- News & Press Releases, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs adults, we’ve all heard about the financial damage identity theft can do. But do we also need to worry about protecting our kids’ identities from thieves? A Growing Crime Approximately 140,000 identity frauds are committed against children each year. The rate of identity theft for children is 35 times higher than the rate for adults—and growing. In 2014, the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council reported a 300 percent increase in calls related to child identity theft. Why Thieves Target Kids Child identity theft happens when someone steals a child’s personal information, often a Social Security number (SSN). The thief uses it to open credit cards, secure loans or engage in other criminal activity. How They Get Away With It Criminals can derail a child’s life in just three steps: The thief steals a child’s information. The thief uses data breaches/hacks, computer viruses or email phishing to access a child’s information, usually a SSN. The thief establishes a credit history. The thief typically tries to open an account with minimal credit history requirements—such as a cell phone, utility or unsecured credit card account—using the stolen SSN with a different name and date of birth. The thief builds up credit, and then cashes out. After the first account is set up, the thief can set up higher-value accounts, each account growing in size. When ready, the thief cuts ties with the identity, allowing any open accounts to go into default. The Impact on Children Most people are familiar with the financial cost of identity theft. There’s also a huge opportunity cost. Restoring a child’s identity can take years. In that time, child identity theft victims could be denied student loans, scholarships, internships, jobs, credit cards or housing. What You Can Do There’s a simple tool you can use to protect your child’s identity: a credit freeze. Maryland law requires that credit agencies allow parents to create a credit report for a child in order to freeze the account. The sooner you freeze your child’s credit, the lower the risk for identity theft. Why it works? Creditors cannot access an account that is frozen. Without a credit report to support an application, creditors are highly unlikely to approve and open an account for anyone who tries to use your child’s SSN. To freeze your child’s credit, submit a freeze request online or in writing to the credit agencies. Learn how to do it. Know the Warning Signs How can you tell if your child’s identity is stolen? If any of these red flags sound familiar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urges you to act immediately: Unusual calls, bills and offers for your child. You may receive calls from collection agencies. bills from credit card companies or service providers; credit card offers; or even bank account checks—all in your child’s name. Employment confirmation requests. The IRS, Social Security Administration or other government agency may ask to confirm that your child is employed, even though she is not or never has been. IRS notifications. The IRS may notify you that the information you filed for a dependent child is already listed on another filer’s tax return. Or, your child may receive a notice that he has failed to pay taxes on income that he never received. Denied benefits. If your child or your family is expecting to receive government benefits and is denied, it may be because another account is using your child’s SSN to receive benefits. Visit the FTC website to learn what to do. Learn more about protecting your child’s identity and about pediatrics at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Sources: Maryland Hospital Association; 2012 Child Identity Theft Report. Originally published Dec. 9, 2015. Last updated July 11, 2018.
- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLately, it seems like everything that comes on the news is plagued with disaster and acts of violence. And on June 28, the violence hit our backyard when a gunman entered the Capital Gazette newsroom with a shotgun, killing five people and injuring two. Many struggle with what to say or what to do, while others struggle to bounce back and feel a sense of safety and normalcy. This is true for many adults, but it also applies to children. Vulnerable by nature, kids can respond to traumatic events in many ways. Some can seem more withdrawn and quiet, while others may have a delayed reaction and demonstrate a change in their behavior weeks or months later. Many will feel confused, afraid, worried and develop an aggravated sense of being in danger. Children will turn to adults for more information and help to understand what it means. When it comes to children and violence in the news, it is important for you as a parent or guardian to keep communicating with them and reassure them that they are safe. Discussion helps validate a child’s feelings and comforts them during a period of confusion and fear. Here are a few tips for talking to kids after a traumatic event: Allow them to express their feelings. Give them the opportunity to express their emotions through talking, writing, drawing or whatever creative method they feel most comfortable. Acknowledge their feelings and let them know it’s normal to feel sad or upset. But most importantly, listen to them. There is no need to pressure them to talk or get involved. Give them space and pay close attention for signs of distress. Be patient. Let them discuss other fears and concerns about unrelated issues. Children and youth do not always talk about their feelings and fears willingly. Keep an eye on clues that suggest they have something they want to talk to you about, like hovering around while you are doing something. If they are hovering more than normal, ask how they are doing. They may respond to knowing you care. Keep your explanations age-appropriate. Use their questions as your guide as to how much information you need to give them. Early elementary school: Young children need short, simple information that should reassure them and their safety. Late elementary and early middle school: Children will be more open to asking questions about whether they are safe. It is likely they may need your help separating reality from the “what ifs”. Late middle school and early high school: Adolescents will feel strongly about the causes of violence in society and will express their own opinions. They will share specific suggestions about how to make their environment safer and how to prevent tragedies in society. Talk to them about what they can do to become responsible citizens, for example: not providing building access to strangers, reporting strange activity, reporting threats, how to respond to an active shooter, etc. Keep it simple. Be basic and answer questions in a way they can understand. Avoid giving graphic details about tragic circumstances. Monitor TV and social media consumption. Try to watch the news with them. You may wish to limit their access so they have time away from reminders that trigger them reliving a traumatic experience. Don’t use labels. Be careful with blaming any particular cultural or ethnic group. Let children know that they are not to blame when bad things happen. Many influential speakers will attempt to scapegoat when it helps their agenda. This can obscure a child’s sense of safety for decades. Help them see the good. Help children identify good things, such as heroic actions, families who get together to share support and the assistance offered by others. Keep a normal routine. Keeping a regular schedule can be encouraging and promote physical health. Especially self-care routines, like preparing and eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep and exercising. Some children may require more active interventions, such as family counseling, if they were more directly affected by a traumatic experience. Be careful not to over-shield children. Everyone is bound to hear or see something that might be disappointing. Pretending that something didn’t happen or doesn’t exist can only make things worse. The best thing parents and guardians can do is to continue to support children, communicate with them and help them through challenges with love and kindness. Remind them that tragedy is not the norm and encourage them to be the best version of themselves by being forgiving and compassionate with others. When we care and look after each other as humans, we are bound to create more good than bad. Author Daniel Watkins is the nursing manager at Pathways, Anne Arundel Medical Center’s substance and mental health treatment facility. He can be reached at 410-573-5434. Ask questions, find resources and learn more at askAAMC.org/HealthyMinds.
- General Page Tier 3BlogDo you use the same type of lettuce in your salad every week and eat the same fruits and vegetables on a regular basis? Summer is the perfect time to try new produce. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables gives your body a broader range of vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients. Plus — it keeps your palette from getting bored! Next time you’re in a culinary rut, stroll through the farmers market or grocery store produce section and pick up something you don’t recognize. The flavor may surprise you. Here are some less-common fruits and vegetables you can use to complement your favorite dishes or use in new recipes: Kumquat. These bite-sized citrus wonders are more tart than their bigger relative, oranges, and their peel is edible. The peel tastes like an orange peel but is sweeter and more tender. Star fruit. This fruit looks like a star when sliced and is quite tasty. The flavors are similar to citrus fruits and plums. You can pop the whole fruit into your mouth—seeds, skin and all! Jicama. This vegetable looks like a potato, has the crispy and juicy texture of a pear, but tastes sweet and starchy like an apple. It’s delicious raw and adds crunch and flavor to salads. Bok choy. For a distinct, peppery, fresh flavor, try this lettuce-like vegetable. You can enjoy it blanched, steamed, pickled or sautéed. It’s part of the cabbage family and is a cruciferous vegetable. Parsnips. Similar to carrots in their woody texture when raw, they actually have a lightly spiced flavor, similar to nutmeg and cinnamon. White asparagus. This type of asparagus lacks a green color since it grows underground. It is milder in taste, more tender and cooks quicker than green asparagus. Pomelo. Imagine the biggest grapefruit you’ve ever seen. Then imagine it seven times larger and you have a pomelo. Inside the outer layer are big and juicy citrus segments with bold flavor. Dragon fruit. Subtle in flavor, this fruit is a little sweet and a little sour with a creamy texture. Water apple. This pear-shaped, red fruit is actually a berry. The high water content gives it a crisp and refreshing flavor, similar to watermelon. Not sure how to use your new produce? A simple chopped fruit salad is a great refreshing summer treat. Try experimenting with different combinations of fruits. Or try making this jicama salad. Chopped Jicama Mex Salad INGREDIENTS Salad: 1 cup jicama, peeled and chopped 1 can black beans, rinsed and well drained 1 cup fresh tomato, chopped ¾ cup corn, fresh or frozen 1 red bell pepper, chopped ½ avocado, chopped ¼ cup red onion, chopped 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped Lime Dressing: ¼ cup lime juice 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons honey 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (optional) 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste INSTRUCTIONS: Toss all salad ingredients in a large bowl. Prepare the lime dressing in a separate bowl. Pour dressing over salad mixture and toss. Get nutritious, local produce at Anne Arundel Medical Center’s farmers market! The market runs every Friday from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm through Oct. 26. Visit us at the ground level of the South Pavilion. Park in Garage A. 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 July 7, 2016. Last updated July 9, 2018.
- General Page Tier 3BlogWant to start making smart and informed food choices? Mindful eating is often more effective than restrictive diets. We encourage you to take time to enjoy food traditions and appreciate the pleasures, flavors and social experiences food can add to our lives. Enjoy food traditions Food and social activities often go together. Food plays a central role in holiday occasions and nearly all social gatherings, which can be good. Research shows that eating dinner together with your family can promote healthier eating and strengthen relationships. Prioritize family meals and take time to enjoy food traditions that come with social gatherings. Take your time In today’s busy world, people often eat quickly and mindlessly. Try eating slowly to help you savor the flavor of your food. Eat one bite at a time, and focus on the different flavors and textures. Stop and take time between bites, put your fork down and enjoy conversation. Eating slowly not only allows you to enjoy your food, but it can also help you eat less by giving your stomach time to tell your brain that you’re full. Be a mindful eater What you eat is important, but how, when, why and where you eat are equally as important. Think about where you eat most of your meals. Many people eat lunch on the go or at their work desks and dinner in front of the television. Take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to find a nice place to mindfully eat instead of multitasking during meals. Each person’s dietary needs are different based on individual health. A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can help guide your food choices while considering your tastes and preferences. RDNs are able to separate fact from fad and translate nutritional science into information you can use. While a healthy lifestyle goes beyond eating more fruits and vegetables, adding them to your diet has lots of nutritional benefits. For a healthy side dish, try making this spicy cauliflower recipe. Spicy Cauliflower Ingredients: 1 head cauliflower 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 tablespoons soy sauce Juice of a lemon (or 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar) 2 green onions, sliced 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce Directions: Cut the cauliflower into large florets and then use your hands to break into very small florets. Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium high heat. Add the oils, cauliflower and garlic. Stir the cauliflower around in the pan, allowing it to get very brown in some areas. Cook for 5–8 minutes, then turn the heat to low. Add the soy sauce, lemon juice and most of the sliced green onions. Stir and cook for 1 minute, then add the hot sauce and stir until well mixed. Serve warm. Sprinkle remaining green onions on top. To learn more about nutrition services at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, visit Luminishealth.org/nutrition-services. Authors By Ann Caldwell, nutritionist and registered dietitian at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach her call 443-481-5555. Originally published March 8, 2016. Last updated July 9, 2018.
- Cancer Care, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSkin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and it’s on the rise. Skin cancer can affect anyone at any age, with more than three-and-a-half million skin cancer cases diagnosed each year—that’s more than the incidence of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and it’s rising fastest among 25- to 29-year-olds. One in 50 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in their lifetime. Exposure to UV rays from tanning beds is a major risk factor for melanoma, along with your total sun exposure as a child and teenager. When caught early, it can almost always be cured. But left untreated, melanoma can become deadly. This cancer develops when pigment-producing cells grow and form a tumor, which can eventually spread to other parts of the body. Spot the Problem There would be fewer deaths from melanoma if people regularly took time to do a thorough skin exam. This means checking for moles from your scalp to the bottoms of your feet and even under your fingernails and toenails. If you find something unusual, have it checked even if you can’t trace any recent sun exposure. It’s not the sunburn you might have received on a recent vacation, but the exposure to sun earlier in your life that can affect your risk of getting skin cancer. Know Your ABCD and E’s When it comes to monitoring your moles, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends you know your ABCD and E’s: A for Asymmetry: One half of the mole is different from the other half B for Border Irregularity: The edges are notched, uneven or blurred C for Color: The color is uneven. Shades of brown, tan and black are present D for Diameter: The diameter is greater than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) E for Evolving: There is change in size, color or shape over time, or additional symptoms like itching or bleeding start If you notice any of these, seek out your doctor’s advice. Protect Yourself It’s important to protect yourself from the sun when you are outdoors. Seek shade from 10am to 4pm and wear a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses and protective clothing. Apply UV-blocking sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to all exposed skin every two hours. Those who develop melanoma have a three-fold risk of developing it again, so always be vigilant. If you have had melanoma, guidelines suggest you get screened every three to six months. About 80 percent of people who develop melanoma have local, curable disease if caught early. If you’re concerned about a mole, talk to your dermatologist about getting a melanoma screening, or ask your primary care doctor for more information about seeing a dermatologist. Check your risk of skin cancer with our free skin cancer risk assessment. Author By Glen Gibson, MD, surgical oncologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published April 21, 2015. Last updated July 9, 2018.
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