- NutritionGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNothing says fall quite like pumpkins and pumpkin-flavored foods. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin coffee, pumpkin smoothies — the list goes on! Not only do pumpkin foods taste good, they are full of vitamins and minerals. They’re a rich source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that gives orange vegetables their color. Your body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A once you eat it. The vegetable also contain a lot of vitamin C, vitamin E, riboflavin, potassium and other nutrients. Here’s how this fall favorite can boost your health. Some health benefits of pumpkin Cancer prevention: The National Cancer Institute says antioxidants including beta-carotene may play a role in preventing cancer. The substances in pumpkin seeds have also been linked to lower levels of stomach, breast, lung, prostate and colon cancers, says the National Foundation for Cancer Research. Eyesight: Vitamin A helps with good vision, especially in the dark. Tougher immune system: Vitamin A may help your body fight infections and viruses, while vitamin C could help you recover from colds faster. Heart health: Pumpkin seeds contain chemicals that may reduce “bad” cholesterol and decrease your risk of heart disease, the National Institute of Health says. Weight loss: Pumpkin has less than 50 calories per cup, and most pumpkin recipes contain far less than a cup. It’s also a good source of fiber, which can help you stay full longer. Mood booster: Pumpkins contain the amino acid tryptophan, which helps form serotonin. Serotonin regulates mood, sleep and your appetite. Watch out for added sugar Despite the gourd’s health benefits, not everything pumpkin-flavored is healthy! Take a look at Starbucks’ popular pumpkin spice latte: A 16-oz. grande, with 2 percent milk and whipped cream, has 380 calories, 14 grams of fat and 50 grams of sugar. In fact, many items labeled “pumpkin spice” don’t actually contain any pumpkin. It’s a mixture of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove, or allspice, which taste like pumpkin pie. A typical slice of pumpkin pie, by the way, contains 323 calories and has 13 grams of fat and 25 grams of sugar. If you’re still craving a pumpkin spice latte, here is a healthier option: Pumpkin Spice Latte 1/ 2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1/ 2 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon sugar 8 ounces brewed coffee Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy! Each latte contains 55 calories, 1.5 grams protein, 8 grams carbohydrate, 2 grams fat and 136 percent of your daily vitamin A needs. And if you’re in the mood for dessert, these cranberry pumpkin muffins are only 200 calories each. Cranberry pumpkin muffins Ingredients 2 cups flour 1/ 2 cup sugar 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 /2 teaspoons salt 1 /2 teaspoons cinnamon 3 /4 teaspoons allspice 1/ 3 cup vegetable oil 2 large eggs 3/ 4 cup canned pumpkin 2 cups fresh or frozen chopped cranberries Instructions Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Sift together dry ingredients (flour through allspice) and set aside. Beat oil, eggs, and pumpkin together until well blended. Add the wet ingredients (pumpkin mixture) to the dry ingredients all at once. Stir until moistened. Fold in chopped cranberries. Spoon into paper-lined muffin cups. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Makes 12 servings Each muffin contains about 200 calories, 7 grams total fat, 1 grams saturated fat, 35 milligrams cholesterol, 230 milligrams sodium, 32 grams carbohydrates, and 3 grams protein. Toasted pumpkin seeds also make a healthy fall snack. First, rinse seeds well to wash away pumpkin pulp. Spray nonstick cooking spray on a baking sheet, then spread seeds. Or place seeds on the sheet, then add a bit of olive oil. Bake for 30 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, stirring occasionally. Bake until seeds are toasted lightly. Authors By Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford, nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them call 443-481-5555.0
- News & Press Releases, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogCaring for and protecting our patients, families, employees, and the community during COVID-19 is of the utmost importance to Luminis Health. As a patient- and family-centered organization, we continue to review and update our visitor guidelines and practices as the situation changes. Below are the most up-to-date guidelines across Anne Arundel Medical Center, effective Monday, Sept. 28, 2020. While temporary restrictions remain in place, exceptions and guidelines for specific areas are below. General guidelines apply to all visitors. General guidelines for all patients, family members and support persons Hospital Guidelines: Visitation hours are from 11 am-8 pm. Exceptions depend on circumstances noted below.Family members/Support persons must wear a facemask at all times, covering mouth and nose, at all times. Bandanas, scarves and vented masks are not as effective. If a family member/support person needs a mask, we will supply one at entry. Family members/Support persons must check-in upon arrival at the entrances to the hospital. We will give family members/support persons a “welcome sticker” after the successful completion of a brief health screening. A successful health screen means there is no indication of a fever or sign of respiratory illness. An adult must accompany minors under the age of 18. Family members/Support persons must wash hands or use hand sanitizer upon entry into or exit from patient rooms. Family members/Support persons should stay in the patient room or treatment area. Family members/Support persons should limit trips to the cafeteria, public restrooms, and other public areas. Family members/Support persons should limit personal belongings brought onto campus. Family members/support persons should stop at the front desk to check out when leaving the hospital. After checking out, please exit promptly. Waiting rooms are only for the Emergency Department and Procedural Care areas with appropriate social distance and maximum capacity honored. Family members/Support persons should not gather in lounges, lobbies, or hallways. Family members/Support persons attending palliative, hospice, or goals of care meetings may have up to three persons in a meeting room. Two persons may be at the bedside. Family members/Support persons should be 18 years and older unless the visit is for end of life. Patients who are 21 years of age or under may have a parent or guardian with them. If under the age of 18, two consistent parents/support persons may be present during their stay. Clergy of any denomination may visit a patient at any time. They will not count in the visitor max. Family members/Support persons who serve as a surrogate decision maker, including power of attorney or court-appointed guardianship for a patient, and need to be physically present to engage in the decision making process are permitted at all times. The attending physician will be the final decision maker as to whether someone needs to be physically present. Hospital guests with an official governmental function may be present. Ambulatory Clinic Guidelines Donner Pavilion: Patients and support person must arrive no more than five minutes prior to the appointment.Patients and support person must wear a mask upon arrival. We will provide a facemask if the patient or family member/support person arrives with bandanas, scarves or vented masks. We will screen family members/support person for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival to the practice Social distancing is required in the waiting area. We will ask patients and their support person to wait in a common area if social distancing isn’t possible. Ambulatory Practices, Sajak, Wayson, and Belcher Pavilion Patients and support person must arrive five minutes prior to the appointment.Patients and support person must wear a mask upon arrival. We will provide a facemask if the patient or family member/support person arrives with bandanas, scarves or vented masks. We will screen family members/support person for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival to the practice. Social distancing is required in the waiting area. If social distancing isn’t possible, we will ask patients and their support person to move to an exam room, wait in a different common area or wait in their car. The patient will receive a phone call from the practice when it is time to enter. Specific Considerations Guidelines General Hospital Visitation Guidelines: All non-COVID-19 patients and/or recovered COVID-19 patients off isolation may have one designated daily family member/support person visit per day. The designated family member/support person may change each day. Acute Life-Threatening Event All patients, including those with COVID-19 positive results, may have up to two family members/support persons at bedside, allowed 24/7 on all units. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Because of the intensive or critical care needs of these patients, up to two family members/support persons per day may visit from 8 am-8pm for patients with COVID-19 negative or positive results. End of Life: If the health care team deems the patient is at end of life, the care team will contact the family (as defined by patient). Patients who have COVID-19 negative or positive results may have up to two family members/support persons at bedside, 24/7 on all units. Family members/Support persons may switch throughout the visit. An adult must be with minors under 18. The minor counts as the second visitor. Patients with Disabilities: All licensed Maryland health care facilities shall comply with applicable U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance and state and federal regulations and recognize the rights and needs for individuals with disabilities. The term “disability” means, with respect to an individual: A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities for such individual, a record of such an impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment. A support person may be appropriate for, but is not limited to, patients with intellectual, developmental, physical or neurocognitive disabilities. Major life activities can include but are not limited to such activities as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working. A support person can include, but is not limited to family members, personal care assistants, disability service providers, or individuals knowledgeable about the management or care of the patient who is authorized to assist the patient in making decisions. One support person may accompany, visit, and stay with a patient 24/7 during their visits to health care facilities. Access is applicable to all patients, who meet disability criteria, including those with COVID-19 positive results. We will issue PPE (mask, gown, gloves, and eye protection). The support person must wear PPE during the entire visit/appointment. Admitted patients are welcome to have one additional family member/support person present during the hours of 11 am- 8 pm in addition to their support person. We will screen all support persons for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival and periodically during their stay if appropriate. Anyone with symptoms or who answers yes to the screening questions is not able to visit or serve as the support person for the patient. We will instruct support persons on how to utilize and conserve PPE. Support persons shall adhere to all PPE procedures. Support persons are able to access public restrooms, cafeteria/vending areas while in the health care facility. We do ask that these trips are limited when possible. We may ask support persons to leave the room during certain procedures. If a caregiver, support person, or family member cannot be present, they may contact a member of the health care team for an update on the patient’s status. The health care team will contact the appropriate next of kin or legal representative for medical care decisions or emergent situations. Video conferencing is available if needed or desired. We will provide a copy of the Access to Support for Patients with Disabilities in Health Care Settings Policy and the Support Persons for Individuals with Disabilities Notice to all patients. If other accommodations are needed or for additional questions contact the following:Patient Advocacy, seven days a week from 9 am – 5 pm at 443-481-6890 (modified holiday hours). Hospital Administrator, after hours seven days a week from 5 pm – 9 pm at 443-481-5909. Kent McNew Family Medical Center and Pathways campus: To best protect the safety and wellbeing of our patients, visitors, and staff; visitors are not permitted at this time. Women and Children’s Services: One consistent support person may accompany maternity patients. NICU patients are allowed to have the mother and a consistent support person (both will have security bands). Post-Partum readmits may have one support person and their infant with them. The infant must be attended by their support person at all times. Pediatrics: Two consistent parents/support persons may be with the patient during their entire stay. Applicable to all patients, including those who have COVID-19 positive results.If siblings are present and have no one to care for them, please contact leadership. Emergency Department: One family member/support person is welcome to remain with a patient through their stay in the Emergency Department. If critically ill, two family members (defined by patient/family) may be present per above “Acute Life-Threatening” guidelines. Surgical/Procedural Patients: The patient is welcome to have one family member/support person remain with them through registration and the pre-operative stay before their procedure. We will ask the family member/support person to leave and wait off campus once the patient is taken in for their procedure.Once the patient is ready for pick up or settled into their inpatient room, hospital staff will contact the family member/support person. Visitation times will be 11 am-8 pm. We appreciate your understanding during these extraordinary times. We are confident that together we will continue to deliver the highest quality of care. Last updated at 3 pm on Sept. 16, 2025.0
- 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
- 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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