- General Page Tier 3Blog‘Tis the season for maximizing our produce intake, and farmers markets are an excellent place to start. We know most Americans are not consuming enough fruits and vegetables, and we know taste is the number one motivator for eating them. Farmers market produce tastes better because it is picked ripe when it is at peak freshness, flavor and nutrients. It is the perfect combination of great taste at great prices. Pick Your Shopping Strategy For the clever shopper, there are two strategies to get the best result out of the farmers market. If you want your pick of the most beautiful, magazine-shoot-quality produce imaginable, you will need to arrive before the crowds. If you want deals, however, go ahead and sleep in. Often if you go at the end of the day, you can walk away with tomatoes at a ridiculously cheaper price. Unfortunately the down side to this would be if you wait until the end of the day the tomatoes may not be the prettiest or there might not be any left. If you have a sense of adventure, you can prepare foods based upon whatever deals you can find. Talk With the Farmers Talking with the farmers is a great idea if your goal is to buy organically grown foods. Shopping at a farmers market is a good way to get locally grown foods, but it is not necessarily a guaranteed way to get organic foods. Some farmers say they use organic methods, but choose not to submit to the process required to legally use the term. Some farmers use a mixture of organic and conventional methods. Other farmers make absolutely no claim to being organic, while some are permitted to call themselves “organic” but may not be “certified organic.” You need to ask, “Is your produce locally grown, and are you certified to be an organic farm?” The AAMC Farmers Market is open Fridays from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm through Oct. 25. It is held in the Hospital Pavilion South (ground level) located at 2001 Medical Parkway. Authors By Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford, nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them call 443-481-5555. Originally published June 26, 2015. Last updated June 24, 2019.
- Senior CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogImagine this: You’re in a room with several objects on a table — pens, books, clothes. A family member or friend is standing right in front of you saying something directly to you, making eye contact and gesturing as part of the conversation but you can’t comprehend what the person is saying. The person leaves the room and you feel confused because you couldn’t hear what was said. All you could hear were the hundreds of thoughts crossing your mind. You feel disoriented. You walk towards the table and reach for one of the books but somehow can’t completely feel the old, wrinkled texture of the cover that hugs the pages inside of it. As you place the book back on the table, you accidentally knock over some of the pens. You didn’t see them because your peripheral vision is impaired. The person that was talking to you before walks back in the room and asks, “have you folded the clothes yet like I had asked you to?” No. Because you weren’t aware of this. You saw the person’s lips move, but you didn’t understand what they were saying. That’s what it can feel like to live with dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is a general term to refer to a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia is an overall term used to describe symptoms that have an impact on memory, performance of daily activities, communication abilities and all five senses. Although symptoms differ greatly from case to case, at least two of the following core mental functions must be greatly impaired in order to be considered dementia: memory; communication and language; ability to focus and pay attention; reasoning and judgement; and visual perception. READ MORE: Understanding adult speech therapy Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth leading cause of death in the country, is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. In fact, an estimated 5.7 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s. This number includes nearly 5.5 million people age 65 and older and about 200,000 individuals under age 65. Today, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s every 65 seconds. By mid-century, statistics project this will change to every 33 seconds. There are some risk factors you can’t change, like age and genetics. And while many dementias are progressive — meaning symptoms start out slowly and gradually get worse — research shows there are steps you can take for risk reduction and prevention. Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol: Your brain is sustained by one of your body’s richest networks of blood vessels. Something that damages blood vessels in your body can also harm blood vessels in your brain, depriving brain cells of vital food and oxygen. These changes can cause faster decline or make impairments more severe. Manage or avoid diabetes and don’t smoke: You can help protect your brain as you would protect your heart. Take steps to keep your blood pressure and blood sugar within the recommended limits. And don’t smoke. Be more mentally engaged in life: This includes mental and social activities. Mentally challenging activities — like learning a new skill or hobby — can have short and long-term benefits for your brain. Similarly, engaging socially is associated with reduced rates of disability, mortality and depression. There are countless ways to stay socially active. Think about joining a club, volunteering or getting involved in your community. Take care of your diet: What you eat can affect brain health through its effect on heart health. Current evidence suggests that heart-healthy eating patterns, like the Mediterranean diet, may help protect the brain. This diet includes minor intake of red meat and a higher consumption of whole grains; fruits and vegetables; fish and shellfish; nuts; olive oil; and other healthy fats. Be active: There are endless benefits of regular physical exercise, including lowering the risk for some types of dementia. Evidence shows exercise may directly benefit brain cells by increasing blood and oxygen flow to the brain. Dementia is always a tough topic to talk about, especially as there aren’t any recent developments in diagnosis or treatment. However, there are ways you can help take care of your health or that of a loved one. If you think you or someone you care about is showing signs of dementia, contact your doctor. Early diagnosis gives you a higher chance to seek treatment and plan for your future. Author Scott Eden, MD, is a practicing family medicine physician at Anne Arundel Medical Group Chesapeake Family Medicine in Annapolis. He can be reached at 443-481-4080. Originally published June 25, 2018. Last updated June 17, 2019.
- PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSleep-related deaths claim about 3,500 infants each year in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Locally, we have seen an increase. In 2016, eight infants died in Anne Arundel County as a result of unsafe sleeping practices. This is up from two deaths in 2015 and three in 2014, according to statistics from the Anne Arundel County Department of Health. Health department officials say all deaths were linked to unsafe sleeping practices, such as infants sharing a bed or sleeping under blankets. But you can take steps to prevent this type of tragedy by being mindful of how you put your baby to sleep, using the right sleep surface and avoiding bed sharing. Know your ABCs AAP urges all caregivers to follow the ABCs to make sure babies are sleeping safely. Always place your infant to sleep alone, on his or her back, and in a crib or bassinet with a firm surface. “If you don’t do anything else follow the ABCs,” says Debbie Wasem, supervisor of Women’s Education for AAMC. Wasem says experts used to tell parents to place babies to sleep on their stomachs, believing that if the infants were choking or throwing up, there would be less chance of suffocation. But that’s not true. “When you look at the anatomy of a newborn it makes sense to place babies on their backs,” she says. Source: The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Use a firm sleep surface You should place your baby to sleep on a firm sleep surface, covered by a fitted sheet, with no other bedding, pillows or toys, to reduce the risk of suffocation. Soft mattresses, including those made from memory foam, could increase the chance of rebreathing in carbon dioxide or suffocation if the infant rolls over. Use the right crib You should look for cribs with slat spacing less the 2 3/8 inches, snug fitting and firm mattresses, and no drop sides. You should not use a crib with missing hardware. Experts also caution against the use of bumper pads in cribs. Maryland banned the sale of these items in 2013. Be careful with swaddling If you swaddle your infant, you should always put the baby to sleep on his or her back. You should stop swaddling once the infant shows signs of trying to roll over. Big bulky blankets could also potentially cover an infant’s face leading to breathing problems, Wasem says. Consider using a pacifier Several studies indicate a pacifier may reduce the chances of a sleep-related death, though it’s unclear why. You should use a pacifier when putting the baby to sleep. Never hang a pacifier around an infant’s neck. You should also wait to use a pacifier until breastfeeding is well established. The National Institute of Child Health and Development broke down some of the studies here. Infants should sleep close to your bed — but not in it There is evidence that sleeping in the parents’ room – but on a separate surface – decreases the risk of sleep-related deaths by as much as 50 percent. “One of the big things mothers say is ‘when I breastfeed, it’s so much easier to have the baby right next to me,’” Wasem says. “We tell them have the crib or bassinet right beside your bed so you can easily reach the baby for feedings. That is safer than risking falling asleep with the baby in bed with you.” Learn more about how to care for the new addition to your life at AAMC’s Newborn Care class. Originally published April 5, 2017. Last updated June 13, 2019.
- Pediatrics, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNothing puts a damper on summer fun like an unexpected trip to the doctor or emergency room. But with a little bit of planning and making yourself aware of issues that can creep up as temperatures rise, you’ll help ensure a safe and healthy summer for you and your family. Whether you’re at home or on the go, having a summer safety kit handy can help you be prepared for unexpected emergencies. What’s something to always have on hand? Water! One of the most common conditions kids experience in the summer is heat illness. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms of heat exhaustion, you should get immediate medical care: Severe thirst Nausea Fast and shallow breathing Headache Cool, clammy skin You can prevent heat exhaustion by being proactive about making sure your child stays hydrated. Have them drink cool water or sports drinks early and often. If they’re going out to play or to a sports practice, make sure they’re fully hydrated before leaving and then make sure they take regular breaks to drink—even if they aren’t thirsty. READ MORE: Summer travel tips: See your doctor and plan ahead Besides refillable water bottles, what else should your kit include? Hand sanitizer to clean your hands before providing first-aid Antiseptic wipes to clean scrapes and cut Cotton balls, plus multi-sized band-aids, gauze and adhesive tape Antibacterial cream, like Neosporin, to prevent infection Bug repellant containing DEET or picaridin to prevent bites Tweezers for splinters and removing ticks Plastic gloves for removing a tick or handling poison ivy Small plastic bag for keeping a tick removed for identification Hydrocortisone cream for rashes and bug bites Instant ice packs for inflammation Saline solution to clean out eyes Sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of at least 30 to prevent burns Aloe Vera gel to soothe sunburn Small doses of over-the-counter medications—children’s versions when appropriate—such as Tylenol, Benadryl, Pepto-Bismol and Dramamine, or their generic equivalents. Thermometer Healthy snack items to refuel your kids on the go, including non-perishable items like trail mix, nuts or granola bars. Fresh fruits like apples, oranges or grapes are great options, too, but since they’re perishable they should be added to your kit the day you’ll use them. Cell phone to use if needed, preprogrammed with doctor contact and health insurance information; also handy to take photos of a plant you may suspect of being poison ivy or an unusual insect or snake that bites a member of your family. You should also consider the items that are specific to your family needs such as baby wipes, allergy and asthma medications, or an Epi-Pen. Keep your kit stored somewhere convenient but always out of the reach of young children. When you’re toting your on-the-go kit, make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid overheating the medications inside. Finally, be aware of any heat or air quality advisories and adjust your outdoor plans accordingly. If your child must be outside during a heat advisory, you should be extra vigilant. Also, if you plan to swim in a local river or the Bay, don’t do so within 48 hours of a heavy rain (1/2 inch or more) and check to see if there are additional water-quality advisories for that body of water. Author Michelle Skinner, DO, is a family medicine physician at Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Waugh Chapel Pavilion. You can reach her office at 410-721-1507. Originally published May 29, 2015. Last updated June 10, 2019.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFor the third year in a row, AAMC’s farmers market is part of the Maryland Farmers Market Association’s Maryland Market Money program. This allows customers to shop with their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. “One of our key priority areas is helping farmers markets become more accessible to people of all incomes,” says Shelley Brosius, market programs manager for the association. SNAP benefits are distributed on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which customers can use in exchange for $1 tokens. Customers can use those tokens to buy fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy and proteins. They can also use them to buy other SNAP-eligible items including bread, honey, herbs and seedlings for growing food. (Hot, prepared foods are ineligible.) “Being able to accept SNAP expands access to our market for families who use these benefits. Rather than shopping at the grocery store, accepting SNAP at the farmers market opens up the opportunity for families to enjoy fresh local produce,” says Laura Tenner, sustainability associate with AAMC. The Maryland Market Money program also includes shoppers using other benefits, such as Woman, Infants and Children Fruit and Vegetable Checks and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). The program, which launched in 2013, helps food-insecure Marylanders stretch their budgets and farmers markets grow their customer base. According to the Maryland Food Bank, about one in eight Marylanders is food-insecure. This means they don’t have consistent access to adequate food. In the last four years, customers have spent more than $1.1 million in nutrition benefits at farmers markets offering Maryland Market Money. This year, there are eight Anne Arundel County farmers markets in the program. The AAMC Farmers Market is open Fridays from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm through Oct. 25. It is held in the Hospital Pavilion South (ground level) located at 2001 Medical Parkway. Originally published June 1, 2017. Last updated June 10, 2019.
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