- General Page Tier 3BlogWe wait for it all year, that wonderful time when we eat things that we don’t usually consume, and sometimes we eat too much of it. The holidays are all about food, and it is possible to enjoy what you love and not feel guilty about it later. The key is to focus on eating nutrient-dense foods—those that have a high level of nutrients but are relatively low in calorie count. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy treats but be mindful about portions and indulge just a little bit. Remind yourself that the first bite or two tastes the best, so slow down and savor the flavors and textures of the delicacies you look forward to all year! Party the Smart Way Holiday parties can be a challenging minefield of delicious foods with low nutritional density, so don’t go to a party on an empty stomach. Try to drink plenty of water and eat a small, healthy snack before the event. Take a good look at all the food choices on the buffet before you select to ensure your calories count. Balance your plate with 50% fruits and vegetables, just like any other day. Don’t waste your calories on foods you can enjoy any time of the year, like a dinner roll, potato chips or cubes of cheese—look for something you wouldn’t normally eat. When you’re invited to a party, offer to bring a dish that fits your normal meal plan. Hosts love when guests bring a fresh fruit platter or veggie platter with a fun and healthy dip. Focus on the people and good conversation and move away from the food table. Did you know that anything you put on a cracker can be enjoyed on a cucumber? Again, fruits and vegetables make nutritious fill-ups without extra calories. Lean protein options including shrimp, smoked salmon, lean meats or beans and hummus can help satisfy hunger. Limit Alcohol but Not Exercise Alcoholic beverages mean holiday cheer for many of us—eggnogs, mixed drinks, and hot ciders. When we have a cocktail or two, our inhibitions around food choices take a dive. We start out selecting fruits and vegetables, but after a drink or two, the higher calorie options call to us. With so many delicious, flavored soda waters and seltzers available these days, enjoy a cocktail but keep a glass of seltzer water in your hand—good for sipping during cocktail hour. Stick with your regular exercise routine and try to work out before or after holiday events. Regular exercise can help temper holiday stress and might help regulate your appetite. Plan an event without food as its focus. Join family and friends to do a tree lighting, go ice skating or enjoy a holiday concert. Get outside and take a brisk walk to enjoy holiday decorations or create a new family tradition—it’s what the holidays are all about. It’s important to remind yourself that with a little planning and a positive attitude, the holidays can be fun and healthy. Relax and enjoy the day of the celebration, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah. Just don’t let one day turn into a week or month of holiday eating. This article was originally posted on the Enquirer-Gazette. Authors Ann Caldwell is a nutritionist and registered dietician at Luminis Health’s Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- Pediatrics, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogShould my child get a COVID-19 vaccine? Many parents and guardians are asking this question, especially before the first day of school. Here are some answers to common concerns. Is My Child Eligible? Right now, anyone 12 and older can get the Pfizer vaccine. If your child is 18 and older, they are eligible to receive Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend children get the first vaccine available to them. How Does The Vaccine Work? COVID-19 vaccines essentially teach your immune system to recognize and make antibodies to fight the virus. After the second dose, it takes about two weeks for your body to build up immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19. Full immunity to the Johnson & Johnson dose occurs two weeks after the single dose. It is still unclear how long immunity from the vaccine will protect people. Is The Vaccine Safe For Children? All vaccines are very effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death. After getting the vaccine, you can still get the virus, but cases are less severe and bad outcomes significantly reduced. Vaccines also dramatically reduce asymptomatic infection, which is important in decreasing the overall transmission of COVID-19. What About Side Effects? Like adults, some, but not all, children experience minor side effects. They can include: Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site Fever Chills Headache Fatigue Nausea Pain in muscles These symptoms typically last 24 to 48 hours. According to the CDC, there are no known long-term effects from the COVID-19 vaccine. I’ve Heard A Lot About Myocarditis, Should I Be Concerned? Myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle, is an extremely rare side effect. According to the CDC, a small number of adolescents and young adults have experienced mild cases of myocarditis after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. It is mainly seen in males ages 16 to 30 and can include abnormal heart rhythms, shortness of breath or chest pain. Since most recover on their own, it is still safer to get the vaccine rather than COVID-19 because the virus can affect the heart. Does The COVID-19 Vaccine Cause Female Infertility? There is no evidence to support an impact on fertility. The CDC has tracked more than 35,000 pregnant women who received the vaccines. There was no increase in miscarriage or adverse outcomes for these women or their babies. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women get a COVID-19 vaccine. It can protect you from severe illness from the virus. Be sure to talk to your doctor or child’s pediatrician if you have questions and concerns. What If My Child is Under 12? Clinical trials are underway to determine if COVID-19 vaccines are effective in children under 12. In the meantime, keep encouraging your children to practice the ‘3Ws’: wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance. These three, simple practices can greatly reduce your and your child’s risk of COVID-19. What Should I do When My Child Returns to School? (Updated Aug. 25, 2021) Due to the circulating and highly contagious Delta variant, CDC recommends universal indoor masking by all students (age 2 and older), regardless of vaccination status. Getting all vaccine-eligible children vaccinated will help the overall school community to remain safe. Also, please keep your children home from school if they are sick. Authors Dr. Lauren Fitzpatrick is the medical director of Pediatrics ER/Inpatient at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. Dr. Asha Payne is medical director of Children’s National Emergency Department at Doctors Community Medical Center.0
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogBeginning this month – National Cancer Survivor’s Month – we will share a series of blog posts from our own cancer survivors. Each cancer journey is unique. At Luminis Health, we want to shine a light on these journeys from the perspective of our own patients. That’s why we’ve started this new series – bringing hope and comfort to those who have been touched by cancer. Here’s Maureen Disharoon’s story: Last summer, my husband, Larry, noticed that he had a blister between his toes. We didn’t think much of it, but a few weeks later, it looked a little angry, so we saw a dermatologist—the biopsy came back as melanoma. The dermatologist helped us get an appointment at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) the very next day, which was really kind of amazing. Going through this process during the year of COVID-19 added a challenging layer to this scary scenario. Over the next few months, Larry had surgery to remove his cancerous toe and a lymph node from his groin. A genetic test recommended by Dr. Adam Riker determined he had a version of the BRAF gene that makes melanoma worse, so he recommended immunotherapy following the surgery. It was a lot, but everything seemed to be going fine until December, when Larry started to have some behavioral and cognitive changes—we learned that the cancer spread to his brain, as well as his lung, his abdomen, and leg. This required an entirely new game plan on very short notice: whole brain radiation and full-blown chemotherapy. Throughout this process, Larry’s team of doctors at LHAAMC—Drs. Julie Oda, Mary Young, and Adam Riker —were amazing. They were right there at every new development. Dr. Riker always has a “we gotta go after this!” energy, while Dr. Oda has a gentle, caring approach—and both are brilliant. Dr. Young, the radiology oncologist, laid out an aggressive plan the first day she met Larry and moved heaven and earth to set up his whole brain radiation that started hours later…during Christmas week. This was not an insignificant feat. The whole team, including the nutritionist and other staff, gave us whatever we needed; not only did they design a treatment plan for him literally in hours, but everything was so personalized. When he went in for radiation, Dr. Young would occasionally walk Larry out herself and hand him over to me, adding a personal touch to this treatment phase. The staff has just been incredible, compassionate, and accommodating. From my perspective, as the spouse and advocate, I did a lot of notetaking, scheduling, and orchestrating. I’ve been a NASA consultant supporting many NASA missions for 40 years and this became my newest mission. Most people have seen how quiet and calm mission control is, but in reality, the rooms that surround Mission Control can be frantic. I tried to harness the frenzy, keep out the noise, and focus on the “mission.” We feel very grateful for the care Larry has received. Larry’s brother died of melanoma at 43, before immunotherapy and other targeted treatments existed. As long as the medicine is working, Larry will stay on it. We know it won’t cure it, but as his doctors say, we can put the cancer to sleep for as long as it will stay asleep. The cancer is asleep now, but if it wakes up—if the gene finds a backdoor, as it’s been known to—then maybe something else will be needed. Larry is still under the care of Drs. Oda, Riker, and Young, and they’re making sure we don’t let our foot off the gas. But things are hopeful right now: Larry celebrated his 65th birthday in April, and he’s looking and feeling good, he’s gained weight, mows the lawn, and has even gone golfing! If you told me this in February, I don’t know if I’d have believed it. So that’s where we are. We’re enjoying life. Every day we have like this is a win.0
- Blood Donation, Community, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogJeanette Brown never imagined that a simple act to get out of class in high school would lead to a lifetime of giving blood. Nearly 26 years ago, Jeanette donated her first unit of blood while in high school. Even though she did not know much about it at the time, the idea of missing class and getting some cookies and juice sounded appealing to the teenager. After college, Jeanette began working for a blood donor center and she learned first-hand a few important things: the shelf life of blood is very short and that the amount of blood used by someone in need is enormous. Thus began a lifetime of regular blood donation. For the past 16 years, Jeanette has been donating every eight weeks at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (LHAAMC) Blood Donor Center in Annapolis, Md. Sometimes Jeanette donates whole blood, plasma and platelets or just red blood cells [see sidebar]. But it doesn’t matter to Jeanette which part of her blood she donates. “I want to give because I know the blood donation will help the woman with sickle cell disease who is reliant on blood transfusions weekly for a lifetime, for the accident victim, children and adults with acute burns and those with catastrophic diseases, such as cancer or blood clotting disorders,” says Jeanette. Jeanette says a bonus of giving blood at LHAAMC is that the blood stays in the community. She knows many need her gift of blood now more than ever. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood and this need is exacerbated by the U.S. experiencing the worst blood shortage in a decade. The dangerously low blood supply levels affect how some hospitals across the country make decisions regarding surgery, including organ transplants. Blood donor centers are feeling the squeeze: blood drives hosted by companies, schools, places of worship and civic organizations supply roughly half of all blood donations across the U.S. With the pandemic, many of these places have closed with remote work and school resulting in a significant drop in blood donations. While donating blood is different in today’s world, it is still possible. “Many people don’t know that donating blood today is much easier,” adds Jeanette. “Many of the policies regarding certain donor eligibility criteria have been modified due to the pandemic.” Generally, to donate blood, you must be 17 years old (16 years old with parental permission), weigh 110 lbs., and be in good health. When asked why she donates blood, Jeanette says, “We are lucky that we have a blood donor center in town, which is easy to get to, has free parking and is easy to access. But even more, it is really easy to give back without spending much time and it cost me nothing—but it means life in the world for someone else. Blood is something that we are all born with, so why not give it to someone who needs it? You can’t plan an accident and you don’t know that you might literally be helping your neighbor by donating at the hospital.” For an appointment to donate call the LHAAMC Blood Donor Center at 443-481-4215. To have a blood mobile drive at your next function (i.e., community or church function), call 443-481-4272. Learn about hosting a mobile blood drive. Different Types of Blood Donation There are different types of blood donation, based on blood type and needs. The process for giving whole blood is under an hour and can be given every eight weeks/up to six times per year. Jeanette’s platelet donation, which helps with the clotting portion of blood, must be transfused within five days of donation. Nearly half of all platelet donations are given to patients undergoing cancer treatment. Platelet donations take about two hours. Red blood cell donations, also known as “double red donations,” are the most frequently used blood component and are needed by almost every type of patient requiring transfusion. If donors meet certain criteria, double red allows them to safely donate two units of red cells during one appointment. It is as safe as whole blood donation. Plasma donations help treat people in emergency situations to help stop bleeding. It can be given every 28 days/up to 13 times a year. Source: Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies0
- UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe days are growing shorter and there is a hint of fall in the air. It can only mean one thing: It’s almost time to go back to school! Summer’s less structured schedule and more unpredictable rhythms can make it a bit of a bumpy road for both parents and children as they get back into the learning groove. Here’s a pediatrician-recommended checklist of items to help make the return to school a healthier and more pleasant experience for kids and their parents, too. Importance of Sleep Routine Routines and schedules are important for children, especially when it comes to sleep. A week or two before school starts, slowly adjust your child’s bedtime until it is back to its regularly scheduled time for school nights. For example, have your child wake up 15 minutes earlier and go to sleep 15 minutes earlier until you find the right balance. Begin this process early—don’t wait until a couple of nights before the first day of school. Well-rested brains are ready to learn and grow. Vision Screenings and Eye Exams While basic eye tests are common at school, it’s also recommended that your child see an optometrist or pediatric ophthalmologist, preferably at the beginning of school. You may be surprised to learn that, squinting and straining to see can cause headaches in school-aged children. These headaches can be fixed with a pair of glasses or contacts that are properly prescribed by an eye doctor. Vision is one of the most important learning tools for students. Well-Child Check A new school year is the perfect time to take your children to the doctor for a well-child check. Your healthcare provider will examine your child’s growth and development to find, treat, and in some cases, prevent issues. You can also talk to the doctor about your child’s vaccinations. Check out the American Academy of Pediatrics for a helpful recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule and for guidance, including answers to many of your questions. Healthy Meals Whether your child is eating lunch at school or bringing their own, you should educate students about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables, as well as protein such as cheese, meat or peanut butter. Beans are an excellent source of nutrition and can be added to many meals. While we all love and want to eat foods like chips and fries, they should be saved for special occasions—not daily or the main course. Another good tip? Avoid drinking fruit juice and soda. Water is healthier because it increases energy, relieves fatigue, and has no calories! Nutritious snacks and meals, especially breakfast, help ensure your child is ready to focus and learn at school. Back-to-School Jitters It is normal and natural for a new school year—or a new school—to cause your child to experience some anxiety. Parents and guardians should acknowledge their child’s anxiety and talk openly about it. Visiting the school before the year begins, rehearsing drop-off, and spending time on the playground or inside your child’s classroom can be helpful ways to calm anxiety and soothe your child’s concerns. Keep in mind that children can sense your anxiety—so do your best to stay calm and supportive. In Conclusion A new school year should be an exciting, not a scary or stressful time. Your child’s pediatrician is available to work with you to make sure your children have a successful school year. We hope you found these tips helpful. One last one: encourage regular handwashing, as germs are plentiful in classrooms! Small bottles of hand sanitizer are a good addition to every backpack. Author Asha S. Payne, MD MPH, is a board-certified pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children’s National Hospital. Physicians from Children’s National provide pediatric emergency and urgent care at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) seven days a week from 1-11 PM.* *Children who come to LHDCMC’s ER outside of Children’s National staff hours are seen by Luminis Health emergency providers.0
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