- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs women we often juggle many roles throughout the course of our lives, putting our personal time, interests and health on the back burner. But we want to encourage and remind women to make their health a priority. Here are some tips to lead a healthier life at any age. In your 20s This is the decade for setting good habits for a lifetime. It’s a time when you should be thinking about proper exercise, nutrition, good sleep habits and proper skincare. While long-term health might be the last thing on your mind, a healthy lifestyle in your 20s can reduce risk for certain diseases and conditions later in life. This is also why starting a relationship with a primary care doctor is important. A primary care doctor is one of your best allies in preventive care and early detection. In your 30s As you climb the corporate ladder, children may also be entering the picture. This can be an exciting time. It can also be a busy time in your life as you juggle kids, work and social obligations. If you started good habits in your 20s, it may be easy to forget them as you focus more on others. It’s important to set aside time for you and to de-stress. Pay attention to your mental health. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing anxiety or depression. In your 40s Now is more important than ever to have regular medical checkups and basic screening tests, including a mammogram and cholesterol test. It’s also important to know your family history. Depending on your family health record, you may need to start some screenings in your 40s, like a colonoscopy. Your doctor will help you determine when and what screening is right for you. In your 50s+ Enjoy the fruits of your labor! If you’ve worked hard to establish healthy habits in your 20s, 30s and 40s, this is when it will pay off. Still, preventive care is key. Talk to your doctor about certain vaccines or immunizations you may need in your 50s and beyond. Women at this stage should also be aware of osteoporosis as bones become less dense. Osteoporosis screening or a bone density test can help you detect your risk. Women’s health is complex. You can find answers to questions you may have, and get the opportunity to connect with your peers through programs like Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Smart Woman Series. This informal health education program for women provides access to doctors and other health experts during monthly seminars in a fun networking environment. To get a complete schedule, visit www.askAAMC.org/events. Author Debbie Wasem is supervisor of Women’s Education at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC). Originally published May 14, 2017. Last updated May 15, 2019.0
- Pediatrics, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSchool is out for summer. Excitement in the air! But soon, the sudden shift in routine causes kids and parents alike to wonder, “What are we going to do now?” With homework finally over for the time being and energy abundant, how can you as a parent channel your child’s energy into something positive and productive? Two words: summer camp. There is nothing like the experience of going to summer camp. Whether it’s a day camp environment or an overnight camp, there are many options available in our area to fit any child’s interests and developmental stage. There are camps that focus on sports, arts, science, computers, faith and religion, and much more. No matter what type of camp you are considering, children will be stimulated emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Summer camp can be a great way to facilitate, encourage and support your child’s growth: Self-esteem and confidence: Allowing children to engage in a safe environment that fosters the exploration of various activities and relationships without the pressure of academics. Spark new interest: Depending on the type of camp, most are likely to introduce something new to your child such as a game, craft or idea. Encourage new relationships: Introducing and encouraging children to engage in new friendships that can become life-long. In addition, building relationships with counselors can be a healthy way for your child to develop communication skills with adults. Independence: Regardless if a day camp or overnight camp is right for your child, giving them an opportunity to explore these avenues can be essential to their development. Resilience: Children learn decision-making skills, conflict management and stress relief techniques through experience in their daily interactions. So many kids are sucked into their electronic devices these days. Camp is a great way to get them outside and socializing with other kids—without parents around. When choosing a summer camp, here are some things to consider: What is my child currently interested in? In what activities or environments does my child thrive? Do I want a traditional camp that offers a variety of experiences or a specialty camp that focuses on a particular skill or activity? Would my child do better in a highly structured, scheduled environment, or one that allows him/her to choose activities? Would my child do best at a day camp, week-long overnight camp, or a summer-long camp? If this is your child’s first camp experience, you might start with a day camp in order to get them used to the idea of being temporarily separated from their family. If your child is older (about 12 is when most children are ready), an overnight camp might be right. How will I communicate with my child while at camp? Will I be allowed to visit, email, write? Does my child have special needs (physical, dietary) that need to be considered? What is my budget? Is the camp and staff properly accredited, certified and trained? Of course, be sure to include your child in the camp-choosing discussion. If you’re considering an overnight camp, talk to your child about it and get their thoughts and feelings so they don’t feel forced into a situation. With that said, it may take a little nudging from you. Summertime should be a mental break from the pressures of academics. Play is an important part of childhood that provides vital learning. As Mr. Rogers once said, “Play is the work of childhood.” Author Meghan Siegel is a child life specialist at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published March 19, 2015. Last updated May 20, 2019.0
- Men's Health, Weight Loss, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMost of us know that good nutrition is important for good health. However, when we hear catch phrases like “calcium deficiency” or learn a new multivitamin just hit the shelves, it can make us wonder if we are getting enough vitamins and minerals. Do we really need to take additional doses? First, let’s talk about these nutrients. There are 13 vitamins – vitamin C, A, D, E, K and the B vitamins. Vitamins help your body grow and work the way it should. Minerals have different jobs in which they help you resist infections, keep your nerves healthy and help your body get energy from food. By following the MyPlate guidelines, a nutrition guide published by the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, you will get enough of most of what you need from food. In addition to a balanced diet, some people may need nutrient supplements depending on their situation. For example, older adults, pregnant women and people who are food insecure are at increased risk of nutrient deficiencies. Some individuals are limited in their food choices because of allergies, special diets, medical conditions, intolerances or because they are following a vegetarian or vegan diet. For example, animal foods are the main source of vitamin B12. So people who follow a vegan diet need to eat fortified foods and or take a supplement. Vitamin D might be a concern among infants, children and young adults, especially for those that do not drink milk. Therefore, they will likely need a supplement. Adolescent girls, meanwhile, may need more iron. As people age, it can be difficult to get enough vitamin B12. Getting B12 from fortified foods or taking it as part of a multivitamin can help raise B12 in our blood. As we get older, our bodies are not as skillful at absorbing certain nutrients. B12 is one of those. READ MORE: What you eat can affect your mental health On the other hand, real food contains healthy components a pill can’t give us. Plant foods have thousands of beneficial plant substances called phytochemicals that interact with one another in many ways, some of which scientists may not even understand yet. The greater the food variety, the more the potential beneficial interactions. When we get nutrients from a pill, we lose the fiber in these foods and, according to studies, these vitamins also fail at preventing cancer, dementia, heart disease or Type 2 diabetes. People who eat foods rich in those vitamins instead of going for pills only are at less risk of these diseases. Nutrients work synergistically, meaning you need the right balance of nutrients. A deficiency in one might appear as, or worsen, a deficiency in another. For example, vitamin E enhances vitamin A absorption. Vitamin A and E together lead to increased antioxidant capabilities, protect against some forms of cancer and support a healthier gut. Zinc is required for vitamin A transport, while vitamin C aids in iron absorption. This is only a snapshot of the many nutrient interactions happening in our bodies and their co-dependencies. Your doctor can order tests to help determine if taking a supplement would be good for you. A registered dietitian can evaluate your diet and make recommendations to meet your personal needs given your food preferences. As always, check with a health care professional to see which vitamins and minerals you may need and how to best take them. Remember, eating a balanced diet mainly consisting of fruits and vegetables is the first step towards the right direction. Authors Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford are nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555.0
- General Page Tier 3BlogFood recommendations to eat more fiber, fruits and vegetables haven’t changed. These guidelines are not lost on the food industry either. In efforts to sell their products they use buzzwords on labels such as “equals one serving of vegetables,” or “a good source of fiber” to sell veggie chips, chewy bars and even cookies. It appears to have become about marketing, not healthy eating. This is not the only place in the grocery store that takes the opportunity to try and shape your choices and tell you what you should be eating. Let’s answer a few questions to set the record straight. Are brownies rich in fiber a good choice to increase our fiber? No, the fiber in these products is a white powder called inulin, polydextrose and modified starches. This processed fiber does not provide the bulk or fullness feeling as advertised to promote weight loss. The best sources of fiber are fresh fruits, vegetables and high fiber grains with more than three grams per serving. Is gluten bad for everyone? If you have celiac disease, then you shouldn’t eat gluten. There is also a group of people that have gluten intolerance, which does not cause the autoimmune response that individuals with celiac disease experience, yet improves digestion. Gluten intolerance research is ongoing since there aren’t diagnostic criteria to diagnose. Some people believe gluten-free eating is healthier — this is false. It is usually void of fiber; is higher in either fat or sugar, or both; and has more calories. Is organic healthier? There is not enough evidence to show that organic food is always healthier than conventionally grown food. While there are some differences in the nutrient contents, the flexible nature of food production and handling makes it difficult to generalize results. The term organic refers to foods that meet a set of standards that restrict the use of certain pesticides and fertilizers in farming. They are usually not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents or synthetic food additives. Does everyone need probiotics to be healthy? Not necessarily. Probiotics are a type of good bacteria. These microorganisms can help with digestion and offer protection from harmful bacteria, just as the existing good bacteria already do. You can find probiotics in foods like yogurts, sauerkraut and kimchi. Although more research is needed, there is evidence that probiotics might help treat diarrhea, especially after antibiotic use; irritable bowel syndrome; and ease allergic disorders, such as eczema and hay fever. If you take a supplement, make sure to check with your doctor first. Do detox teas and drinks clean our system? Our digestion system includes the liver and kidneys, which naturally cleanse our bodies of harmful substances. Usually, detox products are weight loss gimmicks designed to give people short-term gratification, with no regard for their long-term health, physique or lifestyle habits. If you want to lose weight, eat less and exercise more! The size of our grocery stores with 24 lanes is a good example of the difference of foods available today, compared with years ago when we had six lanes. The foods we look for to provide vital nutrients do not come in packages, bags or processed foods — they grow naturally and are found on the perimeter of the store. 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 May 7, 2018. Last updated Dec. 17, 2019.0
- Community, Giving, News & Press Releases, Pediatrics, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAre you looking for an opportunity to get involved in supporting your local hospital? Do you want to meet new people with values like yours? Join the AAMC Foundation’s Building Traditions Society (BTS), a dynamic group of young individuals and families supporting vital areas of care at AAMC. By joining this philanthropic group, you are invited to attend high-energy exclusive events and network with others while improving the health care services available to your loved ones, neighbors, friends and community. Your contribution and partnership as a BTS member will support critical initiatives – 100 percent of your BTS membership is allocated back to AAMC. BTS has donated more than $400,000 to AAMC to support pediatrics, NICU, Pathways, oncology and much more since its establishment in 2012. To find out how you can be a part of this charitable, fun group of next-generation community leaders, contact Samantha Buckley at [email protected] or sign up online today.0
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