- General Page Tier 3BlogDo you want to be healthier, lose weight or feel more energized? A good place to start is cooking more meals at home. Stocking your pantry, fridge and freezer with healthy foods that are both easy to prepare and ready to eat will set you up for success when it comes to eating healthy meals. One of the biggest barriers to cooking meals at home is the time it requires. For people with busy lifestyles, the convenient option often trumps the healthy one. Here are a few tricks to trim minutes from your kitchen routine: Buy pre-cut vegetables and fruits. A stir-fry is a quick option using pre-cut peppers, onions and pre-cooked chicken. Or add broccoli, carrots or cabbage slaw. The leftover slaw is versatile — add it to a soup or cold vegetable salad for later in the week. Plan ahead. Always have pantry basics on hand such as olive oil, canned beans, canned tomatoes, nuts, herbs and spices. Making extra trips to the grocery store just before cooking is a time waste, so be sure to replenish your stash. Food preparation is a nearly foolproof plan of action. Choose veggies that last longer. Keep these long-lasting vegetables in your vegetable drawer: onions, carrots, garlic, peppers, slaws and kale. From a cold salad to kabobs on the grill … ways you can use these veggies are limitless. Cook for the week ahead. Spend Sunday afternoon or any day off making nutritious soups, salads and casseroles. Be resourceful with your ingredients by using foods like leftover chicken in tacos, quesadillas, salads, sandwiches, soups and pasta dishes for more meals. Hard-boiled eggs are also easy add-ins. Choose frozen foods. When fresh foods aren’t available, choose frozen. During the winter, fruits and vegetables are picked before their peak and spend way too much time en route to the grocery store, losing nutritional value along the way. Have a backup plan. Of course there will be times when your intentions to cook healthy meals get interrupted. For these times, stock your cupboard, fridge and freezer with quick and healthy ingredients that you can throw together in a few minutes. Need an idea? Sauté pre-cut, frozen peppers and onions in low-sodium vegetable broth while heating up a can of black beans. Fill a corn tortilla or Bibb lettuce with the beans and veggies and garnish with Pico de Gallo. Getting meals on the table day in and day out isn’t easy, especially when you’re busy, tired or overwhelmed. Take a step toward a healthier you by trying some of these tips. They will fuel your body with nutritious foods without requiring too much time or money. 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 Aug. 8, 2016. Last updated Jan. 6, 2020.0
- Men's Health, Weight Loss, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSpring is officially here. As you’re rolling up your sleeves for spring cleaning, why not overhaul your cupboards and remove the foods that are sabotaging your health? Start eating healthy and purge your kitchen of processed foods, products with more than five ingredients, expired items, and sugary and salty snacks. Avoid foods with ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, trans or saturated fats, and any other additives you cannot pronounce. Load up on lean proteins, such as tuna, sardines, salmon and low sodium beans. Trade out high-sugared cereals for oatmeal flavored with cinnamon and fruit. Try some new grains such as quinoa, faro or buckwheat. Declutter your freezer It’s easy to throw foods in the freezer and forget about them, or allow them to become buried by recent purchases. Get rid of anything with ice crystals forming on it. Foods with freezer burn not only lose flavor, but also their nutrient density, especially produce. Meats can keep up to nine months in the freezer. Make room for frozen fruits and vegetables to have on hand to supplement meals, shooting for the “My Plate” goal of making half your plate fruits and vegetables. Lighten up your fridge Even with plenty of frozen fruits and vegetables, you want to be sure to have room for fresh varieties. Aim for foods that keep for days such as oranges, cauliflower, apples and cabbage. Don’t cut up anything or pre-wash produce when you bring it home from the store. Although this may seem like a time saver, it will make the produce spoil sooner. Save food prepping for the night before to save time. Swap out creamy condiments like mayo, salad dressings and sour cream for mustard, flavored vinegars, lemon or lime juice, Greek yogurt and olive oil. Always have a carton of eggs for a quick protein that goes well with any snack or meal. Food storage Finally, put everything in its place. To make sure your healthy habits stick, it is important to put energy and time into where you are storing your foods. Keep the nutrient-dense options front and center and the treats in the back, perhaps out of sight out of mind. It is also key to keep the FIFO method of inventory in mind when restocking shelves, which means ‘first in, first out.’ In other words, rotate the items you already have to the front of the freezer, or cupboards and then put the newer items in the back. 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 April 3, 2017. Last updated March 25, 2019.0
- Cancer Care, Women's Health, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3Blog“Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity helped save my life,” proclaims Nancy Noel, now 71. While helping build townhomes in Annapolis, Nancy took a blow to the chest and the resulting wound refused to heal. Testing eventually led to a diagnosis of Paget disease, an aggressive form of breast cancer. After a total mastectomy, a double course of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation — all at AAMC — Nancy came through a survivor. Nancy took up storm chasing after she completed treatment for a rare, aggressive form of breast cancer. “I simply made the decision to place myself in the hands of my brilliant and caring team and embrace the cure,” Nancy says. Nancy’s positive attitude led her to become a volunteer peer mentor with Survivors Offering Support (SOS). SOS was created by Denise O’Neil and debuted at AAMC in 2004. It has since expanded to hospitals throughout the mid-Atlantic. The program pairs a newly diagnosed patient with a breast cancer survivor. The mentor provides support and encouragement from diagnosis through recovery. “Most importantly, because we’ve been ‘through it,’ we mentors become valuable ‘pink sisters’ to our mentees. We visit them at chemo, offer a shoulder to lean on and celebrate their treatment milestones,” Nancy explains. Lorraine Tafra, MD, breast surgeon and medical director of AAMC’s Rebecca Fortney Breast Center, says the SOS peer mentors are an integral part of the cancer team. She says the mentors help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients through the emotional fog that follows diagnosis. Special training teaches SOS mentors how to avoid offering any medical advice, which comes only from medical professionals. SOS mentors also help women transition to life after cancer, a time that can be difficult. “There is often fear of re-occurrence and that age-old question, ‘What do I do with the rest of my life?’” Nancy says. “I tell women that they are now official members of what I call the Second Chance Club.” To ease post-treatment anxiety, Nancy recommends that women fill their lives with things they’ve always wanted to do. She and her husband, Bob, took up storm chasing. “As we stare up into that swirling belly of the beast, I thank AAMC and remind myself that it’s great to be alive.” Watch a video of Nancy sharing her story.Read more about how a supportive team of peers and medical professionals can help women with breast cancer make personal treatment choices.Read about two more ways to fight breast cancer: Ways to Fight Breast Cancer: Get Physical and Ways to Fight Breast Cancer: Understand Your Risks. Contributor Lorraine Tafra, MD, is a breast surgeon and the medical director of AAMC’s Rebecca Fortney Breast Center.0
- Wellness, Weight LossGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe holidays are a magical time, but let’s be honest — they can also put a serious dent in your wallet, especially when it comes to food. Between parties, family gatherings and pumpkin spice everything, it’s easy to feel like you’re overspending. But you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or tradition to stick to a budget. With a little planning and a few smart swaps, you can enjoy all your holiday favorites without the financial stress. 1. Shop SmartUse store apps to stay on top of holiday discounts and deals. Focus on buying more whole foods and less processed items. Look for single-ingredient options — like a bag of potatoes, which costs less than pre-cut, seasoned or frozen potatoes. Not only are whole foods cheaper, but they’re also healthier, making this a win-win for your wallet and your well-being.2. Go for Seasonal ProduceIn-season fruits and vegetables are cheaper, fresher and tastier. Consider these seasonal options:Sweet potatoesAcorn and Butternut SquashApplesCranberriesCabbageOrangesCollard GreensCarrotsFrozen options work, too — think berry cobbler or garlicky sautéed green beans that no one will guess came from the freezer.3. Choose Budget-Friendly ProteinFew things sabotage a grocery budget like an expensive cut of meat. This is where going whole can save you big. A whole rotisserie chicken is usually cheaper than a few chicken breasts. Use it for several meals — like chicken and mashed potatoes, chicken salad and chicken soup. Chicken thighs, and drumsticks, as well as beef brisket are also inexpensive meats.4. Make It from ScratchSkip the takeout and the convenience items at the store and cook at home instead. Turn on some tunes, get cooking and have fun while reducing your spending. When you cook at home, you also have more control over the ingredients and can skip extra salt, fat and sugar to keep your meals healthy and delicious.If baking, consider these healthier and cheaper substitutes:Applesauce: Use unsweetened applesauce in place of oil or butter for moisture and fewer caloriesGreek Yogurt: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or heavy cream to reduce fat and add proteinWhole Wheat Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrientsHoney or Maple Syrup: Use these natural sweeteners instead of refined sugar for a healthier sweetnessCoconut Oil: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a diary-free alternative with a subtle coconut flavorDark Chocolate: Choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate for higher antioxidant content and less sugar 5. Be Your Own BaristaPair your favorite flavored creamer with freshly brewed dark roast coffee at home to experience all the holiday vibes without spending a small fortune at the coffee shop. Brewing your coffee at home means you can afford to upgrade your beans to match the flavor of your favorite local brew. 6. Host a Potluck PartyWhen it’s your turn to host, let your guests help. Stay ahead of the “What can I bring” texts and put what you need in the invitation. An appetizer to share, a side dish or a fun dessert is an opportunity for your guests to bring what they like and take some of the pressure off hosting. Beverages can also cost a fortune. Select a few budget-friendly drink options and make a festive infused water with cranberries and fresh mint. Let your guests know what you’ll have on hand and if they want something different to BYOB (bring your own beverage).Enjoy the holidays without a financial hangoverThe holidays are about enjoying time with family and friends, not stressing over your grocery bill. By planning, embracing the flavors of the season and making smart swaps, you can create delicious festive meals without overspending. Happy holidays — and happy saving!About the Author Allison Maurer is the bariatric clinical coordinator for Luminis Health Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery.0
- Wellness, Plastic Surgery & Skin CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWe’ve all heard about the importance of sunscreen, but sometimes it can be tempting to skip it, especially if you have a skin tone that doesn’t burn. However, even though melanin (the pigment in your skin) offers some natural protection from UV rays, it doesn’t provide full coverage or give immunity to skin cancer. In fact, skin cancer is often diagnosed at more advanced stages in people of color, which can lead to worse outcomes. Tips for keeping your skin safe in the sun You can lower your risk of skin cancer by making sun protection a daily habit. Finding the right sunscreen for you is a good place to start. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect you from UVA and UVB radiation from the sun. To avoid “white cast,” look for formulas labeled sheer, clear or “for all skin tones.” Once you have a good sunscreen, follow these simple steps: Apply sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy or you don’t plan to go outside. Don’t be shy, use plenty. Apply at least two finger-lengths of sunscreen to your face for full protection. Reapply sunscreen every couple of hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming. Seek shade, especially during peak hours of sun in the middle of the day. Wear hats, sunglasses and long sleeves to protect your skin. Stay on the lookout for sun damage It’s crucial to keep an eye out for signs of skin cancer and other sun damage. Here’s what to look for: Changes in moles Dark patches Discoloration under the eyes or around the mouth Skin that feels dry or rough It’s also important to consider the location of sun damage. For example, melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, often appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet of people of color. Checking your skin frequently can help you catch skin cancer early when it is most treatable. Getting regular skin checks from a dermatologist or primary care doctor can also help you catch skin damage before it becomes dangerous. If they find any suspicious spots, your provider may order a biopsy and imaging tests to determine next steps. If cancer is found, several treatments are available. In many cases, skin cancer can be removed surgically by a dermatologist. This is an outpatient procedure and patients are able to go home after surgery. For more advanced cases, treatment may involve a longer surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or a combination of these options. The cancer care team at Luminis Health can work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. Skin cancer concerns are nothing to ignore. If you have questions about how to protect your skin or are worried about a new spot or mole, speak with your primary care provider today. Visit Luminis.Health/PrimaryCare to make an appointment. Authors Dr. Naeem Newman is a surgical oncologist and general surgeon. He is dedicated to a multi-disciplinary approach to cancer care, in collaboration with colleagues from medical and radiation oncology, radiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology and pathology.0
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