- Behavioral Health, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogOur mental health is just as important to care for as our physical health. This is especially true when we’re naturally feeling more stress, fear and anxiety due to the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. These feelings can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions for anyone, both adults and children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds us that learning to cope with stress makes you, the people you care about and your community stronger. Mental health refers to our feelings, emotions, thought patterns and behaviors. We all experience positive and negative feelings—that’s completely normal. The only difference from one person to another is how much it affects our daily functioning and how we cope. Mental disorders can affect anyone, anywhere Mental illness affects millions of people each year. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll found nearly half of Americans report the COVID-19 outbreak is impacting their mental health. For the past year, we’ve led a training program on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health condition. Just as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) helps you assist someone having a heart attack, you can help someone experiencing a mental illness by understanding how to respond to certain signs. You can help, too Having the right tools and knowledge to help can be lifesaving. It’s important if you live with or know of someone who may have a mental illness to know how to have the conversation that encourages them to get the help they need. Tips from evidence-based training include: Pay attention and approach the individual. If you live with someone experiencing a mental illness, no one notices changes more than you. Identify the stressors in their environment. Did anything change environmentally to cause their behavior change? Did they change jobs? Are they having problems with their relationships? Don’t be afraid to approach the person and ask about anything you’re noticing. Validate and honor their experience. Let the person know they’re not alone or that they should not be ashamed of their feelings. “You’ll be fine” doesn’t validate how someone feels. Be respectful of the person and how they feel about their experience. Get informed. There are endless resources available to help someone who’s experiencing a mental illness. The National Institute of Mental Health, Mental Health First Aid and NAMI are just a few of the many organizations that provide free tools for those looking to learn more about mental health or seek to train themselves. Encourage them to seek help. Any time there’s a concern, you should talk with them. Someone may tell you they’re fine or that they don’t need help, but that doesn’t mean they’re okay. If the person’s behavior changes and is causing distress, encourage them to seek help. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from going from mild to severe. If it’s causing distress to the person, it’s time to seek help. If behavior or thinking starts to get dangerous—toward you or someone else—it’s a must to get help. Get them to their nearest emergency room. Call 911, if needed. Emergency rooms are safe and have protocols in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Know that we’ve expanded services to better support people who are in a psychiatric crisis. The J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center provides both inpatient and outpatient options for care. The medical center provides a brand new state-of-the-art inpatient psychiatric hospital, as well as our relocated psychiatric day hospital. Both have procedures in place to protect our patients from COVID-19. Living with someone who has a mental illness can be challenging, especially now. You can help us share the message that no one should be ashamed to admit they have a mental illness. If you’re well informed and equipped to intervene earlier on, not only are you helping to reduce stigma around mental illness, you’re addressing one of the most important public health issues of our time. Authors Donna Phillips, M.A., is the clinical director at the J. Kent Mcnew Medical Center’s Psychiatric Day Hospital. You can reach her at 667-204-7311. Maria Winters, LCPC, is a mental health clinician at AAMC. You can reach her at 667-204-7311.0
- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe term “helicopter parent” may have been recently coined, but it’s certainly not a new phenomenon. The term is applied to parents who “hover over” their children, like a helicopter, paying extremely close attention to their experiences and problems, both in everyday life and academic settings. Parents may feel as if they’re looking out for their children’s welfare and helping their children excel, but there’s a downside to being overly involved and concerned. Studies are finding significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression in college students and young adults with helicopter parents. Ask questions, find resources and learn more at askAAMC.org/HealthyMinds. Why might that be? For one, helicopter parents may not allow their children to experience adversity and establish a sense of their own competence at managing things in the world around them. They can also convey a sense that perfection is what is required and demanded. “Hovering parents can lead to anxious kids because it doesn’t allow children to learn resilience. Parents need to give kids the opportunity to fail a bit, to learn from their mistakes and to grow from them. This helps build resiliency and the ability to deal with things in a healthy way,” says Ruth Milsten, MSW, LCSW-C, a mental health clinician and licensed social worker with AAMG Mental Health Specialists. Studies on the mental health of our youth confirm the harm done by expecting little when it comes to independence, yet much when it comes to achievements in school, sports or other extracurricular activities. Kids who are used to having their parents make every decision for them may face quite a shock when they enter a stage of life where more independence is expected, such as college or work. Inevitable small setbacks can feel like big failures, and a lack of feelings of self-sufficiency can lead to anxiety and depression. READ MORE: How to help your child cope with school safety anxiety One of the primary developmental tasks of adolescence is to create a growing sense of autonomy. Healthy functioning depends on learning to navigate between demands that are too extreme—creating too much anxiety—and a realistic sense of what is actually required in the world for success. Part of normal development has to involve processes of trial and error. What can parents do to help? Get comfortable with failure. The feeling of disappointment can be actually beneficial and children need to know you accept them as imperfect. Talk openly about dealing with setbacks or failures to help your child develop coping skills and emotional resilience. Be mindful of praise. We all know lack of approval can be devastating to children. At the same time, confidence grows from overcoming challenges, not being told how great you are all the time. Strike a balance, and keep in mind that sometimes “good” truly ought to be good enough. Remember, you’re the role model. It’s important to handle your own disappointments with grace—your kids are watching you. Help them see that adults make mistakes and experience setbacks. Own your decisions, and let them take ownership of theirs. It can be difficult for parents to experience the world as complicated and demanding and not be highly anxious about their children going out into it. Parents should support their children when they fail, but they shouldn’t prevent their child from ever experiencing failure. It’s the ability to go out into the world, experience some degree of failure, and pick oneself up to try again that gives an individual a healthy sense of the resources they have inside themselves to successfully navigate a path through life—a path that is truly theirs, not someone else’s. AAMG Mental Health Specialists offer care for diverse mental health needs. To schedule an appointment call 410-573-9000. Author Ruth Milsten, MSW, LCSW-C is a mental health clinician and licensed social worker with AAMG Mental Health Specialists. Originally published Aug. 25, 2015. Last updated May 7, 2018.0
- PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWith school back in session, your child’s stress and anxiety may be increasing due to homework, exams and after school activities. Add to that the constant stimulation of electronics, which creates social pressure and in some cases, cyberbullying. All of this can make your child feel like they’re being pulled in many different directions and manifest as stress and anxiety. The good news is that you have the power to help. How do I know if my child is feeling stressed or anxious? Elementary-aged children might experience regression. This means they might lose the ability to perform a skill they previously mastered. This can include children having episodes of bed-wetting, nightmares or night terrors. Children in middle or high school might have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or they start waking up very early. You might also notice a difference in their eating habits, whether they’re eating a lot of junk food, not eating as much as usual or not eating at all. Moodiness, irritability, isolation and drastic changes with school grades are other signs that could indicate your child is experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety. WATCH: How to help your child develop coping skills How do I know if my child is just having a bad day or if it’s something else? The best rule of thumb to follow is if you start noticing things and behaviors that raise a red flag for you as a parent, something’s probably off. Trust your intuition. You can and should reach out to your child’s school because, during the school year, teachers and school staff spend more time with your child than you do. If they’re also noticing something is different, you may need to take action. How can I help my child? Think of coping skills as a toolbox. You might pull out the hammer often, but that’s not going to work for every job. You’ll need other tools. Coping skills are similar. Maybe your child loves a particular sport but at night or during school hours, that coping skill is not accessible to them. Encourage them to think of other ways that they can cope. Below are a few tips: Encourage communication. Help your child to identify his or her feelings and name them by asking, “I’m noticing that you’re more tired than usual, can you help me understand?” Kids usually like to use simplistic words, like ‘mad’ or ‘sad.’ You can ask, “Help me understand a little more,” or, “What do you think you need right now?” and encourage them to be the problem solvers. Help your child unplug. Whether it’s dancing, listening to music or going out for a walk, movement is always great for stress or anxiety and boosting mood. Look for grounding techniques to get out of the head and into the body. For example, when you go out for a walk, help them notice what they see, hear, feel, etc. This approach is adaptable for all ages. Talk to your child after a traumatic event. When hearing about violence in the news, reassure children that they are safe. This can help validate your child’s feelings and comfort them during a period of confusion and fear. Reach out to someone your child looks up to. Sometimes, your child won’t be ready to talk to you about something right away. You can reach out to a teacher, school counselor, coach or a mentor in their lives that they connect well with and talk to them. Adopt an attitude of curiosity. Get curious about what your child is feeling and listen without judgement. Ask them open-ended questions like, “What can you tell me about your day?” Don’t forget to take some time to unplug and practice good self-care or ask for help if you need to – it’s OK. Your child needs you, but taking care of others can also take a toll on you. Remind your child that you’re there to support them, but they’re driving the ship and you’re next to them in the passenger’s seat. Patients must be referred into the AAMC Psychiatric Day Hospital by a physician. If you think you or a loved one may be a candidate for these services, please speak with your doctor. If you need a doctor who specializes in mental health, please contact AAMG Mental Health Specialists at 410-573-9000. Author Jennifer Evans is a mental health clinician with Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (AAMC) Psychiatric Day Hospital.0
- Behavioral Health, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYou’ve probably heard about the nationwide debate on the safety of food dyes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed phasing out artificial food dyes by 2027. It has left parents with many questions. The hard truth? If you’ve noticed your child building up nervous energy or getting cranky after a bright red candy or neon-yellow sports drink, it’s likely a reaction to the dyes. In fact, studies have shown kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be more sensitive to food dye compared to other children. But here’s the good news: Increasing awareness of how your kids respond to dyes, along with ideas for limiting exposure to them, can go a long way toward keeping your family healthy. What are food dyes? Food dyes are chemicals added to foods and drinks to enhance their color. You’ll often find them in candy, cereal, sodas, sports drinks, fruit snacks and even healthier foods like yogurt. In the United States, the most common food dyes include: Red 3 Red 40 Yellow 5 Yellow 6 Green 3 Blue 1 Blue 2 These dyes are usually made in a lab using synthetic materials such as petroleum. They don’t provide the body with any nutrients; they are there solely to make foods and beverages more visually appealing. How do food dyes affect behavior? Food dyes can affect a person at every age and stage of life, but they seem to affect growing children most significantly. According to researchers, there’s a strong connection between food dyes and behavior problems like hyperactivity. This means your children may have trouble sitting still, focusing on tasks or staying calm after eating foods with dye. It’s important to remember though, that all children are unique and react in different ways. Some feel fine after; others are more sensitive; and some have an actual allergy to dyes. For this reason, it’s important to pay attention to any changes in your child’s behavior after eating or drinking foods with dyes. How do dyes affect the body? The link between food dyes and health is still being explored. But scientists suspect that food dyes affect several physiological functions, including brain function, hormone levels and the immune response. Children who are sensitive to food dyes may experience bothersome symptoms like: Anxiety Headache Hyperactivity Irritability Itchy rash Trouble focusing Some recent research also suggests that certain dyes can disrupt the balance in your child’s gut and cause inflammation, which is the body’s way of reacting to something it dislikes. Over time, this can make it harder to maintain good health. Children who are allergic to food dyes will experience more severe—and sometimes life-threatening—symptoms like: Breathing trouble Dizziness or fainting Feelings of impending doom Hives Low blood pressure Sudden and debilitating headache Swelling in the face, lips, tongue or throat Tightness in the chest If your child has mild reactions to food dyes, it’s important to talk with a doctor right away. A skilled care team can help you pinpoint the cause of your child’s symptoms and create a plan to help manage them. Your doctor may also connect you to an allergist for specialty care if needed. More severe and concerning reactions may point to a dye allergy. Seek emergency care right away or call 911 if your child has severe swelling, trouble breathing, faints or has chest pain. What can we do about it? Fortunately, you can take steps to protect your family. Start by: Increasing your awareness about food dyes and how your child responds. Planning meals and snacks around dye-free foods, such as fruits, veggies, eggs, oatmeal and other unprocessed foods. Reading labels on packaged foods and drinks to eliminate ingredients like Red 40, Yellow 5 and Blue 1. Talking to your child’s school about offering snacks that don’t have artificial dyes. Trying dye-free brands of their favorite foods. Many companies are using natural colors like beet juice, turmeric or carrots. We’re in this together Food should help us feel good, both inside and out. If your child experiences symptoms after eating or drinking, and you suspect dyes may be the culprit, our team is here to help. Our dietitians can help you identify which foods work best for your family and support you in making informed, nourishing choices. If you’re concerned that food dyes may be affecting mental health or behavior, our behavioral health specialists can help you understand, manage and prevent related challenges. Authors Colleen Kiley, MS, RD, is a lead diabetes educator for Luminis Health Diabetes and Endocrine Specialists. To make an appointment, please call 443-481-6700.0
- Sleep, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt doesn’t matter if it’s insomnia or several late nights and early mornings. If you’re not getting enough sleep, you may be looking for help to catch those Zzz’s. For better slumber, many people turn to melatonin supplements. The average adult needs seven hours of nightly sleep. If you’re getting less, you’re not alone. Nearly 50 percent of U.S. adults aren’t sleeping enough. The problem worsens with age because your body produces less melatonin—the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle. So, if you’re struggling to sleep, a melatonin supplement may help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Before you take a tablet or chew a gummy, here’s what you should know. How much melatonin is safe? Melatonin supplements are generally safe for most children and adults, and studies suggest they may help improve sleep time. Still, it’s best to talk with your doctor before starting them. Supplements may interfere with medications like blood thinners or birth control. They can also worsen health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. If your doctor approves, the key is starting with a small dose. According to the Sleep Foundation, these doses are safe for children with insomnia: Preschool (ages 2 to 5): 1 to 2 milligrams (mg) School age (ages 6 to 12): 1 to 3 mg Adolescents (over age 13): 1 to 5 mg Adults should start with .5 to 1 mg nightly for a week. Take it between 30 and 60 minutes before bedtime. Timing is key. Taking a supplement at the wrong time can confuse your body and worsen insomnia. If you aren’t sleeping better within several days, increase your dose by one mg per week. Don’t take more than ten mg. Like children, older adults should consult their doctor. Lower doses can be safe but should be used with caution. Some people experience daytime sleepiness or dizziness. Those side effects increase the risk of falling. Studies from Nature of Science and Sleep focused on older adults with dementia show melatonin supplements decrease nighttime restlessness. But they can also increase depression symptoms. Can you take melatonin daily? Yes, taking supplements nightly is safe. But the Sleep Foundation recommends restricting yourself to short-term use. Daily use for one to two months is best. After that, it’s a good idea to take a break for a few weeks. Long-term daily use isn’t necessarily harmful. But you can become dependent on the supplements to fall asleep. Plus, they may become less effective. Choosing a reliable melatonin supplement Alongside tablets and gummies, some lotions, teas and bath products contain melatonin. When choosing a melatonin source, remember the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate them. Still, you can determine if the product you’re using is safe and effective. Show your doctor or check the label for third-party verification. Look for certification from either of these groups: NSF International: This global public health testing organization ensures products are tested for contaminants. It also verifies that each product’s ingredients match what’s printed on the label. U.S. Pharmacopeia: This non-profit group evaluates supplements for dose accuracy, purity and quality. Supplement alternatives If melatonin supplements don’t work for you, don’t worry. Consider these alternative supplements: Lavender: Research shows inhaling lavender scents promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety and stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system. This system helps regulate your blood pressure and heart rate, helping you sleep better for longer. Magnesium: This mineral promotes better sleep by supporting your nervous system and increasing your sense of calm. Zinc: This mineral regulates your sleep neurotransmitters like serotonin and affects the receptors in your brain that regulate sleep and wakefulness. If you prefer a non-supplement alternative, try these sleep-promoting activities: Acupuncture: A technique that uses small needles placed along specific points of your body to manage sleep disruptions like sleep apnea or insomnia. Mindful meditation: Quiet focus that can reduce stress, promote relaxation and improve your sleep. Yoga: Physical activity which blends breathing exercises and specific postures to reduce anxiety and stress, promoting relaxation and better sleep. A good night’s sleep supports your overall health. Melatonin supplements can help you get the rest you need. Check with your doctor to see if it’s right for you. If you have questions about the benefits and risks of melatonin supplements, contact your primary care provider. Authors Katherine Wollenberg is a family medicine nurse practitioner at Luminis Health.0
How can we help?
Common Searches
Common Searches
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?
Your Account
View your Dashboard
Messages
Billing Summary
Find Care
Schedule Appointment
My Care Team
My Record
Appointments
Medications
Insurance Summary
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?