- Behavioral Health, Senior Care, Wellness, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSeniors tend to face special risks from alcohol, even if they aren’t heavy drinkers. Even moderate drinking can be a problem in this age group. Health risks of alcohol in the aging Alcohol poses special risks for seniors for a variety of reasons. For example, alcohol can: Interact with medications. The older we get, the more likely we are to take medications, according to the American Society on Aging. And medicines—whether prescribed by a doctor or bought over the counter—often don’t mix well with alcohol. Alcohol can counteract or decrease the effects of some medications, such as those taken for high blood pressure,reflux disease or gout. Alcohol also can magnify a medication’s action. The combined sedative effects of alcohol with tranquilizers, sleeping pills or pain relievers can be particularly dangerous. Increase the risk of accidents. Alcohol impairs coordination and increases the likelihood of falls and other accidents. For older people, that raises an already increased risk for hip fractures and disability. Hide other health troubles. Alcohol can mask symptoms of other medical problems, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). For example, the changes it causes in heart and blood vessels may dull the pain of angina—an important warning sign of heart attack. Cause problems in small amounts. The body’s ability to absorb and deal with alcohol changes as we age. Our tolerance level goes down, meaning it takes little alcohol to have a big effect. A diagnosis overlooked It’s not always easy to know when an older person is abusing alcohol, according to the NIAAA. They’re often retired, which eliminates occupational red flags like missing work or losing jobs. Older people also are more likely to drink alone at home, according to the American Geriatrics Society. That makes them less likely than younger drinkers to be arrested for fighting or drunk driving. In addition, some of the side effects of alcohol abuse may be dismissed as signs of “getting old.” Mental confusion caused by heavy drinking can be mistaken for symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, for example. Depression, insomnia and poor eating habits are associated with aging—and alcohol abuse. So how can you tell if someone you love is abusing alcohol? If someone minimizes how much they drink, that’s a red flag. Or if someone takes offense when asked about their drinking, that’s a red flag. Other signs may include someone who: Drinks alone or hides his or her drinking from others. Feels irritable or resentful when he or she is not drinking. Uses alcohol to cope with problems like depression or sleeplessness. To get an idea of whether or not you might have a drinking problem, take this short quiz. If you think alcohol might be a problem for you or someone you love, seek the advice of a health care professional. He or she may suggest counseling or a treatment program. The good news is that older people tend to stick with treatment programs better than younger people. In fact, research has found that simply pointing out the ill effects of alcohol can significantly reduce an older person’s drinking. For more information about alcohol visit AAMC’s Pathways drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, askAAMC.org/Pathways. Originally published Dec. 23, 2014. Last updated Jan. 21, 2019.
- Employee SpotlightGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen Lyndsey Griffin was born, the doctors quickly noticed there was something wrong. After a few tests, the results came back – it was a brain tumor. “I had a rough start,” Lyndsey says. “I had to have two brain surgeries. I was only six weeks old when I had my first surgery and eight months old during my second surgery. The doctors were expecting the worst and they told my family that even if I survived I would likely be mentally delayed or blind. But what parent doesn’t want to give their child every possible chance? Somehow, everything worked out in the end.” Growing up, Lyndsey recalls always being provided for. After all, she was the first child and the first girl. It wasn’t until later that she found out that life wasn’t as easy as her family made it look. Her mother was a stay-at-home mom while her father worked long hours as a jeweler and real estate agent. “He worked really hard to make ends meet,” she says. “I had to go to follow-up appointments, MRI, etc. They received help from our church, they received state assistance and support from family. When I look back now, I realize how good they were at keeping this from me. They did not want me to worry.” That always stuck with Lyndsey, who currently works as an oncology patient financial navigator. Understanding firsthand what it’s like for a family to go through financial struggles caused by health challenges, she knew this role would be the perfect fit for her. “I don’t want people to have to choose between treatment — whether it’s for their spouse, child, or whoever is important to them — and having a life,” Lyndsey says. “I want them to be able to have treatment, thrive, and move on with their life without being financially bereft. I want them to be able to live their lives and not feel like they are a burden. I was fortunate enough to never feel like that.” Lyndsey started working in dialysis with lower income patients in West Baltimore, where she learned about insurance information. Later, she transitioned to working with outpatients. When the role at Anne Arundel Medical Center opened, Lyndsey found an opportunity to bridge her social work background with her finite resource-gathering financial knowledge she learned in school and through years of work. “When I talk to people about what I do and that I work in oncology, they say, ‘Wow, that must be so depressing,’” she says. “I find it strange that people think that because we’ve come so far with treatment, people are living for years and years. I see more successful stories than I see ‘depressing’ stories.” “My patients make me want to wake up and come to work, even when I’m exhausted and don’t want to do anything else,” she says. “I can’t fix everything, but I know that I can make a difference.” Pro tip: “Sometimes as health care professionals we feel so burdened with workload and rushed to get everything done, but we are all human. I think asking someone how they’re doing will just make all the difference to the patient. Take a second, human to human, and ask, ‘What can I do for you today? How are you feeling?’ They could have anything and everything going on. Just level with people.” 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. *Lyndsey Griffin received an AAMC Champion award for the month of July.
- Senior CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogPneumonia can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection that affects one or both lungs. How long it lasts depends on the case, but symptoms normally last about two weeks. Antibiotics can often treat bacterial pneumonia, but are not effective for viral strains. Certain severe cases may require a hospital stay. About 1 million Americans end up in the hospital due to pneumonia each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is important to be aware of how you’re feeling. If cold-like symptoms do not improve, visit your primary care provider for an evaluation. MYTH: Pneumonia only affects very old and very young people. TRUTH: While pneumonia affects these people most often, anyone at any age can get it. Pneumonia tends to be worse among older people because they may have chronic conditions, like heart disease or diabetes, that make it harder to fight off infection. Those at a greater risk include: Children 2 years old or younger People 65 years or older Smokers People who have been in the intensive care unit of a hospital People with a weakened or suppressed immune system MYTH: Pneumonia is only a threat in the winter. TRUTH: Pneumonia can strike any time of the year. It’s more common during winter since the flu and other respiratory infections are common then. MYTH: Pneumonia is just a bad cold. TRUTH: Symptoms are similar to a cold or flu but may be more severe and last longer. Symptoms include shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, fever, chest pain when you breathe or cough, and a cough that produces a thick mucus. If these symptoms continue or get worse over a five-day period, it’s time to see a doctor. MYTH: Pneumonia isn’t contagious. TRUTH: Pneumonia is contagious. But exposure to it doesn’t mean you’ll get it. Use common-sense care if you think you have pneumonia: Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough and stay home if you’re sick. To help lower your risk of getting bacterial pneumonia, get vaccinated. Talk to your primary care doctor about the pneumonia vaccine. Find a doctor at askAAMC.org/FindaDoc or call 443-481-5555. Originally published Feb. 15, 2017. Last updated Jan. 14, 2019.
- Wellness, Men's Health, Heart Care, OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSure, it’s a wintertime chore, but did you know shoveling snow can cause major health issues? “Shoveling snow is the equivalent of running a marathon when it comes to the strain it puts on your heart,” says Baran Kilical, MD, cardiologist and electrophysiologist. “If you do not exercise regularly or have a history of heart disease, you should think twice about shoveling. It would be better to ask a family member, friend or neighbor for help.” The cold weather can tighten your blood vessels, making it harder for blood to pass. Couple that with the sudden increase in blood pressure and heart rate from the physical exertion of shoveling, and a heart attack could be triggered. Who is at most risk? People who have had a prior heart attack, have heart disease, smoke, are overweight or lead a sedentary lifestyle. How can you make snow shoveling safer for your heart? According to the American Heart Association, you should: Take regular breaks. Frequently rest during shoveling so you don’t overstress your heart. Listen to your body and how it feels during those breaks. Skip the heavy meal prior to or soon after shoveling. Large meals can put excess strain on your heart. Push snow, instead of lift it. If you must lift the snow, do it in smaller amounts. It’s less stress on your heart to lift smaller amounts in more frequency, than to lift fewer, but heavier, loads. Skip the alcoholic beverages before or immediately after shoveling. Alcohol may lead you to underestimate the extra strain your body is under. Know the warning signs of a heart attack. Also, it’s important to know the warning signs of a heart attack. Not all heart attacks look alike, but most show some or all of these signs: Chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, jaw or stomach Shortness of breath A sudden cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness Call 911 immediately if you begin to experience any of these symptoms. Getting to the hospital at the earliest sign of a heart attack is key to a successful outcome. Shoveling not only puts stress on your heart, but also can damage your muscles and bones. Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Chad Patton, MD suggests treating shoveling as a workout. Take time to warm up and stretch before you begin. “Bend with your legs, don’t bend at your waist,” says Dr. Patton. “Try to avoid tossing the snow over your shoulder. Maintain good posture and really use your legs to do a lot of the work.” Chad Patton, MD, is an orthopedic spine surgeon at Luminis Health Orthopedics. To reach him, call 410-268-8862. Originally published Jan. 22, 2016. Last updated Jan. 14, 2019.
- Orthopedics, Weight Loss, Women's Health, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFrom Zumba® to barre to breakdancing, the fitness industry has seen a growing trend in dance fitness. Whatever dance fitness trend you choose, you can lose or maintain weight, become more active and have tons of fun with this type of exercise. But dance fitness can also cause injury if you aren’t careful. Problems like shin splints, knee pain, back strains and ankle sprains can take the spring out of your step. The good news: You can take steps to prevent injuries with these tips, says Apryl Riggins, physical therapist at AAMG Physical Therapy. GO EASY. “Always start slow. Try one class, or even half of a class, and see how your body responds,” Apryl says. “Injuries don’t typically occur from a single movement or class. Injuries more often occur as a result of repetitive movements over several days or weeks, and especially when you’re tired.” If you experience pain or fatigue, take a day or two off, make sure you’re pain-free, then resume your dance class to make sure you’re comfortable. WARM UP WISELY. Warm-ups should include a cardio component. Start with gentle arm and leg movements for five to 10 minutes, gradually picking up your pace. Once your muscles are warm, try some dynamic stretches, such as high knees, butt kicks or leg swings. COOL DOWN CORRECTLY. Slow your dance movements for five to 10 minutes. Then stretch your body, including your arms and legs, holding each stretch for 30 seconds to one minute. MIX THINGS UP. Try cross-training, or doing more than one form of exercise. Doing other types of exercise in addition to dance works different muscle groups. Cross-training can help you avoid overuse injuries. “Pilates and yoga are excellent additions to dance training,” says Apryl. “They focus on core strengthening and stabilization of your abdominal, pelvic and back muscles, which helps prevent injury.” TREAT YOURSELF RIGHT. “General muscle soreness is normal after a workout, but sharp pain is not,” Apryl says. “If you experience intense pain, talk to your doctor.” Conditioning and physical therapy can help relieve pain and prevent injuries from returning. For more information, call 443-481-1140 or visit AAMGPhysicalTherapy.com. Author Apryl Riggins is a physical therapist at AAMG Physical Therapy. Originally published Feb. 15, 2017. Last updated Jan. 7, 2019.
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