- Employee SpotlightGeneral Page Tier 3BlogEarlier this year, Karyl Banks, supervisor of respiratory care, was assigned a responsibility requiring care, humility and strength — all characteristics that Karyl uniquely encompasses. “We had a patient who was very sick,” she recalls. “After a while, the family came to the conclusion that it was best to take her off the ventilator and understood the moment we took her off she would pass. Her children couldn’t bear being in the same room and I was the therapist to take her off. I was not going to let her pass alone.” Understanding how difficult it would be for the family to be present during this moment, Karyl stayed with the patient and talked her through it. “I held her hands and prayed with her,” Karyl says, helping the patient pass peacefully. Raised by a father who was a police officer and a mother who worked as a licensed practical nurse, Karyl wanted to follow her parents’ footsteps. And, although she went to school for auto mechanics, her desire to work with people reemerged soon after her brother had a massive stroke. “He was 35-years-old at the time and I remember he was laying in the hospital and was hooked to a ventilator,” she recalls. “I remember thinking I didn’t know if the doctors were doing what they were supposed to be doing. It was after that event I decided to go into the medical field because if anyone in my family ever got that sick, I wanted to know what was happening and be able to help.” Karyl started as a nurse assistant in shock trauma. She noticed that every time a patient would come in a room for treatment, nurses had to leave the room while doctors and their team stayed in. “When that happened, I also wanted to stay in the room with everyone else to save lives,” she says. “So I went to school, got all my prerequisites and became a respiratory therapist.” Nearly seven years ago, Karyl was working at Howard University Hospital as a new respiratory therapist. Her heart was set on traveling and, after some thought, she resigned her position to join a medical staffing agency that would help her fulfill her dream to work at different hospitals throughout the country. Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) happened to be her first assignment, and it didn’t take long for Karyl to fall in love – literally. “Once I got to AAMC I refused to leave this place,” she says. “It was a beautiful area, beautiful hospital and everyone was so friendly. I wanted to stay here.” READ MORE: AAMC Employee Spotlights When her three-month stint ended, Karyl was offered at full-time position at AAMC. Without hesitation, she said yes. Karyl, who is a mother of four and a proud grandmother of six, says her biggest reward is helping others and making them feel good. She splits her weekly 40 hours into working in the office, where she can manage her duties as a team supervisor and on the floor working one on one with patients. “I enjoy helping people and putting a smile on someone’s face every day, whether it’s a patient or a colleague,” she says. “When it comes to patients, I’m always going to be ready to help and make them feel better. When it comes to colleagues, I work to help my team feel like they come to work because they miss each other, not because they have to do something.” PRO TIP: “Any job you have should be a part of you and not just a job. If you like what you’re doing, you’re going to be more effective and happier.” If you know a great individual or a fantastic team going above and beyond to make a difference, make sure to let us know! Looking for a career in health care? We invite you to join a diverse and collaborative team of professionals working together to innovate the future of health care for our entire region. Check out our career opportunities.0
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMelanoma Monday: The Importance of Screenings Millions of people are currently being treated for skin cancers in the United States. And some types — such as melanoma — are serious and can even be life-threatening. It’s a smart idea to keep an eye out for suspicious spots on your body that could be symptoms of melanoma since finding it early can give you a better chance of starting treatment before it spreads. What is Melanoma? Anyone can get skin cancer, and skin cancers don’t all look the same. The three most common types are: Basal cell carcinoma Melanoma Squamous cell carcinoma Most basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are highly curable, although they may be expensive to treat or leave behind scars. Melanoma, on the other hand, is more likely to spread into other parts of your body. Screening for Suspicious Moles and Spots The best way to help prevent skin cancer is to avoid getting too much sun exposure, including from indoor sun lamps. But it’s also worthwhile to keep a watchful eye on your skin. The most common sign of skin cancer is a change in your skin, with unusual moles or new growths often serving as an early warning sign that something is developing. Researchers are looking into whether everyone should have a doctor regularly check over their skin to look for signs of skin cancer. At this point, regular screenings are recommended to people who previously have had skin cancer or who have suspicious moles or spots. Some people might have a greater risk of getting skin cancer, such as those with lighter skin or who burn easily. But everyone can and should check their own skin regularly. Take the time to get to know the moles and spots on your skin that are already there. Almost all of them are harmless, but it’s important to tell your doctor if any of them change in: Color Shape Size Texture Also show your doctor any new, unusual spots that appear, sores that don’t heal, or any areas that don’t look normal for your skin. They will evaluate the area and tell you if further tests are needed. Taking Care of Your Skin Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It does a good job protecting your body, but you also need to show it some care. Wear sunscreen every day and try to stay out of the strong, midday sun. Don’t forget to check your skin regularly. And if you’ve been too laid-back about sun exposure or skincare in the past, consider today a good day to commit to healthy practices. Authors Yin Wu, MD , is a hematologist medical oncologist with Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. Dr. Wu specializes in breast cancer, thoracic malignancies and gastrointestinal cancers, with an emphasis on care coordination. Dr. Wu believes in a personalized and compassionate approach for the care of cancer patients.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSummer is here, and for many families, that means it’s time for a vacation. But with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, traveling now comes with new risks. Taking the right safety precautions is more important now than ever before. If you’re planning a trip this summer, here is what to keep in mind. Outdoors are safer than indoors Many beaches, parks and other outdoor spaces have reopened, usually with restrictions. If you’re looking to get away for a few days, consider taking a camping or hiking trip. Spending time outdoors is also great for your mental and physical wellbeing. Just remember, if you’re traveling to a popular tourist spot, it may be hard to observe physical distancing guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay six feet away from others who are not in your household. Before you book your vacation, think about how crowded it’s likely to be. You might want to seek out locations that are off the beaten path instead. Or think about visiting during less popular hours and choosing activities that will take you away from crowds. For example, rent a kayak or paddleboard instead of playing mini-golf. Take a road trip Driving your own car is the safest way to travel right now. Pack a cooler full of snacks and drinks so you don’t have to stop for food. Make sure to have hand sanitizer and face masks with you for when you do have to stop. If you use cloth masks, bring extras with you in case you aren’t able to wash them every day. A good rule of thumb is to have a mask for every day that you are away. This summer, think about traveling to see relatives and staying at their houses instead of a hotel or resort. If you have family members who are high risk, such as older family members or family members with pre-existing conditions, we recommend quarantining for a week before you travel to see them. If you do have to fly, try to book a flight that’s early in the morning or late at night, when fewer people are flying. Wear a mask any time you are in the airport, even if you are in an area with relaxed restrictions, and while on the plane. Bring your own snacks and an empty water bottle or a thermos that you can fill up at the airport, and wipes so you can clean off your seat on the plane. If COVID-19 is spreading in your area, or in the area that you plan to visit, consider postponing your trip. And if you are sick, don’t travel. Consider “staycations” and day trips The safest way to enjoy your summer is still by staying at home. But if you want to get out of your house, now is the time to plan some fun day trips. This way, you are still beginning and ending the day in your own home. If you have kids, it’s time to get creative! Rather than visiting public pools, set up a sprinkler in your yard for your little ones. Arrange play dates that are outside. The same thing goes for adults. Host gathering with friends outside instead of inside. We know that after several months of stay-at-home orders, everyone wants a change of scenery and a return to normal life. But remember, we must do our part to protect others and ourselves and slow the spread of COVID-19. Authors Michael Remoll, MD, is the director of emergency services at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Stefanie Osterloh, CRNP, is a nurse practitioner at Doctors Community Practices at Crofton.0
- Men's Health, Orthopedics, Women's Health, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTotal hip replacement is one of the most successful surgeries for relieving pain and increasing function if you suffer from osteoarthritis in your hip. Traditionally, hip replacements were performed through two approaches – posterior or anterolateral. Now, the anterior method is gaining popularity as the “hip” hip replacement. When you have osteoarthritis in your hip, we always begin with conservative treatments, including: anti-inflammatory medications maintaining a healthy weight physical therapy a cane in the opposite hand to off load the pressure on the joint injections But if your pain persists, it’s imperative to have a surgeon skilled in modern replacement strategies to get you back on your feet and active again. Although originally described in 1881, the direct anterior approach to hip replacement was only sporadically used until recently. Technology advances, coupled with patients’ increased desire for minimally invasive surgery and faster recovery, has the anterior hip replacement gaining in popularity. Anterior hip replacement patients are routinely walking with physical therapy within hours following the surgery. The anterior approach is a muscle-sparing procedure that exposes the hip joint with one small incision over the front of the hip. The muscles and tendons are spread apart temporarily, rather than detaching them from the hip or thigh bones, as done during the traditional hip replacement approaches. Anterior hip replacement leads to less trauma to the soft tissues and more stability following surgery. During the surgery the patient is placed on a special table, called the Hana® table, that has independent leg spars allowing us to maneuver the patient’s legs to perform the surgery through the small anterior incision. This table also allows us to use intra-operative x-rays to “fine tune” the alignment of the hip replacement components. This offers better wear properties and increased stability of the hip. We use standing x-rays taken prior to surgery and reproduce this with our intraoperative x-rays to appropriately position the hip replacement components specifically for each patient, as well as make leg lengths equal. One of the biggest differences between the anterior approach and traditional hip replacement is the freedom from “hip precautions” following the procedure. Anterior patients can position the hip anywhere they feel comfortable immediately after surgery. Muscles are not cut and the risk of dislocation is low, which enables patients to have more freedom of movement after surgery. Anterior hip replacement patients are routinely walking with physical therapy within hours following the surgery. Following a traditional hip replacement, the surgeon must give specific instructions on hip precautions to prevent dislocating the new joint. These include avoiding bending the hip and turning the foot, sleeping with a pillow between the legs for six weeks, avoiding crossing the legs and not sitting in low chairs. But, for anterior hip replacement patients these precautions are unnecessary. Many patients go home in less than 24 hours and complete outpatient physical therapy within four to six weeks. The incision is closed with absorbable sutures and skin glue, which enables you to shower immediately and not have to have sutures or staples removed. The direct anterior approach can be utilized for nearly all total hip replacements. Whether patients have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, femoral neck fracture or advanced avascular necrosis, the anterior approach is a reliable and reproducible surgical approach. Anterior hip replacement can help you get back to the life you want to be living. Author By Justin Hoover, MD, orthopedic surgeon at AAMC Orthopedics. To reach his practice, call 410-268-8862. Originally published March 31, 2015. Last updated May 31, 2018.0
- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogChildren with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often have a difficult time in school. If your child with ADHD is having trouble at school, Jennifer Williams (Walton), MA, LPC, LCPC, a mental health professional at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Mental Health Specialists, offers some important tips. “Children with ADHD respond well to having a structured daily schedule. Make sure that your child’s day has a large amount of clearly defined structured time to prevent them from making impulsive decisions that will lead to negative actions. Children will feel more comfortable if they know exactly what is happening during the day, and when it will happen,” Williams says. School Rules Make sure your child is seated in the front row, close to the teacher, and not next to a window or in the back of the room where distractions abound. Children with ADHD need their teachers’ and parents’ help de-cluttering their school backpack, which lessens the confusion and frustration when looking for homework that needs to be completed or turned in. Along with your child’s teacher, take a proactive stance to break large assignments into smaller parts. Big projects can frustrate kids with ADHD. Home Sweet Home With school presenting its own challenges, it’s time to reinforce steps that make for a calmer home life. For example, Williams stresses the positive effects of a goal or reward chart. Immediate rewards for smaller goals might include extra video game time or a favorite snack. Larger rewards for bigger accomplishments can include an outing to your child’s favorite park. A Helping Hand If it feels like your child is struggling more than usual with distraction, impulse and hyperactivity, it may be time to seek additional medical help. For children 6 years of age and older, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends behavior therapy with medication. While your pediatrician can prescribe medication, behavioral therapy for children can be hard to find. Your pediatrician may be able to help. If your pediatrician tried one or two ADHD medications but results are not as hoped, that points to a more complex case that calls for a psychiatric provider. This is particularly important if your child is dealing with ADHD plus other issues, and these cases are typically beyond the pediatrician’s expertise. Ask questions, find resources and learn more at askAAMC.org/HealthyMinds. Author Jennifer Williams (Walton), MA, LPC, LCPC, is a mental health professional at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Mental Health Specialists, located in Annapolis. To reach her, call 410-573-9000. Originally published Sept. 15, 2016. Last updated May 14, 2018. Save0
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