- OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogI never thought much about my bones when I was younger. I figured they were strong and would last unless I broke one. And if I did break a bone, it would heal and everything would be fine. After all, I was busy working full-time, plus managing a household with three kids and a husband and all of our daily activities. I didn’t have time to think about my bone health. I thought I was invincible. I wasn’t. Here’s what I wish I had known about my bones when I was younger. I wish ….. I had known that there is a point where your body stops making new bone. I didn’t know that by the time you reach your mid-30s, you begin to lose more bone than your body can replace. Menopause speeds this process up. READ MORE: Bone health and osteoporosis: What all women should know I wish …. I had made sure I was getting enough calcium in my diet. I knew that calcium was necessary for bone health, but I did not focus on making sure I had enough in my diet. READ MORE: 7 tips for better bone health I wish …. I had exercised more. Even just walking for 10 minutes at a time, three or four times a day would have helped. I wish …. I had never started smoking. I smoked for about 10 years and wish I had known that smoking wasn’t good for my bones – or anything else, for that matter. Schedule your lung screening today and learn your risk of lung cancer. I wish …. I had known that at every stage of your life, you have to focus on your own health and make sure you learn what you need to do to stay healthy – and make time to take care of yourself. Author Bonnie P. Mulieri, 75, of Arnold is an osteoporosis patient. Originally published Oct. 14, 2019. Last updated Oct. 19, 2020.
- 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 Oct. 19, 2020.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) has earned the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) 2020 Digital Health Most Wired designation. AAMC is recognized for applying core and advanced technologies into clinical and business programs to improve health and care in the community it serves. “Now more than ever the use of technology is vital in healthcare,” said Ron Nolte, associate chief information officer at AAMC. “We are using technology to keep our patients connected to their loved ones during this time, to enable access to expert care through telehealth visits and so much more. Anne Arundel Medical Center is proud to be recognized for the most advance technologies that help improve health outcomes for our patients, create efficiencies for our workforce and, ultimately, enhance the health of our community.” “Digital technology has been a driver of innovation in healthcare for many years now, but never to the degree that we saw in 2020 with the pandemic,” said CHIME President and CEO Russell P. Branzell. “The Digital Health Most Wired program underscores why healthcare organizations keep pushing themselves to be digital leaders and shows what amazing feats they can achieve. This certification recognizes their exemplary performance in 2020.” This is the third year that CHIME has conducted the survey and overseen the program. In each successive year, CHIME has expanded the survey to capture more types of organizations that serve patients across the continuum of care. CHIME also continues to promote the program internationally to provide a global overview of digital health advancements.
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWith plant-based carbohydrates and belly-filling protein, this acorn squash recipe is ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The squash’s natural sugars are released while baking, making this no-sugar-added recipe perfect for people with diabetes. Plus, the vitamin A in squash will make your skin glow during these winter months. Enjoy with some decaffeinated chai tea to warm you up! Ingredients • 2 acorn squash • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 16 ounces fat-free cottage cheese • ¼ cup chopped/slivered almonds or pecans • ½ teaspoon nutmeg Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 425° F. Cut each squash in half. Scoop out and discard seeds. 2. Pour olive oil onto baking sheet and spread over baking sheet with paper towel. Place squash face down on the baking sheet and bake until golden brown, about 20–25 minutes. 3. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10–15 minutes. After squash have cooled, turn them over, cut side up. 4. Fill each squash half with ½ cup cottage cheese. Top each with 1/8 teaspoon(dash) of nutmeg and 1 tablespoon chopped nuts. Serves 4. READ MORE: More articles and tips in our Recipes + Nutrition section Originally published Nov. 17, 2015. Last updated Oct. 16, 2020.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhere care extends beyond treatment Navigating cancer treatment is about so much more than showing up for appointments. Your cancer journey can affect every aspect of your life — keeping you from work, from your favorite activities and sometimes even from your loved ones. And while it’s sometimes hard to admit you need help, help is always close by. In fact, the Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute has built programs around all of your needs — physical, mental, financial, spiritual or emotional. Because we profoundly believe these programs will light the way to better outcomes. Learn more about our cancer support services and how they can help you. Genetic testing to help you find answers Your genes hold many secrets to your health. And we’re now better able to understand those secrets, thanks to genetic testing. Genetic testing and counseling services can help you and your family better understand cancer risks, allowing you to make informed and empowered healthcare decisions. You can count on us to help you decide if genetic testing is right for you and your loved ones. And our support won’t end after you get your test results. Together, we’ll review your options and give you the time, space and confidence you need to make the best decision for you. Financial counseling to help ease your worries Your most important job during cancer treatment is to get better. That can be hard when you’re worried about the financial impact of your care. Our financial counselors are here to lighten that burden. We’ll connect you and your family to financial assistance (if you qualify), explain confusing insurance requirements and benefits, and make a plan so you can stay focused on what really matters – getting back to all the people and activities you enjoy. Specialized care to help keep your body strong We’ll be at your side for every twist and turn — before, during and after treatment. Our physical, occupational and speech therapists will recommend safe and easy exercise and stretching routines to keep your muscles strong during treatment. And we’ll be here with proven rehabilitation programs to help you overcome any side effects after treatment, like lymphedema, swallowing trouble, pain and much more. What you eat and drink can also have a big impact on how you feel, but you may experience changes in your appetite and tastes that make it difficult to get the nutrition you need. Our registered dietitians and nutritionists are specially trained to help you overcome the unique obstacles that come with cancer treatment. Working closely with you, we’ll create a personalized eating plan that ensures you get all the nutrients your body needs. Social services to help support your unique needs Everyone copes with cancer a little differently. That means every patient needs different support. Our social services — which include financial assistance; connections to community resources or professional guidance for any of the physical, mental and emotional challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis — are far reaching and wide ranging, so you can find the help you need. Nurse navigators to help you keep it all straight Constantly navigating appointments, treatment plans and recommendations from your care team can become overwhelming. That’s why we’ll make sure you’re assigned a nurse navigator that can help you keep it all straight. Our team of nurse navigators will streamline your care and – just as importantly – offer up a comforting, consistent presence during a stressful time. We’ll take care of the details, while you focus on healing. Spiritual care to help your heart heal Spiritual health is so much more than religion. It’s about finding an inner peace that can help you and your loved ones achieve life balance. For you, that may include sitting in a chapel and praying. Or, it could mean meditation, volunteering, forgiveness or optimism. No matter your beliefs, our spiritual care team is here to help you and your family find that sense of calm. And we’ll start by listening to you and your needs. Palliative care to help you manage painful symptoms Sometimes, the hardest part of dealing with cancer is managing painful symptoms. And palliative care may be the answer. This important medical service helps relieve suffering and improve your quality of life during treatment. At the DeCesaris Cancer Institute, our palliative care team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers and chaplains who share the same goal: Helping you and your loved ones. That support can look very different depending on where you on your path to healing. We’ll work hard to help you: Find ways to ease your pain and discomfort from treatment Create realistic goals for your care Communicate openly and honestly with your entire care team and family Bring family members together for productive conversations Coordinate care among treatment teams Bring peace and comfort during end-of-life situations Survivorship and caregiver support to help lift your spirit Your care doesn’t end when your treatments do. Because, believe it or not, sometimes ending treatment can be a little jarring. After all, you and your loved one have grown accustomed to regular appointments, meeting with doctors and having a nurse just a phone call away. Take heart in knowing you’ll continue to work closely with your primary oncology provider and primary care provider to ensure you stay healthy, well and strong. Cancer is a journey, and everyone’s path is different. Sharing your story, whether it’s as a cancer survivor or caregiver, can also go a long way in helping you (and others in your group) heal. Here, as a part of our survivorship or caregiver support program, you can connect with people in similar situations; who understand the challenges you face and can give you the safe space you need to process your emotions. We offer many different types of support groups, including groups for patients, survivors, family members. We also have support groups for specific cancers, including head and neck, lung, prostate and breast. We’re here to meet you where you are Sometimes, asking for help is the hardest part. And during a challenging time like a cancer diagnosis, it can be hard to even know what you need. We’ve built our support services for patients just like you. If you’re not even sure where to begin, let your nurse navigator, doctor or any member of your care team know what’s on your mind. We’ll take it from there, help you find the solutions and support you need. Call us anytime at 443-481-5800.
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