Heart Care
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Eastern Shore man enjoying new life after recovering from heart attack
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At first, Roger Gaultney thought the pain he was experiencing was acid reflux.
It was a warm day last September, and Roger, 62, had just come back from a dermatologist’s appointment. He was working in the yard of his Eastern Shore home, and began to feel sick and sweaty.
He drank a Coke — his usual remedy for acid reflux — but the pain began shooting up and down his arm.
He began to sweat so badly, it was as if someone had dumped water over his head. He struggled to breathe. He was sick to his stomach.
“I knew I was having a heart attack,” he says.
Roger’s wife called 911, and when the ambulance arrived, he asked to be taken across the Bay Bridge to Anne Arundel Medical Center. He says he knew he would be in good hands there.
Paramedics took him to AAMC’s Emergency Department where he was quickly taken to the cardiac catheterization lab. That’s where Cardiologist Scott Katzen, MD, the lab’s medical director, inserted a stent in the main artery behind Roger’s heart.
It was 100 percent blocked.
Dr. Katzen emphasizes the importance of “door to balloon” time – the amount of time it takes to unblock a cardiac patient’s artery after the patient arrives at the hospital.
“The goal is to have the blockage relieved and blood flow restored to the heart muscle in 90 minutes or less,” Dr. Katzen says. “Around 70 to 80 percent of the time, door to balloon time is an hour or less.”
Dr. Katzen performed Roger’s catheterization through the radial artery in his wrist, rather than the femoral artery in the groin. AAMC has been doing these types of catheterizations, which are less risky and more comfortable for the patient, since 2012.
Six months after the radial procedure, the scar on Roger’s wrist is barely noticeable.
A designated Chest Pain Center
AAMC is a designated Chest Pain Center, meaning a team of cardiologists is on call 24/7. AAMC cardiologists perform 1,200 cardiac catheterizations each year.
“We are seeing more and more cases of heart disease at the hospital,” says Cardiologist Jerome Segal, MD, medical director of AAMC’s Heart and Vascular services.
Dr. Katzen urges patients to learn the potential signs of a heart attack, which can go beyond just chest pain. For instance, patients should pay attention to any type of abnormal sensation in the chest. Shortness of breath is also a possible warning sign.
“If you feel something is just not right, seek medical attention,” Dr. Katzen says.
He reminds people that living a heart-healthy lifestyle — including eating right, exercising and not smoking — will greatly reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Roger says the care he received from Dr. Katzen was unbelievable.
“It was like we’d known each other for years,” Roger says. “I really don’t have words to explain what that means to me.”
A new life
By all accounts, Roger was a healthy man prior to his heart attack.
He’s always been slender, and he keeps physically active in his job as a drywall finisher and by playing with his grandchildren.
His main health challenge prior to the heart attack was high cholesterol, though he points out that heart disease runs on his mother’s side of the family. His maternal grandmother died of a heart attack, and his mother had high blood pressure, as well as high cholesterol.
A month earlier, he’d gotten a physical that showed no signs of heart problems.
After his heart attack, Roger knew he was going to have to change his lifestyle. He now avoids red meat and dairy completely.
He’s also become more spiritual and says he is attending church more.
“My life is beautiful,” he says.
Roger urges others to make an appointment with the Heart Health Foundation’s Dare to C.A.R.E. About Vascular Disease heart health screening program. To get your screening at AAMC, call 410-573-9483, Ext. 200.
News & Press Releases
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Anne Arundel Medical Center recognized as a top performer in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality
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The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation has recognized Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) as a “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Top Performer.” The HRC Foundation is the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization.
AAMC earned the distinction for its LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices in four categories: patient-centered care, patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and community and patient engagement.
“We are proud to be recognized for our commitment to an equitable, inclusive environment for both our patients and our workforce,” said Maulik Joshi, executive vice president of integrated care delivery and chief operating officer at AAMC. “We are constantly working to identify opportunities to create a more inclusive culture, and this designation is a testament to our efforts.”
As part of its efforts, in 2016, AAMC launched its Health Equity Task Force (HETF). The diverse and multi-disciplinary group is dedicated to eliminating health disparities in the community, and strengthening AAMC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
AAMC’s LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Top Performer designation is reported in the 11th edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). A record 626 healthcare facilities actively participated in the 2018 HEI survey. Among the HEI participants, 95 earned a “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Top Performer” designation.
“With some of our biggest battles still ahead of us, it is crucial that institutions continue to demonstrate that the march toward full equality is not slowing down,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “The 626 participants in this year’s HEI continue this march in partnership with the LGBTQ community. For the past decade, the HEI has been the roadmap to closing the gap in ensuring equal care to LGBTQ patients and their families, and we urge every healthcare facility to join us in this continuing effort to provide inclusive care to all.”
Cancer Care, Pediatrics
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Does your child Juul?
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There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of a Juul or “juuling.” But it’s likely your son or daughter has.
A Juul, a type of e-cigarette, is a new device popular among those in middle school, high school and college. A Juul looks like a USB flash drive and you can even charge it through a laptop. At first glance, it seems like a harmless device. The reality, however, is far worse.
One Juul pod contains as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes. Children who use these devices are apt to become addicted to nicotine, and they are much more likely to smoke cigarettes as adults than kids who don’t use these products. Equally as alarming, you can fill the device with homemade substances including “wax,” a concentrated and more potent form of marijuana.
It comes in a variety of fruity flavors, making it appealing to children. And its small design makes it easy to hide, allowing children to bring it to school and even smoke it during class. The proliferation of Juuls has caused some schools to take measures against its use on campus, including removing bathroom stall doors and taking disciplinary action against students caught using them.
Adolescence is often a difficult time full of uncertainty and insecurity. As parents and concerned citizens, it’s important to be educated on how companies take advantage of this vulnerable time to entice kids into behaviors that will have lasting effects on their health.
Talk to your children and don’t let them fall victim.
Take our pledge to love your lungs, and be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card!
To learn more about smoking cessation resources at AAMC, call 443-481-5366.
Author
Stephen Cattaneo, MD, is a thoracic surgeon and medical director of Thoracic Oncology at AAMC.
Women's Health
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Body after baby: What new moms can expect in the first two weeks
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Your body goes through several changes over the course of pregnancy. But it doesn’t stop with delivery. Changes continue post-delivery and it’s critical to closely monitor the physical and mental changes you experience. Some aches and pains are a normal part of the process, such as nipple pain. Others could be a sign that something is wrong. You should not ignore warning signs — they can be fatal. Here’s what new moms can expect, and where to go if you have concerns.
SEE MORE: What you need to know about high blood pressure during pregnancy
Normal Signs for New Moms
Common postpartum symptoms include vaginal soreness, slight bleeding, breast engorgement, and after birth cramps. Labor takes a major toll on the body. It’s normal to feel sore after birth and bleed for a few days. Post birth cramps are caused by the uterus shrinking to its usual size. As your body prepares for breastfeeding, many notice breast engorgement and tenderness. Other normal symptoms are incontinence (accidentally peeing a bit), constipation, stretch marks, swelling of hands or feet, and hair loss. Some women feel sad or angry, and may be experiencing the “baby blues.” If these feelings don’t go away within two weeks, you should call your doctor to talk about postpartum depression.
“Women often ask me about vaginal discharge after pregnancy,” says Chasheryl Leslie, MD, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at Premier OB-GYN. “What you’ll notice is, over time, the flow lessens and the color changes to a much lighter version. For some it lasts a few weeks, while it lasts a month or more for others. I always encourage my patients to give me a call if they ever feel concerned.”
Warning Signs
While most of the changes your body goes through after delivering a baby are normal and natural, it is important to be aware of warning signs. Use the acronym POST-BIRTH to help you remember what symptoms require further medical attention.
Call 911 if you have any of these symptoms:
Pain in the chest
Obstructed breathing or shortness of breath
Seizures
Thoughts of harm or suicide
Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
Bleeding (more than 1 pad an hour or blood clots larger than the size of an egg)
Incision that isn’t healing
Red or swollen leg that is painful or warm to touch
Temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
Headaches that change vision or won’t go away with medicine
“Don’t ever feel like you’re bothering your doctor by calling them with any questions or concerns after you’ve delivered,” says Leslie. “Your health is our number one priority. We want you feeling your best so you can enjoy every second with your newest addition!”
SEE MORE: Treatment for high risk pregnancy
The first month after delivering a baby is challenging, yet extremely rewarding. As much as new moms are caring for their newest additions, it’s important to not lose sight of your own health and wellbeing.
News & Press Releases
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The surprising health benefits of your favorite Easter candies
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If you’re celebrating Easter today, we hope the Easter Bunny filled your basket with all your favorite treats!
Did you know that some of the most popular kinds of Easter candy actually have some major health benefits?
Here are a few sweet examples:
Orange jelly beans are loaded with Vitamin C*
Vitamin C may help to ward off cold symptoms and boost your immune system — and research indicates it could also protect against heart disease and several types of cancer. You probably know that oranges are a rich source of Vitamin C. Well, so are orange jelly beans! About 25 orange jelly beans contain 50 percent of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin C. Enjoy several handfuls today to get the most out of this Easter favorite.
Chocolate eggs are high in protein*
Just like real eggs, chocolate eggs are packed with protein — six grams of protein per ounce serving! Chocolate peanut butter eggs contain even more — around eight grams per egg. Protein helps build strong bones and muscles, so have an egg or two with your Easter breakfast.
Chocolate bunnies are a good source of iron*
Not getting enough iron in your diet can cause anemia, along with symptoms such as fatigue. To prevent this, make sure you eat all of your chocolate bunnies, which are high in iron. Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron, so we recommend that you eat these with a side of orange jelly beans.
*Wait a minute…
Does this all sound too good to be true?
It is — because today is not just Easter, it’s also April Fools’ Day!
While there’s nothing wrong with indulging in some candy today, remember to do so in moderation, and enjoy these sweets as part of a balanced diet. Happy Easter!