- 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
- Cancer Care, Women's Health, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3Blog“Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity helped save my life,” proclaims Nancy Noel, now 71. While helping build townhomes in Annapolis, Nancy took a blow to the chest and the resulting wound refused to heal. Testing eventually led to a diagnosis of Paget disease, an aggressive form of breast cancer. After a total mastectomy, a double course of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation — all at AAMC — Nancy came through a survivor. Nancy took up storm chasing after she completed treatment for a rare, aggressive form of breast cancer. “I simply made the decision to place myself in the hands of my brilliant and caring team and embrace the cure,” Nancy says. Nancy’s positive attitude led her to become a volunteer peer mentor with Survivors Offering Support (SOS). SOS was created by Denise O’Neil and debuted at AAMC in 2004. It has since expanded to hospitals throughout the mid-Atlantic. The program pairs a newly diagnosed patient with a breast cancer survivor. The mentor provides support and encouragement from diagnosis through recovery. “Most importantly, because we’ve been ‘through it,’ we mentors become valuable ‘pink sisters’ to our mentees. We visit them at chemo, offer a shoulder to lean on and celebrate their treatment milestones,” Nancy explains. Lorraine Tafra, MD, breast surgeon and medical director of AAMC’s Rebecca Fortney Breast Center, says the SOS peer mentors are an integral part of the cancer team. She says the mentors help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients through the emotional fog that follows diagnosis. Special training teaches SOS mentors how to avoid offering any medical advice, which comes only from medical professionals. SOS mentors also help women transition to life after cancer, a time that can be difficult. “There is often fear of re-occurrence and that age-old question, ‘What do I do with the rest of my life?’” Nancy says. “I tell women that they are now official members of what I call the Second Chance Club.” To ease post-treatment anxiety, Nancy recommends that women fill their lives with things they’ve always wanted to do. She and her husband, Bob, took up storm chasing. “As we stare up into that swirling belly of the beast, I thank AAMC and remind myself that it’s great to be alive.” Watch a video of Nancy sharing her story.Read more about how a supportive team of peers and medical professionals can help women with breast cancer make personal treatment choices.Read about two more ways to fight breast cancer: Ways to Fight Breast Cancer: Get Physical and Ways to Fight Breast Cancer: Understand Your Risks. Contributor Lorraine Tafra, MD, is a breast surgeon and the medical director of AAMC’s Rebecca Fortney Breast Center.0
- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogA diagnosis of breast cancer often leads women to reevaluate their nutrition and health practices. Some may reflect on what diet or lifestyle habits they have that may have increased their risk of getting cancer. No food or diet can prevent you from getting breast cancer, but some foods may make your body the healthiest it can be by boosting your immunity and keeping your risk for breast cancer minimized. Breast cancer is less common in countries where the typical diet is plant based and low in total fat. More research is needed to better understand the effect of diet on breast cancer risk, but it is clear that calories do count and fat is a major source of calories. Overweight women are believed to be at higher risk for breast cancer because the extra fat cells make estrogen, which can cause extra breast cell growth. This extra growth may increase the risk of breast cancer. I recommend you implement these strategies to reduce your risk: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables (more than five cups per day). Fruits and vegetables have higher nutrient content, lower fat and higher fiber compared to animal products. Consider buying one new fruit or vegetable at every grocery shopping trip. Also, substitute zucchini noodles for pasta, and add vegetables with pesto. Add new vegetables to familiar recipes where vegetables are already present, such as stews, soups, chili, enchiladas, or pasta salads. Add broccoli, tomatoes, or squash to scrambled eggs or omelets. Plus, freeze grapes and berries in single serving containers for a cool treat. Limit your fat intake Try to make your fat intake less than 20 percent of your total calories per day. To do this use flavored vinegars instead of regular salad dressings. Remember olive oil is a healthier oil, but it still has 120 calories per tablespoon just like all other oils so try a spray bottle to dispense. Use broth, bullion or juice instead of oil or butter, and omit fried foods, heavy sauces, gravies, and cheeses. Mix up your protein options Some research suggests there may be a link between eating red meat and breast cancer. Most of the concern is about processed meats and beef given extra hormones and antibiotics. You can use lentils or beans as your main dish, such as chili, or three-bean salad or in enchiladas. Legumes also contain protective phytochemicals, fiber and folate. Try fish, chicken, nut butters, eggs and tofu as alternate protein sources. Add healthy choices to your diet and make positive behavior changes Eating more fiber can make you feel full longer, making you less likely to overeat. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are ideal sources. Choose high fiber cereal with more than 5 grams or more per serving. Add kidney, black or pinto beans into soups and salads. Consider buying organic There is a concern that chemicals used to grow food may cause health problems, including increasing breast cancer risk. To reduce your exposure to pesticides, you may want to buy organically grown produce and dairy products. Choose small portions Meat portions should be 3 ounces—the size of a deck of cards—eaten one or two times per day. Two-thirds of your plate should be composed of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and/or beans. Move more Being physically active is one of the best things you can do for your health. Aim for 30 minutes most days of the week, with strength training at least twice per week. Making healthy lifestyle choices has benefits at any age. Maintaining healthy weight, eating a well-balanced diet, being more active and aware of your health can be physically and mentally rewarding at any point in life. Author By Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford, nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them call 443-481-5555.0
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogDeciding to make a major lifestyle change — like quitting smoking — can be a challenging task. Nicotine is the real culprit in making it difficult to quit. Nicotine is present in all tobacco products, and is the substance that causes dependence on tobacco. Having the right tools to help you quit can lead you to success. Medication is one tool some people use to help quit smoking. As a certified tobacco treatment specialist (TTS), people trying to quit often ask me, “Which medication works the best?” My answer is always, “The best medication is the one that works for you!” Here are the seven FDA-approved medications available to help people quit their smoking habit. But remember, medication isn’t always the answer; in fact, some people are able to successfully quit smoking without using these aids. Before trying any new medication, you should talk with your healthcare provider to make sure the fit is right for you. Take our pledge to love your lungs, and be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card! Chantix (Varenicline) This is the newest medication to treat tobacco dependence. It targets the nicotinic receptors in your brain, which are the source of nicotine addiction. The medication works by gradually lowering a person’s desire to smoke. As with any medication, Chantix affects each individual differently and there may be side effects. Before getting a prescription, talk with your healthcare provider to determine if it’s right for you. Zyban (Wellbutrin, Bupropion) This prescription has been available for several years. Originally prescribed to treat depression, Wellbutrin was found to reduce a person’s desire to smoke. It is often used in combination with nicotine replacement medications. There are five different types of nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs). These medications provide nicotine to the body of someone who is nicotine dependent. Using NRTs allows for a gradual withdrawal from nicotine and helps avoid or reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can include, irritability, intense cravings or urges to smoke, headaches, restlessness and others. The Nicotrol® inhaler This prescription medication isn’t really an inhaler, but more like a “puffer.” The liquid nicotine gets absorbed through the lining of the mouth. It is not inhaled into the lungs. The inhaler is fast-acting, giving quick relief from nicotine cravings. While they may look similar, they inhaler should not be confused with electronic cigarettes or vape cigarettes. Electronic cigarette devices are not yet fully regulated and are not FDA approved for quitting smoking. Nicotine nasal spray This is the fastest working of all the NRTs. The nicotine from the nasal spray is absorbed through the lining of the nasal passages. It should be avoided for anyone who has sinus troubles. These three nicotine replacement medications are over-the-counter. Nicotine patches The patch is the only long-acting nicotine replacement medication. This means it enters the system slowly and stays there longer. Most people tolerate this well with few side effects. Nicotine gums This fast-acting option isn’t chewed like regular gum, but rather chewed until nicotine is released (a tingling or peppery taste on the tongue). Users then keep the gum between the cheek and gum. This process is repeated as needed. Nicotine lozenges These are also fast-acting and dissolve gradually. For both lozenges and gum, the amount used is based on each individual’s level of nicotine dependence. The more severe the dependence is, the higher amount of medication is needed to ease withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine dependence is considered a disease. Just like other diseases, medication can be a solution. Make sure you have all the tools you need to regain control over your health. Talk to your healthcare provider so you have what you need to quit tobacco for good. Ready to quit smoking? Visit askAAMC.org/QuitSmoking or call 443-481-5366 to learn how AAMC can help you. Author By Joanne Ebner, a cancer prevention program supervisor at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published Sept. 20, 2016. Last updated Dec. 13, 2018.0
- Physical TherapyGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs a speech-language pathologist, I’ve become sensitized to some of the challenges my patients’ families face after years of shuttling my kids to therapy appointments. Family schedules are busy and complicated. Finding balance for things most important is always worth it. Here are some tips to make the speech therapy process smoother. READ MORE: Understanding adult speech therapy Schedule appointments around your needs. When choosing therapy appointment times, schedule around your family’s needs. An appointment at seven o’clock in the morning may be appropriate for a five-year old but not a teenager. Also, consider focus and energy levels throughout the day. Some medications, such as stimulants for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have peak effectiveness periods. Caregivers can and should help find the best therapy appointment time for each patient. Come prepared. A pediatric speech evaluation is similar to a doctor’s appointment with more toys and no shots. Come early, as there will be paperwork. Bring a snack, a drink and a favorite toy. And bring any related medical or educational reports. Be supportive, not overbearing. Allow the patient to speak for his or her self. But advocate for them if they are unable to express their concerns. Don’t be afraid to ask for a break. Set realistic goals. Goals need to be easily achievable and simple to understand. Small, incremental, change is more sustainable. Personalize the experience. Patients are more likely to succeed when speech therapy reflects their interest. A speech articulation goal for a child might target the “r” sound when saying their friend Ryan’s name, for example, or when singing Baby Shark. Parents and caregivers can help identify personalized speech therapy targets. Tell the truth. Work with your therapist to modify goals that aren’t working. Tell your therapist if the patient did not follow recommendations or do their homework. I always encourage and appreciate honest feedback. Take homework seriously. Like any exercise program, consistency is the key to lasting change. Speech therapy homework helps to carry over learned strategies to real life. Make homework a part of your existing routine. An additional homework task may seem impossible, so try tucking speech therapy exercises into other activities. I hid my son’s flashcards next to his dinner plate, his car seat and his toothbrush. Add some fun and include the whole family. Homework can be on an iPad or part of a game or craft. Try exercises while watching a favorite TV show.Parents, siblings, grandparents, babysitters, teachers, and friends can all assist with speech therapy homework. Life is hectic. I hope these tips make your family’s speech therapy experience a little easier. After all, we are here to help. Author Chana Breuer is a speech-language pathologist at Anne Arundel Medical Group Physical Therapy in Crofton. To schedule an adult or pediatric speech therapy appointment, please call 443-481-1140.0
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