- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogKimberly Collins lives in southern Maryland, about two hours away from Anne Arundel Medical Center. Yet she still traveled to AAMC to get a second opinion on her breast cancer diagnosis — and then, ultimately, treatment and breast reconstruction. “That’s a drop in the bucket for getting good care,” Kimberly says. She opted to undergo a double mastectomy with Wen Liang, MD, a breast surgeon at The Rebecca Fortney Breast Center at AAMC, followed by reconstructive surgery with Devinder Singh, MD, chief of Plastic Surgery at AAMC and medical director of AAMG Plastic Surgery. AAMG Plastic Surgery’s plastic surgeons work closely with the breast surgeons, oncologists and radiologists at The Rebecca Fortney Breast Center — a level of collaboration that is unusual in highly specialized care. “When I walked into the breast center, I knew I was in the right place,” Kimberly says. Dr. Liang, she says, treated her not just as a cancer patient, but as an individual person. A breast cancer diagnosis is terrifying, Kimberly says. She was drawn to Dr. Liang’s compassion as well as her expertise and knowledge. “Dr. Liang wanted to see for herself what she was looking at,” she says, adding Dr. Liang didn’t give the scans to the radiologist until she reviewed them. “And she actually had some questions,” Kimberly says. “She went that same afternoon during my consult to the Radiology department and had them read my films with her questions included. When you have a doctor with that much buy-in and partnership in your diagnosis and treatment — you don’t question it.” Kimberly says she’d spent a lot of time researching Dr. Liang, but no time researching a plastic surgeon. That’s when the partnership between The Rebecca Fortney Breast Center and AAMG Plastic Surgery was especially important. “If I had had to research a plastic surgeon — it would have changed my whole emotional journey,” she says. “When I meet with a breast cancer patient after hermastectomy, there are always a lot of questions. And rightfully so,” says Dr. Singh. “Chief among them, what kind of reconstruction are we talking about?” Kimberly opted for silicone implants to eliminate the need for extra incisions. Other methods of reconstruction, including deep inferior epigastric perforator artery (DIEP) or superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap reconstruction involve using the patient’s tissue from another part of her body, such as the abdomen or thigh. Dr. Singh was “the jewel in my crown” of treatment, Kimberly says. Dr. Singh says it’s a team effort. Ken Collins, Kimberly’s husband, adds that the team approach was evident as Drs. Liang and Singh worked to include all members of their family, including their two children, in discussions about Kimberly’s care. “Everybody was a part of it,” he says. “It was an incredible experience that I wish I had never had.” Like AAMG Plastic Surgery on Facebook for the latest updates from the practice’s medical team.0
- Men's Health, Orthopedics, Women's Health, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLiving with arthritis can be distracting and difficult—quite literally a pain. More than 50 million people in the United States have some form of arthritis, with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, found in nearly 27 million. While the risk for developing osteoarthritis increases with age, there can be other contributing factors, such as: Previous joint injury; Certain infections in the joint; Occupations that involve a lot of squatting and bending of the knee; and Obesity. Here are six steps you can take that can make the difference between coping and living well with the pain from osteoarthritis: Maintain a Healthy Weight Did you know for every pound you lose, you take three pounds of force off your joints? Ease your pain by maintaining a healthy weight. Plus, excess weight can speed the progression of knee osteoarthritis. Adjust Your Diet In some cases your diet can help with inflammation that can cause joint pain. There are foods, like those with omega-3 fatty acids that can be beneficial. Also, cutting back on fried and processed foods can help reduce inflammation. Get Ample Sleep, But Watch the Naps If you’re having trouble sleeping, cutting caffeine and alcohol can help, too. Lack of sleep is a vicious cycle where pain keeps you awake and then sleeplessness leads to more fatigue and pain. Avoid naps and cut electronics before bed to help ensure a more restful night’s sleep. Stay Active Good nutrition, ample sleep and regular exercise are key to helping you live well with joint pain. You’ll be inclined to stop being active, but you must resist. Regular exercise helps maintain joint function while relieving stiffness and fatigue. Strong muscles help support your joints. Work with your doctor to determine the best exercise for your lifestyle and needs. Walking, swimming, yoga or resistance training are often good places to start. Know What Doesn’t Work Don’t be fooled by claims not backed by science. Two of the more common ones I hear from patients are that taking glucosamine or wearing a copper bracelet helps with joint pain. Neither has been shown effective for treating arthritis pain, so please save your money. Partner With Your Doctor Living well with pain isn’t easy, but it helps to have your doctor as your partner. Your doctor can help you diagnose the cause of the pain and develop strategies to improve your mobility. Often your doctor will start with conservative treatments, such as prescribing anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections, braces, or physical therapy. If you don’t respond to those treatments, your doctor can connect you with the latest advances in joint care. Author By Justin Hoover, MD, orthopedic surgeon at AAMC Orthopedics. To reach his practice, call 410-268-8862. Originally published March 2015. Last updated August 2018.0
- Pediatrics, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs a parent, you’re probably still trying to learn how to navigate the new reality of dealing with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Your home is now your office. At the same time, it’s your new daycare facility. And just as you might have many questions about the new normal, you might also be wondering if you should take your child to the pediatrician during the pandemic. The short answer is yes. If you’re concerned about keeping standing visits for your kids, it’s important that you remember that these are vital to their health. Getting immunizations and other regular check-ups remain important. This is especially true during the pandemic. Pediatric practices are implementing new steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These extra precautions are designed to keep you safe. Some of these steps include screening children for symptoms by phone before their arrival. Additionally, staff are wearing masks and personal protective equipment when caring for your child. Even while you are staying home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, there are still important reasons you may need to bring your child into the office, including: Newborn visits after a baby is born. This is to make sure the baby is healthy and developing appropriately. Immunizations. Especially during the pandemic, we want to prevent an outbreak of other illnesses. Developmental screenings and tests. For example, hearing and vision screenings, monitoring growth, blood pressure and other vital signs. Adolescent health concerns. This includes menstrual care, anxiety and depression screenings. It’s also important to remember that our pediatrics Emergency Department (ED) is open. Patients must wear a mask to enter the ED. If patients need a mask, we give them one upon arrival. This is followed by screening questions at the front desk. We encourage parents to call their pediatrician’s office if they’re concerned about their child’s health. However, if it’s an emergency, we encourage parents to come directly to the ED. Here, staff is ready and available to care for your child. Understanding that you might feel anxious about bringing your child to the hospital, pediatric emergency visit turnaround time at AAMC has decreased to about 90 minutes for less acute symptoms. This is our way of giving you back your time and helping you get in and out as effectively as possible. Whatever you might be calling or visiting us for, we can assure you we are taking steps to keep you and your children safe. We understand things are a little different now and you might be worried about your child’s health. But, it’s important that you access care as soon as your child needs it. Waiting to come in will only prolong illness or symptoms. When a child needs to come in to the ED, the stay will likely be shorter the sooner you come. We’re here to help you. We remain safe, ready and open to care for your child. Authors Lauren Fitzpatrick, MD, is the medical director of Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Pediatric Emergency Department. Kristen Breslin, MD, MPH, is the medical director of Children’s National Emergency Department at Doctors Community Hospital. Melanie Lee, MSN, RN, CPN, is the nursing manager of Pediatric Emergency and Inpatient Unit at Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYour body goes through several changes over the course of pregnancy. But it doesn’t stop with delivery. Changes continue post-delivery and it’s critical to closely monitor the physical and mental changes you experience. Some aches and pains are a normal part of the process, such as nipple pain. Others could be a sign that something is wrong. You should not ignore warning signs — they can be fatal. Here’s what new moms can expect, and where to go if you have concerns. SEE MORE: What you need to know about high blood pressure during pregnancy Normal Signs for New Moms Common postpartum symptoms include vaginal soreness, slight bleeding, breast engorgement, and after birth cramps. Labor takes a major toll on the body. It’s normal to feel sore after birth and bleed for a few days. Post birth cramps are caused by the uterus shrinking to its usual size. As your body prepares for breastfeeding, many notice breast engorgement and tenderness. Other normal symptoms are incontinence (accidentally peeing a bit), constipation, stretch marks, swelling of hands or feet, and hair loss. Some women feel sad or angry, and may be experiencing the “baby blues.” If these feelings don’t go away within two weeks, you should call your doctor to talk about postpartum depression. “Women often ask me about vaginal discharge after pregnancy,” says Chasheryl Leslie, MD, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at Premier OB-GYN. “What you’ll notice is, over time, the flow lessens and the color changes to a much lighter version. For some it lasts a few weeks, while it lasts a month or more for others. I always encourage my patients to give me a call if they ever feel concerned.” Warning Signs While most of the changes your body goes through after delivering a baby are normal and natural, it is important to be aware of warning signs. Use the acronym POST-BIRTH to help you remember what symptoms require further medical attention. Call 911 if you have any of these symptoms: Pain in the chest Obstructed breathing or shortness of breath Seizures Thoughts of harm or suicide Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms: Bleeding (more than 1 pad an hour or blood clots larger than the size of an egg) Incision that isn’t healing Red or swollen leg that is painful or warm to touch Temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher Headaches that change vision or won’t go away with medicine “Don’t ever feel like you’re bothering your doctor by calling them with any questions or concerns after you’ve delivered,” says Leslie. “Your health is our number one priority. We want you feeling your best so you can enjoy every second with your newest addition!” SEE MORE: Treatment for high risk pregnancy The first month after delivering a baby is challenging, yet extremely rewarding. As much as new moms are caring for their newest additions, it’s important to not lose sight of your own health and wellbeing.0
- Wellness, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTeko Sellman loves being alive. A tech in Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Emergency Department, he loves living every day to the fullest. So, when he found himself feeling sluggish, unmotivated and depressed last year, he knew he needed to make a change. “One day I walked up three flights of stairs and noticed I became winded and felt really tired,” said Teko. “In that moment I thought to myself ‘Only three flights? This cannot be good.’ I love being alive and want to stay around as long as I possibly can.” That was his turning point. “I was 39, and I had a pot belly. I realized my external appearance was a direct reflection of my internal reality and it had to change,” he added. Teko noticed the Energize signs posted around AAMC encouraging employees and visitors to take the stairs instead of the elevators, so he started climbing the stairs before and after his shift for exercise. “I tried my first 30-minute stair climb,” Teko said, “and instantly fell in love. After three months, I had lost 50 lbs. I started eating better and added strength training to my regimen. I look and feel healthier now than I have in many years. Three flights of stairs is just part of my warm up now.” “I believe working out and eating well makes my life better. It provides my mind, body and spirit with the motivation to achieve the unimaginable.” Teko, who works nights, finds time to run the stairs 3 to 4 days a week for 30 to 45 minutes. He varies his routine and keeps the intensity high. “I keep my exercise sessions short but intense. This allows me to fit in a workout anytime I have 15 to 20 minutes to spare. I meet a lot of interesting people on the stairs,” Teko said, “That’s one of the reasons I love doing it.” In addition to stairs, Teko works out at home by running sprints, doing yoga and Pilates and incorporating everyday objects, like those found in parks and playgrounds, into his workouts. “I use the monkey bars for pull ups, and benches for jumps and lunges. I enjoy being outside, and it reminds me of how important it is to play and have fun,” he said. Teko also keeps “danger foods” to a minimum, but doesn’t deny himself all together. “I eat small portions, prepare home-cooked meals, choose healthier options and drink a lot of water. I allow myself treats here and there as a reward for my hard work.” Teko encourages others to zero in on what they want from a fitness routine and figure out what works for them. “You must ask yourself the question: ‘What is my ultimate goal?’” he said. “Narrowing down what you really want allows you to fine tune your plan for success.” “We all possess great instincts for what works for us and what doesn’t. There’s no single plan that works for everyone, so be real with your body and true to yourself. If something does not work for you, try something else. Try a variation. Do not continue to do something that does not produce results just because you were told it works,” Teko added. In the end, Teko’s commitment to physical wellbeing comes down to his passion for living. “I believe working out and eating well makes my life better. It provides my mind, body and spirit with the motivation to achieve the unimaginable. I believe the energy I give off by looking good and feeling great attracts the same energy in return. I want to be surrounded by healthy and positive people.” AAMC offers classes, nutritional counseling and other resources through our Energize program.0
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