- Behavioral Health, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMost parents know about the importance of play for their children to develop essential life skills. But did you know about the importance of play for grown-ups, too? When you think of the word play, you probably imagine a group of children running around, chasing a colorful ball as they laugh and cheer. But play is so much more than that, and it’s not restricted to a certain age group. Play can be defined simply as engaging in activity for pure enjoyment and recreation. Play is for everyone, regardless of age (or profession) Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron admitted to playing Angry Birds on his phone as a way to decompress after a long day. Soccer star David Beckham credited Lego toys for saving his life, saying that they served as therapy for a brain injury he sustained after a jet crash. Barack Obama said he enjoyed playing basketball or golf as a way to relax. The best thing about play, besides the fact that it’s something you enjoy, is that while you’re doing it, it’s benefiting your overall wellbeing and impacting your health. It can fuel your creativity, emotional wellbeing and ability to problem solve. It’s part of evolution, but it’s also healthy During one of his TED talks, Peter Gray, research professor of psychology at Boston College, said, “from a biological evolutionary perspective, play is nature’s means of ensuring that young mammals, including young human beings, acquire the skills that they need to acquire to develop successfully into adulthood.” And more research is revealing that the benefits of play for adults are myriad: It’s good for your stress levels. Play can trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. These promote an overall sense of wellbeing and can temporarily relieve pain. It improves your brain function. Playing games that challenge the brain – such as chess and puzzles – can help prevent memory problems and improve brain function. This can also help ward off depression. It stimulates your mind and boosts activity. And, it makes you more productive. More companies – like Google – have set up play stations and encourage employees to play and collaborate. This, in turn, helps foster team building and cooperation within the company. It’s a win-win situation. It improves your relationships. Laughing and having fun with others can foster empathy, compassion, trust and intimacy. Developing a playful nature can help you loosen up in stressful situations, break the ice with strangers and make new friends. As Dr. Gray puts it, play is by definition creative and innovative. It is an outlet where we, as human beings, can experience joy, learn to get along with peers, practice empathy and get over narcissism while improving our health. Learn more about the J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center, a 16-bed mental health hospital for adults opening in March. “It’s the getaway to vitality” Play is the gateway to vitality according to the National Institute for Play (NIFP). Play is uniquely “rewarding, it generates optimism, seeks out novelty, makes perseverance fun, leads to mastery, gives the immune system a bounce and fosters empathy.” Play is also powerful in creating a sense of community. For example, some treatment centers for drug or alcohol abuse turn to outdoor recreation and play as a vital part of their recovery programs. It’s a way to spark an individual’s interest in sober activities. Adventure therapy, for instance, requires individuals to engage in outdoor activities while working with others to problem solve and overcome challenges as a team. And although it’s part of therapy, it’s also a form of play that is helping individuals work on their addiction while having fun. The benefits of outdoor recreation include increased attention span, improved relaxation, decreased anxiety, reduced blood pressure and decreased risk of depression. Adventure therapy is just a term used to describe what’s known as experiential education. Play is no different. You can learn life skills and improve your health while playing. And just as children turn to play when they want to distress – or just enjoy their time – play can help you be the best versions of yourself when facing “adult problems,” like career stress, parenting, marriage and the many other responsibilities that come with age. Don’t think of play as a waste of time or as an activity that’s only for children. Instead, consider it an investment in your overall mental and physical wellbeing. Let's play Need a few ideas for fun play? Pick a hobby and make time for it. Make some time to do the things that you enjoy the most. Make sure you find joy in the process of that hobby and don’t just focus on the end product. Do something fun with others. Doing fun things with others is key when it comes to playfulness. Whether it’s playing with others, participating in a specific activity or just going out for coffee to catch up, consider spending some time with someone else. Play games. You can always create your own game with those around you, with or without the use of a device. Try racing someone up a hill, walking faster than them until you reach the end of the street or go outside and play ball. Visit a park or a playground. Go out in nature and have some fun. This not only boosts your mood, but it can also be a fun way to socialize. When was the last time you got on a swing? Try it! It’s so much fun. Be present. Playful people are those who take the time to appreciate beauty in the world. Practice mindfulness and pick a flower, step on the leaves and laugh as they crunch, feel the cool breeze against your face on a breezy day or go jump in that puddle of water that accumulated after the last rainstorm. Enjoy the process, just as much as you would if you were a child again. Author Mark Sakraida is the adventure therapy coordinator at Pathways, AAMC’s substance use and co-occurring disorder treatment facility.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThis year, National Cancer Survivors Day is celebrated on June 2. This is a day that recognizes cancer survivors and their loved ones. A day in which people share their journeys and experiences with others to give hope and inspire. But most importantly, it’s a day that raises awareness of a disease that has a major impact on society in the United States and across the world. A person is considered a cancer survivor from the day of diagnosis throughout the rest of their life. Cancer survivors face challenges during and after treatment. As a nurse navigator for cancer patients who has been working in the field for over 15 years, I am sure most of you know someone touched by the diagnosis of cancer. READ MORE: Conquering cancer: What’s next? Throughout my career, I’ve seen many people desperately wanting to help when a loved one is touched by cancer. It’s a challenging time. Drawing from my experiences, here are a few tips to keep in mind along the journey of cancer: Treat your friend or family member the same as you would normally. They are the same person they have always been. Try not to let the new diagnosis alter your relationship. Try to explore your own feelings and emotions ahead of time. It is very difficult to hear that a loved one has cancer. By processing your own feelings, you can better focus on your friend or family member. Listen to their thoughts and concerns. A cancer diagnosis is life changing. Your loved one will be trying to establish a “new normal”. Educate yourself. Take time to learn about and prepare for the cancer type that your friend or family member has experienced. Side effects and treatment results vary. Cancer treatments are not all the same. For example, a person treated for breast or prostate cancer will experience completely different side effects than someone with head and neck cancer. Learn about the diagnosis. What is predicted to be a significant side effect of the cancer or treatment? Head and neck cancer treatments result in significant swallowing difficulties and severe dry mouth. It can take quite some time for a person treated for head and neck cancer to complete a meal, if they are able to eat at all. Consider other ways of support rather than bringing them food, like spending time with them or helping with chores. Do not be afraid to ask how you can help them. Be patient. Keep in mind that long after treatment is complete, side effects can continue. Head and neck cancer can cause some patients to dread going out to dinner or participating in a shared meal. Often their tastes have changed and they no longer enjoy the foods they used to. Or as mentioned, a meal can take a long time to get through and friends and family have completed their meal long before they have. Sharing a meal is such a big part of our culture. Consider alternative ways to bond and connect. Be supportive. Often, the most difficult time for some survivors is after treatment is over. The routine of actively treating the cancer is complete. Waiting for the tests and imaging to determine if the cancer is gone is quite scary. When treatment is completed, survivors are no longer surrounded by their treatment team and can sometimes feel abandoned. There is often a perception from friends and family that treatment is over and life should go back to normal. Recovery from treatment can take up to a year or more. It is at this time when patients feel like “nothing is being done” that they may need you the most. READ MORE: Patient advisor helps fellow cancer survivors and patients Life does go on and survivors have the beautiful gift of being here to live it – probably with more intensity and appreciation for the little things in life. If you’re a survivor, be kind to yourself and give yourself, your family, and those around you time. Facing your feelings and learning how to cope with them is important. It took time to adjust to cancer, you should also give yourself time to adjust to life after cancer. But don’t forget, you’re a survivor and are now stronger than you were before. You will get through this. Author Jacqueline Shanahan is a nurse navigator at the DeCesaris Cancer Institute at Anne Arundel Medical Center. She can be reached at 443-481-5801. Originally published June 4, 2018. Last updated May 22, 2019.
- Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf it’s summer, chances are you and your food will be spending a lot of time outside. Picnic and barbecue season offers lots of opportunities for outdoor fun with family and friends. These warm weather events also present opportunities for foodborne bacteria to thrive. As food heats up in summer temperatures, bacteria multiply fast. Foodborne illness is a serious public health threat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates approximately one in six Americans suffer from foodborne illness each year, resulting in roughly 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. We want all of your outdoor eating this summer to be fun and safe. To protect yourself, your family and friends from food safety pitfalls that can ruin the fun, take some precautions. Preparation Wash all fruits and vegetables well before cutting. Some produce, such as melons, harbor bacteria on the rinds therefore they need to be washed well and promptly refrigerated. Keep Cold Food Cold Transport picnic foods in the passenger seat as your trunk can reach temperatures of 150 degrees. Cold food should be stored at 40 degrees or below to prevent bacteria growth. One tip is to pack meat, poultry and seafood frozen so they stay cold longer. Once you serve the food it should not sit out for longer than two hours, or one hour if the outdoor temperature is above 90 degrees. If it stays out longer, then discard. Foods like meat salad, and side dishes can be served in shallow dishes and set in a deep pan filled with ice. Or consider bringing nonperishable picnic alternatives. Try choosing vinegar-based salads and dips without dairy that don’t spoil as easily. Stick to simple desserts like cookies and brownies that do not need to be kept cold. Keep Hot Food Hot Hot food should be kept hot, at or above 140 degrees. It should be wrapped in an insulated container until serving. Similar to cold foods these foods should not be kept out longer than one to two hours depending on the outside temperature. A food thermometer is a must to confirm temperatures of foods. Also, consider staggering the times you put out different platters. Avoid Cross Contamination If you are grilling always be sure to keep all of your raw meats separate from your cooked foods. Do not reuse plates, utensils or marinades. Plus, pack plenty of moist towelettes or hand sanitizers, in case you are not near hand-washing facilities and clean hands frequently to avoid touching raw meat and then serving the salad. Also, bring bottled water. To learn more about nutrition services at Anne Arundel Medical Center, visit AskAAMC.org/nutrition. Author Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford are nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them call 443-481-5555. Originally published July 24, 2015. Last updated May 21, 2019.
- Senior CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNo one wants to think about getting sick or hurt on vacation. But if this does happen, being prepared can make the experience much better—and safer. Here’s a safety checklist for your pre-trip planning. If you’re older or have chronic health issues, see your doctor four to six weeks before your trip to make sure it’s safe for you to travel. Tell your doctor where you’re traveling, for how long and what activities you might do. Check to make sure your vaccinations are current, including a flu shot. Make a list of your current medications and allergies and take the list with you on your trip. Include the names and phone numbers of your doctors and your pharmacy. If you have a history of heart disease, ask your cardiologist to give you a wallet-sized version of your latest electrocardiogram (EKG). This will give emergency department (ED) doctors something to compare if you have heart troubles while away. It’s also a good idea to bring over-the-counter medicines: Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, Benadryl and a thermometer should be part of your travel health kit. Remember to bring a note on your doctor’s letterhead if you are taking controlled substances or injectable medications. For older travelers with health conditions, be careful about your amount of activity —going to graduations, weddings, reunions and other parties on top of sightseeing can be stressful and make health issues worse. Try to build in rest time so you stay safe and healthy. What to expect in the ED If you do end up in the ED, a nurse will assess your symptoms, measure your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature and oxygen level), and gauge any pain you may be having. This process helps define how severe your condition is, so that the most urgent patients are seen first. The ED has an expert team led by emergency physicians to assess and treat problems. Other team members may include registered nurses, physician assistants, registered nurse practitioners, ED technicians, respiratory therapists, care managers and social workers. Most EDs, like ours, have specialists such as orthopedists, cardiologists and surgeons on call 24/7. We can call them in to provide care when needed. After your care team reviews all necessary treatments and procedures, your provider will determine whether you can leave the hospital, or if it’s necessary to stay. If you require follow up while you’re still in town, a doctor will refer you to a local primary care provider or specialist. In some instances you may need to return to the ED for a final checkup. While you may not be able to prevent an illness or injury while traveling, planning ahead can make it easier to deal with. Author Mike Remoll, MD, is the medical director of the Emergency Department at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published June 29, 2016. Last updated May 21, 2019.
- OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt all started when I tripped and fell while I was at work. I couldn’t get back up. While I didn’t feel any pain, my left leg was lying off to the side and I had no control over it. So I went to Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC), where I was able to see Orthopedic Surgeon James MacDonald, MD, with AAMC Orthopedics. It felt like an answer to my prayers. It turns out my leg had broken in one place and bone had started to disintegrate in another place. Dr. MacDonald put a rod in my leg and I was able to go home the next day and start physical therapy. Several months later, I went to see Christina Morganti, MD, to begin treatment for osteoporosis, a disease I never knew I had until my fall. Osteoporosis is a disease that happens when your body loses too much bone, makes too little bone or both, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. This leads to weaker bones that can easily break when you fall. If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self several things so that I could prevent osteoporosis in my future. Here are a few pieces of advice: Pay attention to your body. I don’t know if I’d even heard the word osteoporosis when I was younger. It never, ever crossed my mind. But I had broken many bones over the years, including my leg, my pinky finger and my wrist. I’d also broken my ankle three times. Bones break, but you go on. It wasn’t something I ever thought about. I believe my doctor did ask me if I wanted to see a nutritionist, and I probably told him no. Looking back, I should have paid more attention to those breaks. Be more intentional about exercising. Don’t become so sedentary. When I started seeing Dr. Morganti, she encouraged me to start exercising. I joined a local gym and my daughter-in-law gave me a FitBit, which is a good reminder to get up and move! My goal is 10,000 steps per day, and if it’s near the end of the day and I’m a few hundred steps away from my goal, I just get up and walk around my living room. Walking is one of the best things you can do. Taking care of your body is no different than taking care of your teeth or taking care of your skin. I also recommend having a workout buddy who will hold you accountable. Put down the technology. This one is actually for today’s kids. I think we were far more active by nature when I was younger. We walked to school and played outside, and we never really thought of it as exercise. We went bowling. We went dancing. Now, everyone just goes out to eat and they’re on their phones all the time. My advice is to put down the electronics and become more active before it is too late. I’ve lost about 30 pounds since my fall. I still walk with a limp and I wear lifts in my shoes. I have no desire to go back in for surgery! Dr. Morganti continues to treat me for my osteoporosis. I receive an injection of Prolia every six months and bone scans every two years. I also take vitamin D tablets twice a day to support bone health, though I feel best when I can get out in the sun. My levels of calcium—also necessary for bone health – seem to be fine. I’m also going to start lifting weights three times a week to help strengthen my bones. It can be hard when you are young to think about the future but I highly encourage you to do so, especially when it comes to your bones.
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