- Weight Loss, Women's Health, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogChances are if you’ve set a New Year’s resolution it has something to do with losing weight. Up your chance for success with these three secrets to attaining a healthy weight: Set a realistic goal and plan. When setting your healthy weight goal, it’s essential you don’t bite off more than you can chew. Yes, it’s critical to set a goal, but it’s equally important to make that goal a realistic fit for you and your lifestyle. Remember, your primary care provider is a wonderful resource for helping map out a tailored plan for eating the right foods and getting enough exercise. Also, if you’re struggling to meet your goal, your provider may discover an underlying medical issue holding you back. Your provider is your personal health partner, but only if you start the conversation. Find a workout buddy. Studies consistently show the power of having a workout buddy. One study published by the Society of Behavioral Medicine in 2012 showed that people who rode an exercise bike with a buddy rode a whopping 87 percent longer than when they rode solo. A friend can provide support, accountability and the motivation you need to meet your goal, plus they provide healthy competition. Depending on your schedule and lifestyle, a good workout buddy may be a co-worker, friend, spouse or family member. The important thing to remember is it’s best to have someone who has similar goals and fitness level. Struggling to find someone? Join a fitness class and search out someone of a similar fitness level. Or, enlist your dog as your buddy. Enjoy a walk or run while giving your dog some much-needed exercise. Track your progress. Have you ever had a car that showed your average miles per gallon at the touch of a button or a thermostat that showed how much your heat was on throughout the day? It comes as no surprise that people who use this sort of technology end up getting better gas mileage or lower energy bills. Similarly, technology can help you stay on track with your healthy weight goal, too. Whether you use an app to track the foods you eat or a fitness bracelet that tracks your steps and heart rate, there are lots of options out there to help you track improvement. And when you see your progress, it helps you see what’s possible. Ultimately, these three tips are all about building an effective support and accountability system to help you make healthy lifestyle changes. With this system in place, you’re much more likely to beat the odds and stick to your weight loss resolution. We offer a variety of group exercise classes at AAMC including yoga, Zumba, pilates and strength training classes. Check out the schedule and try something new this year. AAMC also offers free weight loss surgery seminars in both Easton and Annapolis. To learn more about what you can gain with weight loss surgery, visit aamcbariatrics.com. Originally published Dec. 31, 2015. Last updated Dec. 17, 2018.
- Employee SpotlightGeneral Page Tier 3BlogShortly after graduating from the University of Syracuse with a sociology degree, Jimeisha Bailey got a job as a teacher and counselor helping children with mild and severe disabilities. She loved what she did and enjoyed every aspect of her job, but something was missing. “Something wasn’t working for me,” Jimeisha says. “I always knew I wanted to go back to school, so I quit my job and looked for new education opportunities.” While in university, one of her friends had encouraged her to take a certified nursing assistant (CAN) class. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” she says. “But there was something about the classes that felt right and I continued to take them. Today, I have no doubts that I am on the right path.” Jimeisha currently serves as a patient care technician at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC). Since starting work here a little over a year and a half ago, she says she feels like things in her career are falling into place, empowering her and her work. “My work gives me a sense of gratification,” she says. “One moment you’re admitting a patient who can barely speak when they get here, and the next moment they’re healthy again and getting ready to go home. It’s gratifying to see someone get better. It’s nice to make people happy.” When she starts her shift, Jimeisha’s first task is to drop off fresh linen to patients. She addresses every patient with a warm smile, followed with her favorite reminder: “Today is going to be a great day!” “Positive energy transfers positive energy,” Jimeisha says. “To me, that’s just what you’re supposed to do. That patient could be your family member, a friend or someone you care for. I always think, ‘How would you feel if you were here and no one engaged with you?’” Jimeisha gives credit to her mom for her caring personality. “She was a single mom of four kids,” she recalls. “I’ve had many extended brothers and sisters throughout my childhood because every time a family in our neighborhood went through something, my mom would always be the one to take care of their children. She always helped others, no matter what.” Aside from being a spark of happiness for her patients, the wife of an ex-NFL player and a mom of three children, Jimeisha is currently completing her nursing master’s degree at the University of Maryland. Now in her last semester, Jimeisha hopes to reflect on her experience working as a tech and bring change as she becomes a nurse. “I want to make the work environment a friendly one, where people, regardless of position or role, can work with each other,” she says. “I would like for others to feel like they’re not just going into work, but instead, feel like they’re going to a place that they enjoy and do what they love to do.” Pro tip: “You have to be passionate about it and really want to do it. If you don’t enjoy it, it won’t last long and it’ll be obvious. Always have your work reflect your character. When you go in a room, go in with a smile and treat patients like you would want someone to treat you or anyone you love. Don’t forget, people are in the hospital because they’re sick. If you can put a smile on their face, that’s what really matters and that’s what people will remember.” *Jimeisha Bailey received an AAMC Champion award for the month of June. If you know a great individual or a fantastic team going above and beyond to make a difference, make sure to let us know! Looking for a career in health care? We invite you to join a diverse and collaborative team of professionals working together to innovate the future of health care for our entire region. Check out our career opportunities.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogDeciding to make a major lifestyle change — like quitting smoking — can be a challenging task. Nicotine is the real culprit in making it difficult to quit. Nicotine is present in all tobacco products, and is the substance that causes dependence on tobacco. Having the right tools to help you quit can lead you to success. Medication is one tool some people use to help quit smoking. As a certified tobacco treatment specialist (TTS), people trying to quit often ask me, “Which medication works the best?” My answer is always, “The best medication is the one that works for you!” Here are the seven FDA-approved medications available to help people quit their smoking habit. But remember, medication isn’t always the answer; in fact, some people are able to successfully quit smoking without using these aids. Before trying any new medication, you should talk with your healthcare provider to make sure the fit is right for you. Take our pledge to love your lungs, and be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card! Chantix (Varenicline) This is the newest medication to treat tobacco dependence. It targets the nicotinic receptors in your brain, which are the source of nicotine addiction. The medication works by gradually lowering a person’s desire to smoke. As with any medication, Chantix affects each individual differently and there may be side effects. Before getting a prescription, talk with your healthcare provider to determine if it’s right for you. Zyban (Wellbutrin, Bupropion) This prescription has been available for several years. Originally prescribed to treat depression, Wellbutrin was found to reduce a person’s desire to smoke. It is often used in combination with nicotine replacement medications. There are five different types of nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs). These medications provide nicotine to the body of someone who is nicotine dependent. Using NRTs allows for a gradual withdrawal from nicotine and helps avoid or reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can include, irritability, intense cravings or urges to smoke, headaches, restlessness and others. The Nicotrol® inhaler This prescription medication isn’t really an inhaler, but more like a “puffer.” The liquid nicotine gets absorbed through the lining of the mouth. It is not inhaled into the lungs. The inhaler is fast-acting, giving quick relief from nicotine cravings. While they may look similar, they inhaler should not be confused with electronic cigarettes or vape cigarettes. Electronic cigarette devices are not yet fully regulated and are not FDA approved for quitting smoking. Nicotine nasal spray This is the fastest working of all the NRTs. The nicotine from the nasal spray is absorbed through the lining of the nasal passages. It should be avoided for anyone who has sinus troubles. These three nicotine replacement medications are over-the-counter. Nicotine patches The patch is the only long-acting nicotine replacement medication. This means it enters the system slowly and stays there longer. Most people tolerate this well with few side effects. Nicotine gums This fast-acting option isn’t chewed like regular gum, but rather chewed until nicotine is released (a tingling or peppery taste on the tongue). Users then keep the gum between the cheek and gum. This process is repeated as needed. Nicotine lozenges These are also fast-acting and dissolve gradually. For both lozenges and gum, the amount used is based on each individual’s level of nicotine dependence. The more severe the dependence is, the higher amount of medication is needed to ease withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine dependence is considered a disease. Just like other diseases, medication can be a solution. Make sure you have all the tools you need to regain control over your health. Talk to your healthcare provider so you have what you need to quit tobacco for good. Ready to quit smoking? Visit askAAMC.org/QuitSmoking or call 443-481-5366 to learn how AAMC can help you. Author By Joanne Ebner, a cancer prevention program supervisor at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published Sept. 20, 2016. Last updated Dec. 13, 2018.
- Orthopedics, Pediatrics, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen winter brings us snow, there’s one place you’ll likely find the neighborhood children—the local sledding hill. Where you don’t want to find them, however, is at the doctor’s office or hospital due to a sledding injury. Yet according to the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics each year more than 20,000 kids end up in emergency rooms with sledding injuries. Keep your children safe on the local sledding slopes by following these tips: Wear protective gear. Your children may protest, but they should always wear a helmet. Wearing layered clothing, such as gloves, hats and boots can help protect against cuts, bruises and frostbite. If they get wet, encourage them to come in for dry clothing. Choose the right sled. The best sleds are those with runners and a steering mechanism. Inflatable tubes, snow discs, and random objects like plastic sheets or cafeteria trays are not good choices because children can’t properly steer them. Select the best sledding spot. Avoid sledding in areas that end near a creek, pond or road. Wide, clear spaces with a gradual incline work best. Be careful to avoid obstacles such as rocks, trees, poles and benches. Use the safest sledding position. While daredevils love to go head first down the hill, make sure your children are in a seated position with their feet first to avoid a head injury. Teach your children how to avoid collisions. Make sure children get off the sled and out of the way as soon as they get to the bottom of the hill. As they return back up the hill, they should walk on the outer edges rather than directly through the sledding path. Teach your children how to steer to avoid hitting anything that gets in their path. Also, show your children how to safely roll off the sled if they lose control. Watch out for dangerous conditions. It’s important that your children can see where they’re going. They should avoid sledding during a heavy snowstorm or at night in poorly lit areas. Also, it’s best to not sled into a snowbank unless they built it. Snowbanks can mask a tree stump, fence or some other hidden danger that can cause injury. Skiing or snowboarding? Don’t miss these safety tips before heading to the slopes. Originally published Jan. 21, 2016. Last updated Dec. 6, 2018.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center has been awarded a 2018 Top Workplaces honor by The Baltimore Sun Media Group. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by research partner Energage, LLC (formerly WorkplaceDynamics). The anonymous survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution and connection. “It is an honor to be named a Top Workplace by The Baltimore Sun Media Group,” said Julie McGovern, vice president and chief human resources officer. “We pride ourselves on being a diverse, friendly and collaborative team of professionals who work together to innovate the future of health care. We also believe in caring for our caregivers, which means providing our team members opportunities to experience new challenges within a supportive environment where they can grow, learn and make a difference.” “Top Workplaces is more than just recognition,” said Doug Claffey, CEO of Energage. “Our research shows organizations that earn the award attract better talent, experience lower turnover, and are better equipped to deliver bottom-line results. Their leaders prioritize and carefully craft a healthy workplace culture that supports employee engagement.” “Becoming a Top Workplace isn’t something organizations can buy,” said Claffey. “It’s an achievement organizations have worked for and a distinction that gives them a competitive advantage. It’s a big deal.” For more information about career opportunities at AAMC, visit www.aamccareers.org.
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