- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNancy Long initially dismissed her early symptoms of ovarian cancer, chalking each one up to something else entirely. Fatigue? Indigestion? The Annapolis woman thought life stresses were to blame. A colonoscopy came back clear. But when she began to have horrible abdominal bloating, she knew something wasn’t right. She had a pelvic sonogram, and her disease was so far advanced that her ovaries weren’t even visible. A blood test then detected elevated levels of CA-125, a protein in the blood that may indicate ovarian cancer and other kinds of cancer. Nancy was diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer, meaning it had spread outside of the ovaries and into other organs. She was in surgery within a week, followed by 18 months of chemotherapy. Now at age 70, she has been cancer free for 13 years. “I should have known the signs and symptoms,” she says, as at that time she was a nurse practitioner at a gynecologist’s office. The problem with ovarian cancer, though, is that the symptoms — constipation, tiredness, bloating, back pain, urinary tract issues — can so often be symptoms of something else entirely. There’s also no effective screening test for ovarian cancer. Now, as a longtime volunteer with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition’s Central Maryland chapter, Nancy is committed to raising awareness of this form of cancer that strikes 1 in 75 women. Last year, 14,000 women died of ovarian cancer in the U.S. “I wish every physician would talk to their patients about this,” she says. Nancy is one of the organizers of the chapter’s 10th Annual Run/Walk — Together in TEAL — Ending Ovarian Cancer. This year’s run/walk takes place on Sept. 22 at Westfield Annapolis Mall. September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Since 2009, Nancy has seen the event grow from 400 people in Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, to 2,000 participants. The chapter uses the money raised to fund its three main goals: Awareness, help for survivors and research. Judeth Davis, a nurse navigator with AAMC’s DeCesaris Cancer Institute, says Nancy is a tireless advocate for ovarian cancer awareness and education. “She leads our chapter of the NOCC with passion and relentlessness,” Judeth says. “She provides literature about early detection and warning signs, and she offers support to countless women and their loved ones as they face this challenge.” Nancy says many myths surround ovarian cancer. For instance, many women think their yearly physical would alert them if something was wrong. But the truth is, a Pap smear won’t detect ovarian cancer. Others also believe an ovarian cancer diagnosis is a death sentence. And while it is the most deadly gynecological cancer, Nancy says patients still have reason to be hopeful. “I’ve been alive and well for 13 years,” she says. Still, fewer than 20 percent of ovarian cancer cases are detected early, when the prognosis is best. So it’s best to always talk to your doctor about your health concerns, no matter how insignificant you may think they are. “I wish I hadn’t taken it upon myself to self-diagnose,” Nancy says. The deadline to register for the run/walk is Sept. 18. When you register, choose AAMC Avengers to join AAMC’s team. The Gynecologic Oncology Center at Anne Arundel Medical Center offers treatments for ovarian cancer and other gynecologic cancers. To learn more, call 443-481-3356. Originally published Aug. 30, 2017. Last updated Sept. 9, 2019.0
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWelcoming your newborn can be an exhilarating experience. It can also trigger powerful emotions, from excitement to unease. For many expectant parents, it can trigger unanticipated feelings of depression or anxiety. Most new parents will experience some form of the ‘baby blues,’ which may include mood swings, crying, sadness and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms typically last a few days and resolve on their own. However, some new parents will have a more severe, longer-lasting mood disorder known as postpartum depression or anxiety. What is postpartum depression? Postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA) occur after having a baby. About 40 percent of those with PPD first develop these symptoms during pregnancy. About one in nine people who have given birth experience symptoms of PPD in the United States, according to CDC research. Symptoms usually develop by six weeks postpartum but may develop anytime during the first year. If left untreated, PPD can last for years. PPD is common and often associated with adverse infant and maternal outcomes, such as lower breastfeeding initiation and duration, poor maternal and infant bonding, and possible long-term cognitive impairment and abnormal child development. Although rare, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis may develop after childbirth and, if left untreated, may lead to suicide or infanticide. Symptoms of postpartum psychosis require immediate evaluation and treatment. Who’s at risk of PPD? PPD can happen to anyone. It’s not only dependent upon physical changes, such as a dramatic drop in hormones, post-birth or a genetic predisposition. Emotional issues may also trigger PPD, especially when you’re sleep deprived or overwhelmed. Other external factors that can prompt PPD include financial worry, relationship problems, absent support system or a traumatic birth experience, among others. Those who have preexisting mental health disorders are at an increased risk of developing PPD or PPA. What preventative steps can I take during and after pregnancy? PPD can last anywhere from weeks to months. If left untreated, symptoms could be prolonged. There are several things you can do to help prevent PPD during and after pregnancy: Take care of your health. Eating healthy, sleeping eight or more hours per night, exercising and taking a prenatal vitamin can help improve symptoms. As a new parent, you’re sleep deprived and your focus is your baby. However, in order to take care of your baby, you have to take care of yourself, too. Talk to your partner and support network. If those close to you know something is off, they can offer more support and, if necessary, help encourage you to seek professional help from a licensed counselor or psychiatrist. Develop healthy coping mechanisms. Listening to music, developing a hobby and exercising can help you develop healthy coping habits. Talk to your provider. Reach out to your midwife, nurse practitioner or doctor. Know that there are medications that are safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Use your resources. Joining local parent groups – whether on social media or a community group – can offer additional support with others who are going through the same thing. If at any point you have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming your baby, seek immediate help from your partner or loved ones in taking care of your baby and call 911 to get help. Don’t forget, PPD and PPA are very common and you have done nothing to cause it. You shouldn’t feel ashamed or guilty. It’s also important for you to feel safe enough to talk with your provider about how to alleviate symptoms. There is help out there and you don’t have to suffer through it alone. Authors To learn more or to schedule an appointment with Luminis Health Midwifery Annapolis, call 443-481-4400.0
- 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
- Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe holidays are here and so are all the get-togethers, parties and delicious meals. If you suffer from heartburn, then you know indulging in holiday fatty foods and alcohol can be a trigger, even if you take over-the-counter medications for temporary relief. However, if you notice that you are experiencing indigestion-like symptoms more than twice a week, you might have something more serious. Heartburn is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. GERD is a digestive disorder that affects up to one in five U.S. adults. It happens 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. Other symptoms of GERD include shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, chronic cough, sore throat, hoarseness and bad breath. Although there isn’t a specific cure for the disease, you can make some lifestyle and diet changes to help you manage your symptoms: Maintain a healthy weight. The risk and severity of GERD tend to intensify for those who have higher body weights. Losing a few pounds could make you feel better. Avoid tight-fitting clothing. Tight clothes could exert pressure on the stomach, causing stomach acid to move up towards the esophagus and resulting in acid reflux. Try wearing looser clothes that don’t compress the stomach area. Avoid trigger foods and drinks. These include fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, garlic, onion and caffeine. Eat smaller meals and slow down. Smaller meals can help you reduce pressure in your stomach while eating slowly can help you identify when you’re full more quickly. By slowing down, you’re also less likely to irritate your esophagus. Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed. Staying up a few hours before going to bed will reduce your risk of reflux. Elevate the head of your bed. This will reduce the contact of the lining of the food tube with acidic contents and help you get a good night’s sleep. Quit smoking. Do not smoke or chew tobacco. Choose water over soda. Carbonation bubbles can expand in the stomach, causing increased pressure that contributes to reflux. Avoid creamed or cheesy foods and soups. All high-fat foods can cause reflux, so skipping the dairy items can help. If untreated, GERD can lead to more serious health problems over time, including esophageal cancer. It’s important that you talk to your primary care doctor about your symptoms and find a solution that works best for you. There is not yet a cure for the disease but with lifestyle modifications and/or medications, you can manage your symptoms to improve your quality of life. If lifestyle changes and medication don’t help manage your GERD symptoms, your doctor may refer you to a surgeon. Surgery may also be a reasonable alternative to a lifetime of drugs and discomfort. Author Adrian Park, MD, is chair of Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Department of Surgery and an internationally recognized specialist in minimally invasive surgery. To schedule an appointment with him, call 443-481-6699. Originally published Nov. 26, 2018. Last updated Nov. 14, 2019.0
- General Page Tier 3BlogAre we killing the environment or is it killing us? When we look at what we eat and how we grow it, we find extensive evidence of damage to our food, from pollution and soil depletion to the toxicity of growing foods industrially. Not many people give much thought as to how their diet impacts the environment, the animals and our future. But this is a real, and growing, problem. Our diets are linked to the environment through the companies we fund and our personal emissions. As Americans demand cheap food, the American agricultural policy for the past 30 years has focused on providing large amounts of inexpensive calories. Two of the cheapest sources of calories are corn and soy, which the federal government has long subsidized and which make up a large percentage of our caloric intake. Corn and soy are used because they can be efficiently grown on vast farms. However, consistently growing just one crop – or a monoculture – depletes the soil and forces farmers to use greater amounts of pesticides and fertilizers. The effects of pesticides and fertilizers on natural wildlife and our water supply is well documented. Depletion of nutrients in the soil through monoculture and the use of fertilizer simplify the biochemistry, which makes our food less nutritious. Plants treated with pesticides also don’t produce much of their own phytochemicals –biologically active compounds found in plants – to protect themselves from pests. These plant chemicals are greatly beneficial to humans. Organic foods are an exception to this, as they do not include contaminants and it is likely that they have more phytochemicals. Additionally, they contribute less to environmental pollution. READ MORE: Farmers Markets: Let’s reduce the reliance on processed foods The following are foods that contribute to environmental concerns because they require more energy and typically release more pollution: Foods high on the food chain. Particularly large ruminant animals (cows, goat, sheep, etc.). Animal feed requires fertilizer and irrigation water. Emissions are also required if forestland is converted to grazing land. As a result, methane is released from their digestion and manure. Open-ocean fishing fleets depend entirely on fossil fuels. Highly sought-after fish are typically overfished, resulting in additional sea travel and increased emissions. Highly processed foods. These require more steps in the production process, which also mean more energy is used. Imported foods. When we transport food over long distances, more fossil fuels are used. If you want to reduce the carbon footprint of your food choices, you might want to consider the following: Eat lower on the food chain. This means more fruits, vegetables and grains, and less red meat. Choose local or sustainable fish and seafood that is lower on the food chain. For example, mussels, clams and squid. Read your labels. Look for fresh foods with the fewest processing steps. Buy organic. Organic food doesn’t have contaminants and it is likely to have higher amounts of phytochemicals Watch your waste. About 30 percent of the carbon footprint in the U.S. is tied to wasted foods. Water, energy, pesticides and pollution go into the production of wasted food, and food waste ends up in landfills where it releases methane gas as it decomposes. What we eat matters. The food choices we make every day have a big impact on the environment. The good news is that even small changes in what we buy and eat can add up to real environmental benefits. Eating green means eating fresher, healthier foods while reducing your grocery bill and supporting our farmers. Authors Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford are nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555.0
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