- Cancer Care, Men's Health, Women's Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogImmunizations to control serious vaccine-preventable diseases are considered one of the greatest public health accomplishments of the 20th century. Research continues to make progress in unlocking the potential of vaccines in preventing and eliminating diseases, including cancer. The most recent FDA-approved cancer control vaccine is the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine, designed to prevent infection from HPV and ultimately prevent cancers associated with the infection. Immunization against HPV could prevent 40,000 cases of HPV-associated cancers every year in the U.S. HPV is a common virus that can be transmitted skin-to-skin between individuals and infects most men and women at some point in their life. The immune system is effective in clearing the body of HPV infection but in some cases the infection remains, which can lead to the development of illnesses. These illnesses include genital warts, pre-cancerous cervical changes (dysplasia) or cancers of the cervix, penis, anus, rectum, and oropharynx (throat, tonsils). HPV causes virtually all cases of cervical cancer and is responsible for more cancers than any other group of viruses. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection common among adolescents and young adults. Most HPV infections have no symptoms. The reason the vaccine is recommended before adolescents become sexually active is because it is much more effective at a younger age and can ensure protection before likely exposure to these viruses. Vaccines mobilize the body’s natural defenses to fight infections and the HPV vaccine works best if given before there is any chance of exposure, when there is still time to build up immunity. The prevention of infection is ideal for the prevention of diseases, including cancer. In 2006, the HPV vaccine became available to females, ages 9 to 26, and later, in 2010, the vaccine was also recommended for males of the same age group. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the HPV vaccine is routinely recommended for boys and girls at ages 11 to 12, but can be given as early as age nine. Health experts recommend a two-dose schedule for kids starting the vaccine at ages 9 through 14, and a three-dose schedule for those who start the series at ages 15 through 26. Under the three-dose schedule, the second dose of the HPV vaccine should be given 1-2 months after the first dose, and the third dose should be given six months after the first dose. Studies show the HPV vaccine is fully effective for at least ten years. And research has shown the vaccine is safe with very few side effects. Individuals with a severe allergy to yeast or latex should not receive the vaccine. Talk to your child’s pediatrician for specific recommendations. Despite the potential of the HPV vaccine to drastically reduce the number of HPV-related cancers and other diseases, the vaccines have not gained widespread use. After more than a decade of encouraging news about the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine, completion rates for the HPV vaccine series continues to hover around 48 percent in Maryland for adolescent girls and boys. The more adolescents and young adults who complete HPV vaccination, the more beneficial the protection will be for the entire population. Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of the 21st century will be to dramatically reduce the number of HPV-related cancers. You can find more information about HPV immunization at askAAMC.org/HPVvaccine. Author By Joanne Ebner, RN, BSN, OCN, C-TTS, a cancer prevention program supervisor at Anne Arundel Medical Center.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) Chief Nursing Officer Barbara Jacobs recently received national recognition for reaching a significant milestone in the nursing profession. Jacobs is one of 521 critical care registered nurses (CCRN) being honored this year by the Certification Organization for the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). CCRN certification is one of the most advanced professional credentials that can be achieved by a nurse in the field of acute and critical care. As a result, the CCRN credential is highly regarded as recognition of advanced knowledge and clinical expertise in the care of acutely and critically ill patients and their families. In a letter of recognition, AACN CEO Dana Woods said, “Achieving and maintaining the CCRN credential over time decades takes passion, perseverance and advanced clinical knowledge, and demonstrates a lifelong commitment to patients, families, colleagues and employers.” Jacobs joined AAMC as chief nursing officer in 2015. Prior to AAMC, she served as chief nurse officer for John Hopkins Suburban Hospital. As chief nursing officer for AAMC, Jacobs works with nursing staff and nurse leaders, physician and multidisciplinary team members, auxilians, and patient and family advisors to continue building on important nursing initiatives, patient satisfaction and wellbeing. She also leads the refinement and implementation of the nursing strategic plan. Jacobs received a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Rochester and a master of science in nursing and management from George Washington University.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) has been recognized by CBIZ for its commitment to workplace health. AAMC received the Edington CBIZ Next Practice Award and Great Beginnings Award for senior and operational leadership success in implementing innovative wellbeing initiatives for employees. Award winners are evaluated and determined by a panel of judges comprised of 12 wellbeing and human resource experts from various industries. “We believe that if our employees are thriving in their life they will be engaged in their work and that will benefit our patients,” said Julie McGovern, vice president of Human Resources at AAMC. “We are proud to be recognized for our efforts surrounding the wellbeing of our employees who are our community’s caregivers in so many ways. It is our mission to enhance the health of the people we serve but also those who serve.” In a press release announcing award winners, Dee Edington, founder and chairman of Edington Associates, said, “The Next Practice and Great Beginnings Award winners serve as role models for companies looking to invest time, energy and resources to make health an integrated component of their business. It’s vital to recognize those organizations seeking to make a lasting impact on their employees’ lives.” Having an “engaged, healthy and diverse workforce” is identified in AAMC’s Vision 2020 strategic plan as a top strategic goal for the medical center. To meet this goal, AAMC launched its “WellBeing” framework designed to help employees nurture both their professional and personal wellbeing. Through the WellBeing framework, AAMC provides a number of resources, including fitness classes, professional development programs, money management sessions and more, to help employees better their career, relationships, finances, community and overall health.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe opioid epidemic is growing and complex in its causes. As a health system, we know that excessive use of prescription opioids can lead to long term dependence and that unused prescription opioids are subject to abuse and diversion — fueling a dangerous epidemic of overdose and death. “Our providers take their role as a trusted source of health care in our community very seriously,” says Barry Meisenberg, MD, chair for quality improvement and health care systems research at AAMC. “They take ownership of their role in educating patients about the dangers of opioids, and prescribing the right amount of medication.” After a six-month research study, Dr. Meisenberg assembled AAMC’s Opioid Taskforce in January of 2017. AAMC’s goal is to reduce opioid prescribing by 50 percent by 2019. This goal is a reflection of the success the taskforce has already seen in three key clinical areas they’ve been focused on: orthopedics/sports medicine, the emergency room and our employed primary care providers. Through provider and patient education, standardization in prescription guidelines, and engaging patients in open discussion of pain management plans, AAMC has seen a 25 percent reduction in the rate of patient visits resulting in an opioid prescription and a 40 percent reduction in overall opioid prescribing in these three areas. There has been no reduction in patient satisfaction with pain management. Jeffrey Gelfand, MD, medical director of Orthopedic Services at AAMC, led a pilot program involving providers and surgery patients of AAMG Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Specialists. “We came to a group consensus as to what we thought was the correct amount of narcotic needed for a given procedure. We all agreed as providers to prescribe that amount,” explains Dr. Gelfand. “We’ve been tracking our results and in the first eight months we’ve reduced our narcotic prescription by over 50 percent. We’ve done it at the same time without compromising patient comfort.” Drs. Barry Meisenberg and Jeffrey Gelfand were recently highlighted in a Baltimore Sun article and video for the work the health system is doing. Patients have appreciated the dialogue and have been actively engaged. AAMC is encouraged by this success and will be expanding this work to other areas of the health system. “Our task force has concentrated on improving prescribing information and moving toward standardization and reduction. But we can’t do this alone,” says Dr. Meisenberg. “It will take great partnerships with government officials, our justice system, hospitals, providers and treatment centers to ultimately curb this epidemic.”
- Cancer Care, Men's Health, Women's Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAbout 12,000 women get cervical cancer every year in the U.S., and a third of those cases are fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly all of those cases are linked to the human papillomavirus infection, also known as HPV. HPV can also cause other forms of cancer. Experts say the infection causes between 50 and 60 percent of cancers including cervical cancer, vaginal and vulvar cancers, anal cancer, throat cancer and penile cancer. However, there is a vaccine that can help prevent these cancers. Here’s what you need to know. HPV vaccine guidelines About nine in 10 people will catch HPV eventually, and medical experts recommend that both males and females get the vaccine before they become sexually active. According to the National Cancer Institute, the vaccine has helped to lower HPV among women in their 20s by nearly two-thirds. There are three HPV vaccines available – Gardasil, Gardasil 9 and Cervarix. The CDC recommends the vaccine for women through age 26, and men through age 21. But there are guidelines for when your child should get the HPV vaccine, based on age. Boys and girls who are 11 or 12 should get two shots of the vaccine six to 12 months apart. Those who receive their shots less than five months apart will need a third shot. If your child is 15 or older, he or she will need three shots over six months. Doctors also recommend that children with weakened immune systems receive three shots. Children who are allergic to yeast or latex should not receive the vaccine. Talk to your pediatrician if your child has any severe allergies. Women who are pregnant should also not get the HPV vaccine. As with any vaccine, there can be side effects. Common side effects include pain, redness or swelling in the arm where the patient received the shot; fever; headache or feeling tired; nausea; and muscle or joint pain. According to the CDC, most people who get the vaccine never experience side effects. Screening for HPV related cancers The CDC says the HPV vaccine isn’t a substitute for cervical cancer screening, and it doesn’t protect against all types of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer. Women should still see their gynecologist for regular Pap tests. There are no recommended screening tests for anal and penile cancers, or for throat cancers. You should visit your doctor regularly for checkups.
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