- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogOver the past few months, many people are talking about race relations in America. Those conversations are hard at times, awkward and even uncomfortable. For those who experience prejudice and discrimination based on religion, race or gender identity, the effect on your mental health can be devastating and long lasting. The day after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jane Elliott conducted her now famous “blue eyes, brown eyes” exercise with her third grade class. She separated the class into two groups based on eye color. She told one group that they were superior and had special privileges. Meanwhile, she told the other group they were inferior and didn’t give the same praise and privileges as the superior group. Eventually, the kids who were ‘superior’ soared in confidence and felt they were smarter. The kids in the ‘inferior’ group, on the other hand, started making mistakes that they would not normally make, became timid and were angry. This experiment only lasted for a couple of days. Now, imagine if every day of your life felt like Mrs. Elliott’s third grade classroom. And, imagine you are always in the inferior group. Even if no one ever overtly says you are inferior. When people experience prejudice, they may feel that they are not wanted or don’t belong. This causes feelings of mal adjustment that takes a dangerous toll on mental health. Ways experiences of prejudice can affect your mental health Depression If you are constantly in an environment where you are experiencing prejudice, it’s normal to experience feelings of depression. You may start feeling emotionally drained, isolated or lonely. You may also start feeling physical exhaustion, leading to fatigue or insomnia or feelings of low motivation and feelings of wanting to quit. Anxiety If you are feeling judged, whether at work, school or in the community, this can lead to feelings of generalized or social anxiety. For example, you may feel nervous about starting projects or taking risks around others in their daily environment. You may also experience worry about what other people think. This can then lead to negative self-talk and low sense of self. Low self-worth You may question your own worth. For example, you might wonder, “Am I good enough?” or, “Do I even belong here?” Questions like this lead you to start questioning your own value. You will wonder what will you have to do to be treated differently because nothing will ever appear to be good enough. You may feel the effects of imposter syndrome and start to question your own intelligence, your value and your skill level as a result. Feelings of hopelessness You may start to wonder, “Will things ever get better?” or you may start to feel like all hope is lost for change. At this point, you may begin to internalize feelings of being in an inferior group. Then, you may stop demanding for things to change, stop using your voice and accept negative treatment because of a lack of equality. How you can overcome the effects of prejudice We have to pay attention to our internal selves and listen to our mind and bodies. Then, we can start to take care of ourselves. Self-care You can’t pour from an empty cup. Before you can take care of anyone else, you have to take care of yourself first. Take a step back from the TV and social media. Engage in a hobby that you enjoy or spend time with your loved ones. Breathe Take time during the day to just breathe. Set breathing interval times throughout the day so you can remember to clear your mind. Relax your body and decrease stimulation that can feel overwhelming. Positive self-talk Use daily positive self-talk to help increase your self-esteem and self-worth. Tell yourself that you are good enough and you deserve the best from any position that you are in. By reminding yourself that you are worth it, you will believe that you belong when others may want you to believe otherwise. Increase self-awareness Know that you are not the problem. Understand that prejudice exists on many levels in society. When people are able to acknowledge that a greater issue exists, then they can increase self-confidence and be a voice for positive change. The impact of prejudice can be devastating to a person’s mental health. The repercussions can last a lifetime and those feelings can be passed through generations. It is important for all people to continue to have those uncomfortable, difficult conversations about prejudice in society. When we take the time to listen to each other, we will feel like we are making a change. And when there is change, we will notice a positive effect in mental health based on inclusion and equality. Author Jennifer Williams, MA, LPC, LCPC, is a mental health professional at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Mental Health Specialists, located in Annapolis. To reach her, call 410-573-9000.
- 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, visit our domestic violence website, call 443-481-1209 or email us. 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 Oct. 5, 2020.
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn 2017, many of us anxiously followed headlines and reports on social media for news of missing Howard County teacher Laura Wallen, only to be saddened at the news of her death. While the public waited and hoped for Laura Wallen’s safe return home, Prince George’s County resident Andrea Grinage was attacked in her apartment and set on fire. What did these women have in common? They were both pregnant and victims of intimate partner violence — or domestic violence. Although these and similar stories frequently report the fact that the suspect is a current or former partner, there is all too often no mention of domestic violence. This very subtle omission is an indication of continued misconceptions about what domestic violence is and who is most at risk. The fact is, over half of all female homicides are in relation to domestic violence. Equally disturbing, as many as 300,000 pregnant women experience some form of domestic violence each year. Undoubtedly, the most dangerous time for women in abusive relationships is when they are attempting to leave an abusive partner and during or just after pregnancy. As in the case of Andrea Grinage and Laura Wallen, these frightening facts hold true. READ MORE: When words hurt: Another kind of domestic violence The media’s omission of domestic violence, to not call it out by name, illustrates the stigma and misconceptions that still surround this issue. Chances are, if you are a woman and have not experienced domestic violence yourself, you know someone (a sister, a mother, a co-worker, a neighbor) who has and you have seen the signs. Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior used by one person to gain power and control over another, usually a current or former intimate partner. Abuse can include physical abuse, verbal abuse and threats, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, isolation, stalking, coercive or controlling behavior and financial abuse. This type of violence does not discriminate. It touches women in all walks of life. It transcends race and socioeconomic status. Support of family and friends can often be vital to those impacted by domestic violence by diminishing the effects of isolation and feelings of hopelessness. Advocates trained in the dynamics of domestic violence can assist victims by screening and assessing risk, documenting injuries, creating safety plans, providing immediate crisis intervention, and referrals to professional counselors, safe shelter, and legal resources. Unfortunately, the stories of so many women like Laura Wallen and Andrea Grinage reach our headlines when they result in tragedy. And even so, reports too often fail to mention domestic violence. It’s time this public health problem is called by its name, domestic violence. Author Amy J.N. Bosworth, Psy.D., is an abuse/domestic violence specialist at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Her email is [email protected]. Originally published Oct. 1, 2017. Last updated Oct. 5, 2020.
- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogGenetic testing is a topic of great interest to many men and women these days. In our field of breast cancer surgery, it is a subject we address on a daily basis. All cancers are ultimately due to changes in the genes in cells referred to as mutations. Changes in the DNA of cells can lead to uncontrolled growth. Cancer cells break away from the main tumor and grow elsewhere in the body. This is known as metastasis. Environmental and lifestyle factors can sometimes accelerate changes in the DNA of cells and predispose an individual to development of cancer. Some people have mutations they have inherited (or in rare cases developed before birth) that affect every cell in their body and that essentially ‘jump start’ this process. For some, the development of cancer requires fewer steps. They are much more likely to develop certain cancers and are likely to do so at younger ages than average. Currently, we test for the mutations we feel are most significant in patients who are at greatest risk of having a genetic predisposition. We want to identify those men and women who do have an inherited mutation because, for them, risk of development or recurrence of cancer is a very high. In women, we look for certain ‘red flags’ based on ancestry, family history, age of onset of the breast cancer and type of breast cancer. When these indications are present, we recommend genetic testing. Your risk of developing breast cancer There are programs to help women understand and do something about these red flags. Locally, there is the Risk Assessment and Prevention Program, or RAPP, at the Rebecca Fortney Breast Center at Anne Arundel Medical Center. With innovative resources including genetic counseling and sophisticated imaging technology, breast specialists work closely with each woman. They can talk with you about making lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of breast cancer and other cancers. Specialists can customize a screening schedule to help detect changes in your breasts at an early stage and, in some cases, recommend medications or surgery to reduce your risk. If you can answer yes to any of these questions, you may want to consider taking proactive measures for your breast health. Do you have a mother, daughter or sister who has been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer? Have any of your aunts, cousins, or grandmothers been diagnosed with ovarian cancer? Have you been told that you have very dense or lumpy breasts? Have you had multiple breast biopsies? Have you been treated with radiation for Hodgkin’s disease? It’s important to know that even women who have no detectable risk factors may still have a high risk of developing breast cancer. And risk increases with age. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk. Author Robert Buras, MD, FACS, is a breast surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Rebecca Fortney Breast Center. To schedule a visit, call 443-481-5300. Victoria Shellem, CRNP, is a nurse practitioner at the Rebecca Fortney Breast Center at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Regina Hampton, MD, FACS, is the president of Medical Staff Doctors Community Hospital and medical director of Doctors Community Breast Center. Meghan Milburn, MD, FACS, is a breast surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Breast Center in Bowie. Originally published Oct. 17, 2017. Last updated Oct. 5, 2020.
- News & Press Releases, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLast updated at 3 pm on Sept. 30, 2020. Caring for and protecting our patients, families, employees, and the community during COVID-19 is of the utmost importance to Luminis Health. As a patient- and family-centered organization, we continue to review and update our visitor guidelines and practices as the situation changes. Below are the most up-to-date guidelines across Anne Arundel Medical Center, effective Monday, Sept. 28, 2020. While temporary restrictions remain in place, exceptions and guidelines for specific areas are below. General guidelines apply to all visitors. General guidelines for all patients, family members and support persons Hospital Guidelines Visitation hours are from 11 am-8 pm. Exceptions depend on circumstances noted below. Family members/Support persons must wear a facemask at all times, covering mouth and nose, at all times. Bandanas, scarves and vented masks are not as effective. If a family member/support person needs a mask, we will supply one at entry. Family members/Support persons must check-in upon arrival at the entrances to the hospital. We will give family members/support persons a “welcome sticker” after the successful completion of a brief health screening. A successful health screen means there is no indication of a fever or sign of respiratory illness. An adult must accompany minors under the age of 18. Family members/Support persons must wash hands or use hand sanitizer upon entry into or exit from patient rooms. Family members/Support persons should stay in the patient room or treatment area. Family members/Support persons should limit trips to the cafeteria, public restrooms, and other public areas. Family members/Support persons should limit personal belongings brought onto campus. Family members/support persons should stop at the front desk to check out when leaving the hospital. After checking out, please exit promptly. Waiting rooms are only for the Emergency Department and Procedural Care areas with appropriate social distance and maximum capacity honored. Family members/Support persons should not gather in lounges, lobbies, or hallways. Family members/Support persons attending palliative, hospice, or goals of care meetings may have up to three persons in a meeting room. Two persons may be at the bedside. Family members/Support persons should be 18 years and older unless the visit is for end of life. Patients who are 21 years of age or under may have a parent or guardian with them. If under the age of 18, two consistent parents/support persons may be present during their stay. Clergy of any denomination may visit a patient at any time. They will not count in the visitor max. Family members/Support persons who serve as a surrogate decision maker, including power of attorney or court-appointed guardianship for a patient, and need to be physically present to engage in the decision making process are permitted at all times. The attending physician will be the final decision maker as to whether someone needs to be physically present. Hospital guests with an official governmental function may be present. Ambulatory Clinic Guidelines Donner Pavilion Patients and support person must arrive no more than five minutes prior to the appointment. Patients and support person must wear a mask upon arrival. We will provide a facemask if the patient or family member/support person arrives with bandanas, scarves or vented masks. We will screen family members/support person for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival to the practice Social distancing is required in the waiting area. We will ask patients and their support person to wait in a common area if social distancing isn’t possible. Ambulatory Practices, Sajak, Wayson, and Belcher Pavilion Patients and support person must arrive five minutes prior to the appointment. Patients and support person must wear a mask upon arrival. We will provide a facemask if the patient or family member/support person arrives with bandanas, scarves or vented masks. We will screen family members/support person for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival to the practice. Social distancing is required in the waiting area. If social distancing isn’t possible, we will ask patients and their support person to move to an exam room, wait in a different common area or wait in their car. The patient will receive a phone call from the practice when it is time to enter. Specific Considerations Guidelines General Hospital Visitation Guidelines All non-COVID-19 patients and/or recovered COVID-19 patients off isolation may have one designated daily family member/support person visit per day. The designated family member/support person may change each day. Acute Life-Threatening Event All patients, including those with COVID-19 positive results, may have up to two family members/support persons at bedside, allowed 24/7 on all units. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Because of the intensive or critical care needs of these patients, up to two family members/support persons per day may visit from 8 am-8pm for patients with COVID-19 negative or positive results. End of Life If the health care team deems the patient is at end of life, the care team will contact the family (as defined by patient). Patients who have COVID-19 negative or positive results may have up to two family members/support persons at bedside, 24/7 on all units. Family members/Support persons may switch throughout the visit. An adult must be with minors under 18. The minor counts as the second visitor. Patients with Disabilities All licensed Maryland health care facilities shall comply with applicable U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance and state and federal regulations and recognize the rights and needs for individuals with disabilities. The term “disability” means, with respect to an individual: A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities for such individual, a record of such an impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment. A support person may be appropriate for, but is not limited to, patients with intellectual, developmental, physical or neurocognitive disabilities. Major life activities can include but are not limited to such activities as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working. A support person can include, but is not limited to family members, personal care assistants, disability service providers, or individuals knowledgeable about the management or care of the patient who is authorized to assist the patient in making decisions. One support person may accompany, visit, and stay with a patient 24/7 during their visits to health care facilities. Access is applicable to all patients, who meet disability criteria, including those with COVID-19 positive results. We will issue PPE (mask, gown, gloves, and eye protection). The support person must wear PPE during the entire visit/appointment. Admitted patients are welcome to have one additional family member/support person present during the hours of 11 am- 8 pm in addition to their support person. We will screen all support persons for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival and periodically during their stay if appropriate. Anyone with symptoms or who answers yes to the screening questions is not able to visit or serve as the support person for the patient. We will instruct support persons on how to utilize and conserve PPE. Support persons shall adhere to all PPE procedures. Support persons are able to access public restrooms, cafeteria/vending areas while in the health care facility. We do ask that these trips are limited when possible. We may ask support persons to leave the room during certain procedures. If a caregiver, support person, or family member cannot be present, they may contact a member of the health care team for an update on the patient’s status. The health care team will contact the appropriate next of kin or legal representative for medical care decisions or emergent situations. Video conferencing is available if needed or desired. We will provide a copy of the Access to Support for Patients with Disabilities in Health Care Settings Policy and the Support Persons for Individuals with Disabilities Notice to all patients. If other accommodations are needed or for additional questions contact the following: Patient Advocacy, seven days a week from 9 am – 5 pm at 443-481-6890 (modified holiday hours). Hospital Administrator, after hours seven days a week from 5 pm – 9 pm at 443-481-5909. J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center and Pathways campus To best protect the safety and wellbeing of our patients, visitors, and staff; visitors are not permitted at this time. Women and Children’s Services One consistent support person may accompany maternity patients. NICU patients are allowed to have the mother and a consistent support person (both will have security bands). Post-Partum readmits may have one support person and their infant with them. The infant must be attended by their support person at all times. Pediatrics Two consistent parents/support persons may be with the patient during their entire stay. Applicable to all patients, including those who have COVID-19 positive results. If siblings are present and have no one to care for them, please contact leadership. Emergency Department One family member/support person is welcome to remain with a patient through their stay in the Emergency Department. If critically ill, two family members (defined by patient/family) may be present per above “Acute Life-Threatening” guidelines. Surgical/Procedural Patients The patient is welcome to have one family member/support person remain with them through registration and the pre-operative stay before their procedure. We will ask the family member/support person to leave and wait off campus once the patient is taken in for their procedure. Once the patient is ready for pick up or settled into their inpatient room, hospital staff will contact the family member/support person. Visitation times will be 11 am-8 pm. We appreciate your understanding during these extraordinary times. We are confident that together we will continue to deliver the highest quality of care.
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