- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNancy Long initially dismissed her early symptoms of ovarian cancer, chalking each one up to something else entirely. Fatigue? Indigestion? The Annapolis woman thought life stresses were to blame. A colonoscopy came back clear. But when she began to have horrible abdominal bloating, she knew something wasn’t right. She had a pelvic sonogram, and her disease was so far advanced that her ovaries weren’t even visible. A blood test then detected elevated levels of CA-125, a protein in the blood that may indicate ovarian cancer and other kinds of cancer. Nancy was diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer, meaning it had spread outside of the ovaries and into other organs. She was in surgery within a week, followed by 18 months of chemotherapy. Now at age 70, she has been cancer free for 13 years. “I should have known the signs and symptoms,” she says, as at that time she was a nurse practitioner at a gynecologist’s office. The problem with ovarian cancer, though, is that the symptoms — constipation, tiredness, bloating, back pain, urinary tract issues — can so often be symptoms of something else entirely. There’s also no effective screening test for ovarian cancer. Now, as a longtime volunteer with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition’s Central Maryland chapter, Nancy is committed to raising awareness of this form of cancer that strikes 1 in 75 women. Last year, 14,000 women died of ovarian cancer in the U.S. “I wish every physician would talk to their patients about this,” she says. Nancy is one of the organizers of the chapter’s 10th Annual Run/Walk — Together in TEAL — Ending Ovarian Cancer. This year’s run/walk takes place on Sept. 22 at Westfield Annapolis Mall. September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Since 2009, Nancy has seen the event grow from 400 people in Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, to 2,000 participants. The chapter uses the money raised to fund its three main goals: Awareness, help for survivors and research. Judeth Davis, a nurse navigator with AAMC’s DeCesaris Cancer Institute, says Nancy is a tireless advocate for ovarian cancer awareness and education. “She leads our chapter of the NOCC with passion and relentlessness,” Judeth says. “She provides literature about early detection and warning signs, and she offers support to countless women and their loved ones as they face this challenge.” Nancy says many myths surround ovarian cancer. For instance, many women think their yearly physical would alert them if something was wrong. But the truth is, a Pap smear won’t detect ovarian cancer. Others also believe an ovarian cancer diagnosis is a death sentence. And while it is the most deadly gynecological cancer, Nancy says patients still have reason to be hopeful. “I’ve been alive and well for 13 years,” she says. Still, fewer than 20 percent of ovarian cancer cases are detected early, when the prognosis is best. So it’s best to always talk to your doctor about your health concerns, no matter how insignificant you may think they are. “I wish I hadn’t taken it upon myself to self-diagnose,” Nancy says. The deadline to register for the run/walk is Sept. 18. When you register, choose AAMC Avengers to join AAMC’s team. The Gynecologic Oncology Center at Anne Arundel Medical Center offers treatments for ovarian cancer and other gynecologic cancers. To learn more, call 443-481-3356. Originally published Aug. 30, 2017. Last updated Sept. 9, 2019.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) announces Adam Riker, MD, as its first chair of Oncology. Dr. Riker comes to AAMC from Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Medicine, where he served as chief of Surgical Oncology and medical director of the cancer service line. Prior to LSU, he led cancer service lines at Ochsner Health System in New Orleans and Advocate Cancer Institute at Christ Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Riker assumed the role of chair of Oncology at AAMC in September. Along with Cathy Copertino, vice president of Cancer Services, Dr. Riker will lead the Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute at AAMC. He will oversee the continued development and creation of clinical programs, research and academic endeavors. Dr. Riker will provide leadership in all aspects of the cancer service line with regard to strategic, operational, resource management and education efforts. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Riker to Anne Arundel Medical Center,” said Mitchell Schwartz, MD, chief medical officer and president of Physician Enterprise at AAMC. “We believe that Dr. Riker will bring leadership skills to Anne Arundel Medical Center that will enable us to broaden the scope and depth of our cancer program. He has the skills to facilitate the vision of the Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute, which is to provide high value cancer care that is scientifically based and designed to exceed patient and family expectations.” “I am thrilled to join Anne Arundel Medical Center,” said Dr. Riker. “The Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute holds an incredible reputation for high quality cancer care. I look forward to building on that reputation and further advancing the institute’s cancer care delivery system for our patients and their families.” Dr. Riker attended medical school at the University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine and was an intern and resident at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago. He completed his clinical fellowship in surgical oncology at the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health.
- Senior Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogRaising children is as challenging as it is rewarding. Being a grandparent can be much more carefree, but it’s not without responsibility. And things have changed since you raised your kids. Following these tips and brushing up on the latest guidelines will help you feel confident in your new role. Breastfeeding Support Your daughter or daughter-in-law has decided to breastfeed. Breastfeeding offers amazing health benefits to both baby and mom, and you can play an important role. In the 1960s and 70s, breastfeeding was not as common and doctors believed formula was better than breast milk. We now know that’s not true, and breast milk contains all the nutrients babies need to grow. Breastfeeding is a learned skill, and mom is more likely to succeed with support. In the first few weeks after baby arrives, you can help with chores or bring a meal, offering mom more time to focus on her baby and breastfeeding. Learn about the importance of breastfeeding and talk to mom about her goals. Encouraging her in this journey, offering support and simply listening can make all the difference. Sleep Safety Did your babies sleep on their stomachs? Guidelines for safe sleeping have changed. You should now always place infants to sleep on their back. This is proven to greatly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) started telling families to put babies to sleep on their backs in 1992. Since then, the number of SIDS deaths in the U.S. has dropped by 38 percent. Babies should also sleep alone, and without loose blankets, toys or bumpers, which can pose potential choking or suffocation hazards. In fact, the sale of bumper pads is banned in Maryland. Studies show crib bumpers do more harm than good. READ MORE: Myths about infant safe sleep Car Seat Safety Properly installing a car seat and buckling a child correctly are critical, no matter how short the trip. The AAP says toddlers should ride in rear-facing car seats until the age of two. Research shows children under the age of two are 75 percent less likely to die or be severely injured in a crash if they’re rear facing. Ask the parents to show you the basics and help you choose a car seat for your car if you expect to help with transport. They’ll appreciate your dedication to safety! Social Media When you find out you’re going to be a grandparent and the little bundle of joy arrives, you’ll want to shout it from the rooftop. And today’s social media channels give you the ability to do that. Pause. Before you publically share news or photos, talk to the parents about their wishes. They may feel uncomfortable or have safety concerns about sharing photos and information about their baby on the Internet. In this age of technology, it’s important to talk about social media boundaries. No matter how many kids you raised, remember your grandchild’s parents are now in charge. Let them experiment and grow into their new role. Supporting their decisions and offering advice when they ask for it will help you step into your new role as a grandparent with grace. Want to learn more? Register for AAMC’s monthly Grandparent Update class. Your grandchild will thank you! Originally published May 9, 2016. Last updated Sept. 3, 2019.
- General Page Tier 3BlogGetting dinner on the table is a daily struggle for many parents, especially once school starts. We know you’re busy, but home-cooked meals can save you time, money and stress. Meals prepared at home generally contain a greater variety of nutrient-rich foods. Here’s your cheat sheet to get dinner on the table and start the school year off on the heathiest foot. Dust off your slow cooker. One recipe resource available for slow cookers you can freeze is New Leaf Wellness. From pulled pork, to lentil soup or even spaghetti sauce, the slow cooker can save time and allow family members to eat at different times if necessary. Try a pressure cooker. Instead of cooking low and slow all day, it cooks at high pressure at the end of the day usually in under an hour. Repurpose leftovers. For example, grill salmon fillets pm Sunday, have salmon on a salad Monday and add salmon to a pasta dish Tuesday, or make fish tacos. You can also bake six chicken breasts and use in soup, chicken salad, chicken enchilada or chicken tacos for meals throughout the week. Have a plan. Planning prevents ordering out or fixing a frozen pizza. Look at the family calendar, taking note of sports practices and other activities during dinnertime. For those active nights, fix something that can be prepared in the slow cooker or repurpose the leftovers into soups, fajitas, wraps or pasta dishes. Grocery shop during times you might waste waiting at kids’ activities. We have all been on the sidelines at practices or in the car reading or thinking about all the other things we should be doing, so go ahead and squeeze in a trip to the grocery store. Also, use this idle time to Google recipe ideas using ingredients you have on hand. Let the kids cook. Involve them in the menu ideas. The more hands on they are, the more likely they are to want to expand their palate and taste more things. Washing produce, assembling ingredients, cleaning as you go are all ways children can help. Look for recipes that can be doubled and/or frozen. Freezer cooking is a great way to combine the healthier aspects of home cooking with convenience we desperately need during the school year. Have groceries on hand. This is likely the most important element to assure menu success. Setting yourself up with healthy foods, ready to go, sets the stage for the entire week. Purchase precut vegetables or fruit. Use them for a baked potato bar, sandwich stations, or casserole add ins. Create a meal rotation. Bring peace to your meal planning with theme nights. For example, Monday is grill night, Tuesday is Mexican, Wednesday is a pasta dish. It is a great way to automate your pantry needs, and subsequently your grocery list. It can also help with picky eaters so they know what to expect and can offer ideas. Set yourself up for easy meal prep by creating a meal rotation for certain days or meals so that you don’t really have to think about it. If you need to store recipes, there are many apps to choose from, such as Evernote, Pinterest, Paprika, Pepperplate and OrganizEat. If you are moving towards plant-based eating, visit the Physician Committee for Responsible Medicine for recipe ideas. Authors Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford are nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555. Originally published Sept. 4, 2018. Last updated Aug. 27, 2019.
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMost of us wouldn’t think twice about seeing our doctor for stomach pain, a sports injury or the flu. But many people don’t get help for mental health concerns. Sometimes it’s the fear of a label, cultural stigma or worry over not getting the right treatment. Whatever the hesitation, it’s important to see a doctor who will treat both your physical and mental healthcare needs. According to Raymond Hoffman, MD, medical director of the Division of Mental Health and Substance Use, your first call for mental health concerns can be to your primary care provider. “A primary care doctor can prescribe medications for many common mental health issues,” says Dr. Hoffman. He or she may also act as the point person for additional care, such as referring you to a therapist. Regardless of who ultimately treats you, Dr. Hoffman notes that addressing mental health concerns involves entering into a trusting relationship with your healthcare provider, who supports healing and recovery. Many of us think of mental healthcare as treating psychiatric illnesses such as bipolar disorder, major depression and psychosis. But it’s just as important to give attention to everyday concerns such as stress, seasonal depression and anxiety. Medical conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and heart disease can worsen depression or anxiety — and vice versa. That’s why it’s so important to seek treatment that takes your whole health into consideration. Erasing the Mental Health Stigma MYTH: Mental health conditions are uncommon. FACT: Mental illness is more common than most think. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five Americans will experience mental illness in their lifetime, and one in 25 will experience a serious mental illness that interferes with their life. MYTH: Mental health conditions are untreatable. FACT: Many mental health conditions are not lifelong challenges and might only require treatment for a short time. With advances in modern care, you can successfully manage even chronic mental health conditions. MYTH: Mental health conditions aren’t real medical conditions. FACT: Just like heart disease and diabetes, mental illnesses are medical conditions. Primary care doctors and specialists can effectively treat them. Where to start with mental health help You don’t need to suffer through a mental health condition alone. Unless you’re dealing with a severe mental health issue, a good place to start is your primary care doctor. Your doctor will review your medical records, talk with you about new symptoms or concerns, and work with you to create a treatment plan. If you already have a good relationship with your doctor, you may feel most comfortable talking to him or her. Your doctor may also better understand what stressors you’re dealing with at home and work, and how they affect your physical health. In many primary care offices, a medical assistant screens patients for depression as part of the yearly well visit using a standardized screening tool. This two-question tool can provide information for a doctor to follow up. Doctors can use a more in-depth tool if the initial screening points to depression. The good news for mental health The good news is that mental health conditions are treatable. If your doctor identifies a mental health condition, he or she may provide brief counseling in the office, prescribe medication or refer you to a specialist. Your doctor may also suggest individual or group therapy. According to Dr. Hoffman, “The evidence shows that if most people who are suffering because of symptoms from mental health problems or substance abuse get help, they can be in less distress and function better.” Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services at AAMC AAMC offers a range of services, such as: The J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center, a 16-bed mental health hospital for adults, is opening in March. Pathways, AAMC’s substance use and co-occurring mental health treatment facility Partnerships with the Department of Health and local mental health and substance use providers to connect patients to resources Anne Arundel Medical Group Mental Health Specialists, an outpatient mental health clinic for ages 3 and up AAMC Psychiatric Day Hospital, a partial hospitalization program The Recovery Navigator Program, which provides screenings and referrals in the primary care setting Introduction of mental health consultations in primary care offices Learn more about AAMC’s range of mental health and substance use services, from outpatient group therapy to partial hospitalization. Author Raymond Hoffman, MD, is the medical director of the Division of Mental Health and Substance Use. Originally published Dec. 5, 2016. Last updated Feb. 10, 2020.
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