- Men's Health, Women's Health, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic intestinal diseases. These diseases involve inflammation of all or part of your digestive tract. The two most common IBDs are ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease. UC is limited to the large intestine (colon) and Crohn’s disease can affect the digestive tract from mouth to anus. IBD symptoms can involve: Significant and persistent diarrhea. Stomach pain and cramps. Fatigue. Bloody stools (more typical with UC). Reduced appetite. Unintentional weight loss. “It’s common to confuse Crohn’s disease and UC with other conditions because they share common and nonspecific symptoms,” explains Mark Flasar, MD, who specializes in gastroenterology and IBD at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Crohn’s and Colitis Clinic AAMC recently opened its patient-centered Crohn’s and Colitis Clinic. The clinic’s team includes nutritionists, physicians, gastroenterologists and surgeons—all with focused training and experience in IBD management. A multidisciplinary approach to IBD therapy offers the best path to a better quality of life. “When the IBD patient is at the center of a team, we can expedite care and hopefully achieve remission,” says AAMC Department of Surgery Chair Adrian Park, MD. “With the entire team in one clinic, everything revolves around the patient,” explains Dr. Park. “Instead of sending patients out for consults, we collaborate as a team to help the patient. This seamless process provides a better level of care.” There’s no definitive trigger for IBD. This makes flare-ups unpredictable. In addition, there’s no cure for Crohn’s disease and UC can only be cured by removing the large intestine. With proper care, though, many IBD patients achieve long-term remission. Here are three reasons to seek medical help if you suffer persistent IBD symptoms. You’re not alone. It’s important to have a network of support as you adjust your lifestyle to manage IBD. About 1.6 million Americans have IBD, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). Doctors diagnose 70,000 new cases of IBD in the United States each year. New treatments are available. Advances in genetics, immunology and microbiology have led to far more options to treat IBD. Start with a frank discussion with your primary care physician (PCP). Your PCP may refer you to a gastroenterologist, who can pinpoint the best and latest treatment. Self-medication is never a solution. “When you have IBD, your immune system is attacking your intestine. Over-the-counter medications may mask the diarrhea and pain, but intestinal damage is still going on,” Dr. Flasar stresses. “Only a physician can help control symptoms and possible long-term damage.” Remission results are impressive. According to the CCFA, 70 percent of UC patients and 45 percent of Crohn’s disease patients in remission remain relapse-free during the next year. There’s evidence that early IBD treatment may help minimize intestinal tract damage and reduce life-altering symptoms. Read more about our new Crohn’s and Colitis Clinic. Contributors Mark Flasar, MD, is a gastroenterologist at AAMC. Adrian Park, MD is the chair of AAMC’s Department of Surgery.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) has installed two medication disposal drop boxes to offer the public a place to dispose of unused or expired medications. The new drop boxes can be found at MedPark Professional Pharmacy, located in the AAMC Sajak Pavilion, suite 170, 2002 Medical Parkway, Annapolis, Md., and at Arnold Professional Pharmacy, 1460 Ritchie Highway, Arnold, Md. The medication disposal drop boxes promote the safe collection and proper destruction of unused medications. Medicine placed in trash containers may represent a danger to children and flushing medications should be the last resort due to potential effects on plants, fish and water. “Our safe medication disposal drop boxes will support Anne Arundel Medical Center’s commitment to the health and safety of our community,” said Jo Deaton, senior director of nursing for Behavioral Health at AAMC. “This important solution also helps protect our community from the threat of prescription drug misuse.” AAMC’s medication disposal drop boxes are supported through the Anne Arundel County Department of Health’s Opioid Misuse Prevention Program grant, and through partnership with MedPark and Arnold Professional Center pharmacies. “Two-thirds of teens who report improper use of prescription medications get them from family and friends,” said Acting Anne Arundel County Health Officer Billie Penley. “Conveniently located prescription drop boxes strengthen our efforts to prevent substance misuse. By monitoring our medicine cabinet and disposing of unused medicine, county residents help fight the opioid epidemic and safeguard loved ones.” The new containers can accept controlled and non-controlled medications in pills, tablets, capsules, as well as ointments, creams, lotions, and powders. There must be no more than four ounces of liquid medication, and the liquids must be in original containers, wrapped in a paper towel and sealed in a plastic bag. Aerosol spray cans, needles, syringes, and home-based medical equipment supplies are not accepted. For additional medication disposal drop box locations, including drop boxes for home healthcare lancets, needles and syringes, visit the Anne Arundel County Department of Health website, www.aahealth.org.0
- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you have or have had breast cancer, you may want to know if there are things you can do that may lower your risk of the cancer growing or coming back. Diet is thought to be partly responsible for about 35-40 percent of cancers. No specific food or diet can prevent you from getting breast cancer, but striving to get your body the healthiest it can be to improve your immune system may help keep your risk as low as possible. Breast cancer is less common in countries where the typical diet is plant-based and low in total fat. Breast cancer is one of the best-studied cancers and research has shown us a few things we can do that might be helpful. One thing is clear: fat is a major source of calories. High fat intake can lead to being overweight or obese, which is a breast cancer risk factor. Overweight women may be at higher risk for breast cancer because the extra fat cells make estrogen, which can cause extra breast cell growth. Here are some steps you can take to lower the risk of breast cancer: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Freeze grapes and berries for a snack. Buy a new fruit or vegetable every time you go to the grocery store. Add squash, onions, mushrooms and carrots to jarred or fresh spaghetti sauce. Eat whole fruit instead of juices or smoothies for a fiber boost. Make all snacks fruits and vegetables and elevate these with marinades, seasonings or cold vegetable slaws. Limit your fat intake. Use less salad dressing or substitute with flavored vinegars or chutneys. Cook with bouillon, broth or stock to enhance flavors. Avoid processed meats and cold cuts as these are high in salt, fat and preservatives. Eliminate foods with the highest fat content. Aim for 3 grams of fat or less per 100 calories when label reading. Choose lean cuts of meat and remove skins. Mix up your protein options. Try fish, chicken or lamb instead of beef and pork. Have and omelet for dinner with beans and vegetables. Use lentils or beans as your main dish such as vegetarian chili, bean burgers or a hearty soup. Add healthy choices to your diet. Bake, broil or grill your food to decrease the amount of calories in your food versus frying. Choose nonfat milk and dairy products and yogurts. Choose smaller portions with a total of 6 ounces of cooked meat per day. Fill in the remaining plates with vegetable and fruits. Eat more fiber to feel full for longer and to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Put beans into salads, soups and casseroles. Toss vegetables with pasta sauce. Be physically active. Among breast cancer survivors, studies have found a consistent link between physical activity and a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence and death. Research has also linked physical activity to improvements in quality of life, physical functioning and less fatigue. Limit or avoid alcohol. Alcohol can increase levels of estrogen and other hormones associated with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. It also may increase breast cancer risk by damaging DNA in cells. Compared to women who don’t drink at all, women who have three alcoholic drinks per week have a 15 percent higher risk of breast cancer. Consider buying organic. There is a real concern that chemicals used to grow food may cause health problems, including an increase in breast cancer risk. To reduce your exposure to pesticides, you may want to buy organically grown food, particularly fruits and vegetables. Authors Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford are nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555. Originally published Oct. 1, 2018. Last updated Sept 22, 2025.0
- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen your child says their first word, it’s an exciting step into constant chatter, a lot (A LOT) of questions, and some pretty funny ‘kids say the darndest things’ moments. But what happens when your child stops talking, stops opening up and shies away from sharing their day with you? As kids grow, they move through different stages of social development. Knowing which one they are in can help you navigate and initiate meaningful conversations with your child. Keeping your kids talking is important. Not in a hovering way, but to keep connected, to check in, and keep the lines of communication open. Easier said than done, right? It can be a challenge to keep the dialogue going with your child when the day has been long for both of you. Here are some easy-to-remember conversation starters to help. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL At this age, kids will still be willing to chat with you if you take initiative and make it fun. Ask questions that focus on playful ways for them to share their emotions, interests and abilities. “What’s something really cool we could do/build/play later?” “Who was your favorite person at school today? “What did you do today that made you feel accomplished?” “What is the best thing in your backpack right now?” READ MORE: The 5 emotions you should talk about with your child TWEENS Ah, the middle school years. Your child wants to feel competent and show you that they are capable, so try to give them opportunities to share their thoughts and skills. They are also starting to form their identity, which can be tricky at best. You can learn a lot by listening to them talk to their friends and then try to pick up those same conversations later on. “Can you show me how you did that…” “In middle school I remember being…” “How is so-and-so doing?” “What’s the kindest thing you did for someone this week?” READ MORE: Understanding how your child experiences social pressure TEENS + YOUNG ADULTS Your little one isn’t so little anymore. They are fast approaching adulthood. This means you can really start to get on their level and vice versa. Current event and pop culture topics seem cliché as conversation topics, but being open to your child’s perspective and feedback can make a huge impact as they are figuring out who they are and where they feel comfortable and safe. Avoid ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ questions and don’t be offended if they don’t want to talk. You can share parts of your day to give them space to be themselves but still show you’re there. “What do you think about the latest updates on…” “Let me tell you about my day…” “Are there any movies or shows you’ve been wanting to watch?” Remember, if you’re having trouble getting your child or teen to talk, try not to worry. If they aren’t talking to you, they might just be opening up to friends, a cousin, another parent etc. It’s time to be concerned if you see them stop communicating with everyone, if their eating or sleeping habits change, or if you see a big shift in their mood over time. Every day, there are hundreds of opportunities to connect with your child. Time only allows us to take advantage of so many, but when you see your chance — start the conversation. Looking for some inspiration? Our printable cards can help you get the conversation started! Author Jo Deaton is the senior director of nursing for Mental Health at Anne Arundel Medical Center. She can be reached at 410-573-5454. Ask questions, find resources and learn more at askAAMC.org/HealthyMinds. Originally published Sept. 25, 2018. Last updated Nov. 5, 2019.0
- UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3Blog‘Tis the season for get-togethers, parties and, of course, festive foods. Unfortunately for many, indulging in holiday fatty foods and alcohol triggers heartburn. And if you find that over-the-counter medications only provide temporary reprieve, you may be experiencing something more serious. Heartburn is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. The digestive disorder affects up to one in five U.S. adults. GERD occurs when the muscle in the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens or relaxes too often or for too long. This causes stomach contents to back up into the food pipe, causing heartburn and acid indigestion. While heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD, it is not the only one. Other symptoms of GERD include shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, chronic cough, sore throat, hoarseness and bad breath. Here are a few things you can do to bring symptoms under control this holiday season: Eat earlier in the day. By planning your holiday gatherings earlier in the day, the stomach acid from the foods you eat have time to move out of your stomach before lying down for the night or taking a nap. Limit your alcoholic drinks. Many believe alcohol leads to reflux because it can relax the valve at the bottom of the esophagus where it meets the stomach. Limiting your drinks can help. Also, acidic mixers like orange juice or soda can cause reflux. Use smaller plates. Overeating can fill your stomach, pushing stomach fluid up toward your throat. Using a smaller plate helps you avoid overindulging. Substitute water for soda. The acid and caffeine in sodas can cause reflux, but even the carbonation can cause problems. Carbonation bubbles can expand in the stomach, causing increased pressure that contributes to reflux. Pass on deep frying your turkey, as well as frying other foods. Fried foods are the single most recognized cause of reflux due to their high fat content. Avoid creamed or cheesy foods or soups. All high-fat foods can cause reflux, so skipping the dairy items can help. Check with your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms continuously for more than two weeks even though you’re taking over-the-counter antacids. GERD is a recurrent and chronic disease. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious health conditions such as Barrett’s esophagus, an abnormal change in the cells of the lower portion of the esophagus, which can raise your risk of developing esophageal cancer. No one knows for sure why people get GERD. In some cases, a hiatal hernia may contribute. A hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm. The diaphragm, in concert with the LES, keep acid from coming up into the esophagus, but a hiatal hernia may make it easier for the acid to come up. It’s important that you talk to your primary care doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor can provide you with treatment options that are right for you. There is not yet a cure for the disease but with lifestyle modifications and/or medications, symptoms can be managed. If lifestyle changes and medication don’t help manage your GERD symptoms, your doctor may refer you to a surgeon. Surgery is an option when medicine and lifestyle changes do not work. Surgery may also be a reasonable alternative to a lifetime of drugs and discomfort. Author Adrian Park, MD, is chair of AAMC’s Department of Surgery and an internationally recognized specialist in minimally invasive surgery. To reach him, call 443-481-6969.0
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