- Cancer Care, GivingGeneral Page Tier 3BlogBeth Prout Lennon remembers when her mother, Maureen Prout, was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2002. Maureen was told, “Only 5 percent of people make it.” Her response to the life-altering news was, “Well, somebody has to be that 5 percent!” For the next five years and throughout more than 100 chemotherapy treatments, Maureen’s enthusiasm was an inspiration to all who came in contact with her. Encouraged by her mother’s positive outlook after an aggressive ovarian cancer diagnosis, Beth is following in her mother’s footsteps, cofounding the DeCesaris/Prout Cancer Foundation. In partnership with JoAnn DeCesaris Wellington, whose father Geaton DeCesaris was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2002, these daughters are on a mission to profoundly affect research on lung and ovarian cancer. They want to bring awareness to those who do not know they are at risk, and make a difference in these diseases through better treatment options. “Our hope is, with awareness, people can recognize the symptoms in the early stages of both these life-threatening diseases, and get the treatment they need,” says Beth. Beth, of Friendship, shared that her mother’s faith and close relationships with her family, friends and her care team helped her through her journey with cancer. During her treatment, Maureen was determined to support others battling cancer. She shared her experiences with others and made herself available to anyone who needed help or just an ear to listen. New ovarian cancer support program During Maureen’s care, she and her family met single moms who had to walk home after treatments because they didn’t have anyone to pick them up or didn’t have money for cab fare. They met other mothers who were worried about affording groceries for their children and still others who needed babysitters to watch their children during treatments. Despite facing her own disease, Maureen spent time and energy helping others she met along the way. In the fall of 2016, the DeCesaris/Prout Foundation provided initial funding for a new Ovarian Cancer Support Program for patients undergoing treatment at AAMC’s Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute. “This incredible gift will support a woman’s unique emotional, spiritual and social needs and has the power to help balance the everyday challenges women face while undergoing treatment and beyond,” says Cathy Copertino, AAMC’s vice president of Cancer Services. Beth feels that she is honoring her mother’s legacy of compassion and caring through the establishment of this new program. “We want this Survivors Fund to help those women and their families who need a bus ticket, grocery gift card, or other needed services during this difficult time,” says Beth. “My mom would be very happy today to know that her inspiration is helping other women manage their cancer journey.” To learn more about how you can make a difference in cancer survivorship programs at AAMC, contact 443-481-4747 or [email protected]. Originally published Sept. 11, 2017. Last updated Sept. 4, 2018.0
- Cancer Care, Women's Health, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogStacy Stewart was a healthy wife and mother of two—until she found out she had breast cancer. Unsure of what to do next, she went to Anne Arundel Medical Center for treatment. While there, she was assigned to Nurse Navigator Kim Stewart, RN, who helped guide her through the turbulent process of scheduling appointments and doctors’ visits. Here is Stacy’s story in her own words. When I first got the call informing me of my diagnosis, I was speechless. I had no idea what was next for me or my family and I was scared of what could happen. I called my husband sobbing and told him that our biggest fear came true—I had breast cancer. The diagnosis was very hard on my family. My youngest son was very emotional about it and we reassured him that I would be fine. My eldest son just wanted to make sure that I would be okay. At my first appointment at the Breast Center, I was introduced to my nurse navigator, Kim Stewart. In the very beginning, she helped point me in the right direction as to what was next. Without her, I would have been lost because there are so many appointments. Kim was there with me every step of the way, comforting me and making me feel at ease. It was reassuring to be able to go home and know that she had everything in line for me. All my appointments were set up and I didn’t have to worry or stress about it. This assistance helped me calm down so I could focus on my recovery—I didn’t have the time or energy to worry about planning every visit and every appointment. With Kim, I never had to. This feeling of ease became contagious among my family. Seeing how calm and comfortable I was helped settle the nerves of my husband and sons. I was going to be fine. I knew this and, with the support of my family and nurse navigator, I beat cancer. To learn more about Stacy’s story watch a video on our YouTube Channel here To learn more about breast cancer and treatment visit our Breast Center website0
- Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits in the front of your neck and controls a lot of your bodily functions. As part of the endocrine system, the thyroid makes hormones that affect nearly every organ in your body. “The thyroid is actually one of the powerhouses of the body because it regulates your metabolism,” says Barbara Onumah, MD, medical director of AAMG Diabetes and Endocrine Specialists. But for how important it is, it’s not uncommon for something to go wrong. Lots of people have problems with their thyroid. An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. And up to 60 percent of people with thyroid disease don’t know they have it. The thyroid can be overactive and make too much of the thyroid hormone. This is called hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea, palpitations, feeling anxious or jittery, increased sweating, feeling hot and trouble sleeping. The thyroid can also be underactive, which happens when the gland does not make enough of the hormone. This is called hypothyroidism and can result in intolerance to cold, constipation, dry skin, dry hair, loss of hair, difficulty losing weight or even weight gain. Women may have irregular or heavy menstrual periods and may feel fatigue. And although thyroid problems are common, Dr. Onumah says they are difficult to identify. “The problem is that the symptoms associated with thyroid problems aren’t specific to thyroid disease,” explains Dr. Onumah. “They could all be due to something else.” So what can you do if you suspect you have a thyroid problem? Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. They can perform a simple blood test to identify any abnormal thyroid behavior. And for those who have been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, Dr. Onumah says to make sure to take medications as prescribed. “If you have questions or concerns, or your doctor has any doubts about regulating your thyroid, it’s always best to see an endocrinologist,” says Dr. Onumah. “At AAMG Diabetes and Endocrine Specialists, we’re ready to help.” Contributor Barbara Onumah, MD, is medical director of AAMG Diabetes and Endocrine Specialists. Originally published Feb. 23, 2016. Last updated Aug. 28, 2018.0
- Senior Care, Women's Health, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNutrition and bone, muscle and joint health are closely related. A healthy diet can help prevent and manage osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal disorders by assisting in the production and maintenance of bone. If you are not getting the right nutrients you are putting yourself at greater risk for bone, muscle and joint disease. Osteoporosis is called the silent disease because many people do not know they have it until they suffer a fracture. Ninety percent of adult bone mass is in place by the end of adolescence. Studies show if you are over 50, one out of every two women and up to one in four men will break a bone due to osteoporosis. The following nutrients, and the foods that contain them, hold particular promise in promoting optimal bone health: Calcium is a mineral essential for both building bones and keeping them healthy. Unfortunately the majority of Americans are not getting enough. Ideal food sources include milk, and enriched milk alternatives, such as soy or almond milk, cheese and yogurt. Other sources include bok choy, kale, turnip greens, almonds, white beans, tofu and fortified orange juice. The recommended daily allowance for adults over 50 is 1200 mg per day. Vitamin D also is important for bone health, as it promotes calcium absorption. There are a few sources of vitamin D in food, such as fatty fish, cheese, egg yolk, fortified milk, milk products, orange juice and cereals. Vitamin D can also be obtained through sunlight, but with the use of sunscreen this is not adequate. The best advice is to always get as much vitamin D from the diet, but supplementation is often required. The current RDA is 400 IU’s, but if you are deficient the dose can be much higher. Other nutrients have been linked with bone health, including vitamins C and K and magnesium. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may protect bones as these are rich in antioxidants—including watermelon, tomatoes, pink grapefruit, bell peppers and guava. Eating habits with a moderate intake of protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains leads to a healthier lifestyle. High levels of protein, caffeine, sodas and sodium have been linked to calcium loss. Many Americans consume too much protein, which can increase the urinary excretion of calcium. Yet at older ages protein intake is often too low and this can lead to bone loss and fractures. It is important to have a balance. We should aim to have not too much but enough, which can be said for all nutrients. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and physical activity are key to prevent bone disease. Physical activity should combine weight-bearing activity, simply to carry the weight of your skeleton, such as walking. Strength training is helps improve the muscles that support your skeleton and exercise improves your balance to help prevent falls. Taking charge of nutritional health and exercise will help promote healthy bones as you age. Ever consider nutritional counseling? Learn more about this service from Anne Arundel Medical Center. Author By Ann Caldwell, nutritionist and registered dietitian at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach her call 443-481-5555.0
- Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs we approach the start of school sports seasons, it’s important for parents to understand concussion and how physical therapy can help. A concussion is a mild brain injury from direct or indirect trauma to the head. Concussion is known as an “invisible injury,” since it’s often not seen on an MRI or CT scan. Concussions can range in severity, and symptoms can include: Emotional/mood disturbances Light and noise sensitivity Cognitive impairment/memory loss Sleep disturbances Headaches and migraines Dizziness Motion sensitivity Visual impairment Neck disorders Pain You might assume that a concussion involves passing out or losing consciousness, but that’s not always the case. In many cases, a person with a concussion never loses consciousness. If your child suspects they’ve suffered a concussion while playing a sport, they should stop play immediately. Continuing to play or practice with a concussion is dangerous and can lead to longer recovery. It is important to allow the brain to heal after a concussion. But, this doesn’t mean you should do nothing. Staying still can make your brain more sensitive to movement. New research shows returning to a normal routine can aid in recovery. Modify your activities, but don’t avoid activity completely. Here are some things you can do to help with recovery: Do 30 minutes of daily low-impact aerobic exercise Get adequate hydration and nutrition Try to get at least eight hours of sleep a night Limit screen time Alternate short amounts of activity with rest periods, and use your symptoms as a guide. If symptoms get worse, decrease your activity level. Just as you would not run a marathon the day after knee surgery, you should not do too much too soon following a concussion. Physical therapy can also optimize recovery. Vestibular physical therapy, for instance, includes various head and eye exercises designed to improve your balance and reduce dizziness. A physical therapist can also prescribe other exercises to improve your coordination, endurance and tolerance for physical exertion. The first few sessions of physical therapy may make you feel worse but, over time, you will begin to feel better as your tolerance for activity improves. The time it takes to recover from a concussion varies. Different factors can include the severity of your injury, whether or not you’ve had a concussion before and your family history of migraine. Before returning to sports, get the okay from your doctor. Authors Emily Olsen, DPT, NCS is a physical therapist at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Physical Therapy. For more information on vestibular physical therapy for treatment of concussion, or to schedule an appointment, call 443-481-1140. Originally published July 24, 2017. Last updated July 30, 2019.0
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