- 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.
- Weight Loss, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogChildhood obesity is a debilitating disease that can affect children physically and mentally. As a child, it’s easy to gravitate toward snacks that come in bright, colorful wrapping or grab a tasty, sugary drink without thinking much of the long-term effects. But, if your child combines consistent poor diet choices with other factors, this can lead to childhood obesity. Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in the U.S., with the percentage of children and adolescents affected by obesity tripling since the 1970s. Data shows one in five school age children and young people in the U.S. has obesity, making it the most common chronic disease of childhood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parents should be aware of factors that contribute to childhood obesity. These include genetics, metabolism, eating behaviors and physical activity, sleep schedule and negative events that a child might have experienced. There are health risks linked to childhood obesity that can have a harmful effect on the body in more than one way. Obese children can experience high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, breathing problems and joint discomfort, among other conditions. Obese children are also susceptible to psychological problems, such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It’s important that you help your child develop a healthy relationship with food from the very beginning. My best advice for parents and guardians is to keep it practical, primarily focusing on nutrition and physical activity. Here are some steps in preventing childhood obesity: Develop a healthy relationship between a child and food. Focus on the health factor, not the body factor to prevent developing a negative relationship between a child and food. Be careful how you talk about weight. Tell your child you want to help them focus on eating foods that are healthy. Eat healthy. Eating five or more servings of fruits and veggies per day can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, cancer and early death. Get more hours of exercise per day. I recommend 60 minutes every day. This includes walking or any other aerobic activity. An easy way to make exercise fun is for your child to get involved in a team sport, play with other children in the park or go biking. If you yourself practice this, your child will be more likely to do it and develop it as a habit. Remember, they look up to you! Stay away from sugary drinks and snacks. Focus more on the produce aisle and stay away from high sugar drinks and high calorie snacks. Limit these to special occasions so your child begins to develop the habit of having these every once in a while and not as frequently. Instead, try a new fruit or vegetable every month. Practice mindful eating. We tend to eat more when we’re distracted. Instead of watching TV, practice mindful eating and being present. This also allows for more family time and having conversations with each other. Sleep. This is very important. If your child sleeps less than nine hours a night, he or she is more likely to be obese. Make sure your child has a regular sleep schedule. This will also help your child have the energy he or she needs to get through the day. If needed, consider seeing a nutritionist. It won’t be an overnight change, but you can start by changing your child’s diet and encouraging healthy weight loss (no more than two pounds a week if they’re a child or adolescent, and no more than one pound per month if they’re between two and five to make sure they get the nutrition they need to grow). When you make these little changes, you’re setting them up to make good decisions for the rest of their lives. Author Deon Edgerson-George, MD, is an internal medicine physician and pediatrician at Luminis Health Primary Care.
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