- Wellness, NutritionGeneral 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 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
- 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
- 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 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
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