention and healthy lifestyles Referrals: Referring patients to offer health professionals as needed On the rise and ready to help The number of nurse practitioners has increased significantly over the past few decades. One of the key factors driving this growth is the nationwide shortage of doctors, which is expected to increase. A report from the Association of American Medical College estimates that the United States faces a shortfall of between 37,800 and 124,000 doctors in the next 12 years. Fortunately, the number of nurse practitioners is increasing, with more than 385,000 licensed in the U.S. At Luminis Health, our nurse practitioners are ready to serve you. Collaborating with doctors at their clinic or practice, they ensure that all your medical needs are met promptly and conveniently, close to home. Tormeika Sanford is a nurse practitioner at Luminis Health. To schedule an appointment, visit Luminis.Health/PrimaryCare.0
- Physical TherapyGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFrom personal trainers to coaches and even apps on our phone, today we have an abundance of resources to help improve our athletic abilities for all levels of play. Unfortunately, sports can lead to injuries. And when that happens, the key to getting back on the field, the court, the track, or simply everyday life, is the way you recover. Recovery can be quick or can take time, depending on the injury. At clinics with sports performance zones, like that available at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Physical Therapy – Jennifer Square, physical therapists can combine traditional physical therapy with sports performance practices to support an individual’s ability to perform at their peak level and recover successfully. READ MORE: AAMG Physical Therapy opens new location at Jennifer Square You might not realize it but your recovery period has many benefits, which is why you should take it seriously. Below are some ways physical therapy can change your sports performance: Avoid training hazards and future injuries. Training with a physical therapist whose expertise is in both sports and rehabilitation can help you get back in the game better than ever before. A provider can help you heal and perform at your highest level while also showing you how to avoid potential training hazards or future injuries. This maintenance approach is similar to how we see a dentist several times a year for preventative care and not just before having a cavity or tooth pain. Gain an edge in sports or higher-level hobbies. Of course, as a patient, you must be willing to work to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and performance. Look for a program that provides a personalized exercise program for sport-specific training, total body strength, power, stamina, flexibility and movement. Spot incorrect patterns of movement. Identifying muscle weaknesses, tightness and coordination problems can help you avoid injury and move more efficiently within your sport of choice. For example, if you are concerned with keeping up with the pace of play or feel like you can’t hit the ball as well as you should, seek a physical therapist who can correct improper movement patterns to help you get back on the court – better, faster and stronger. Perform exercises in a controlled, comfortable environment. Perform higher-level exercises in an environment with skilled experts prior to doing them on your own. If you pair that with innovative techniques, you can easily access parts of recovery not typically available in traditional physical therapy clinics. For example, think instrument-assisted soft tissue massage, cupping, blood-flow restriction training and dry needling. Authors James Bickley, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist at AAMG Physical Therapy’s Jennifer Square location. He can be reached at 443-481-1140.0
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn 2017, many of us anxiously followed headlines and reports on social media for news of missing Howard County teacher Laura Wallen, only to be saddened at the news of her death. While the public waited and hoped for Laura Wallen’s safe return home, Prince George’s County resident Andrea Grinage was attacked in her apartment and set on fire. What did these women have in common? They were both pregnant and victims of intimate partner violence — or domestic violence. Although these and similar stories frequently report the fact that the suspect is a current or former partner, there is all too often no mention of domestic violence. This very subtle omission is an indication of continued misconceptions about what domestic violence is and who is most at risk. The fact is, over half of all female homicides are in relation to domestic violence. Equally disturbing, as many as 300,000 pregnant women experience some form of domestic violence each year. Undoubtedly, the most dangerous time for women in abusive relationships is when they are attempting to leave an abusive partner and during or just after pregnancy. As in the case of Andrea Grinage and Laura Wallen, these frightening facts hold true. READ MORE: When words hurt: Another kind of domestic violence The media’s omission of domestic violence, to not call it out by name, illustrates the stigma and misconceptions that still surround this issue. Chances are, if you are a woman and have not experienced domestic violence yourself, you know someone (a sister, a mother, a co-worker, a neighbor) who has and you have seen the signs. Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior used by one person to gain power and control over another, usually a current or former intimate partner. Abuse can include physical abuse, verbal abuse and threats, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, isolation, stalking, coercive or controlling behavior and financial abuse. This type of violence does not discriminate. It touches women in all walks of life. It transcends race and socioeconomic status. Support of family and friends can often be vital to those impacted by domestic violence by diminishing the effects of isolation and feelings of hopelessness. Advocates trained in the dynamics of domestic violence can assist victims by screening and assessing risk, documenting injuries, creating safety plans, providing immediate crisis intervention, and referrals to professional counselors, safe shelter, and legal resources. Unfortunately, the stories of so many women like Laura Wallen and Andrea Grinage reach our headlines when they result in tragedy. And even so, reports too often fail to mention domestic violence. It’s time this public health problem is called by its name, domestic violence. Author Amy J.N. Bosworth, Psy.D., is an abuse/domestic violence specialist at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Her email is [email protected]. Originally published Oct. 1, 2017. Last updated Aug. 13, 2025.0
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogOver the last few years, we’ve all heard a lot about vaping. Especially its popularity among teens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked 2,807 lung injuries to vaping as of February 2020. And the agency has also linked vaping to 68 deaths across 29 states and Washington, D.C. We’re shining a light on five things you need to know about this trend right now. Symptoms can vary. Coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea, fever, chills or weight loss – all could be symptoms of vaping illness. Some symptoms can appear over a few days. Others might appear over a few weeks. Vaping affects more than your lungs. Defective e-cigarette batteries can cause injuries. Including severe burns, fires and explosions. E-cigarette liquid has also poisoned children and adults. Vaping continues to be growing in popularity among teens. Two years ago, more than 3.6 million kids were vaping. In one year, vaping by high school students increased 78 percent. And vaping by middle school students increased 48 percent. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine – which is highly addictive. Nicotine itself is not known to cause cancer. But it is a stimulant that can cause health problems. A person’s brain isn’t fully developed until age 25. Nicotine can lead to permanent changes in the brain – affecting memory, learning and cognition. And it could increase the risk of addiction to other substances. Remember, too, that e-cigarettes can contain other harmful substances. E-cigarettes contain at least 60 potentially toxic chemicals. These can irritate your lungs and can cause lasting lung damage and disease. There’s no safe level of vaping. Research shows that e-cigarette vapor caused DNA damage in the lungs and bladder in mice exposed to the equivalent of three to six years of vaping. We’ve also seen research that shows that e-cigarette users’ oral tissue looks like that of cigarette smokers with cancer. In Maryland, you have to be 21 to buy tobacco (unless you are 18 and serving in the military). Decades ago, the cigarette industry touted their products’ safety as they marketed to teens. The first studies that linked smoking to lung cancer appeared in the 1920s. But the U.S. Surgeon General didn’t release the first report connecting smoking to lung cancer and chronic bronchitis until 1964. We expect that we will also have to wait and see what the long-term effects of e-cigarettes will be. Until then, we encourage you to talk to your kids about the dangers of vaping. It is just not worth the risk. Author Stephen Cattaneo, MD, is a thoracic surgeon and medical director of Thoracic Oncology at AAMC. Originally published Nov. 18, 2019. Last updated Nov. 9, 2020.0
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