- Employee SpotlightGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSome call it luck, others call it destiny. Faith Christina Kienstra, staff chaplain at Anne Arundel Medical Center, describes ending up in Annapolis as a “complete fluke.” “I moved to the East Coast about three and a half years ago. I had decided to make a temporary move to Annapolis and saw there was an opening for a chaplain at AAMC so I eagerly applied, and I am blessed to be here two and a half years later,” she said. Faith was nervous about working at a hospital that’s not religious-based, saying she was ambivalent by how others would interpret her approach to work as a chaplain. But to her surprise, she was pleasantly welcomed by an integrated team that gave her a platform where she could continue to thrive with her work. “It’s such a special hospital because people who work here are called to do what they do,” she said. “There is grace, respect and a sense of lifting up others throughout the entire organization, from top executives all the way through to the volunteers.” This is important for Faith, whose main duty revolves around dealing with situations that can be challenging. Through the years, she has learned that when a crisis happens, it doesn’t only affect the person it happens to, it also happens to everyone around them. She gives credit to her faith, training, family, friends, dogs and AAMC team members for being the support she needs to move forward with resiliency. “The gift of presence is so powerful and to see how people, both patients and staff, handle difficult situations with such grace is an honor,” she said. “To hold someone’s pain, even if for a short amount of time, and be there with and for others during a difficult time is such a gift.” Faith attended Aquinas Institute of Theology Catholic seminary, where she received a master’s in pastoral studies. She did her clinical internship and residency at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo. Today, she feels privileged to do what she loves and be a light during some of the darkest times of many people’s lives. PRO TIP: “It’s the way that we do what we do that is our gift. No matter what your position is, bring your heart to it. Realize your value and know we’re all part of a team. Without each other, we would be nothing. Do what brings you joy.” 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.
- General Page Tier 3BlogFood recommendations to eat more fiber, fruits and vegetables haven’t changed. These guidelines are not lost on the food industry either. In efforts to sell their products they use buzzwords on labels such as “equals one serving of vegetables,” or “a good source of fiber” to sell veggie chips, chewy bars and even cookies. It appears to have become about marketing, not healthy eating. This is not the only place in the grocery store that takes the opportunity to try and shape your choices and tell you what you should be eating. Let’s answer a few questions to set the record straight. Are brownies rich in fiber a good choice to increase our fiber? No, the fiber in these products is a white powder called inulin, polydextrose and modified starches. This processed fiber does not provide the bulk or fullness feeling as advertised to promote weight loss. The best sources of fiber are fresh fruits, vegetables and high fiber grains with more than three grams per serving. Is gluten bad for everyone? If you have celiac disease, then you shouldn’t eat gluten. There is also a group of people that have gluten intolerance, which does not cause the autoimmune response that individuals with celiac disease experience, yet improves digestion. Gluten intolerance research is ongoing since there aren’t diagnostic criteria to diagnose. Some people believe gluten-free eating is healthier — this is false. It is usually void of fiber; is higher in either fat or sugar, or both; and has more calories. Is organic healthier? There is not enough evidence to show that organic food is always healthier than conventionally grown food. While there are some differences in the nutrient contents, the flexible nature of food production and handling makes it difficult to generalize results. The term organic refers to foods that meet a set of standards that restrict the use of certain pesticides and fertilizers in farming. They are usually not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents or synthetic food additives. Does everyone need probiotics to be healthy? Not necessarily. Probiotics are a type of good bacteria. These microorganisms can help with digestion and offer protection from harmful bacteria, just as the existing good bacteria already do. You can find probiotics in foods like yogurts, sauerkraut and kimchi. Although more research is needed, there is evidence that probiotics might help treat diarrhea, especially after antibiotic use; irritable bowel syndrome; and ease allergic disorders, such as eczema and hay fever. If you take a supplement, make sure to check with your doctor first. Do detox teas and drinks clean our system? Our digestion system includes the liver and kidneys, which naturally cleanse our bodies of harmful substances. Usually, detox products are weight loss gimmicks designed to give people short-term gratification, with no regard for their long-term health, physique or lifestyle habits. If you want to lose weight, eat less and exercise more! The size of our grocery stores with 24 lanes is a good example of the difference of foods available today, compared with years ago when we had six lanes. The foods we look for to provide vital nutrients do not come in packages, bags or processed foods — they grow naturally and are found on the perimeter of the store. Authors Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford are nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555. Originally published May 7, 2018. Last updated Dec. 17, 2019.
- Weight Loss, Wellness, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSome people want six-pack abs. Some want firmer glutes. And still others want toned biceps. If you want to be healthy, though, the muscle you should care about exercising the most is your heart, says Anne Arundel Medical Center cardiac rehab nurse Shannon Adkins. She offers six tips to get started: Make it a habit. For optimal heart health, Shannon recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, five to seven days a week. Know your target heart rate. For the general public, the American Heart Association recommends exercising with a target heart rate between 50 percent and 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. (Your maximum heart rate is 220 minus your age.) If you’ve had a heart event, like a heart attack or heart failure, your target heart rate is tailored based on your medical evaluation and medical history. Talk it out. You should always be able to talk while you’re exercising. If you can breathe but not speak, you’re pushing a little too hard. Ease into/out of exercise. Devote five minutes to a warm-up before you exercise and five minutes to a cool-down after. Gradually transition into and out of intense exercise to improve blood flow to your muscles and reduce stress on your heart. Do what you love. Whatever your target heart rate is, you can reach it by walking, running, swimming, biking, hiking, skiing and even dancing. “Do whatever you enjoy doing, as long as it gets your heart rate in that target range,” Shannon says. Listen to your body. “Consult your doctor before you start exercising, and stop if you feel like something’s wrong,” Shannon says. “Always listen to your body.” Learn one woman’s story about how she recovered from a heart attack and adopted a heart-healthy lifestyle. Author Shannon Adkins, RN, BSN, is a cardiac rehab nurse at AAMC. Originally published Feb. 15, 2017. Last updated Dec. 17, 2019.
- Wellness, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogDid you know your gastrointestinal tract stores 70 to 80 percent of your body’s immune system? As we enter cold and flu season, you may look for ways to boost your immune system. One way you may be able to do this is by eating a nutrient-rich diet. There’s evidence that a lack of some nutrients—like zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid and vitamins A, B6, C and E—can change the way your immune system responds. Focus on changing what you eat to help your body get the nutrients it needs: Vitamin A: Foods high in colorful compounds called carotenoids, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cantaloupe and squash, are all great options. The body turns these carotenoids into Vitamin A, and they have an antioxidant effect to help strengthen the immune system against infection. Vitamin B6: This important vitamin is critical in how your immune system functions and is part of nearly 200 biochemical reactions in your body. Foods high in B6 include bananas, lean chicken breast, cold-water fish and chickpeas. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is known for its ties to our immune system. Most people know it’s found in citrus fruits. Other sources include leafy green vegetables, bell peppers, Brussel sprouts, strawberries and papaya. Vitamin E: This is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight infections. Almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts and sunflower seeds are great sources, as well as spinach and broccoli. Zinc: This trace mineral appears to help slow down the immune response and control inflammation. It can be found in oysters, crab, lean meats and poultry, baked beans, yogurt and chickpeas. Selenium: Selenium seems to have a powerful effect on the immune system and the potential to slow the body’s over-active responses to certain aggressive forms of cancer. It’s found in garlic, broccoli, sardines, tuna, Brazil nuts and barley. Iron: Iron helps your body carry oxygen to cells. There are two types of iron, heme and non-heme. Heme iron can more easily be absorbed and is plentiful in lean poultry, such as chicken and turkey, and seafood. You can also find iron in beans, broccoli and kale. Folate/Folic Acid: This is found in beans, peas and leafy green vegetables. Fortified breads, pastas, rice and cereals often contain folic acid, too. If you’re not able to get these nutrients through food, a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement can be helpful. You do not need more than the recommended daily value, so taking megadoses of a single vitamin is not recommended. Remember, the immune system is precisely that—a system—not a single entity. To function at its best requires balance and harmony. In addition to eating healthy, choosing a healthy living plan is an important step for keeping your immune system strong and healthy. This includes: Exercising regularly. Lowering stress and socializing more. Sleeping soundly, often 7 to 9 hours a night. Getting necessary vaccines, including newer vaccines available if you’re a senior. Not smoking or breathing in secondhand smoke. Modern medicine can help if we become sick, but it is up to us to maintain good health as our first line of defense. Powering up your immune system with a plant-based diet is an ideal first step. For recipes that focus on fruits and vegetables, go to www.myplate.gov. For additional tips, visit www.choosemyplate.gov. To learn more about nutrition services at Luminis Health, visit www.luminishealth.org/en/services/nutrition-services.
- Wellness, Senior Care, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFrigid temperatures and bone-chilling winds are here. Not only do they cause discomfort, they actually can pose a threat to your health. When your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, hypothermia occurs. “Hypothermia is characterized by excessive shivering along with a feeling of exhaustion, dizziness or lightheadedness,” says Mike Remoll, MD. So what can you do to stay warm in the cold? Dr. Remoll says the key is wearing layers. “You want some space in between each layer as opposed to wearing one thick garment,” he says. There are three areas you want to be sure to keep warm: the head, the hands and the feet. “You definitely want to keep your head covered and make sure you wear nice warm gloves and nice warm socks,” Dr. Remoll says. He explains that these areas of the body are at highest risk for hypothermia. Children and the elderly are especially at risk. READ MORE: 6 tips for sledding safety For people who brave the cold to exercise outside, Dr. Remoll says it’s important to stop exercising once you start to sweat. “The skin becomes much colder when it’s wet,” he explains. “If you can exercise inside in a warm environment, that’s a lot safer.”
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