- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhile many people associate heart issues such as heart attacks and cardiac arrest with older adults, young athletes can also be at risk. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, about 2,000 people under the age of 25 die from sudden cardiac arrest each year. Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating. The risk is three times greater in competitive athletes. In young adults, it’s most common among high-school and college-aged athletes who play high-intensity sports such as soccer, football and basketball. It seems illogical. Why would young, healthy and active athletes be at a higher risk for heart issues than the average young adult? Sudden cardiac arrest has to do with the heart’s electrical circuitry or a structural problem in the heart. Unlike a heart attack where arteries are blocked, cardiac arrest is an electrical problem. If there’s an electrical short circuit, the heart is “quivering” instead of “squeezing.” This means it isn’t pumping blood to the brain and other vital organs. Death can result from this. One of the most common of these electrical or structural problems is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), where the heart muscle is abnormally thickened. HCM is the most common cause of cardiac arrest found in athletes in the United States (approximately one-third of cases). In competitive athletes, there are often structural changes to the heart from intense exercise. When coupled with the sudden physical demands placed on the heart, the risk of sudden cardiac death increases. It’s very difficult to prevent, but recognizing cardiac arrest is the first step. The warning signs–dizziness and shortness of breath–don’t always happen. Furthermore, athletes are goal-oriented and often ignore warning signs as they push their bodies to the point of exhaustion. If you see someone collapse, you should always call 911 immediately. Cardiac arrest is time-crucial. Giving chest compressions and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) while you wait for help to arrive can make the difference between life and death. While imaging tests like electrocardiograms (EKG) and echocardiograms can detect heart problems that may lead to cardiac arrest, the American Heart Association doesn’t routinely recommend these tests for everyone. Athletes should get their blood pressure and heartbeat checked at their yearly physical exam and let their doctor know about family medical history. If anything raises a red flag, more advanced tests may be necessary. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms that are unusual for them, it’s worth asking your doctor about it. Author Baran Kilical, MD, is a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist with Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published Aug. 2, 2016. Last updated March 7, 2019.
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMove over quinoa, kale and coconut oil! The newest food trend is here: pulses. So what exactly is this food that’s caught the global spotlight? Pulses are the dried seeds of legumes (think soybeans, peanuts, etc.). There are many different varieties of pulses but the most common pulses are dried beans, chickpeas and lentils. Pulses have been a staple around the world for thousands of years, keeping people healthy, lean and satisfied without increasing risk of disease or weight gain. So why should you make pulses part of your diet? They’re affordable! You don’t have to empty your wallet to eat healthy. Beans, chickpeas and lentils aren’t expensive and fill you up fast. Thanks to fiber and complex carbohydrates, pulses keep you full and help control blood sugar and insulin. Research shows the more you add beans to your diet, the less risk you have for type 2 diabetes. Pulses are packed with nutrients like folate, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, protein, B vitamins, phytochemicals and fiber. Plus they’re low in fat. Pulses can help manage cholesterol, improve digestive health, regulate energy levels and appetite, increase bone health and lower risk of obesity and certain cancers. Here are five ways to add pulses to your diet: Add lentils to homemade or canned soups for a hearty lunch. Add black beans in tacos and use less ground meat or poultry. Add white beans to spaghetti sauce for a vegetarian pasta dish. Add black beans and salsa to your macaroni and cheese to create a Mexican twist on the traditional dish. Sprinkle chickpeas on your tossed salad for a filling topping. For healthy snacks try adding pulses to yogurt and smoothies, grains, soups or salads for color and crunch, but remember that moderation is key. Recipe: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad INGREDIENTS: Salad: One 15-ounce can garbanzo beans (chickpeas) 1/8 cup fresh parsley, chopped ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped ½ cup Roma tomatoes, diced ½ cup cucumber, seeded and chopped 1/8 cup black olives, sliced 2 ounces feta cheese, reduced fat, crumbled 1/8 cup red onion, finely chopped Dressing: 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar ¼ teaspoon garlic, minced INSTRUCTIONS: Drain and rinse the garbanzo beans. Place in a medium bowl. Add the vegetables and toss. Add feta cheese and olives. Mix all dressing ingredients together and whisk to combine. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coast. Chill for 1 to 2 hours before serving. Add salt and pepper to taste. 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 Nov. 7, 2016. Last updated March 6, 2019.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe 2018 Anne Arundel County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) was released today. The comprehensive, data-driven report, which identifies the health needs of the community, is a collaboration between the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC), University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UM BWMC), Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency, Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, Anne Arundel County YWCA, and Anne Arundel County Partnership for Children, Youth and Families. As a mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the assessment presents data and key factors impacting the health of county residents and serves as the foundation for strategic planning for local hospitals and public health agencies. “Improving the health and well-being of our communities is the driving force of every organization involved in this report. The information from the CHNA helps us to guide our efforts to address the health needs and disparities in our county,” said Acting Anne Arundel County Health Officer Billie Penley. The CHNA examines a variety of health and behavioral indicators, including social determinants of health (such as poverty, housing, and education), mortality rates, high risk behaviors (alcohol and tobacco use), and chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. The 2018 report identified mental health, substance abuse, access to care, and chronic disease as health priorities for the county. The report also shares principal findings such as an increase in county residents classified as obese, the growth of the Hispanic population, the lack of public transportation, homelessness, and the impact of social media on mental health. “The Community Health Needs Assessment provides an opportunity to further our mission of enhancing the health of the people we serve,” said Deneen Richmond, vice president of population health and clinical improvement at Anne Arundel Medical Center. “The last assessment prompted us to solidify our palliative care program and work on better care coordination for patients. This important assessment impacts real change to better health care in our community.” “The CHNA provides critical insight into the health needs and concerns of county residents. Its findings have led to increased focus on areas of highest need in our community, such as mental health and the opioid use,” says Becky Paesch, vice president of physician services at UM BWMC. “We will continue to use the findings identified through the CHNA to make sure we are moving in the right direction.”
- Cancer Care, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogColon cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the United States. It is also the second deadliest cancer that affects both men and women. However, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if everyone age 50 or older had regular screenings, up to 60 percent of colon cancer deaths could be prevented. In fact, many cases of colon cancer can be completely prevented through a simple screening exam called colonoscopy. “Colon cancer is preventable through the removal of intestinal polyps, which have the potential to become cancerous,” says Surgical Oncologist Naeem Newman, MD. “This can be done during colonoscopy.” If you’re 50+ this year, pledge to have your colonoscopy. Learn more at askAAMC.org/Milestone50. Risky Business Factors that raise colon cancer risk Inflammatory bowel disease Family history Diet high in red meat or fat Smoking Obesity Factors that lower colon cancer risk Diet high in fiber Diet high in fruits and vegetables Taking aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Regular exercise Hormone replacement therapy in women Some studies have shown that people who include folate (the synthetic form is folic acid) in their diet have lower rates of colon cancer. Some foods that are rich in folate are fortified cereals, black-eyed peas, kidney beans and spinach. Many people avoid colonoscopy due to their fears about the procedure or feelings of embarrassment, but it’s relatively simple and pain free. The day before the colonoscopy, you prepare your intestine by taking a prescribed laxative. The day of the procedure, you are sedated and the doctor inserts a thin flexible tube into the rectum. The tube contains a camera and a light that allows the doctor to examine the inner walls of the colon—all five feet of it—for polyps and other abnormal growths. If anything out of the ordinary is found, the doctor can remove the polyps, which are tested for cancer. Illustration of a polyp removal. While 50 is the recommended age for a first colonoscopy, anyone with a first-degree family member (i.e., parent or sibling) who has had colon cancer should be checked sooner. “There’s no valid reason for not getting a colonoscopy,” says Dr. Newman. If there are no concerning findings with your colonoscopy, you may not need another one for up to 10 years. Colon cancer is preventable. Don’t wait if you are over 50. Call your doctor to set up a colonoscopy screening. If you need a physician referral, visit FindaDoc or call 443-481-5555. Author Naeem Newman, MD, is a surgical oncologist at AAMC Surgical Oncology. Originally published Feb. 19, 2016. Last updated Feb. 26, 2019.
- Cancer Care, Weight LossGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWeight loss surgery has many health benefits for the obese, including lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. But many don’t realize lowering cancer risk is another reason to consider the procedure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity is linked to 40 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the U.S., including: Breast (in women past menopause) Colorectal Endometrial (lining of the uterus) Esophageal Gallbladder Kidney Liver Meningioma Multiple myeloma Ovarian Pancreatic Stomach Thyroid Uterine An important distinction the National Cancer Institute (NCI) makes is that obese people who have weight loss surgery appear to have lower risks of obesity-related cancers than obese people who don’t have the operation. NCI bases this off of a 2013 study on weight loss surgery, but more research continues to emerge. The Annals of Surgery published a study on bariatric surgery and cancer risk. Researchers followed 89,000 severely obese patients, including about 22,000 who had weight loss surgery, for an average follow-up of three and a half years. The patients who had weight loss surgery were 33 percent less likely to develop any cancer during the study, which ran from 2005 through 2014. When they looked specifically at obesity-related cancers, the numbers increased. Patients who had weight loss surgery were 41 percent less likely to develop obesity-related cancers, and 40 percent less likely to be diagnosed with tumors linked to obesity. There are a few types of weight loss surgery. The majority of the patients in this study had gastric bypass surgery in which a small stomach pouch is created and the small intestines are rerouted. Twenty-seven percent of people in the study had sleeve gastrectomy in which a portion of your stomach is removed. In this particular study, more than 80 percent of the participants were women. It’s important to note that researchers found a link between bariatric surgery and cancer risk in women, not men. Since many cancers take years to develop, the researchers noted it’s possible their research underestimates the impact of weight loss surgery on cancer risk. Research will continue, and we’ll get a better understanding of the link between obesity, weight loss and cancer risk. Until then, the reality is that there are nearly 15 million adults in the U.S. who are severely obese. Cancer prevention is just one of the many reasons to consider bariatric surgery. To learn more about weight loss surgery, attend a free seminar at AAMC. To learn more or register, visit luminishealth.org/weight-loss-surgery. Author Alex Gandsas, MD, is a bariatric surgeon at the LHAAMC Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery Program. To reach his practice, call 443-481-6699. Originally published Jan. 22, 2018. Last updated July 5, 2023.
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