- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogStars in your eyes, butterflies in your stomach, weak in the knees—falling in love is a feeling like no other. But did you know being in love actually has tangible health benefits for both your body and your mind? “We are social creatures and we do best when we have strong social support systems,” explains Baran Kilical, MD, a cardiologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center. “Being in love can affect everything from your stress levels to your heart health.” Here are few of the scientifically backed benefits of being in love: A longer life Research shows a clear link between strong social ties and longevity. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology assessed the relationships of nearly 5,000 adults ages 30 to 69. Those with strong, happy marriages lived longer than unmarried men and women. Unfortunately, the phenomenon goes both ways. In the same study, adults with poor social ties had twice the risk of death compared to others in the study. “Many different studies have replicated these findings, especially in men,” says Dr. Kilical. “Most research shows being married is even more beneficial to men’s health than women’s health.” And there’s a growing amount of research showing a higher risk of illness and death in people with low quantity and low quality of social relationships. “Social isolation is a major risk factor for death from a variety of causes in both genders,” says Dr. Kilical. Learn your risk for heart disease with our free online heart health profiler at askAAMC.org/HeartHealth and take the first step toward having a healthy heart for life. A healthy heart It’s fitting that the symbol for love is a heart, given all the heart health benefits of being in love. Married people experience half the risk of death from heart disease than that of unmarried or divorced men and women. “One theory explains this finding by citing improved function of the autonomic nervous system, which controls bodily functions like heart rate, in people who are married or in love,” says Dr. Kilical. “Our sympathetic nervous system, or our stress “fight-or-flight” response likely plays a role as well.” Being in love tends to decrease our stress response, which can in turn lower blood pressure. Studies show strong love, marriage and social ties improve blood pressure, while isolation and being around strangers increases it. The same holds true for heart rate. And if you do have a heart attack, being happily married helps. In a 2015 study, married people had a 14 percent lower risk of dying in the hospital after a heart attack. They also had shorter hospital stays by an average of two days. Healthy lungs It’s not just your heart that benefits from being in love. Being married can help protect against complications and death from pneumonia. Compared to unmarried men and women, married people are less likely to require ventilator support via a breathing machine, have shorter hospital stays, are less likely to end up in an intensive care unit and have 13 percent lower risk of dying during hospitalization for pneumonia. Less stress Besides the physical health benefits, being in love works wonders for your mental health as well. Love, marriage and overall wellbeing reduce stress, which also strengthens your immune system. But what really goes on in your mind when you’re in love? “Thanks to endocrine research (the study of hormones) and modern functional brain MRIs, we can get a peek behind the scenes,” says Dr. Kilical. “Love causes changes in many of your hormones including oxytocin, vasopressin, dopamine, serotonin, cortisol and testosterone.” Here’s some of what goes on in your brain: The hormones oxytocin and vasopressin interact with your dopamine reward system. This is the same system that causes people to feel good or happy when positive events happen, such as getting a pay raise or falling in love. Vasopressin helps control blood pressure. Cortisol, the stress hormone, initially rises when you fall in love, but quickly drops in a long-term, stable relationship. Low cortisol levels sustained in a long-term stable relationship contributes to many health benefits. Not in love? How to still reap the benefits If a significant other is lacking in your life, no need to worry. “Some of these health benefits still apply to people who have a strong social support system,” notes Dr. Kilical. “Positive, close relationships with family members and friends can keep you healthier, too.” Even something as simple as a hug can help. Most people know hugs can help you feel connected to other people, but did you know they can actually help prevent sickness? When you feel connected to others, especially through physical touch, you’re less prone to experience sickness caused by stress. In one study of more than 400 adults, researchers found that the more often people hugged, the more their chances of getting sick decreased. Hugging may be an indicator of overall social support in a person’s life, which also promotes good health. In the same study, the adults who said they have a strong social support system had fewer cold symptoms than those who said their support system was lacking. No matter what your relationship status, remember that positive, close relationships are important for your overall health and wellness. Taking the time to invest in family members and friends is also an investment in your personal health. Author Baran Kilical, MD, is a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist with Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published Feb. 13, 2017. Last updated Feb. 7, 2020.
- CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe mission: spread kindness throughout our community. Get started: Collect rocks that you would like to paint with your very own messages of kindness or happy artwork. Grab them on your next walk or find them at a local home improvement or craft store. Prep your rocks for maximum beauty: We recommend using a non-toxic acrylic paint on the rocks before you decorate with a paint pen. Inspire and encourage: Let your creative juices flow and write your very own message of kindness. We recommend using a Sharpie Oil Base paint pen or Prismacolor art markers. Don’t let anything dull your sparkle: Once your rock is dry, protect it from outdoor elements by using a sealant, such as Modge Podge or another clear acrylic spray. Keep it going: Help our community keep track of your kindness by writing the hashtag #AAMCRocks on the back of each rock! Not only will these acts of kindness help the finders, but they will also inspire the rest of the community to join #TheKindnessRocksProject movement with AAMC. Throw kindness around like confetti: Make someone else’s day by hiding your kindness rocks on our campus or in your community. If you are planning on hiding it indoors, please be sure to ask for permission first. Learn more about the Kindness Rocks Project and how we’re bringing it to our AAMC community. Originally published Aug. 22, 2017. Last updated Feb. 7, 2020.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogCancer and pregnancy. Two words many people would not put in the same sentence. But with a growing number of cancer survivors still in their reproductive years, many people are often considering cancer treatment and how it will affect their future ability to have kids. WATCH: Conquering cancer during pregnancy. Thanks to advances in cancer treatment, the rate of survival from childhood and adult cancers has increased steadily over the years. The five-year survival rate is greater than 80 percent for both childhood cancers and adult women of reproductive age. In fact, 1 in 400 adults are cancer survivors. Chemotherapy, radiation or surgery can affect the number and quality of eggs within the ovary. Treatment can also cause damage or loss of reproductive organs. The likelihood of a cancer survivor having a significant decrease or complete loss of fertility through ovarian failure depends on her age, type of cancer and specific treatment plan. Fertility preservation (FP) serves the purpose of preserving, expanding and restoring the reproductive future of cancer patients. Why is it important? Fertility issues are emotionally challenging, no matter the cause. One study found that 55 percent of cancer patients felt having a child was the most important event in their life. In addition, 64 percent said their fertility was the single most concerning issue about their treatment. These concerns are valid and understandable. In fact, the loss of fertility from cancer treatment is associated with depression, increased stress, sexual dysfunction and lower physical quality of life. To add to the burden, research shows that talking about the risk of cancer-related infertility is an important but inadequate part of the discussion at the time of diagnosis. A lack of information at the time of diagnosis and treatment planning are associated with negative mood and increased stress. Sadly, 33 percent of women report dissatisfaction with the quality and length of discussion about cancer-related effects on their reproductive health. And 73 percent of childhood cancer survivors say they received insufficient information when they were diagnosed. What options are available? The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommends that doctors assess all patients diagnosed with cancer for the risk of infertility. The ASCO also advises that interested patients at risk for treatment-induced infertility see a specialist to discuss their options. Cancer patients should talk openly about these things with their doctor. There are established methods of FP for adult women and adolescents who have undergone puberty. Egg and embryo cryopreservation, or freezing, are two options. For some patients, ovarian transposition and fertility-sparing surgeries may be available. For pre-pubertal children, investigational methods such as ovarian tissue freezing may be an option. For men, sperm preservation is a well-established method for FP and can be done through their local sperm bank or fertility specialist. FP decision-making Learning you have cancer is stressful and overwhelming. This is why making decisions about FP at the same time is challenging. Counseling about FP options is incredibly beneficial, even if women choose not to proceed with preservation before their cancer treatment. Studies show that counseling results in feelings of hope and profound relief while giving many patients a reason to live. Furthermore, those who proceed with FP treatment often feel it helps them cope and stay positive. READ MORE: Tips on supporting a loved one through cancer. There is still a lot to learn about FP and family building after cancer. Ongoing research is offering more information about the effects of cancer treatment and methods of FP. In addition, the cost of some treatments has historically been a barrier for many patients. However, Maryland recently became the third state to enact a fertility preservation law. Many factors affect the chance of becoming pregnant after fertility-sparing surgery or egg/embryo freezing. If you’re a cancer patient facing these decisions, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the FP options that are best for you. Authors Monica B. Jones, MD, MS, FACOG, FACS, is chair of Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Women’s and Children’s services. Rebecca J. Chason, MD, specializes in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published June 18, 2018. Last updated Feb. 4, 2020.
- Physical Therapy, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHave you ever experienced leakage after having a baby? Does it happen when you are hiking with family? Or when your cough or sneeze? Have felt embarrassed to go out with your girlfriends because you fear laughing with them will cause you to pee? Has it ever crossed your mind that maybe there’s something you can do to prevent this from happening? These are a lot of questions, I know. But many women feel these things are an inevitable part of aging, or something that’s normal after you have a child. Leakage — also called incontinence — is not something you have to live with. It’s one of many pelvic floor disorders that can strip women of their confidence in doing normal, everyday things they like to do. But I have good news for you. There is a solution — preventative pelvic floor therapy. What is it? Pelvic floor physical therapy involves the pelvic floor muscle group. A person might consider this type of therapy to help treat incontinence, difficulty with urination or bowel movements, constipation, chronic pelvic pain and painful intercourse. Pelvic floor disorders are very common, affecting nearly 25 percent of women in the United States, according to research. Women’s bodies go through many changes in their life from puberty to menopause. These changes come with a torrent of hormonal and physical imbalances that can wreak havoc on the pelvic floor. Many women endure urinary and fecal incontinence as well as acute pelvic pain, back pain, muscle tears, tailbone fractures and other fractures, prolapsed bladders and rectum, painful sexual intercourse and abdominal separation. Some experience this at some point in their lives, most commonly after childbirth. READ MORE: The importance of good pelvic health Can you prevent a pelvic floor disorder? There are many things you can do to prevent or lessen pelvic floor damage. You don’t have to wait to have signs or symptoms — such as incontinence — to work on strengthening your pelvic floor. Here are a few tips to reduce incontinence and other issues and to help prevent future problems: Do your Kegels. Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder, small intestine and rectum. These exercises can help you prevent or better control incontinence and other pelvic floor problems. Check for organ prolapse. Bladder, rectal and/or uterine prolapse can cause bowel and bladder control issues, feeling of heaviness/bulging in vagina, incomplete emptying, and pain with intercourse among other things. Work with your urogynecologist and a pelvic floor rehab specialist to help alleviate and prevent future problems. Small changes count. Take control of constipation to prevent undue stress on the pelvic floor and strain on these muscles by drinking more water, eating fiber rich foods and using a squatty potty to relax the muscles during bowel movements. Take care of your diet. Decreasing bladder irritants such as coffee, soda, carbonated beverages, spicy foods and artificial sugars can slow down an overactive bladder and urgency that can lead to leakage. Check your bathroom schedule. Avoid going to bathroom less than every two hours but do not hold more than four hours. The ideal range is between two and four hours to avoid creating any future problems related to overactive bladder or retention. You shouldn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed if you’re experiencing a pelvic floor issue. In fact, I encourage you to be open and reach out to a specialist with any questions or concerns you might have related to your pelvic health. At Anne Arundel Medical Center, we have specialists who can review with you all the above tips to alleviate any question and decrease or prevent any problems to help you improve your quality of life. Just remember, it’s completely normal and there are ways to help. We’re here to help you get back to leading a more confident life! Author Kinnariben Patel is a physical therapist at AAMG Physical Therapy. To reach her, call 443-481-1140. Originally published Oct. 2, 2018. Last updated Feb. 4, 2020.
- General Page Tier 3BlogIf you are feeling forgetful, it could be due to a number of different factors, such as lack of sleep, low physical activity, lifestyle, environment or genetic factors. Your diet could also be the culprit. Diet plays a role in your brain health. The best menu for boosting memory encourages good blood flow to the brain, similar to what is recommended to nourish and protect your heart. Research shows the Mediterranean diet helps to keep aging brains sharp, and a growing body of evidence links foods like those in the Mediterranean diet with better cognitive function, memory and alertness. To optimize brain health, here are a few suggestions to consider: Eat your vegetables. Eating adequate vegetables, especially cruciferous ones, including broccoli, cabbage and dark leafy greens, may help improve memory. Try a kale salad or substitute collard greens for a tortilla in your next sandwich wrap. Broccoli stir-fry is also an excellent option for lunch or dinner. Work in walnuts. Well known for a positive impact on heart health, walnuts may also improve working memory. Snack on a handful of walnuts to satisfy midday hunger. Add them to oatmeal or salad for a crunch or mix them into a vegetable stir-fry for extra protein. Be sweet on berries and cherries. Berries, especially dark ones such as blackberries, blueberries and cherries, are a rich source of anthocyanins (natural pigments with health-promoting properties) that may boost memory function. Enjoy a handful of berries for a snack. Mix berries into cereal or try baking them into a dessert. You can reap health benefits from fresh or frozen berries and cherries. Get adequate omega-3 fatty acids. Essential for good brain health, omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in particular, may help improve memory in healthy young adults. DHA is the most abundant fatty acid in the brain, essential for its growth and functional development. It makes sense that if you have higher levels of DHA in the blood, then the brain will operate more efficiently. Seafood, algae, and fatty fish, including salmon, Bluefin tuna, sardines and herring, are some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Substitute fish for meat a few times a week to get a healthy dose. Grill, bake or broil fish for ultimate flavor and health. Try salmon tacos with red cabbage slaw. Snack on sardines or enjoy seared tuna on salad greens for dinner. If you don’t eat fish, try tofu, walnuts, chia seeds, kale, collards or spinach, which are also packed with DHA. These foods are not just good for brain health, they sustain a healthy heart and all parts of the body. While there is no guarantee that these foods will help you remember where you put your keys tomorrow, over time they can support lifelong good health. 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 10, 2017. Last updated Feb. 3, 2020.
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