Heart Care, Uncategorized
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Hearts in Motion: Celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Week
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One small act can make a big difference. We invite you to join Anne Arundel Medical Center in our week-long celebration of kindness as we put our hearts in motion for Random Acts of Kindness week, Feb. 12-18, 2017.
Studies have shown that being kind and doing kind acts for others can benefit your heart, reduce anxiety and lower your blood pressure. Download our free, printable kindness cards to start your own chain reaction of good deeds.
Need some ideas to get you started?
Buy a cup of coffee for a stranger.
Leave a special treat on a friend or co-worker’s desk.
Donate old towels or blankets to an animal shelter.
Surprise a neighbor with dinner.
Send a card to someone who deserves more recognition.
Leave a kind server the biggest tip you can afford.
Share your stories and see what others are doing on Facebook using #AAMCHeartsInMotion.
One of the best Random Acts of Kindness you can do is encourage everyone to know their “heart age” and risk of heart disease. Take our free, online heart health profiler at AskAAMC.org/Heart.
News & Press Releases
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AAMC President/CEO Tapped by Daily Record as an Influential Marylander
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Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) President and CEO Victoria W. Bayless has been recognized as an “Influential Marylander” by The Daily Record and will be honored March 23 at a ceremony in Cockeysville, Md.
Fifty-one Influential Marylanders were selected by the editors of The Daily Record for their significant contributions to their respective fields and for their leadership in Maryland in the following areas: civic leadership, communications, education, finance, freestyle, general business, health care, law, philanthropy, real estate and technology.
“This year’s Influential Marylanders demonstrate an impressive record of accomplishment, leadership and vision,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, publisher of The Daily Record. “What they say is important, and what they do makes a difference in the lives of many in Maryland and beyond. The Daily Record is honored to recognize their accomplishments.”
Bayless has 25 years of experience in management and leadership roles specializing in strategic planning, health system operations, performance improvement, community health and outreach, medical staff relations, physician practice management and business development. The principal architect of AAMC’s ten-year strategic plan, Vision 2020: Living Healthier Together, Bayless is focused on overall quality performance, workforce development, growth and financial strength, while improving access and meeting the needs of the community. During her tenure, AAMC has become the third busiest hospital in Maryland, with the busiest joint, bariatrics and urogynecology programs in the state, and is one of only six percent of hospitals in the U.S. to have earned the Magnet® designation for superior nursing care.
Bayless was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of 12 national healthcare leaders in the publication’s 2007 “Up and Comers” report. In 2007, the Baltimore Business Journal recognized her as one of “40 under 40” business leaders in the region. In 2015, she was named to the list of “Influential Marylanders” by The Daily Record. Most recently, in 2016, the Capital Gazette named Bayless to its list of “People to Watch.” Additionally, Bayless was named one of the “Most Powerful Women in Healthcare IT” by Health Data Management.
Bayless is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Anne Arundel and the 2011 recipient of the YWCA’s Tribute to Women & Industry (TWIN) Award. She is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on the board of organizations including the United Way of Central Maryland, CareFirst/Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Johns Hopkins Home Care Group, and the American Hospital Association Region 3 Policy Board. In 2016, Governor Larry Hogan appointed Bayless to serve on the state’s Health Services Cost Review Commission.
Honorees will be profiled in a special magazine that will be inserted into the March 24 issue of The Daily Record and available online at www.TheDailyRecord.com.
Heart Care
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Heart Health: Make it Mediterranean
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Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S., and it doesn’t discriminate. While it tends to affect men earlier, it affects both genders. The good news is many cases of stroke and heart attacks are preventable through lifestyle changes. Research suggests following a Mediterranean diet has many benefits. It can aid weight loss, blood sugar control, help with depression and reduce levels of inflammation, which is a risk factor for heart attack, stroke and Alzheimer’s.
A Mediterranean meal pattern is packed with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and olive oil. It highlights fish and poultry over red meat which is high in saturated fats. And red wine is consumed regularly but in moderation.
Here are a few top Mediterranean heart-healthy foods and tips.
Replace butter and margarine with olive oil. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats along with canola and walnut oil, also high in omega 3 fatty acids. Try mixing with flavored vinegars for salad dressings, or marinades.
Switch up your protein. Swap out red meat with fish, poultry, turkey, beans, nuts, soy and other plant-based proteins. Try one new recipe a week. ‘Tis the season for dusting off the crockpot.
Enjoy fruit for dessert. A good source of fiber and antioxidants, fruit is a healthy way to indulge your sweet tooth. Try a new exotic fruit every week. Put fruits in recipes and keep it at the forefront in the kitchen and refrigerator.
Set aside time to savor every bite. A Mediterranean diet is as much about lifestyle as it is diet. Instead of gobbling up your food in front of the TV or other media, sit down at a table and enjoy the food and the company. Eating slowly allows you to be more mindful on feelings of hunger and fullness.
Dip it! Try vegetables with Mediterranean-inspired spreads such as hummus, tzatziki (creamy cucumber yogurt dip) or baba ghanoush (made from eggplant and sesame).
A sample meal plan may look like this:
Breakfast: oatmeal with shaved almonds and an apple
Lunch: whole grain sandwich with vegetables.
Dinner: 3oz Broiled salmon, 1/3 c rice and 2 cups of cooked vegetables.
A good first step to eat Mediterranean is to incorporate at least one new plant-based recipe per week. Keep in mind that exercise, stress reduction and keeping socially connected are all part of the Mediterranean lifestyle for good health and happiness.
Recipe: Babaganoush (Baba Ganoush)
Ingredients:
1 large eggplant
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 Tbls. lemon juice
2 Tbls. tahini (sesame paste)
¼ c. parsley, chopped (may use basil or cilantro for different flavor)
Optional ¼ tsp. salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Line a cookie sheet with foil. Prick eggplant with fork and place on cookie sheet.
Bake eggplant until soft – about 20-25 minutes.
Let the eggplant cool – cut lengthwise, drain off liquid and scoop out pulp into food processor. Process until smooth and transfer to bowl.
Stir in crushed garlic, lemon juice, tahini and parsley. Season with salt to taste.
Serve with fresh vegetables and enjoy!
Authors
By Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford, nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555.
Giving
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Community partners donate more than $700,000 to AAMC
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Every day AAMC proudly serves the community and every day AAMC is rewarded by the community’s generosity. In 2016, Anne Arundel Medical Center received more than $700,000 in philanthropic support from community partners across Maryland. Through creative fundraising and special events, our community partners provide vital funding for AAMC’s direct patient care programs, services and advances in research and technology.
We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of all of our valued community partners as friends of Anne Arundel Medical Center. Special thanks to all who contributed to AAMC in 2016:
$1-$1,000
Fifth Annual Birthday Blood Drive- Tiny Miracles NICU Fundraiser – Annapolis, Md.
Kicked Up Fitness- Annapolis, Md.
Lash Moi, Inc.- Bowie, Md.
LOTSA Pizza- Annapolis, Md.
Premier Fitness Health Club- Annapolis, Md.
The Ladies of the Circle of Perfection- Annapolis, Md.
Whole Health Designs- Annapolis, Md.
$1,001-$5,000
Annapolis City Firefighters- Annapolis, Md.
Eddie Vazquez Mobile Blood Drive- Annapolis, Md.
Effective MedSpa and Wellness Center- Gambrills, Md.
Fort Meade Local Firefighters 281- Fort Meade, Md.
Phantom Motorcycle Club- Indian Head, Md.
Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, University of Maryland Chapter- College Park, Md.
West Annapolis Food Truck Festival – Annapolis, Md.
$5,001-$10,000
Across the Bay 10k- AAMC’s Labor and Delivery Team- Annapolis, Md.
Annapolis Area Christian School, Annapolis, Md.
Drink. Cure. – Arnold, Md.
Koons Ford Annapolis Car Show- Annapolis, Md.
Transformations- P.U.S.H for Pink Challenge- Odenton, Md.
Westfield Mall- Annapolis, Md.
$10,001-$25,000
Annapolis Striders, Annapolis, Md.
The Dawn Orso 5k/1m Family Fun Day- Edgewater, Md.
For Ellie Foundation- Severna Park, Md.
Stepping Out for Breast Cancer- Annapolis, Md.
$25,001 and above
Anne Arundel County Professional Firefighters- Millersville, Md.
Bo’s Effort Golf Tournament – Edgewater, Md.
Bosom Buddies Charities, Inc. – Stevensville, Md.
Fish For A Cure and Eastport Yacht Club- Annapolis, Md.
Davidsonville Ruritan Club- Davidsonville, Md.
DeCesaris/Prout Cancer Foundation, Annapolis, Md.
Pink and Blue Golf Tournament- Lothian, Md.
For more information about hosting an event to benefit AAMC, contact 443-481-4747 or [email protected]
Orthopedics
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Firefighter credits AAMC Orthopedics with helping him return to work
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Firefighter Donny Fletcher was bending down to lift a patient at a 2009 fire call when he felt pain shoot down his left arm.
Donny, a Mayo resident who serves as battalion chief for the Prince George’s County Fire Department, knew something was wrong. But he finished the call and headed back to the firehouse, where he popped a few Tylenol and tried to tough the injury out.
But the next day, as his neck stiffened up, he knew he needed medical attention.
And Donny knew exactly where he wanted to go for treatment.
The former high school football player had several knee injuries as a teenager when he played for Archbishop Spalding High School. Peter Ove, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Anne Arundel Medical Center Orthopedics, took care of him then.
It was the beginning of a long-term relationship between Anne Arundel Medical Center and Donny, now 31, who says the care he’s received at AAMC “is second to none.”
After visiting the Emergency Department, and learning he had two slipped discs in his neck, Donny saw Alex Speciale, MD, orthopedic surgeon, to begin treatment. Speciale guided him through the rehabilitation process, which included strength exercises, stem work, heat therapy and other activities.
Some of that physical therapy continues to this day, but Donny was back doing the job he loves within a month.
But that wasn’t the last time an injury sent him to AAMC Orthopedics.
Four years later, Donny was at the scene of an apartment fire when he was injured again while handling tools. He felt a tightening across his shoulder and the next day, it was difficult for him to move his arm.
When an MRI didn’t detect any damage to his shoulder, Daniel Redziniak, MD, orthopedic surgeon, ordered an arthrogram – a test that gives high definition images with contrast.
The test detected a full labral tear.
“This is why I like AAMC,” Donny says. “I was kind of stunned when the MRI didn’t show anything – deep down, I knew something was wrong.”
He immediately began non-operative treatment, and struck a deal with Dr. Redziniak. He would keep going to rehab, as long as he was allowed to keep working.
“Donny’s work is very important to him, so I wanted to help him return to his job as quickly as possible,” Dr. Redziniak said.
For Donny, being a Prince George’s County firefighter is more than just a job. He’s been with the fire department for 13 years and says a drive for public service runs in his family. His grandfather and two of his uncles were Prince George’s County firefighters, and his father was a Prince George’s County police officer.
“This is our second family,” Donny says.
Today, he still does exercises two to three times a week, and plans to continue them for the rest of his life.
“It obviously worked,” he says. “I feel that I’m a stronger person now than when I was injured.”
Not only did his treatment help him get back to the work he loves, it has also helped him to enjoy other activities that are special to him.
He can play with and pick up his children, 4-year-old Chandler and 19-month-old Zoe, without fear of further injury.
Donny is also able to maintain an active lifestyle outside of work by lifting weights and playing softball, golf and soccer.
Without the treatment he received at AAMC, “there’s no way that I would be able to live the life that I have right now,” Donny says.
Donny is featured in commercials for AAMC Orthopedics for its Your Comeback Starts Here campaign.
Contributor
Peter Ove, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon with AAMC Orthopedics. To reach his practice, call 410-268-8862.
Daniel Redziniak, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon with AAMC Orthopedics. To reach his practice, call 410-268-8862.
Alex Speciale, MD, is an orthopedic spine surgeon with AAMC Orthopedics. To reach his practice, call 410-268-8862.