- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAfter having children, women experience a lot of changes (hello new sleep schedule and goodbye personal space). We also feel and see changes with our bodies. Things can start to feel different and work differently “down there.” Many of us hear, “Oh, that’s just part of having kids,” or “That’s what happens when you get older,” but in many cases, what seems common is really a pelvic health issue that needs care. According to the American Urogynecologic Society, one in four women over 20 suffer from a pelvic floor disorder (PFD). So what’s not OK and when should you call a doctor? Dr. Kay Hoskey, urogynecologist, walks us through some of the signs that your “mom bod” might actually be a PFD that can be treated. Sneezing and coughing comes with an outfit change The most common symptom of a PFD is stress incontinence, which is when you leak urine while you exercise, laugh, sneeze, cough or during any other movement that puts pressure on your bladder. This is also one of the most easily ignored symptoms because of just how universal it seems among women. As the pelvic floor weakens due to any number of factors, the bladder can shift and its function is compromised. READ MORE: Tips for treating urinary incontinence You can’t go — or oops, you just went Number two on our list is actually well, just that. The pelvic floor supports your rectal organs the same way it supports your bladder, and the same problems can occur with leakage, flatulence and even constipation. Your exact symptoms all depend on exactly how the structure of your pelvic floor has changed. Because this can be a hugely embarrassing symptom, many women suffer in silence. You’re running to the bathroom — literally Urge incontinence is when the need to urinate comes on very quickly giving you only a few seconds of warning, whether the bladder is full or not. This can also come with pelvic pressure or pain while urinating. Urge incontinence can be a challenge to your daily routine, family and social life with the feeling that you always have to be near a bathroom. Exercises, medication and surgery are all options for solving this issue. You feel bulging or heaviness One of the more serious and painful symptoms of a PFD is pelvic organ prolapse in which pelvic organs —such as the uterus, bladder and rectum — drop or fall out of position. Many women actually feel a falling out sensation, which can be frightening and debilitating. Prolapse can also be felt in the lower back and abdomen so keep an eye out for recurring pain in those areas as well. READ MORE: It’s 3 am. Do you know where your pelvic floor is? Sex is painful Do you cringe when you insert a tampon, get a gynecological exam or have sex? This is a sign of any number of pelvic floor disorders and you should discuss this with your health care provider. If you think of the pelvic area as a house, depending on if the floor, roof or walls fall and weaken; you could have varying issues and pain points. PFDs are NOT a normal part of aging that you just have to live with. They’re medical conditions and they’re treatable. Treatments include bladder control training, lifestyle changes, pelvic muscle strengthening, medication, support devices or surgery. Your doctor will work with you on a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs, which often includes a combination of things. Having children and getting older comes with a lot of change. Some of these changes are a proud reflection of the life you’ve lived. But when it comes to your pelvic health, no amount of pain, pressure, inconvenience and embarrassment is normal. Don’t let the unnecessary stigma of PFD symptoms prevent you from seeking effective treatment. You can hit reset on your pelvic health and find your way back to yourself. Contact AAMC’s Women’s Center for Pelvic Health at 443-481-1199 and speak to a specialist who will help guide you to the right solutions and a provider to best fit your current needs. Author Kay Hoskey, MD, a urogynecologist with AAMC’s Women’s Center for Pelvic Health. Originally published April 27, 2018. Last updated May 14, 2019.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) and Doctors Community Health System (DCHS) are taking the first step in the formation of a new health system that will serve the region. The two hospitals are working toward a definitive agreement pending completion of a due diligence process and standard regulatory approval. Last year, DCHS began the search for a partner to help strengthen its existing services, make new investments, and to continue to meet the needs of patients and the Prince George’s County community. “Partnership is essential for independent hospitals that are working to navigate the rapidly changing health care environment,” said Philip Down, CEO of DCHS. “We vetted many affiliation opportunities, and ultimately chose Anne Arundel Medical Center because of our shared values of community service and quality care.” While the hospitals have primary locations in separate counties, there are bordering service areas between the two, with AAMC serving patients in Prince George’s County through locations in Largo and Bowie, and DCHS serving patients in its Crofton location. “Our contiguous service areas make this an ideal opportunity to come together and provide care to our collective community,” said Victoria Bayless, president and CEO of AAMC. “We determined that our counties share more than just a border, and we want to make the region in which we operate healthier as a whole. Together, we believe that we can bring better care to the residents of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties.” Through the new health system, AAMC plans to invest up to $138 million over five years in the existing DCHS campus and its IT infrastructure, expand inpatient and outpatient services, and launch much-needed programs that support the Prince George’s County Community Health Needs Assessment. “We are excited by the opportunities this partnership is designed to deliver and look forward to working with the team at AAMC to learn from one another,” said Rene LaVigne, chairman of Doctors Community Hospital’s Board of Trustees. “We admire the high level of care that AAMC provides its patients, and the incredible abilities of its staff, which is why we view them as an ideal partner as we plan for how to best serve this region in the years ahead.” “AAMC is excited by the opportunity to partner with DCHS and to expand and enhance care across Prince George’s County. Together, the two systems can meet the unique needs of this region and grow, even in a complex and challenging health care environment,” said John Belcher, chairman of AAMC’s Board of Trustees. Due diligence discussions are expected to continue for the next 30 days. A name for the new health system will be announced this summer. FAQs: What is happening? When? Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) is partnering with Doctors Community Health System (Doctors/DCHS) to create a new health system. This new system will allow us to meet the growing health needs of our region, while providing personalized care and remaining community focused. We will announce the name of the new health system this summer, with the full integration process expected to take one to two years. Throughout that time, we will provide regular updates about our progress. What will the new health system be — AAMC, DCHS or something new? Something new. Together, we are forming a new, yet-to-be-named health system of which both AAMC and DCHS will be a part. As we embark on this journey, we will engage and request feedback from employees and members of the medical staff at both organizations, as well as community members in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties in order to respect both legacies and histories, while also being aspirational about the future. This is not a transition that will happen overnight, or suddenly. We want to make sure that our new health system is built in a way that considers the interests of our communities, our patients and our employees. That means that we will continue to operate as AAMC and DCHS for a time, providing the same services you are used to, as we bring together our organizations and build something new. We will keep you updated along the way. What’s the timeframe for this growth? While we hope to have an agreement completed and signed by both entities in June, our main priority is not meeting a deadline, but making sure that we complete our due diligence, go through the necessary regulatory process, and establish a new health system that meets the needs of our communities and patients for the long term. Over the next several months, and following extensive conversations with our community members and employees, we will create a transition plan for the formation of the new health system. The transition plan will include multiple phases, with full integration likely in one to two years. What changes will AAMC patients see? Nothing will change in terms of how we care for our community and our plans for growing services in Anne Arundel County and on the Eastern Shore. We will continue to be a regional referral system and our vision for services like the new mental health hospital, cardiac surgery program and Easton Pavilion continue to move forward. We will be expanding access in Prince George’s County to include programs that support the Community Health Needs Assessment. We want to create more entry points for care across the region, and to provide more access to care close to home for the people we serve.
- Community, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogEvery May we honor a special holiday to celebrate motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of women in society. To celebrate all the wonderful women in our community and beyond, we asked some AAMC employees to share the biggest lessons they still carry from the women who have inspired them. Here’s what they had to say: Chad M. Patton, MD, orthopedic surgeon: “My mother taught me that kindness, patience and listening to others goes a long way. My brothers and I are all physicians, and these lessons undoubtedly influence our approach to patient care.” Jennifer Brady, MD, cardiologist: “I learned from my mom at an early age that while receiving a gift gives instant gratification, the euphoria is short-lived. On the other hand, giving a gift provides a sense of satisfaction that remains for a long time and shapes how we feel about ourselves. My mom needed to draw upon her strengths when at the age of 45 she was diagnosed with a large tumor, which required extensive surgery. The courageous way she endured the arduous process gave me a perspective that has been extremely helpful as a clinician. I am grateful every day to my mom for being such an incredible role-model.” Kwasi Sharif, MD, pain management physician: “As a registered dietitian nutritionist, my mom has instilled in me the values of healthy eating and exercise. My habits today include exercising at least three times a week and obtaining at least seven hours of sleep each day.” Joseph Morris, MD, OB-GYN hospitalist: “I lost my dad when I was 12. My mom raised three boys, ages 12, 15 and 17, by herself. All of us went on to become physicians in large part from the lessons we learned from her. One lesson in particular that I remember is that if you want a good friend, be 75 percent of the friend.” Lauren Fitzpatrick, MD, pediatrician: “The piece of advice that I learned from my mother is always stand up for what is right, even if it is not the popular opinion. Growing up, my mother regularly reminded me to do the right things and not to worry about whether I was liked by others because of it. Those who respected me for doing the right thing were the ones I would want to surround myself with. As a pediatrician, taking care of children can be difficult some days, but doing the right thing for them is always worth it.” Jo Deaton, senior director, behavioral health: “One of the most influential people in my life has been my friend of 45 years, Donna. We met our first year of college, where I was an unhappy psychology major. Donna was pre-nursing and told me all about nursing. I had never considered that as a career but as I began to investigate, becoming a psychiatric nurse seemed like a good fit. I was 18 years old and Donna was a 26-year-old newly divorced, single mom of three young children. Donna has shown me that if you have a clear goal, you can achieve it regardless of your external circumstances.” Kay Hoskey, MD, urogynecologist: “As a retired nurse, my mother taught me the value of human connection, the magic of a smile and the importance of understanding a person’s story. It is not always easy to walk in some else’s shoes. Still, these lessons have helped me to connect with friends, patients and strangers alike.” Lil Banchero, RN, senior director, Institute for Healthy Aging: “I had the wonderful privilege of having two very strong loving females in my life, my dearest gram and my mom. Both smart and brave. I come from a family of four girls, so these two women really were strong advocates for our ability as women to do whatever we wanted. Over the years, they taught me many things. Be yourself. Do your best. Say please and thank you. Keep your word. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Be independent. Be kind, compassionate and loyal. Do not hold hate in your heart. These are just a few of the many other lessons they taught me that have shaped me as a mother and nurse leader.” Heather Keats, OTR/L, occupational therapist: “Watching my mother as I was growing up, I learned to work hard and take full advantage of opportunities given to me. As a result, I am able to see the value in putting in the hard work now for the future pay off. This lesson carries over to all aspects of my life including relationships, health and career.” READ MORE: 6 ways to support a new mom
- Cancer Care, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3Blog“What next?” I hear that question often from cancer survivors when they finish their last treatment. From diagnosis to the end of treatment, most cancer patients are on autopilot. They focus on doctor visits, test results, chemotherapy or radiation, and perhaps surgery recovery. It’s a whirlwind of events –until it’s over. Whether a patient is deemed cancer-free or in remission after treatment, the cancer journey comes to an abrupt stop and a new journey begins: cancer survivorship. What should be a joyous, hopeful and celebratory time often leaves patients feeling lonely and afraid. Care and support for cancer survivors doesn’t have to end when treatment does. For example, our Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute offers programs and support to help survivors manage their unique needs and challenges after cancer treatment. The goal is to help all survivors thrive beyond their cancer diagnosis and enjoy a high quality of life. A survivorship program should include: A survivorship visit. Each patient should receive an individually tailored document with a summary of their diagnosis, test results, specific information about their treatments and the possible late and long-term effects of treatment. A care plan. Also tailored for each survivor, the care plan guides patients to live healthier which empowers them to self-manage their quality of life. Counseling. Based on each person’s own needs, there are many counseling options available including nutrition counseling, psychosocial support/counseling, spiritual counseling, financial counseling, genetic counseling, sexuality counseling and smoking cessation. Lifestyle recommendations to thrive. Survivors should be encouraged to adjust their eating habits to more plant-based food choices, rather than meat. Dietary changes, along with regular activity, exercise and healthy weight management, may reduce risk of the same cancer returning, or a new cancer developing. READ MORE: How to navigate cancer survivorship In addition to a comprehensive survivorship program, there are other steps cancer survivors can take after treatment ends. If you’re a cancer survivor, here are five ways you can thrive. Share your story. Whether you do this by talking in casual conversations, writing your story on a blog or even speaking at an event, sharing your story can help you reflect on your cancer journey and help you see how far you’ve come. It can also inspire others and give them hope. Get involved. Join the community of people who are working to conquer cancer. There are plenty of walks, runs and other events that support the fight against cancer. Be active. Studies show that exercise helps improve many different bodily functions, and can even decrease your risk of certain cancers. Make it fun! Ask your friends to join you on a walk, try a yoga class or even take simple stretching breaks during the day. Try a new hobby. You’ve likely been spending most of your time and energy on completing cancer treatment. Now that you’ve conquered cancer, you can take on anything! Add a furry friend to your family. If you’ve been thinking about getting a pet, now’s the time. There’s nothing like the healing power and companionship of a dog or cat. Author Madelaine Binner is an oncology nurse practitioner at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published May 31, 2016. Last updated May 7, 2019.
- News & Press Releases, Physical TherapyGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG), a multi-specialty physician group that is part of Anne Arundel Medical Center, announced today the opening of its physical therapy location at Jennifer Square. AAMG Physical Therapy – Jennifer Square offers a comprehensive range of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language services for adults and children, including blood-flow restriction training and driving rehabilitation. This location also features a dedicated sports performance zone, combining traditional physical therapy and sports performance ideal for athletes. The new clinic is located at 161 A Jennifer Road, Annapolis. Morning and evening appointments are available — from 6:30 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday, 6:30 am to 5 pm Friday, and 8 am to 12 pm Saturday — with convenient free parking. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 443-481-1140. To see a complete list of services and to find an AAMG Physical Therapy location near you, visit AAMGPhysicalTherapy.com.
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