- Men's Health, Orthopedics, Women's Health, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYour knee or hip has bothered you for years. Perhaps you have a joint replacement surgery scheduled, or maybe you just know it’s in your near future. Before your surgery, you may be able to decrease your odds of a complication by making a few key lifestyle changes. Get in shape Strong muscles help support your joints. The better shape you’re in before joint replacement surgery, the more likely you’ll have a speedy recovery. Regular exercise helps maintain joint function while relieving stiffness and fatigue. Also, strengthening your upper body makes it easier to get around with a walker or cane for the time you’ll need it following your surgery. Make sure you follow the exercise plan your surgeon recommends, and strongly consider taking part in prehabilitation strength training with a physical therapist. Research shows that prehab helps many recover faster following joint replacement surgery. Watch your weight Studies also show that obese patients are more likely to experience complications both during and after surgery than patients who are not obese. Every pound you lose takes three pounds of force off of your joints. In some cases, your diet can even help with the inflammation that can cause joint pain. Cutting back on fried and processed foods can help you lose weight and reduce inflammation. Quit smoking Smoking, and other tobacco use, can delay your body’s ability to heal itself following surgery. Smoking can slow down incision healing time, as well as increase your risks of prosthetic-related complications. When you smoke, your blood vessels become smaller, reducing the amount of oxygen-rich blood in your bloodstream. Healthier lungs and higher blood oxygen levels lead to faster healing. If you need help quitting, Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) offers classes and resources at askAAMC.org/QuitSmoking. Prepare your home Being able to successfully move around in your own home is the first step to getting back to everyday life following joint replacement surgery. Don’t wait until after surgery to prepare your home. Here are a few basic tips: Consider creating a “base camp” on the main level of your home. This will be where you spend most of your time. Set up a recliner or a chair and ottoman, with your phone, computer, remotes and everything else you’ll need in easy reach. Make sure you’ve cleared a path in your home that allows you to easily move around with a walker. Remove loose rugs since they can be hazardous when you are walking around. Plus, make sure you tape down all electrical cords. Make sure your food and grooming supplies are accessible, between waist and shoulder level. AAMC’s Center for Joint Replacement recently began offering PT360, which offers in-home visits from a physical therapist before your surgery. The therapist helps with prehab and helps you prepare for life after joint replacement surgery in your own home. You learn how to get in and out of your own bed, how to navigate your stairs, how to get in and out of your car, and much more. Keep a positive attitude Know that you’ll experience challenges along the way, and maintaining a positive attitude helps tremendously. Having a positive surgical outcome is partly dependent on your willingness to work hard in physical therapy and rehab. Keeping a positive attitude helps. Prepare for your joint replacement Another challenge patients often face is anxiety, or fear of the unknown. A great way to ease anxiety is to be prepared. Talk with your surgeon and ask questions. Read through the guidebook you’re given by your surgeon. Go to the preoperative joint class and learn as much as you can before your surgery, as this will aid in your recovery. The success of your joint replacement surgery truly takes a team approach — from the office staff, to the operating room team, to the nurses and physical therapists. Having a solid team helps you achieve the best possible result. Our goal is always to get you out of pain and back to your everyday activities as soon as possible, and these six steps will help you reach that goal. To sign up for an upcoming Hip and Knee Pain 101 class, visit askAAMC.org/JointSeminars. Author By Justin Hoover, MD, orthopedic surgeon at AAMC Orthopedics. To reach his practice, call 410-268-8862. Originally posted March 15, 2017. Last updated May 4, 2018.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWith stay-at-home orders in place across our state and country, coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed the way we interact with everyone, including our family and friends. Traditional family gatherings are on hold. Easter Sunday dinners and Passover seders won’t look like they have in previous years. But that doesn’t mean we can’t find creative ways to celebrate these holidays and other get-togethers with our loved ones. While we are hearing a lot about social distancing, I’d like to think of it more as physical distancing. Staying connected to other people is vital to our mental health – even if that means we’re not in the same physical space. That’s where technology can be a wonderful tool. Tools such as Zoom, FaceTime and Skype can help keep your holiday traditions alive. For example, if you have plans for a special holiday dinner, you can arrange to have all of your family members log in at the same time and share a meal virtually. If an Easter egg hunt is part of your annual celebrations, see if you can do a live broadcast of your children scouting for eggs. Many churches and other houses of worship are holding online services, too. During these unusual times, the elderly tend to be the most vulnerable, as they may live alone and are unable to see their children and grandchildren. That’s why it’s important to still do things that are joyful and to include older family members as much as possible in these activities. It’s beneficial for your children, too! Looking ahead As we look past the spring holidays and ahead to the next few months, consider other ways to stay in touch, such as a simple phone call or a good old-fashioned letter. Writing letters is something we’ve gotten away from over the years. But receiving a letter in the mail will really lift your spirits – especially now. Social media can also be a great distraction in uncertain times. We could all use a little humor and lightheartedness and it is yet another way to stay connected to others while keeping our physical distance. But on the flip side, social media can also be full of negativity, rumors and misinformation. If you find yourself getting bogged down by too much bad news, it’s time to log off. We often caution against allowing children to spend too much time on their devices. However, encourage your kids to call or FaceTime with their friends that they can’t see right now. Playing video games and other online games with friends is another good way for them to socialize from afar. Mental health matters These times are trying for everyone. If you struggle with your mental health, it’s especially difficult. Many people with mental health issues may want to isolate themselves, but connecting with other people becomes more important than ever. For people who take medication, make sure you fill your prescriptions and stock up on any medications you are on (some pharmacies, such as CVS, are offering free delivery.) If you can, arrange telehealth visits with your therapist or provider. And don’t forget to practice self-care. One of my favorite breathing exercises is to breathe in faith and breathe out fear. I like to do a series of three cleansing breaths. Above all, remember that this isn’t going to last forever and we are all in this together. Author Jo Deaton is the senior director of nursing for Behavioral Health at Anne Arundel Medical Center. She can be reached at 667-204-7313.0
- Patient Stories, Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3Blog“Going through cancer treatment can feel like a blur,” says Edward Clarke, a prostate cancer survivor. For him, having someone by his side made all the difference. His wife of more than 45 years joined him at every appointment. “She came with me to make sure we didn’t miss anything.” Clarke was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2025. After researching his options and meeting with a surgeon, he chose to undergo radiation treatment at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. "When you have the right team, you will know it," he says. Clarke received care from Radiation Oncologist Dr. Angel “Ted” Torano. He says Nurse Navigator Alyson Figlioli also played a key role in his experience. “She was incredible. She relieved a lot of anxiety and stress. I can’t say enough about her.” Prostate cancer is common. One in eight men in the United States will be diagnosed during his lifetime, with most cases occurring in men 65 and older. LHAAMC has treated more than 750 men with prostate cancer in the last three years. The American Urological Association recommends that men ages 45 to 50 talk to their primary care provider about whether screening is right for them. Clarke’s cancer was detected through one of these routine screenings. A retired captain from the Montgomery County Police Department, Clarke served for more than 20 years. He later led the Maryland Center for School Safety and worked as the Director of School Safety and Security for Montgomery County Public Schools. Now retired, he remains open to consulting opportunities. This summer, Clarke traveled to the Outer Banks with his family for a weeklong vacation. He says he takes time to celebrate life’s milestones—especially his bell-ringing ceremony at the end of radiation. If you or someone you know needs prostate cancer treatment, click here to learn about options at Luminis Health.0
- Women's Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3Blog“It felt so normal. It was truly the best experience of my life,” says mom of four Carly Glover as she recounts the birth of her first child. It was a birth that happened outside the walls of the hospital and inside the home-like environment of Anne Arundel Medical Group Bay Area Midwifery’s birth center. The practice operates a nationally accredited birth center — one of only two in Maryland. And like Carly, one in four of their clients decide the birth center is the right place for them to have their baby. “Birth choices are so personal,” says Carly. “When I was pregnant, my mother was sick, and I was spending a lot of time in the hospital. I knew I wanted a completely different environment when I had my baby. So I switched to a birth center halfway through my pregnancy.” While 98 percent of all births in the United States still happen in the hospital, the percentage of birth center births has been on the rise since 2004. How is a birth center different than a hospital? “A birth center is like a home away from home, or home with the extra safety net,” says Anne Seifert, one of seven certified nurse midwives at AAMG Bay Area Midwifery. “We have the same basic emergency medications and equipment that the hospital has, but in a home-like setting. We safely monitor mom and baby, and allow families to give birth in a comfortable, non-medical setting.” Midwives are experts in supporting women with low-risk pregnancies give birth without pain medications. Still, the idea of a birth center can be confusing or overwhelming for some. “My husband was hesitant about a birth center. I think his exact words were, ‘Are you crazy?’” says Carly. “He was worried about risks. What if something goes wrong? What if you need a doctor? What if you want an epidural?” A tour and consult at the birth center put his mind at ease. “We get those questions all the time,” says Shaina French, certified nurse midwife with AAMG Bay Area Midwifery, who says there’s a misconception that birth centers are unsafe or that midwives don’t have enough training. As birth centers rise in popularity, studies continue to show they provide a safe alternative to hospitals for women with low-risk pregnancies. “As certified nurse midwives, we are all master’s-degree-trained nurses who specialize in obstetrics and gynecology,” says Shaina. “We are board-certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board and licensed by the State of Maryland. We also collaborate with doctors, nurses and other allied health professionals, such as doulas.” Preparing for a Birth Center Birth Whether women choose a birth center or hospital birth, prenatal care is the same. “The best part was arriving at the birth center in labor,” says Carly. “My husband said, ‘What do we do now?’ The midwife replied, ‘Whatever you want!’ It was magic to my ears — no needles, no monitors, no being stuck in bed.” Pain management options in the birth center include verbal coaching, position changes, breathing techniques, methods like hypnobirthing or Bradley, massage and water therapy. “We’re one of the few places in Maryland that offers water births,” says Anne. “Moms can labor and deliver in our tubs. It’s a big reason many women choose us.” “There was a moment where I started to doubt myself,” says Carly. “But my midwife was right by my side reminding me of my strength, and providing kind and gentle support. It was just what I needed in that moment.” Homeward Bound Women and their families typically stay in the birth center three to four hours after giving birth, and then it’s time to go home. Parents must take the new baby to a pediatrician one to two days after birth. “We call families a few days following the birth to answer questions and see if an in-person check is needed,” says Shaina. “Typically we see moms back in the office two and six weeks after birth.” Is a Birth Center Right for You? Here are some questions to ask yourself if you’re considering a birth center: Are you generally healthy with either no chronic health problems or well-controlled health problems? Do you have the interest, time and energy to invest in learning about and preparing for a pain-medication-free birth? Will you feel comfortable going home with a four-hour-old newborn? Do you have a support system to enlist? Have you handled physical pain well in the past? The birth center is not an option for high-risk pregnancies, women expecting multiples, women who want a vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC) or women who want an epidural. These women, however, can still choose a midwife at AAMG Bay Area Midwifery and have their baby at Anne Arundel Medical Center. For a free tour and consultation with a midwife, call AAMG Bay Area Midwifery at 443-481-4400.0
- UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe days are growing shorter and there is a hint of fall in the air. It can only mean one thing: It’s almost time to go back to school! Summer’s less structured schedule and more unpredictable rhythms can make it a bit of a bumpy road for both parents and children as they get back into the learning groove. Here’s a pediatrician-recommended checklist of items to help make the return to school a healthier and more pleasant experience for kids and their parents, too. Importance of Sleep Routine Routines and schedules are important for children, especially when it comes to sleep. A week or two before school starts, slowly adjust your child’s bedtime until it is back to its regularly scheduled time for school nights. For example, have your child wake up 15 minutes earlier and go to sleep 15 minutes earlier until you find the right balance. Begin this process early—don’t wait until a couple of nights before the first day of school. Well-rested brains are ready to learn and grow. Vision Screenings and Eye Exams While basic eye tests are common at school, it’s also recommended that your child see an optometrist or pediatric ophthalmologist, preferably at the beginning of school. You may be surprised to learn that, squinting and straining to see can cause headaches in school-aged children. These headaches can be fixed with a pair of glasses or contacts that are properly prescribed by an eye doctor. Vision is one of the most important learning tools for students. Well-Child Check A new school year is the perfect time to take your children to the doctor for a well-child check. Your healthcare provider will examine your child’s growth and development to find, treat, and in some cases, prevent issues. You can also talk to the doctor about your child’s vaccinations. Check out the American Academy of Pediatrics for a helpful recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule and for guidance, including answers to many of your questions. Healthy Meals Whether your child is eating lunch at school or bringing their own, you should educate students about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables, as well as protein such as cheese, meat or peanut butter. Beans are an excellent source of nutrition and can be added to many meals. While we all love and want to eat foods like chips and fries, they should be saved for special occasions—not daily or the main course. Another good tip? Avoid drinking fruit juice and soda. Water is healthier because it increases energy, relieves fatigue, and has no calories! Nutritious snacks and meals, especially breakfast, help ensure your child is ready to focus and learn at school. Back-to-School Jitters It is normal and natural for a new school year—or a new school—to cause your child to experience some anxiety. Parents and guardians should acknowledge their child’s anxiety and talk openly about it. Visiting the school before the year begins, rehearsing drop-off, and spending time on the playground or inside your child’s classroom can be helpful ways to calm anxiety and soothe your child’s concerns. Keep in mind that children can sense your anxiety—so do your best to stay calm and supportive. In Conclusion A new school year should be an exciting, not a scary or stressful time. Your child’s pediatrician is available to work with you to make sure your children have a successful school year. We hope you found these tips helpful. One last one: encourage regular handwashing, as germs are plentiful in classrooms! Small bottles of hand sanitizer are a good addition to every backpack. Author Asha S. Payne, MD MPH, is a board-certified pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children’s National Hospital. Physicians from Children’s National provide pediatric emergency and urgent care at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) seven days a week from 1-11 PM.* *Children who come to LHDCMC’s ER outside of Children’s National staff hours are seen by Luminis Health emergency providers.0
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