- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the information we hear and see about the coronavirus (COVID-19). It’s important to know that not all information is fact or from a reliable source. Misinformation spreads rapidly and adds complexity to our response. So, let’s look at some facts! Fact: Vitamin and mineral supplements cannot prevent or cure COVID-19. There has been a lot of press about certain micronutrients and COVID-19 prevention and/or cure. Zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin D are critical for a healthy immune system and work to promote our overall health and nutritional needs of our diet. They do not prevent or cure the virus. The same is true for the use of green tea or Echinacea supplements that do not prevent individuals from getting the virus. Fact: Drinking alcohol does not protect you against COVID-19. The use of alcohol will not protect you from or cure COVID-19. The use of alcohol can increase your risk for health problems. It is important to drink responsibly. For those who choose to drink, in moderation, up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks a day for men – only adults of legal drinking age. Many individuals should not drink alcohol at all. Individuals taking certain over-the-counter medication or prescription medications or have certain medical conditions, those with alcoholism or women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding. Fact: Garlic is not a treatment or prevention for COVID-19 We know garlic is a commonly used herb that may have some antimicrobial properties. It enhances the flavor of our food. Allicin is the predominant phytochemical in garlic and may provide some health benefits when used as part of a well-balanced diet. There is no evidence to suggest it can prevent or cure COVID-19. Fact: Adding pepper to our meals or soups does not prevent or cure COVID-19. Hot peppers and other related spices might help improve the taste of your meals, but will not help you avoid contracting COVID-19. Fact: Products containing colloidal silver or oleander do not prevent or treat COVID-19 and can be dangerous. While these products have been marketed as COVID-19 treatments, they are not safe or effective. Colloidal silver can cause serious side effects and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned it isn’t safe or effective for treating any disease or condition. The extract from the oleander plant is poisonous and shouldn’t be taken as a supplement or home remedy. Try your best not to draw conclusions based on incorrect or incomplete information. This can cause stress, create confusion and can prevent you from making informed decisions regarding your health. No food or supplement can protect you from the coronavirus. Nevertheless, having a well-balanced diet is important in supporting our immune function and may influence the body’s ability to fight infection. During the time of the pandemic it is important to take control of what we can to optimize our health. Focus on eating well, maintaining adequate hydration, exercise and practice proven stress management techniques. Be sure to social distance, wash your hands thoroughly and wear a mask. Author Ann Caldwell is a nutritionist and registered dietitian at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach her, call 443-481-5555.
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogVoting is one of the most important rights you have as a U.S. citizen. But this year, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has raised safety concerns we haven’t faced in previous elections. Maybe you have already voted by mail. Or maybe you have decided to vote in person, either by voting early or going to the polls on Election Day. If you’re going in person, remember these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Make a Plan Be prepared. Make sure your voter registration information is correct before you go. Have all of the documentation and forms you need, and make sure they are already filled out. Look at a sample ballot at home so you aren’t surprised and you can make your choices quickly. Plan your trip. Avoid crowds as best you can. Mid-morning may be less crowded than early morning or evening. You could also watch the lines from outside the building and wait until they get shorter to join. When You Go Bring your own pen (with black ink) to the polls. If your polling location has touchscreen voting, bring a stylus or a similar object. But check with election workers before you use it. Bring hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol with you and use it often. Especially after touching high-contact areas. That includes door handles and voting equipment. Wash your hands before you go inside your polling location and again after you leave. Wear a mask. If you have trouble breathing, talk to your doctor first. Even if you’re wearing a mask, keep at least six feet apart from others who aren’t part of your household. Don’t disinfect or wipe down voting equipment yourself – you might damage it. Wait until after you use it to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. Use hand sanitizer again after you exit. Wear your voter sticker proudly! We’re in this together. Let’s take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while exercising our right to vote. Author Jean Murray is the director of Infection Control at Anne Arundel Medical Center.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogToday Luminis Health, the non-profit health system formed in 2019 by Anne Arundel Medical Center and Doctors Community Medical Center (formerly Doctors Community Hospital), unveiled its new brand. A new logo, color scheme and social media pages signify the coming together of the two organizations under the Luminis Health masterbrand. The symbol element of the logo represents a beacon conveying the health system’s commitment to being a force of hope and healing for the region, while igniting new possibilities for how and where health care is delivered. The primary colors, green and yellow, denote the science and humanity at the health system’s core. “Anne Arundel Medical Center and Doctors Community Medical Center have come together to remove barriers to health,” says Victoria Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “One way we are doing this is by unifying everything we do under a single system brand. Our brand is about making health care easier, more personal and built specifically for the communities that we —and our patients— call home.” “Our brand defines who we are and what we stand for,” says Loren Farquhar, vice president of Marketing and Communications. “It guides how we express ourselves and reflects our dedication to our patients, fellow employees and the broader community. The geometric facets of the beacon speak to our expertise. The light illuminating from the center is symbolic of our optimism. In addition to our primary colors, the soft forms of our logotype help bring forth our sense of humanity.” This year, Luminis Health also sets course on Vision 2030, the health system’s ten-year strategic plan that will guide it into the future. Among the first actions on the agenda is expanding obstetric services in Prince George’s County and improving access to behavioral health care. “We are building an agile system of care, delivering high quality care in an optimal way by expanding our footprint, mobilizing our services, sparking justice and creativity, and enhancing health in our communities,” Bayless continued. In addition to Anne Arundel Medical Center and Doctors Community Medical Center, Luminis Health is comprised of the J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center, one of the only free-standing mental health hospitals in Maryland, as well as multi-specialty ambulatory sites and clinics, physician practices and clinical service lines that constitute Luminis Health Clinical Enterprise. With 635 licensed beds and more than 80 sites of care in the region, Luminis Health has 6,400 employees, 1,800 medical staff, 1,300 volunteers and serves residents of Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County and the Eastern Shore.
- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen a friend is diagnosed with breast cancer, you want to do the right thing, but may wonder what the right thing is. Try these strategies, shared by people who have been there: 1. Listen You don’t have to have answers. Avoid clichés and comments like, “Everything will be fine.” Allow your friend to share what she wishes, but also respect her silence or the request to talk about something else. 2. Help with chores Ask your friend how you can help, and offer some practical ideas. Could your friend use someone to mow the lawn? Or pick up the kids? Or provide a meal? 3. Don’t forget the family Partners and children may be struggling, too. Ask your friend’s family how they are doing. Find out what they have shared with their children and what they would like you to say if the kids ask questions. Honor your friend’s decisions and avoid advice unless asked. 4. Be there for the long haul Breast cancer treatment may last a year or more. Put it on your calendar to continue to check in with your friend for the duration of her treatment. Often, your support is needed most later on. Originally published Sept. 24, 2015. Last updated Oct. 26, 2020.
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogOver the past few weeks, President Trump’s recent diagnosis has brought attention to the treatments available for people who have COVID-19. We’ve been hearing a lot about some of these therapies lately. Some of them have a lot of research behind them. Others are more theoretical. Here’s what we know right now. Research shows there are a few medications and treatments that could help people who have COVID-19. They include steroids, such as dexamethasone, and Remdesivir, an anti-viral drug. There is also antibody therapy with convalescent plasma. Convalescent plasma is antibodies from COVID-19 survivors. It can help a patient’s symptoms, shorten their hospital stay and reduce death risk among patients in the hospital. Researchers are also testing other novel drugs now, with the consent of thousands of willing and hopeful patients and families. We are seeing the benefits of these treatments. For example, we don’t need as many ventilators for COVID-19 patients. This is great progress. But it doesn’t mean that COVID-19 is no longer a threat. Cases are rising in many parts of the country and we need to remain on guard. Still, it is gratifying to know that the medical community is fully behind efforts to find better preventions and treatments. In terms of prevention, we are excited to share with county residents some promising research happening at Anne Arundel Medical Center. We are testing convalescent plasma in two important situations. One is for people who have recently been highly exposed to someone with COVID-19, but who test negative. The other is for people who are newly COVID-19 positive, but have mild symptoms. We’ve seen promising results of COVID-19 antibodies in patients who are in the hospital. These studies will test whether the antibodies can prevent people from getting infected or prevent more serious illness in patients with a recent COVID-19 diagnosis. This is good news for the many county residents who test positive each day. And it’s good news for those who have had exposure to a household member or other close contact with the virus. If you have recently been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19, you may be eligible to participate in either of these studies. Visit CovidPlasmaTrial.org to learn more. Or email us at AAMC at [email protected]. Enrollment is only possible for a short time after exposure or date of positive test. Author Barry Meisenberg, M.D., is the Chair of the Department of Medicine and Chief Academic Officer at Anne Arundel Medical Center and Luminis Health.
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