- Behavioral Health, Community, Giving, Pediatrics, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogDogs really are man’s best friend. That’s why you shouldn’t be surprised if you see some walking the halls of our hospital and visiting patients in their rooms. At AAMC, we harness the healing power of pets with more than 25 volunteer pet therapy teams. Each team is made up of a volunteer from the community who owns a pre-trained and certified dog. Therapy dogs can help put people at ease both emotionally and physically. Their visits often create a happier, calmer atmosphere not only for patients, but for family and friends as well. Katherine Tighe and her dog, Suzie, along with fellow volunteer George Benoit and his dog, Kallie, have provided pet therapy at AAMC since 2015. They make frequent stops to the emergency room, as well as the pediatric, cancer, joint replacement and elderly care units. “My dad was in and out of hospitals and rehab centers for years before he died,” says Katherine, an animal-assisted therapist and social worker. “He was growing more and more depressed and unhappy.” Then she remembers one day she came to visit him in the rehab facility, and something was different. “There was this black lab there who had stolen my father’s slipper. He was going up and down the halls trying to get back his slipper,” she says. “My dad enjoyed it so much, and it made me happy to see him have a spark again.” Adds George, “One time we walked up to a woman who was waiting for a loved one in surgery.” She started petting Kallie and immediately began crying. “Somehow the dogs give people an emotional release.” “We’ll go in a room where a child is afraid and screaming in pain, and he will see the dog and calm down immediately,” Katherine says. “The whole demeanor changes, and it’s beautiful.” Dogs must go through basic obedience training and pass a canine good citizen test. The team receives an extra level of training that focuses on managing difficult situations and evaluating the dog’s temperament. We partner with five organizations to certify pet therapy teams: Caring Canines, Pets on Wheels, PAWS-AAC, Fidos for Freedom and Pet Therapy International. For information about our pet therapy team, or to learn how your dog can become certified to visit patients, call 443-481-5050. Originally published Feb. 15, 2017. Last updated Jan. 7, 2020.
- OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSkiing and snowboarding are excellent recreational and competitive sports. Every year, these sports are becoming more and more popular. The good news is that the rate of injury in snow sports has declined every decade since the 1980s. This is in part due to advances in ski and snowboard equipment, boots and bindings. People are also more accepting of safety gear such as helmets. But even still, let’s not underestimate the dangers of snow sports. Snowboarders are more likely than skiers to sustain a more serious injury, including fracture and concussion. Snowboarders are also most likely to have an upper extremity injury like a broken wrist, collarbone or shoulder. Skiers are more likely to have lower extremity injuries like a sprained knee, ACL tear or fracture. And head and neck traumas in both sports remain the most common cause of fatality. So how do you stay safe on the mountain? Here are a few things you can do to dramatically reduce your chances of injury: Know your limits. Based on my experience as an orthopedist in Vail, Colo., there were very few injuries and broken bones before noon, while the afternoon was ripe with them. Many people want that “one last run” even if their legs are dead tired. This is a recipe for injury. Wear a helmet. In fact, if you don’t wear a helmet, you are the minority. Approximately 75 percent of skiers and snowboarders wear a helmet. They are not only comfortable and warm, they are effective at preventing head trauma. A helmet reduces minor to moderate head trauma by 30 to 50 percent. Wear other protective gear. For snowboarders the risk of wrist fracture is high. Wrist guards can dramatically reduce risk of injury. Proper clothing is also critical. Dress appropriately for the weather as you head out, and be prepared for changes. Respect your equipment. It’s important to have well-fitting and functioning equipment. If your bindings don’t release when needed, or release when not appropriate, this increases your risk of serious injury. A simple pre-season equipment tune up can keep you out of the hospital. It’s also very important to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol while on the slopes. When done correctly, snow sports are fun and safe. Every year is better than the last in safety numbers. Follow these simple, common sense recommendations and you will likely be able to have years of enjoyment. Author By Benjamin Petre, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at AAMC Orthopedics. He is also the team physician for the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboard Team, Baltimore Orioles, Bowie BaySox, and Annapolis High School. To reach him, call 410-268-8862. Originally published Jan. 28, 2018. Last updated Jan. 6, 2020.
- General Page Tier 3BlogDo you want to be healthier, lose weight or feel more energized? A good place to start is cooking more meals at home. Stocking your pantry, fridge and freezer with healthy foods that are both easy to prepare and ready to eat will set you up for success when it comes to eating healthy meals. One of the biggest barriers to cooking meals at home is the time it requires. For people with busy lifestyles, the convenient option often trumps the healthy one. Here are a few tricks to trim minutes from your kitchen routine: Buy pre-cut vegetables and fruits. A stir-fry is a quick option using pre-cut peppers, onions and pre-cooked chicken. Or add broccoli, carrots or cabbage slaw. The leftover slaw is versatile — add it to a soup or cold vegetable salad for later in the week. Plan ahead. Always have pantry basics on hand such as olive oil, canned beans, canned tomatoes, nuts, herbs and spices. Making extra trips to the grocery store just before cooking is a time waste, so be sure to replenish your stash. Food preparation is a nearly foolproof plan of action. Choose veggies that last longer. Keep these long-lasting vegetables in your vegetable drawer: onions, carrots, garlic, peppers, slaws and kale. From a cold salad to kabobs on the grill … ways you can use these veggies are limitless. Cook for the week ahead. Spend Sunday afternoon or any day off making nutritious soups, salads and casseroles. Be resourceful with your ingredients by using foods like leftover chicken in tacos, quesadillas, salads, sandwiches, soups and pasta dishes for more meals. Hard-boiled eggs are also easy add-ins. Choose frozen foods. When fresh foods aren’t available, choose frozen. During the winter, fruits and vegetables are picked before their peak and spend way too much time en route to the grocery store, losing nutritional value along the way. Have a backup plan. Of course there will be times when your intentions to cook healthy meals get interrupted. For these times, stock your cupboard, fridge and freezer with quick and healthy ingredients that you can throw together in a few minutes. Need an idea? Sauté pre-cut, frozen peppers and onions in low-sodium vegetable broth while heating up a can of black beans. Fill a corn tortilla or Bibb lettuce with the beans and veggies and garnish with Pico de Gallo. Getting meals on the table day in and day out isn’t easy, especially when you’re busy, tired or overwhelmed. Take a step toward a healthier you by trying some of these tips. They will fuel your body with nutritious foods without requiring too much time or money. Authors By Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford, nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them call 443-481-5555. Originally published Aug. 8, 2016. Last updated Jan. 6, 2020.
- 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 new combined primary care and physical therapy location in Cape St. Claire. The unique, integrated model is designed to conveniently meet the needs of Cape St. Claire patients. Primary care includes preventive and screening services to patients of all ages – from babies to seniors. Through physical therapy, patients are offered a comprehensive range of services, including orthopedics, spine rehabilitation, aquatic therapy (at the Severna Park Community Center), balance and fall prevention. Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) has announced the opening of its new combined primary care and physical therapy location in Cape St. Claire. The new clinic is located at 1332 Cape St. Claire Rd, Annapolis. Morning and evening appointments are available — from 6:30 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday and 6:30 am to 5 pm Friday — with convenient free parking. To schedule an appointment, call 443-951-4280. READ MORE: AAMG Physical Therapy opens new Kent Island clinic
- Physical TherapyGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAccording to a 2015 study, nearly two-thirds of American adults own a smartphone, and we’re spending more time than ever looking down at them. The new technology’s widespread use has led to the rise of a new disorder: “text neck.” Text neck is exactly what it sounds like: a postural disorder resulting from spending too much time staring down at cellphones or other devices. It can result in neck pain, soreness, and pain in the back and shoulders. Typically, when you hold your head straight, gravity only applies 10 to 12 pounds of force to the neck. But as the angle between the neck and the vertical plane increases, so does the amount of force. When you look down at your phone, your head is most likely at a 60-degree angle. At this angle, you’ll feel 60 pounds of force on your neck. “The force is similar to having a small child on your neck,” says James Bickley, PT, DPT, a physical therapist at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Physical Therapy. According to James, this disorder is most commonly seen in younger people, but can also be seen in middle-aged patients, as well. “With smart phones becoming such a commonplace way of life, we are constantly looking down to text, scroll through social media and use the Internet,” he says. “This is causing increased stress to the thoracic and cervical spine, leading to pain and other related symptoms.” With mobile phenomenon like Pokémon Go, people have been staring at their phones more than ever. Since these games require users to move around a lot, it’s helping kids get more exercise, but James warns this could lead to a higher frequency of text neck. “Consistently looking down is not good for your spine.” Text neck is easily avoidable, and the best medicine is education. James tells all of his patients to simply alter their phone habits. “I tell them to bring the phone to eye level when using it,” he says. “Small changes in posture throughout the day go a long way in preventing neck, back and shoulder pain due to our phones.” AAMG Physical Therapy and Primary Care have arrived in Cape St. Claire and are now in one convienient location! If you’re looking for quality care close to home, call 443-951-4280 to schedule your appointment. Originally published Sept 7, 2016. Last updated Jan. 2, 2020.
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