- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYou may have heard a friend talking about her pelvic floor or you’ve seen a pelvic exercise printable on Pinterest. Maybe your doctor mentioned it during a routine exam. But what exactly is the pelvic floor? Where is it, what does it do — or in many cases not do? Your pelvic floor supports several organs and when it is weakened or not functioning properly, it can lead to a number of uncomfortable and inconvenient disorders. If you are one of the millions of women getting up several times in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, wearing pads every day, having painful sex, feeling heaviness and vaginal bulging, or sprinting to the bathroom, here’s what you need to know. What is the pelvic floor? Your pelvis is a bone, so you may assume the pelvic floor is also made of bone; however, the pelvic floor is an area of muscles that resembles a hammock spanning from the pubic bone to the bottom of the spine. These muscles support and help to control the vagina, uterus, bladder, urethra and rectum. When the pelvic floor weakens, those organs can drop and may have trouble functioning normally. Imagine a trampoline taut and sturdy, holding up and supporting the weight of your body as you jump. The base of the trampoline expands and contracts based on your movement and control. Now, picture the trampoline fibers beginning to wane, the middle sags, the function worsens and control becomes difficult. The pelvic floor can weaken like this. That’s why it’s important to watch for symptoms that, while common, can mean you have a pelvic floor disorder. How do I know my pelvic floor isn’t doing its job? Because the pelvic floor is supporting several different organs, you may experience a variety of symptoms depending on how the structure of the pelvic floor has shifted. Many women will experience incontinence, which is the leaking of urine. Others may have trouble emptying their bladder or bowels. Some are always running to the bathroom, are up going at 3 am or have pain during sex. Often as the pelvic floor weakens, a woman may start to feel a heaviness down below and eventually even a physical bulging of tissue presents itself externally, which is a sign of pelvic organ prolapse. Any and all of these symptoms can happen separately or together. How did this happen? There is often no single cause for pelvic floor disorders, but childbirth, age, hormonal changes, obesity, smoking, constipation and chronic heavy lifting are usually factors. Is there anything I can do? Yes! Talk to your health care provider about all of your symptoms. Don’t be embarrassed; pelvic floor disorders are very common. Chances are you know several other women experiencing the same issues as you, they’re just not talking about it. Solutions can include physical therapy, home exercises, medication or non-invasive surgery. The takeaway is that these inconvenient and uncomfortable changes in your body, though very common, deserve treatment. You don’t have to live with pelvic floor issues. Who can help? As part of a relatively new field of medicine, a urogynecologist is an OB-GYN with additional training and expertise in the evaluation and treatment of conditions that affect the female pelvic organs, as well as the muscles and tissue that support these organs. The Women’s Center for Pelvic Health at Anne Arundel Medical Center has a fellowship-trained team of doctors and nurse practitioners who specialize in the care of female pelvic health disorders. Team members collaborate on care for patients of all ages, from those with minor issues to individuals suffering from complex conditions requiring advanced surgery and care. For each patient, they will conduct a thorough review of medical history, conduct a physical exam, lab studies and advanced imaging and testing to develop individualized treatment plans based on your needs and goals. Author Kay Hoskey, MD, is a urogynecologist with AAMC’s Women’s Center for Pelvic Health. Contact the Women’s Center for Pelvic Health at 443-481-1199 to schedule a consultation to help guide you to the right solutions to meet your needs and health goals. Originally published April 23, 2018. Last updated May 14, 2019.0
- Women's Health, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAmy Turpin, a Harwood resident, is unusual in some ways. At 50 years old, this grandmother of four is exceptionally fit, working as a strength and conditioning coach, and competing in marathons and triathlons. “I’m physical all day long, and then running or cycling is what I choose to do for fun,” she says. But there is one way in which Amy is not unusual. Just like almost a quarter of American women, she experienced a pelvic floor disorder. Pelvic floor disorders occur when the muscles or connective tissues that support a woman’s pelvic organs weaken or are injured. This is commonly a result of pregnancy and childbirth. But obesity, smoking and genetic predisposition are also risk factors. The most common problems are incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. In prolapse, organs such as the uterus, bladder or bowel collapse into the vagina. For many women with prolapse, there are no symptoms, other than some pressure or a vague feeling that something is different, until an organ begins to protrude out of the vagina. Physical and Mental Changes “For me, the changes were fairly subtle over a period of time,” says Amy. She began to feel pelvic pressure while jumping rope. On long runs she would feel the same pressure, plus numbness in her legs. Then, one day, the change became dramatic. “I was out for a run, and I just felt like, literally, the bottom fell out.” At this point, Amy had to change her training routine and avoid some activities she enjoyed. “It affected every aspect of my life physically,” she says. “Then there’s the mental pain when you can’t do the things that you’re used to doing.” Tips for a Stronger Pelvic Floor AAMC Urologist Mara Holton, MD, says it’s important for women to remember that pelvic health corresponds to overall health and wellness. This includes good nutrition, physical fitness and maintaining a proper body weight. Pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum, and help these organs function. The best way to maintain pelvic floor fitness is to do Kegel exercises. “Everyone has heard of them, but most women do them incorrectly,” she says. “Kegels are a dedicated exercise that need to be done properly to get the benefit. There are online resources, as well as physical therapists who specialize in pelvic floor strengthening.” Dr. Holton advises women to do Kegels twice a day and says women who follow this regimen can see improvement in urinary continence and sexual comfort in six to 12 weeks. She says exercises that strengthen the core muscles, such as jumping jacks, crunches, wall squats and the bridge pose in yoga, can help strengthen the pelvic floor, too. Seeking Treatment Studies suggest that a woman has an 11 to 19 percent chance of needing surgery for pelvic organ prolapse in her lifetime. While lifestyle changes or pelvic floor exercises (called Kegels) can help some women with early prolapse, often the degree of muscle damage or tissue relaxation requires other treatments. One option includes trying a pessary—an insertable device that supports the pelvic organs. But Amy’s active lifestyle demanded a more permanent solution. “For me, surgery was a very clear answer, because I just couldn’t perform at the level that I was used to performing,” she says. She ended up undergoing a minimally-invasive robotic procedure. This involved having small incisions put in her abdomen no wider than her pinky. The operation involved controlled robotic arms that worked through the incisions to move Amy’s pelvic organs back into place and secure them. Amy also had a mesh sling inserted under the urethra, the tube through which urine comes out, to prevent urine leakage. Back to Full Speed “With the great technology that we have, you don’t end up with huge scars, but that doesn’t mean the surgery should be minimized,” says Amy. After her surgery in May 2015, she was careful to follow instructions to avoid stairs and not drive or bend over for at least two weeks, then begin returning to regular activities slowly. Recovery time is typically about six weeks. “I think being compliant and not moving around as much as I’m used to was the most challenging part,” she says. “I feel amazing. I got my life back,” says Amy. “In fact, I recently did a triathlon.” Through her work, Amy meets a lot of women. “I know I’m not unusual,” she says. So she made a conscious decision to be open about the personal nature of her surgery, and she often hears, “Oh my goodness, I have the same thing.” Her advice to the millions of women experiencing a pelvic floor disorder is, “We can’t be quite so proud. If you have symptoms, you need to find out what your options are, because you don’t have to live that way.” Have a sensitive health question you’d like an answer to? Call The Smart Woman Connection, your new go-to health resource focused on one thing—your needs as a woman. Call 443-481-5995. Author Mara Holton, MD, is a urologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- GivingGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen you make a donation to Anne Arundel Medical Center, your money goes directly to the programs you care most about and want to support. In 2016 alone, donations funded a campus-wide training program for nurses and technicians on the best ways to care for elderly patients, critical care training for the pediatric emergency department, and recovery chairs for joint replacement patients, just to name a few things. Donations also helped support more than $40 million in community benefits, including community health clinics, support groups, and more than 125 research studies to advance medical care in 15 different areas. “There are so many things that have contributed to AAMC’s growth and success, but our strong relationship with the community is one of which I am exceptionally proud,” says Jan Wood, president of the AAMC Foundation. “The community is not only our partner with regard to all the compassionate care provided within the hospital walls, but it’s also an example of the impact and power of philanthropy.” When you give to AAMC, you can direct your donation to support the area of care that matters most to you and your family. And it’s not just about large gifts – everyone and every dollar can make a difference. “Gifts ranging from $10 to $10 million have built our healthcare facilities, purchased equipment, funded education and training programs, hired leading caregivers, and so much more,” Jan says. “The generosity of our friends and neighbors — at every level — helps ensure the future of quality healthcare in our community.” If you’re looking to give back to AAMC this holiday season, here’s how. Ways to give to AAMC You can make a donation online, or mail your donation to the AAMC Foundation at 2000 Medical Parkway, Belcher Pavilion, Suite 604, Annapolis, Md., 21401. You also have the option of making monthly, quarterly or multi-year pledges. For more information, call the Foundation at 443-481-4747. The AAMC Foundation also accepts stock gifts, which might provide you a bigger tax benefit. Talk to your accountant or financial advisor to learn more. You can also give a planned gift. Examples include: Including AAMC in your will with a bequest. Establishing a charitable gift annuity to benefit you and/or a loved one. Naming AAMC as a beneficiary in your life insurance or retirement plan. Providing a gift of securities from your stock portfolio. The AAMC Foundation also has several societies for donors whose gifts reach a certain level. The Thomas I. and Peggy A. Baldwin Society is for individuals who make gifts of $10,000 or more each year to AAMC. For more information, call Briana Walsh at 443-481-4745. The Building Traditions Society is comprised of young donor members who give $1,000 per year. The society has raised more than $410,000 to support pediatric and NICU services, community clinic services, and behavioral health services. To join, call 443-481-4735. The Belcher Society is for those who make a planned gift of $100,000 or more to AAMC. For more information, call 443-481-4747. Corporate sponsorships AAMC partners with various organizations for programs and events every year. In 2016, AAMC received more than $700,000 in philanthropic support from community business partners across Maryland. To learn more about these partnership opportunities, contact Kelly Accinelli at [email protected]. Other ways to give this holiday season Donations don’t always have to be monetary. Another way to give back this year is by donating blood to AAMC’s Blood Donor Center. Every donation benefits patients at our hospital or in our community. Around 3,000 AAMC patients receive life-saving blood transfusions every year. If you’d like to donate, find an upcoming blood drive at www.facebook.com/AnneArundelMedicalCenter, or call the Blood Donor Center at 443-481-4215. You can also stay up to date on upcoming blood drives and events by joining the Blood Donor Center’s Facebook group. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/AAMCBloodDonorCenter and request to join the group. Originally published Nov. 27, 2017. Last updated Dec. 3, 2019.0
- General Page Tier 3BlogMay 5 is Cinco de Mayo, and you might be planning to eat Mexican food to celebrate. But a delicious Mexican meal doesn’t have to be high in fat, calories or salt, says the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Here are some of the Academy’s tips for how to stay healthy on Cinco de Mayo: Include avocados, peppers, tomatoes, mangoes or jicama in your meal. Dip into fresh salsa, and make a dessert with a berry or other fruit base. Skip the sour cream, cheese and other high-fat fare, in favor of tortillas filled with veggies, chicken and beans. Prepare dishes that are grilled, broiled, baked or stir-fried. Skip the fried tortilla shell for a taco salad, and ask for sauces and toppings to be served on the side. Choose soft corn tortillas. Season food with chilies, lime, cilantro and other fresh, natural flavors that don’t overpower with salt. Drink alcohol in moderation on Cinco de Mayo. Opt for a light beer or a margarita on the rocks, and skip the salt on the rim. Ann Caldwell, nutrition coordinator at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, says if you choose to indulge in guacamole on Cinco de Mayo, consider portion size. You can also dip veggies, such as thinly sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes or celery, instead of chips. Salsa is another healthy alternative, she says. Here’s her recipe for fresh, delicious salsa. Fresh Tomato Salsa for Cinco de Mayo Fresh salsa is easy to make and simply delicious to enjoy! Ingredients 3 ea. Tomatoes, fresh, chopped (3 cups) ½ ea. Red onion, finely chopped 1/3 c. Green pepper, finely chopped 1/3 c. Red pepper, finely chopped 1 ea. Jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped 1 ea. Juice of one lime ½ c. Cilantro, chopped Salt and pepper to taste (Add a pinch to ¼ tsp. of ground cumin for additional flavor) Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight before serving. Originally published May 3, 2017. Last updated May 3, 2021.0
- GivingGeneral Page Tier 3BlogEvery 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]0
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