- Behavioral Health, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen discussing domestic violence, I often hear comments like, “I’m lucky not to know anyone affected by domestic violence,” or “I have never been exposed to anything like that.” Most people are not only surprised to learn domestic violence is not always as obvious as a black eye—a lot of people, in fact, have been exposed in some capacity. While domestic violence can include physical and sexual violence, the most elusive kind of abuse is emotional abuse. Unlike physical abuse, the people doing it and receiving it may not even be aware it is happening. Emotional abuse can be more harmful than physical abuse. Even in the most violent families, the incidents tend to be cyclical—a violent outburst, followed by a honeymoon period with remorse and attention that eventually ends, and then the violence starts over again. But with emotional abuse, it happens every day. The effects are more harmful because they’re so frequent. This emotional abuse can happen between a parent and child, husband and wife, among relatives, and between friends. The other factor that makes emotional abuse so devastating is victims are more likely to blame themselves. When the words directed at you seem subtle—if the abuser says you’re unattractive, fat, dumb or unlovable—it’s easier to assume this is your own doing. But if someone hits you, it’s easier to see that he or she is the problem. It can undercut what we think about ourselves and impair our ability to be our true selves and escape the abuse. With emotional abuse, the abuser projects their words, attitudes or actions onto an unsuspecting victim. One person controls the other by undermining his or her trust, value, development, or emotional stability, or causes fear or shame by manipulating or exploiting that person. And it’s not so much about the words used, rather the threatening effects of the behavior by the abuser. The body language, tone and actions by an abuser oftentimes contradict the words. And this is very destructive to the victims. Warnings signs of abuse can include: decreased interaction with friends and family, constantly receiving phone calls or text messages inquiring about location and activity, seemingly anxious to please the partner, making excuses for partner’s behavior, going along with everything the partner says and does, decreased productivity at work or school, personality changes, lowered self-esteem, and limited access to transportation and money. These signs of abuse are more common and often overlooked. The support of family and friends can be helpful. But professional counseling will provide the victim with tools to prevent, cope and move on from an abusive situation. Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Abuse and Domestic Violence Program has professionally trained staff available to help patients, employees and community members. For information about abuse, call 443-481-1209. For a 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline, call 410-222-6800. Author Rae Leonard, Anne Arundel Medical Center’s abuse and domestic violence program coordinator, can be reached at 443-481-1209. Originally published Nov. 12, 2015. Last updated Sept. 16, 2025.0
- PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogBreastfeeding takes patience and persistence but the journey is a beautiful thing. Your body is supporting the growth and development of a tiny human – that’s no small task! Repeat these mantras to yourself whenever you need a little encouragement along the way. “One more time, one more time.” Some moms may set an initial goal of breastfeeding for a year, or longer. In those first few days, or weeks, the long-term goals may actually make breastfeeding feel very overwhelming. When you are dealing with a bad latch, over- or under-supply, or general exhaustion, you may think, “How am I going to get through the day, let alone a year?” Stop right there. Deal with one feeding, then another, and then take on tomorrow, and then the day after that. Meeting smaller goals may help you reach the larger goal you set for yourself. “I am doing something beautiful.” You might feel awkward or self-conscious about nursing in public or even around friends and family. Besides figuring out the logistics—where to sit, do you want to cover to feel comfortable, what to wear to make nursing easy—you may be wondering what other people are thinking about you. The only person you need to worry about is your baby! You are doing something beautiful and natural. Keep your mind focused on this thought and let everything else fade away. Also, don’t forget you’re protected by Maryland law to breastfeed your baby in any public or private place where you’re permitted to be. “It’s ok, relax. Help is on speed dial.” You don’t have to do this alone. We’re in the midst of a breastfeeding revolution and support resources are readily available. Take advantage of them. Find a lactation consultant before you actually need the help. Put AAMC’s Warm Line in your speed dial list (its 443-481-6977). Join a social network of other new moms. Many moms use these tools to help them not only deal with breastfeeding difficulties, but also to help adjust to their new role of “mom.” (See below for a full list of resources.) “Sometimes goals change and that’s okay! A happy mom is a good mom.” If you start to feel unhappy or stressed, you may be putting too much pressure on yourself! If breastfeeding is in your heart then by all means keep going —find help and remind yourself that you are doing the best job you can. But, if you need to adjust your breastfeeding goal, be confident in that decision too. Don’t beat yourself up. Any amount of breast milk is important. Be proud of yourself! Your baby thinks you are the best mother just as you are. “I’m doing a great job!” Motherhood can be scary, difficult and, at times, overwhelming no matter how you feed your baby. But, it can be amazing, beautiful, fun and life-changing. Remind yourself every day that you’re doing a great job! Best wishes in your breastfeeding journey. It might be a piece of cake. But, if it’s a bit challenging keep telling yourself, “I got this.” Take advantage of helpful resources, embrace it and enjoy discovering the amazing strength that you never knew you had. Author Lindsay Bittinger is a local mom, living in southern Anne Arundel County with her husband, two daughters and one crazy puppy. Breastfeeding Resources AAMC offers several breastfeeding support classes, all of which have gone virtual due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. See a complete schedule here. Breastfeeding Warm Line: Anne Arundel Medical Center’s lactation staff is available to answer any questions you might have about breastfeeding. You can reach our consultants seven days a week via our Warm Line at 443-481-6977. Simply leave a message and they’ll return your call between 9 am and 4 pm the same day. You can also e-mail our lactation staff anytime at [email protected]. Find a Lactation Consultant: A board-certified lactation consultant can help address your breastfeeding concerns or challenges. You can find one in your area through the United States Lactation Consultant Association directory. AAMC Smart Parents: Join our Facebook community focused on the journey of parenthood. This is a safe, non-judgmental group to ask questions and get answers from local moms and dads, and AAMC experts. Originally published April 14, 2016. Last updated Sept. 16, 2025.0
- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogDid you know that 610,000 people in the United States die of heart disease every year? That’s one in every four deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And did you know that every year about 735,000 Americans have a heart attack? There are many factors contributing to these statistics. There are more people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and who smoke, which are all key risks factors for heart disease. But among those are other factors like diabetes, excessive alcohol use, obesity, physical inactivity and poor diet that also take a toll. Focusing on the last three – obesity, exercise and diet – gardening could help you tackle these risk factors in one go while engaging in an activity that just requires a little bit of patience in exchange for a healthier life. “The trend in our society has been towards what is expedient, what is convenient, what is fast,” says Salvatore Lauria, MD, cardiologist at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Cardiology Specialists. “Gardening provides somewhat of a counter-balance by slowing things down and getting back to what’s more natural, more organic and ultimately, healthier.” Dr. Lauria practices the healthy lifestyle changes he preaches to his patients. He himself lives in a rural neighborhood where he grows his own produce and raises chickens. And although he also leads a busy lifestyle, he enjoys using this time to slow down and harvest healthier, fresher food. Learn your risk for heart disease with our free online heart health profiler at askAAMC.org/HeartHealth and take the first step toward having a healthy heart for life. Clean eating When you buy frozen food or eat at restaurants regularly – especially fast-food restaurants – you end up consuming more processed foods. Yes, it’s convenient to have someone cook for us because of our busy schedules. But in doing what’s easy you pay the price of eating a lot of things that you don’t know about. “That speaks to the benefit of growing it yourself,” says Dr. Lauria. “When you plant your own produce – such as green peppers, carrots, kale, beets and spinach – you know what you’re eating. Plus, there’s a sense of satisfaction that comes in knowing that you put all the effort into growing it yourself.” You also get to choose the fertilizers you want to use, whether they are organic or not. When you garden, you’re in control of when to harvest your own food. Vegetables that ripen in your garden tend to have more nutrients and antioxidants compared to the ones you buy in a store. No gym? No problem It can be physically demanding. But between weeding, planting and harvesting, you’re getting a full-body workout and possibly getting more squatting done than at the gym, says Dr. Lauria. “Be mindful of staying well hydrated,” he adds. “But also know that just the act of gardening itself is a healthy habit to develop.” And all of this while you’re performing an activity that will further contribute to your health! In addition, backyard gardening can inspire you to learn more about the food you eat and help you make better choices about what you put on your plate. By being more aware of your choices, you’ll likely be eating more vegetables and fruits in general. You’ll become your family’s snack connoisseur This is just an added bonus, really. Instead of buying snack bags at the grocery store, full of trans fat, sodium and sugar, you can turn to your very own veggies. You can dry your carrots, beets or kale and divide portions into small bags as snacks for the week. This, in turn, can help you save money. Snacks labeled as organic or as containing less sodium tend to be more expensive. “Grab a few veggies from your backyard, dry them or bake them, bag them and you’re done,” says Dr. Lauria. “No need to keep spending money on snacks that you can make yourself at home, and you control the ingredients used.” It sounds laborious but in reality, it’s really simple. Anyone can grow his or her own tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and other basic kitchen crops in their backyard. Growing your own food, with no additives, and using organic practices is a healthier way to go for you and your heart, according to Dr. Lauria. In addition, it provides a healthy balance to the frenetic paced lifestyle you may sometimes lead, and it gives you the satisfaction of knowing that you put the effort into creating our own produce. Year-round crops Planting crops can be done at any time, but there are fruits and vegetables that taste better when they’re in season. Here’s a list of the best crops to plant year-round, according to Maryland’s Best, a program managed by the Maryland Department of Agriculture: Cucumbers Herbs Lettuces Mushrooms Tomatoes Spinach Onions Radishes Author Salvatore Lauria, MD, is a cardiologist with Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Cardiology Specialists. To schedule an appointment, call 443-481-6700. Originally published March 2019. Last updated February 2020.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWe understand that this time has brought a new set of challenges to breastfeeding moms. Bringing a baby into the world is a time full of emotions, but now you might be wondering, ‘What if I get COVID-19?’ Here’s what you should know about breastfeeding during COVID-19 – what you should do if you are infected and what you can do to prevent the spread to your baby while still breastfeeding. Can I Breastfeed if I have COVID-19? The answer is simple – yes! If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, it is safe to breastfeed. Breastfeeding helps keep babies healthy by providing immune-boosting properties unique to mom and baby. Breastfeeding moms also produce the hormone oxytocin, which reduces anxiety and promotes rest. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly supports breastfeeding during a COVID-19 infection if safety measures are being taken. What Safety Measures Should be Taken if I have COVID-19? Moms with a COVID-19 infection should keep a reasonable distance from their babies when possible. They should also use a mask and proper hand hygiene when caring for baby until they: Have been fever-free for 24 hours without use of fever medications (acetaminophen or ibuprofen); Are at least 10 days past when symptoms first appeared (or, in the case of asymptomatic women identified only by screening tests, at least 10 days have passed since the positive test result), and symptoms have improved. This means that breastfeeding moms should wear a mask when caring for their babies and pumping or handling breast milk until the above safety measures are met. If I test Positive for COVID-19 in the Hospital, Will I be Separated from My Baby? At AAMC, no. You will not be separated from your baby. The early postpartum period is crucial for establishing breastfeeding. Studies have shown that if moms are able to practice skin–to–skin and feed their babies often, they are more likely to meet their breastfeeding goals. Can Breast Milk Protect My Baby from COVID-19? We are learning more about COVID-19 every day, but what we do know is that when a mom’s immune system is triggered by a virus, it will start producing antibodies that the baby needs through breast milk. Keep in mind that breast milk constantly changes depending on the needs of that particular baby. And as always, if you have questions about breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to reach out to your lactation consultant or provider for help. Learn more about prenatal care and giving birth at AAMC during COVID-190
- PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogKnowing when your child is ready to talk about sexual health can be a challenge. Knowing how to talk to you child about sex is another puzzle. While having this conversation may seem daunting and uncomfortable, it’s much better to address the topic instead of staying silent. Consider the current statistics on teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that girls ages 13 to 19 had a birth rate of 26.5 per 1,000. And according to The Department of Health and Human Services, nearly half of the 20 million reported new cases of STDs each year in the United States occur in youths ages 15 to 24. Starting the conversation It’s important to establish an open line of communication with your teen to discuss sexual health and the pressures or desires to engage in sexual activity. Establishing this type of communication can prevent teens from engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors. Start by answering your child’s questions with age-appropriate answers and correct terminology. Try to avoid including extra details or information. But it’s not all up to you to educate your child. They may already be learning about sexual health in the classroom. In Maryland, local school boards developed a standard for sexual health classes to begin between the ages of 10 and 12. Asking your child about what they’re learning is a good place to start the conversation. Involving your child’s doctor Your child’s pediatrician or primary care doctor can also talk to your child about sexual health at their annual physical. It’s a chance for both you and your child to ask questions and discuss concerns. Before the physical, you may speak with the doctor to discuss family values and standards. While your child’s doctor is a resource to you, I recommend you also personally share these views with your child in an open discussion. During the physical, many providers will ask you to leave the exam room for a period of time. Don’t take offense. Your child may be embarrassed to make a comment or ask a question in front of you. This time allows the doctor to talk to your child about emotional wellbeing and risk behaviors. If needed, the doctor can also help your child share concerns with you. As your child’s doctor continues the discussion into their late teen years, your child will build a trusting relationship with his or her doctor. This way, there’s already an established relationship of trust between teen, parent and doctor when your teen gets older and asks more questions about sexual health. Keep in mind that Maryland Minor Consent Laws allow minors to be seen without the consent of parents to discuss contraception, diagnosis or screening of STDs and decisions related to pregnancy. As a parent, it’s important to build a foundation of trust for the future. A primary care doctor is a resource, but not a replacement for your own communication with your child. Looking for a provider? Search our Find A Doc directory and find one who is right for you and your family.0
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