- Community, Pediatrics, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogBack-to-school butterflies are common at the start of every new school year, as our kids adapt to new teachers, new routines, shifting friend dynamics and more. And this year especially, after so much change and with some uncertainty still lingering, your child’s anxiety might be at an all-time high. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help. Talk about feelings: Theirs and yours Some children naturally have more worries than others, and many don’t like to talk about their feelings. Ongoing reminders that you’ll always be there for support will go a long way. And although it can be hard to wait for your child to come to you with any concerns, it’s essential to be patient and allow them the necessary time and space. Many kids feel stress about fitting in or bullying, not doing well enough in school, resolving troubles with a teacher or using the school bathroom. COVID-19 worries are also still top-of-mind. In many cases, your simple but steady support can help: Acknowledge you hear their concerns, whatever they may be Be sympathetic, understanding and supportive Normalize feelings in the moment, and explain that it is also normal for emotions to change many times during the day. Point out the steps you (and others) are taking to protect them (and what they can do to protect themselves) Stay committed to offering your support as they work through each issue Also, remember your child will learn from your example. Try to be a good role model for managing and overcoming your own worries in a healthy way. Set the foundation: Back to basics A healthy lifestyle is crucial for children with anxiety. Focusing on taking care of the basics around your home can help you all live easier and with less stress. Allow time to unwind Practicing mindfulness, meditation and deep breathing techniques can help manage symptoms of anxiety. It may also help to give children unstructured, quiet time throughout the day. Keep a good bedtime routine Kids need the right amount of sleep to maintain their physical, mental and emotional health. Preschool kids should get 10 to 13 hours of sleep, school-aged children should aim for nine to 12 hours, and teens should get around eight to 10 hours of sleep a night, according to national guidelines. Help them stay active during the day Most kids age six to 17 should do at least an hour of physical activity every day. Work with your child to find a form of exercise they enjoy, whether it’s an organized sport like soccer, neighborhood activities like bike riding or a class like karate. Shop for healthy foods Plan ahead, so you have enough food in the pantry for healthy cooking. And meals don’t have to be creative or elaborate to be healthy — simple, wholesome foods on a weekly rotation will do the trick. Include as many fruits and vegetables as possible, and from there, focus on whole grains, legumes like beans, peas and lentils, and lean proteins, nuts and seeds. Limit sugary treats and saturated fat. If your child’s anxiety peaks in the mornings before school, plan a routine together to help them get out the door on the right foot. Simple steps, like making sure they have clean clothes ready to go and a simple breakfast that feels easy on a nervous stomach, can make a difference. Watch for signs that more help is needed Kids show anxiety in different ways and it can depend on their age. Very young children may cry or act extra clingy at drop-off, while older school kids might argue about going to school or complain of physical symptoms like a stomachache or headache. It’s normal for this to happen occasionally and fade over a few weeks. However, if school has been in session for more than a few weeks and you’re still dealing with these behaviors it’s likely time to get help, especially if your child’s worries are getting in the way of their daily life or interaction with family and friends. We’re here when you need us Remember, children are adaptable and resilient. Your child will weather the storm — after all, they have you by their side. When a little extra help is needed to get your child back to living their best life, your trusted primary care physician is a great place to start for advice on next steps. Luminis Health mental health specialists are also ready, should you need us, with the support you need to help your child thrive. Authors Jennifer Williams is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
- Digestive CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSoon, kids everywhere will be making their way back to the classroom — and in some cases, for the first time in quite a while. Whether thoughts of your little ones heading back to school evoke tears or applause, this much is clear: It’ll take some time to get back in the swing of things, even for mom and dad. Though you may be out of practice packing your kids’ lunches, this midday meal is essential to fuel your child’s mind and body for the afternoon. You might be thinking, “how do I prepare a healthy meal for my child? Or, “how do I get them to eat it?” These are good questions, and we’ve got the answers. 1) Brush up on food facts A healthy meal for a school-aged child is pretty much the same as a healthy meal for an adult. It includes nutrient-rich foods from key food groups — proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy products — and goes easy on added sugars, and saturated fats and sodium. By design, school lunch programs provide nutritious meals that are a good value for your money. But if your kiddos would rather bring a meal from home, allowing them to pack will go a long way in ensuring they get a midday recharge. 2) Consider a sandwich makeover Sandwiches are a noontime staple. To boost their nutritional content, serve them on whole-grain bread and add veggies, such as baby spinach, tomatoes, sliced cucumbers or shredded carrots. To make a sandwich more interesting — and something your child will be more likely to eat — you could even use cookie cutters to make them into fun shapes. Other unique “sandwich” options include: Making mini sandwiches on sweet potato or whole wheat crackers instead of bread Rolling meats, cheese and lettuce, in a whole wheat tortilla and then slicing it into small rounds Smearing low-fat cream cheese low-sodium pickle or carrot stick and wrapping it in deli meat 3) Rethink your child’s drink Choosing a healthy drink for your child’s lunch is just as important as choosing healthy foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends providing mostly water and unflavored milk for beverages. The amount of fluid your child will need every day will depend on their age, but in general the recommendations can range from 32-64 ounces per day. To help limit the amount of added sugar your child drinks per day, limit flavored milks, sports drinks, and other juices that contain added sugar. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting 100% fruit juices to 4 to 8 ounces per day. 4) Think outside the (lunch) box Of course, sandwiches don’t have to be part of every lunch. Mixing things up may keep your child from getting bored. Get creative and try: Finger foods. Cubed cheese and deli meats, sliced hard boiled eggs, berries, baby carrots, popcorn, and nuts are great choices. (Be sure to check the school’s policy on nuts in the lunchroom. They can be dangerous for kids with allergies.) Fruit kabobs. Place your kids’ favorite fruits on a wooden skewer to make rainbow kabobs: think blueberries, green grapes, pineapple, cantaloupe and strawberries, for example. It’s also fun to include also plain yogurt for dipping. Veggie kabobs. Just like fruit kabobs, veggie kabobs can be appealing and delicious. Options include cucumber slices, zucchini chunks, grape tomatoes, olives or whatever your child enjoys. Hummus, peanut butter or light ranch dressing are possible dips. 5) Eat the rainbow Choosing colorful food can help make a more attractive plate that is fun to eat for kids. The different colors of fruits and vegetables provide different vitamins and minerals. So, by including a variety of colors in your child’s lunch you are increasing the amount of nutrition they get from their meal. 6) Get the kiddos involved Kids are more likely to be excited about their lunches if they have choices and are involved in the process. Here are a few suggestions: a. Make a list. Together with your kids, create a list of healthy foods they enjoy within each key food group. It might look something like this: Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, low-fat cheese, cottage cheese Fruits: Apples, grapes, watermelon, berries, pineapple, cantaloupe, olives (Yep, they’re fruit!) Protein: Deli turkey or roast beef, hard-boiled eggs, nut butters, hummus, nuts Vegetables: Carrots, celery, grape tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, cucumbers Whole grains: Whole wheat tortillas, popcorn, whole-grain bread, pasta, crackers, cereal b. Shop together. Take your kids to the grocery store with you and let them pick out healthy items (with your approval). They might even find new foods they’re willing to try. It’s also a good idea to get your child’s input when purchasing a lunch bag and storage containers. Just like a backpack, this back-to-school item allows kids to show a little personality. Kids are also more likely to take care of their belongings if they love them. c. Plan a menu. Based on your purchases, sit down together and plan a lunch menu for the week. Aim to include foods from each category each day. And occasionally, a few bites of dark chocolate or an oatmeal raisin cookie are nice. d. Pack ahead. Try bagging or packing items on the weekend for the upcoming week. It’s easy enough to keep them fresh in the fridge, and it will help your mornings run more smoothly. It’s also fun to add a note, funny picture or joke every day. These little pieces of home give kids reassurance, encouragement and something to look forward to at lunch time. 7) Keep it safe When it comes to food, safety should always be a priority. Before packing the lunch pail, consider these safety tips: Freeze drinks, such as juice boxes, water bottles or milk cartons. They should thaw by lunchtime. Use an ice pack to keep perishable foods safe. A frozen water bottle also works well. Wash reusable storage items every day, including lunch boxes, utensils, cups or thermoses and reusable storage containers or bags. Author Allie Helbling, MS, RD, LDN, is a dietitian at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.
- Women's Health, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAfter 30 years of dealing with acid reflux and trying different medications, Michelle Richardson finally decided to treat the problem with surgery. She spoke to a neighbor who recommended that she see the same local surgeon who helped him. Dr. Adrian Park, of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC), Michelle learned, is internationally known as a leading authority in minimally invasive surgery. Feeling reassured, Michelle started the process to take control of her health. A few weeks before surgery, she met with Registered Dietitian Allison Maurer to go over a special diet in preparation for her surgery. Allison also told Michelle about an online support group established for patients of Dr. Park. “We created this forum to foster a community of sharing and encouragement among patients,” says Dr. Park. “The opportunity to connect with others who have been down this path before them and even those who are making the journey in parallel with them often provides great comfort and reassurance.” Michelle signed up and posted that her surgery date was coming up. She quickly heard back from Karen Pearl. The two shared the same date for surgery and decided to keep in touch. They texted almost daily. “It made me feel like I was not alone,” Michelle says. “The group was really helpful because I could gain perspective from actual patients who had already had the procedure,” adds Karen. On the day of their surgery, Michelle and Karen saw each other in person for the first time. “That was wonderful, not only to see each other in person but also know that the surgery was behind us. It was a day to celebrate,” Karen says. The two planned their follow-up appointments on the same day and had lunch together before going to Dr. Park’s office. “I think of her as my ‘surgery bud,’” Michelle says.
- News & Press Releases, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) has once again received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures to treat patients who suffer severe heart attacks. Each year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the deadliest type of heart attack, caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it is critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication. The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program helps reduce barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks – starting from when 9-1-1 is called, to EMS transport and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge. Optimal care for heart attack patients takes coordination between the individual hospital, EMS and healthcare system. “EMTs and paramedics play a vital part in the system of care for those who have heart attacks,” said Tim Henry, M.D., chair of the Mission: Lifeline Acute Coronary Syndrome Subcommittee. “Since they often are the first medical point of contact, they can save precious minutes of treatment time by activating the emergency response system that alerts hospitals to an incoming heart attack patient.” Program participants apply for the award recognition by demonstrating how their organization has committed to improving quality care for STEMI patients. “Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center is honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our dedication to providing optimal care for heart attack patients,” said Jerome Segal, MD, medical director of cardiovascular services at LHAAMC. “The mission of Luminis Health is to enhance the health of the people we serve. Our commitment expanded this year when we opened the first cardiac surgery program in Anne Arundel County, providing our patients with integrated comprehensive heart care.” Services for heart attack patients Hospitals that meet AHA quality standards not only know the importance of treating quickly and safely, but they also follow evidence-based research that helps to determine why a patient had a heart attack or stroke in the first place. To learn more about LHAAMC’s heart services, visit https://aahs.org/Get-Care/Heart-and-Vascular-Care/
- Community, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWith your help, we can finally end this pandemic. To date, Luminis Health has administered more than 100,000 COVID-19 vaccines in the communities we serve. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and free. In September, our Community Health Team will hold various community vaccine clinics throughout Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties. Here is September’s schedule: **If self-registering, please select “No Insurance” during registration** 9/7/21- 5-7 pm- Langley Park Community Center; 1500 Merrimac Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20783 9/7/21- 5-7 pm- Catholic Charities DC; Susan Denison Mona Center; 5859 Allentown Way, Temple Hills, MD 20748 9/9/21- 4-8 pm- Riverdale Village ID; 5409 Riverdale Road, Riverdale, MD 20737 9/10/21- 4:30-7:30 pm- American Legion Post #141; 1707 Forest Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401 9/14/21- 5-8 pm- Calvert Hall 1D; 3817 64th Avenue, Landover Hills, MD 20784 9/15/21- 12pm- 2pm- Crossroads Farmers Market; Anne Street @University Blvd. E, Takoma Park, 20912 9/16/21- 5-5:30 pm- Boones Estates; 1091 Marlboro Road, Lothian, MD 20711 9/16/21- 5-7 pm- Annapolis Pride; 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, 21401 9/17/21- 4-8 pm- St. Alban Birmingham Lodge No. 233; 10800 Edmonton Road, Beltsville, MD 20705 9/21/21- 9am-5pm- First United Methodist Church; 6201 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, MD 9/23/21- 4-6pm- Save A Lot; 5416 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg, MD 20710 9/24/21- 2-4pm- Americana Grocery Store; 4900 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg, MD 20710 9/28/21- 9am-5pm- First United Methodist Church; 6201 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, MD 9/30-21- 5-8 pm- Riverdale Village 2D; 5409 Riverdale Road, Riverdale, MD 20737
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