- PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogKnowing when your child is ready to talk about sexual health can be a challenge. Knowing how to talk to you child about sex is another puzzle. While having this conversation may seem daunting and uncomfortable, it’s much better to address the topic instead of staying silent. Consider the current statistics on teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that girls ages 13 to 19 had a birth rate of 26.5 per 1,000. And according to The Department of Health and Human Services, nearly half of the 20 million reported new cases of STDs each year in the United States occur in youths ages 15 to 24. Starting the conversation It’s important to establish an open line of communication with your teen to discuss sexual health and the pressures or desires to engage in sexual activity. Establishing this type of communication can prevent teens from engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors. Start by answering your child’s questions with age-appropriate answers and correct terminology. Try to avoid including extra details or information. But it’s not all up to you to educate your child. They may already be learning about sexual health in the classroom. In Maryland, local school boards developed a standard for sexual health classes to begin between the ages of 10 and 12. Asking your child about what they’re learning is a good place to start the conversation. Involving your child’s doctor Your child’s pediatrician or primary care doctor can also talk to your child about sexual health at their annual physical. It’s a chance for both you and your child to ask questions and discuss concerns. Before the physical, you may speak with the doctor to discuss family values and standards. While your child’s doctor is a resource to you, I recommend you also personally share these views with your child in an open discussion. During the physical, many providers will ask you to leave the exam room for a period of time. Don’t take offense. Your child may be embarrassed to make a comment or ask a question in front of you. This time allows the doctor to talk to your child about emotional wellbeing and risk behaviors. If needed, the doctor can also help your child share concerns with you. As your child’s doctor continues the discussion into their late teen years, your child will build a trusting relationship with his or her doctor. This way, there’s already an established relationship of trust between teen, parent and doctor when your teen gets older and asks more questions about sexual health. Keep in mind that Maryland Minor Consent Laws allow minors to be seen without the consent of parents to discuss contraception, diagnosis or screening of STDs and decisions related to pregnancy. As a parent, it’s important to build a foundation of trust for the future. A primary care doctor is a resource, but not a replacement for your own communication with your child. Looking for a provider? Search our Find A Doc directory and find one who is right for you and your family.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTori Bayless, president and CEO, was appointed to the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) by Governor Larry Hogan. The HSCRC is a state agency that sets reimbursement rates and global budgets for Maryland’s hospitals. Tori joins six other commissioners who will oversee the HSCRC for the next four years. The commission’s primary responsibility is to review and approve reasonable hospital rates. They also publicly disclose information on the costs and financial performance of Maryland hospitals. Maryland’s all-payer system puts the state at the forefront of revolutionizing how healthcare is delivered. As a commissioner, Tori will be among those leading this groundbreaking work. “The Governor’s appointment of Tori Bayless is a testament to the importance of the contributions she has made to the healthcare sector. Her vast experience with the healthcare system as well as her ability to bring people together will directly benefit the commission and, subsequently, the community,” notes Ed Gosselin, chair of AAMC’s Board of Trustees. This is Tori’s first gubernatorial appointment. She serves on various healthcare industry boards and has been the president and CEO of AAMC since 2011. Formed in 1971, the HSCRC is an independent state agency with seven commissioners appointed by the Governor. The Commission began setting hospital rates under the Maryland all-payer system in 1977.
- Men's Health, Women's Health, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic intestinal diseases. These diseases involve inflammation of all or part of your digestive tract. The two most common IBDs are ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease. UC is limited to the large intestine (colon) and Crohn’s disease can affect the digestive tract from mouth to anus. IBD symptoms can involve: Significant and persistent diarrhea. Stomach pain and cramps. Fatigue. Bloody stools (more typical with UC). Reduced appetite. Unintentional weight loss. “It’s common to confuse Crohn’s disease and UC with other conditions because they share common and nonspecific symptoms,” explains Mark Flasar, MD, who specializes in gastroenterology and IBD at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Crohn’s and Colitis Clinic AAMC recently opened its patient-centered Crohn’s and Colitis Clinic. The clinic’s team includes nutritionists, physicians, gastroenterologists and surgeons—all with focused training and experience in IBD management. A multidisciplinary approach to IBD therapy offers the best path to a better quality of life. “When the IBD patient is at the center of a team, we can expedite care and hopefully achieve remission,” says AAMC Department of Surgery Chair Adrian Park, MD. “With the entire team in one clinic, everything revolves around the patient,” explains Dr. Park. “Instead of sending patients out for consults, we collaborate as a team to help the patient. This seamless process provides a better level of care.” There’s no definitive trigger for IBD. This makes flare-ups unpredictable. In addition, there’s no cure for Crohn’s disease and UC can only be cured by removing the large intestine. With proper care, though, many IBD patients achieve long-term remission. Here are three reasons to seek medical help if you suffer persistent IBD symptoms. You’re not alone. It’s important to have a network of support as you adjust your lifestyle to manage IBD. About 1.6 million Americans have IBD, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). Doctors diagnose 70,000 new cases of IBD in the United States each year. New treatments are available. Advances in genetics, immunology and microbiology have led to far more options to treat IBD. Start with a frank discussion with your primary care physician (PCP). Your PCP may refer you to a gastroenterologist, who can pinpoint the best and latest treatment. Self-medication is never a solution. “When you have IBD, your immune system is attacking your intestine. Over-the-counter medications may mask the diarrhea and pain, but intestinal damage is still going on,” Dr. Flasar stresses. “Only a physician can help control symptoms and possible long-term damage.” Remission results are impressive. According to the CCFA, 70 percent of UC patients and 45 percent of Crohn’s disease patients in remission remain relapse-free during the next year. There’s evidence that early IBD treatment may help minimize intestinal tract damage and reduce life-altering symptoms. Read more about our new Crohn’s and Colitis Clinic. Contributors Mark Flasar, MD, is a gastroenterologist at AAMC. Adrian Park, MD is the chair of AAMC’s Department of Surgery.
- Women's Health, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWho’s better suited to offer you advice on how to keep your heart at its best than a cardiologist? We asked three of our cardiologists from the Heart and Vascular Institute to share their advice for staying heart healthy while juggling a busy home and work life. Jennifer Brown, MD How do you juggle the demands of work and home? I have two kids under five, work 50 hours a week and my husband is deployed with the military to Afghanistan. Organization, structure and balance are essential. I try to be efficient and designate responsibilities when possible. The key is making sure I am healthy. This means finding time to exercise, getting adequate sleep and fueling my body with a heart-healthy diet. If you could only give one piece of advice for heart health, what would it be? I think nutrition is our most powerful medication. Every Sunday morning, you will see me in my kitchen preparing healthy snacks. I try to avoid eating out or not bringing my lunch as much as possible. I am more likely to make bad food choices in the cafeteria. What is one thing women need to specifically be aware of when it comes to heart health? Signs of heart disease in women can be subtle. You may feel more fatigued or short of breath. The most important thing is to develop a good relationship with your doctor and seek medical attention when something just doesn’t feel right. Barbara Hutchinson, MD How do you eat heart healthy during a busy work week? Dr. Hutchinson stays heart-healthy by eating a big meal for breakfast to avoid overeating in the evening. I plan ahead for my week by preparing meals on the weekend. I prepare at least three different meat dishes, starches and vegetables on the weekend, then during the week I am able to have different combinations. My day begins with dinner because I am able to work it off during the day with my activity. I often work through lunch because I am not hungry, but may have fruit. I then have something very light for dinner with a cup of tea. Essentially, I have dinner in the morning and breakfast in the evening. If you could only give one piece of advice for heart health, what would it be? Eating a heavy meal late at night then going to bed one to two hours later is the ticket to obesity. What’s your go-to quick heart-healthy snack? I love fruits of all kinds, and I will choose them over things like potato chips, which I do not like. I often drink water or 100% fruit juice. I don’t drink sodas or alcohol. Jennifer Brady, MD If you could only give one piece of advice to women about heart health, what would it be? Know your numbers. By regularly monitoring your blood pressure and weight, as well as lab results like cholesterol, you can better manage and be active in your heart health. Ultimately, you will take control of reducing your risk of heart disease. What is one thing women need to specifically be aware of when it comes to heart health? Dr. Brady (far left) enjoys spending time with her family and says they offer her important support. Heart disease is the number one killer of women, causing one in three women’s deaths each year. Women need to be aware of the many different signs and symptoms of a heart attack so they can seek immediate medical attention. How do you juggle the demands of work and home? By having a reliable support system of family and friends I am able to achieve a balance of caring for both patients and my family.
- Men's Health, Senior Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogCarpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes tingling, numbness and pain in the wrists and hands. With more than three million new cases every year in the U.S., typing and overuse of the hands are often associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. However, many studies now suggest these are not causes, and genetics are actually believed to play a major role in determining who gets carpal tunnel syndrome. Orthopedic Surgeon Alex Shushan, MD explains the truth about carpal tunnel syndrome. What causes carpal tunnel syndrome? The carpal tunnel is a small space in your wrist. Nerves and tendons run through this space from your forearm to your hand. Anything that decreases the space available for the nerve may cause carpal tunnel syndrome. This may include: Pregnancy. Thyroid issues. Arthritis. Diabetes. Many cases are “idiopathic,” which means we can’t determine the underlying cause. In these cases, genetics may play a significant role. What are the symptoms? Symptoms include pain, numbness or tingling in your hands or wrists. Most patients experience this first at night, waking up with tingling in the hand that can be “shaken off.” This can progress to daytime numbness and tingling. As the symptoms worsen, patients may have trouble manipulating small objects, such as buttons on a shirt. Symptoms may occur in one or both hands. Who is most at risk? People between age 40 and 60 are especially at risk for carpal tunnel. Women are three times more likely to develop the condition. What about treatment? Splints at night are often prescribed. If this does not help, a nerve study is frequently performed to determine the severity of nerve compression. Those who don’t improve after conservative treatments may be candidates for surgery. Surgery is very effective, with more than 500,000 operations performed each year in the U.S. Ninety-eight percent of patients report they have a “good to excellent” result with surgical carpal tunnel release. Learn how carpal tunnel release surgery provided relief for this local cashier. Contributor Alex Shushan, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery at AAMG Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists.
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