- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogA child’s brain is like a sponge. From the moment they are born to approximately age six, a child’s brain can soak up infinite amounts of information. During adolescence, the brain is still developing, making young children susceptible to the information they receive. In fact, the teenage years are a critical time of vulnerability to substance use disorders due to the brain’s malleability, according to research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Adolescents have creative and innovative minds, but unless you teach them about things they need to protect their mind, it is easy for them to fall into a trap of destructive decision-making behavior. The young people I know are curious, eager and ambitious. They are drawn by things that can give them instant gratification and are eager to invent new things. This is not a negative, and as parents, we can use this energy to help our children grow and make better choices. Learn more about the J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center, a 16-bed mental health hospital for adults opening in March. Communication and education are two of the most important keys in the fight against adolescent drug misuse and abuse. Parents are going to have to boost their efforts and get more comfortable with talking to their children about drugs. Here are some steps you can start with: Be in the know. Take time to educate yourself on the drug trends in the community and on the internet. Learn about drugs on the market and where they are sold. If you understand the effects of drug use and know the facts, you can give your child helpful information and clarify any doubts or questions. Know their social circles. Know the people your child is hanging out with and where they live. Kids who hang out with friends who use drugs are likely to want to try it out themselves, especially those who feel socially isolated and are trying to fit in. Show interest in knowing your child’s friends and their parents. Talk to your kids daily. Engage in conversations and pay attention to how your child is feeling. Create an environment of trust where your child does not feel judged. Make it clear that you’re available and willing to sit down to have an open conversation and listen. Encourage good decision-making skills. Let your child know his or her opinions are important and interesting. Praise all efforts and guide your child through things that he or she doesn’t know about but believe to fully understand. Be supportive. Recognize when your child is going through a hard time and show him or her that you have their back. An accepting environment, where your child feels like he or she can talk without fear of punishment or reprisal, increases the chances of your child turning to you for help and advice. Knowing this information will prepare you to start a conversation with your child. Parents are often surprised how comfortable a child is talking about drugs. Many kids are actually bothered by friends using drugs and have questions for their parents but they just don’t know how to approach parents or are too scared to do so. READ MORE: The power of parents in preventing substance abuse Make talking and communicating with your child a regular part of your day. The earlier we can teach our children about the dangers of drugs, the better the chances we have of them not wanting to try them. At least by the time they can choose for themselves, they will be able to make an informed decision. Author Keshia Brooks, BSPH, MBA, is supervisor of Prevention Education and Family Wellness at Pathways, Anne Arundel Medical Center’s substance abuse and mental health treatment facility. You can reach her office at 410-573-5422. Ask questions, find resources and learn more at askAAMC.org/HealthyMinds. Originally published May 8, 2018. Last updated Jan. 21, 2020.
- Employee SpotlightGeneral Page Tier 3Blog“I can confidently say that 2019 was a very good year for me,” said Norma Sola. “I got my dream house and I’m happy where I work. I really like working alongside my coworkers. We all communicate well with each other and support each other.” Norma, an environmental attendant, is originally from Nueva Concepción, El Salvador. She moved to the U.S. 22 years ago with her husband. Prior to coming to Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) in 2018, she worked at a senior center for 12 years where she set out to buy her first home. Norma and her husband bought their home in 2019 and, that year, traveled back to her home country to visit family after more than 20 years. In this special year for Norma, she also received AAMC’s Champion Award — an award bestowed monthly to team members who display exceptional service excellence and demonstrate AAMC’s core values, including compassion, trust and dedication. Service excellence During her shift, Norma became acquainted with a patient who was scheduled for surgery. Without family or friends nearby, the patient felt anxious. Familiar with the feeling of not having loved ones close, Norma was touched and felt compelled. Coming into one of her normal shifts, she brought with her a little something extra special. “I was very moved and knew I wanted to do something for the patient,” Norma said. “When my husband brings me flowers – especially orchids – on Mother’s Day or during a special occasion, it always makes me very happy. So I brought the patient some flowers and reminded them that everything was going to work out and that they were not alone.” PRO TIP: “Just because you want something to work out right away doesn’t mean that it’s the right time. Be patient because things always work out.” The interview with Norma Sola was conducted in Spanish and translated into English for this article. If you know a great individual or a fantastic team going above and beyond to make a difference, make sure to let us know! Looking for a career in health care? We invite you to join a diverse and collaborative team of professionals working together to innovate the future of health care for our entire region. Check out our career opportunities.
- Behavioral Health, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3Blog“Put on your oxygen mask first” might sound cliché, but it’s the best metaphor for self-care. How many times have you felt burned out but continued to push yourself past your limits? How many times have you put your needs on the back burner for your family despite being exhausted? And how many times have you said “yes” when really what you wanted to say was, “no, not today”? Being a parent is a beautiful gift. By nature, you begin to let go of your priorities to take care of your children. You can’t help but give them your all, even if that means coming home after a busy day and continuing to pull energy from a tank that otherwise feels empty. Your children need you. Now more than ever before as the discussion around mental health is at an all-time high. The statistics are eye opening. One in 5 children ages 13-18 have or will have a serious mental illness at some point during their life, according to the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI). Another finding shows that suicide is the third leading cause of death in ages 10-24. You play a crucial role in your child’s wellbeing and mental health, but caring for your child can have an impact on your health too. To best care for the people you love, you must first take care of yourself. Here are some steps you can take: Practice self-care. No, you’re not being selfish — this is important to remember. Self-care has become a trendy term but most people don’t put it into practice. A good way to start is to first give yourself permission to do it and focus on yourself, even if just for a day. Identify replenishing activities that work for you. Scrolling through your phone, being on social media or watching TV are activities that occupy your time but do not replenish you. Instead, try taking a walk, going for a jog or sitting somewhere surrounded by nature. Savor doing activities that replenish you and look forward to doing them. Know your limits. It’s OK to ask for help or delegate chores and responsibilities to others when you don’t feel like you can take on more. Not being able to do everything by yourself is not a sign of weakness. It is realistic to know your limits and to prioritize self-care. Look at the big picture and re-center. Centering helps you be a consistent and stable parent for your children. If you’re always involved in a frenzy of activities, you won’t be able to do this. Practice mindfulness — being present in the moment with full awareness and without judgment of thoughts and feelings — instead of being distracted by what’s next on the list. Engaging in self- care activities and reminding yourself of core values can help with centering. Set realistic expectations. Don’t compare yourself to other parents. Parenting is not a competition. What might be a priority for you might not be for another parent. Identify what is important to you and your family. Is it spending more time together? Sharing more things? Going out to the movies? Set your own goals and expectations, and focus on those. Schedule alone time. Yes, you’re allowed to do this! Listen and take care of yourself. Meditate/relax. Take a break from the “motor mind” by deep breathing, being a witness to the thoughts in your mind, or listening to music that uplifts you. This is a good way to relax, be present and unwind from your hectic day-to-day. Ask for help. Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. — 43.8 million — experiences mental illness in a given year, according to NAMI. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help or talk to your doctor about issues you may be experiencing. By taking care of your own physical and emotional health, you’ll be better equipped to serve as a role model for your child and/or handle the challenges of supporting someone with a mental illness. Neglecting your own emotional needs can lead to depression or anxiety down the line. Don’t forget that your children are watching and will learn from you how to deal with stressful situations. Be in tune with yourself. You can’t live a life that’s fulfilling and meaningful if you’re always focused on others. Like they tell you on an airplane, you can’t help the person next to you if you don’t have your oxygen mask on first. Authors Raymond Hoffman, MD, is medical director of Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Mental Health and Substance Use services. To reach him, call 410-573-9000. Aruna Gogineni, Ph.D., LCSW-C, is a mental health practitioner and researcher at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Mental Health Specialists. To reach her, call 410-573-9000. Originally published Jan. 21, 2019. Last updated Jan. 13, 2020.
- Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogPlant-based diets rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, whole grains and meat substitutes like soy may cut your odds of getting heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. One way to increase plant-based foods in your diet is cooking with legumes. Legumes (beans, peas and lentils) are rich in protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber. These nutrients help us feel full, stabilize blood sugar levels and offer help with weight management. LENTIL SOUP Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 large onions, chopped 2 large carrots, chopped ½ cup chopped celery 1 tablespoon garlic, minced ½ teaspoon thyme ½ teaspoon black pepper Salt to taste 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium) 1 cup lentils, rinsed ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped One 16-ounce can of diced tomatoes Instructions Heat oil in large pot and sauté onion, carrots, celery and garlic for 3 to 5 minutes. Add seasonings and sauté for another 2 minutes. Add stock, lentils, parsley and tomatoes. Reduce heat, cover and cook until lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. Serves 8. Author Recipe author Ann Caldwell is a registered dietitian with the AAMC Wellness and Health Promotion Department. To reach her, call 443-481-5555. Originally published Feb. 9, 2016. Last updated Jan. 10, 2020.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogScott McRoy estimates he’s donated around five gallons of blood over the years. The Crownsville man’s drive to donate began with the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He was in New York City when the attacks on the World Trade Center happened. When he returned to Maryland the next day, he was determined to give back. So he started donating blood at Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Blood Donor Center. He donates every two to three months, depending on whether he is giving blood or platelets. The donation process for platelets — tiny cells in the blood that form clots and stop bleeding — is a longer process, taking at least two hours each time. Still, “it’s a very simple give back,” says Scott, who is also an AAMC Foundation board member and a founding member of the Foundation’s Planned Giving Council. “It takes a little bit of time, but you know it’s for a useful purpose,” he says. Now, Scott and other loyal blood donors are finding it’s easier to give than ever before, thanks to AAMC’s Blood Donor Center’s OrSense device. This machine eliminates the need for the traditional finger stick at the beginning of the donation process, which tests a donor’s hemoglobin levels. Instead, the donor places his or her finger into a ring-shaped sensor that measures hemoglobin levels and pulse rates. The Blood Donor Center is the first location in Maryland to offer the technology. “Blood donors often cite the finger stick as the most unpleasant part of the blood donation experience,” says Mike Misulich, blood donor recruitment coordinator. “The new OrSense device makes the finger stick a thing of the past. It improves the donor experience, eliminates discomfort, and makes the donation process more comfortable. We appreciate donors like Scott and want the donation experience to be the best for him and all of our donors.” Scott says he likes how effortless the device is. “It gives you a little tingly feeling, like you’re getting a massage,” he says. “Getting the finger stick is just an added discomfort — and the Blood Donor Center’s device eliminates it.” Donors still have to get a needle in their arm when they give blood. But Scott says he hopes the new technology will convince more people to give the gift of life. 3,000 AAMC patients receive life-saving blood transfusions each year. Find an upcoming blood drive at www.facebook.com/AnneArundelMedicalCenter. You can also stay up to date on upcoming blood drives and events by joining the Blood Donor Center’s Facebook group. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/AAMCBloodDonorCenter and request to join the group. Or you may call the Blood Donor Center at 443-481-4215. Originally published Nov. 14, 2017. Last updated Oct. 8, 2025.
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