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How Can an Online Tool Improve Your Health?
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MyChart is an online tool that gives patients access to their personal medical records anywhere, any time. But does having your health information at your fingertips actually improve health?
The answer, according to two cancer survivors, is yes. Read how MyChart became a useful tool along their health journey.
Earl Shellner enlisted the help of MyChart as soon as he began his battle with colorectal cancer. Radiation sickness caused him to lose his appetite, as he received treatment for the infection in his stomach. Even though he could not control how fast the cancer was spreading to his organs, MyChart gave him control over his plan of care as he received chemotherapy. “I was able to manage all of my records and procedures through the app on my phone,” Earl says. For Earl, staying informed and on top of his appointments was a valuable feature that stood out to him.
“It is a convenient tool to use, whether young or elderly. It makes everything easier for you, especially if you’re sick or hospitalized,” says Earl.
MyChart also became a significant resource for Eddie Vasquez, a retired Washington, DC police detective.
Eddie began using the online tool when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2006. The cancer progressed and attacked his immune system.
His care team had to monitor many details of his treatment. MyChart helped Eddie and his family stay informed as he went through several chemotherapy treatments, managed multiple prescriptions and attended many doctor appointments.
“MyChart is a private Wikipedia that is personally focused on you,” says Eddie.
MyChart not only helps people with chronic conditions. It can also help you maintain wellness. No matter your health status, MyChart helps you:
Schedule appointments
Request prescription refills
Send messages to your physician
Manage family records
Download your medical history
View lab results
A journey to good health can mean many things for different people. MyChart is one tool that can help you along the way.
Learn more about MyChart and how you can sign up today.
News & Press Releases
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AAMC Opens New Specialty Physicians Suite
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Today Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) announced the grand opening of its new Specialty Physicians Suite–Annapolis. Located on the fifth floor of the AAMC Belcher Pavilion, the Specialty Physicians Suite will house Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Cardiology Specialists, AAMG Diabetes and Endocrine Specialists, AAMG Neurology Specialists, AAMG Neuropsychology Specialists and AAMG Palliative Medicine Specialists.
Mitch Schwartz, MD, chief medical officer at AAMC, says bringing these multispecialty doctors, nurses and skilled care teams under one roof is part of AAMC’s continuous efforts to better integrate and coordinate patient care.
“Patients will have the benefit of better communication between doctors, easy appointment scheduling and seamless medical record sharing between specialties. Our focus is on our patients and creating the best health care experience possible,” says Dr. Schwartz.
Barbara Onumah, MD, of AAMG Diabetes and Endocrine Specialists, says both patients and providers benefit from having all the care teams in a single location. “The environment will encourage collaboration between providers in different subspecialties. This will lead to better coordination of care and testing and improved patient outcomes,” she says.
Patients visiting AAMC’s Specialty Physicians Suite will have the ability to get referrals and consultations on the spot, as well as save time scheduling appointments with specialists who can meet a spectrum of health care needs.
Dr. Onumah explains how this works, specifically as it relates to patients with diabetes. “People with diabetes are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Adults with type 2 diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or stroke than adults without diabetes. Patients seeing an endocrine specialist within the Specialty Physicians Suite will have a ‘one stop shop,’” she says.
To schedule an appointment with any of the practices located in the Specialty Physicians Suite—Annapolis call 443-481-6700.
News & Press Releases, Weight Loss
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AAMC expands Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery Program to Easton
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Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) today announced the expansion of its Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery Program to the Eastern Shore. Bariatric Surgeon Courtney Doyle, MD, will see patients for weight loss surgery consultations at 505 Dutchmans Lane, Suites A3-A4, in Easton. Bariatric nutrition classes for her patients will also be held at that location.
Dr. Doyle will see patients at the Dutchmans Lane location until her office moves to the AAMC Pavilion – Easton. The new health care pavilion was announced in October 2016 and is scheduled to open in Waterside Village next to BJs in 2018. Dr. Doyle will continue to perform surgeries at Anne Arundel Medical Center.
“Eastern Shore patients have always been an important part of our practice,” says Alex Gandsas, MD, medical director of AAMC’s Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery Program. “We are pleased to offer our patients on the Eastern Shore a more convenient location and easier access to our services.”
“With our program you gain doctors, registered dietitians and nurses committed to supporting you,” says Dr. Doyle. “Reaching the decision to have weight loss surgery and following the journey to make it happen is never done alone. We are here to help.”
Starting in February, Dr. Doyle will offer free weight loss surgery seminars at the Easton Holiday Inn Express. Registration and a full schedule of weight loss surgery seminars are available at AAMCEvents.com
The AAMC Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery Program is a comprehensive program designed to ensure patients have a successful, safe surgery and maintain results. AAMC’s bariatric surgery center is designated as a Level I facility and is nationally accredited by the American College of Surgeons. This ensures the program meets specific standards of care for weight loss operations for the types of weight loss surgery we perform, including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and adjustable gastric band removal and revision.
Dr. Doyle is a board-certified, fellowship-trained specialist in the field of bariatric surgery, with expertise in sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. She completed her training in general surgery in Indiana before moving to Maryland to pursue a weight loss surgery fellowship.
Dr. Doyle received her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine, where she completed one of two fellowships as well as a residency, both in general surgery. She completed her second fellowship at AAMC in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit askAAMC.org/WeightLoss or call 443-924-2900.
Community, Giving, News & Press Releases, Pediatrics, Uncategorized
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Building Traditions Society: Get Involved and Support Your Local Hospital
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Are you looking for an opportunity to get involved in supporting your local hospital? Do you want to meet new people with values like yours? Join the AAMC Foundation’s Building Traditions Society (BTS), a dynamic group of young individuals and families supporting vital areas of care at AAMC. By joining this philanthropic group, you are invited to attend high-energy exclusive events and network with others while improving the health care services available to your loved ones, neighbors, friends and community.
Your contribution and partnership as a BTS member will support critical initiatives – 100 percent of your BTS membership is allocated back to AAMC. BTS has donated more than $400,000 to AAMC to support pediatrics, NICU, Pathways, oncology and much more since its establishment in 2012.
To find out how you can be a part of this charitable, fun group of next-generation community leaders, contact Samantha Buckley at [email protected] or sign up online today.
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8 Food Trends for 2017: What to Expect
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The New Year is a great time to broaden your food horizons and experiment with different versions of familiar foods. Let’s explore some exciting new trends expected for 2017.
Turmeric. This spice has been trending for a few years now and continues to rise in popularity. Along with adding wonderful flavor to dishes, it has been linked to reducing inflammation and playing a role in disease prevention. Commonly used in curry-based dishes, this spice can also add delicious flavor to scrambled eggs, roasted veggies and meats like chicken or salmon.
Vegetable noodles. With the rise of “spiralizer” gadgets, people are now making noodles from zucchini, butternut squash and beets for a tasty and healthy pasta alternative. Swapping veggie noodles with regular noodles is a great way to pack a nutritional punch to your diet.
Less food waste. In efforts to make the earth a better place, people are finding ways to repurpose leftover food parts that are often thrown away. These include broccoli stems, fennel fronds, or “ugly” fruits and vegetables that can be used in slaws, soups, broths, stews or vegetarian dishes.
Fermented foods. These are all the rage due to their natural probiotics. Companies are releasing lines of tasty fermented vegetables like curry cauliflower, ginger beets and orange ginger carrots. And you can now find kombucha, a fermented tea, in many grocery stores.
Seeds. From pumpkin seeds to chia seeds to watermelon seeds, you’ll find them in snackbars, salads or side dishes. Most seeds are rich in protein and minerals. Try making your own trail mix with seeds as the main ingredient.
Healthier vending machines. Ditch the soda cans and bags of processed chips! Temperature-controlled vending machines offer healthier on-the-go snack foods like popcorn, hummus cups, fresh fruit, hard-boiled eggs and yogurt.
Time savers. Weekly meal subscription delivery services are popping up everywhere. These meals need assembly, but the recipe planning and basic food preparation are done for you. Also, most grocery stores now offer pre-cut vegetables and display recipes that allow you to prepare a meal in minutes.
Plant-based foods. More people are taking up a plant-based diet, limiting their consumption of meats. Many food businesses are using more fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains to meet the demand of this consumer health preference.
While these eight food trends can all contribute to healthier eating habits, not all food trends are healthy. Stay informed, and bon appétit!
Want to start using these trendy food ingredients in your cooking? Try this delicious vegetarian burrito bowl with cauliflower “rice.” Many grocery stores sell this pre-packaged, but all you need to make it is a head of cauliflower and a food processor.
Vegetarian Burrito Bowl
INGREDIENTS:
2 heads of Romaine lettuce, shredded
1 ½ cup kale, chopped
1 pack of cauliflower rice
2 red peppers, sliced
8 mushrooms, sliced
1 onion, diced
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon ground coriander
pinch of salt and pepper
½ cup black beans, cooked or canned
½ cup sweet corn, cooked
½ medium avocado
4-ounce Greek yogurt
4 medium tomatoes, diced
½ red onion, diced
1 tablespoon lime
Optional: jalapeno slices
INSTRUCTIONS:
Wash the Romaine and kale and divide between bowls.
Spray oil in a pan, add the peppers, onion and mushrooms and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until soft. Add the spices; cook 1 minute and add to the bowls.
Combine chopped tomato with red onion, jalapeno and lime juice, mixing well, and then add to the bowl of greens.
In a food processor, add the avocado, Greek yogurt and 1 tablespoon water; blend until smooth.
Cook the cauliflower rice and divide between the bowls and top with the avocado yogurt.
Request an appointment with one of our registered dietitians for a variety of nutrition services. They can create a food plan tailored to your personal health needs, identify what nutrients you may be lacking and help you achieve your health goals.
Authors
By Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford, nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them call 443-481-5555.