- Pediatrics, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s made headlines lately—and grabbed the attention of more than a few understandably anxious parents. A respiratory illness called enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) has sickened children around the nation. EV-D68 is one of many enteroviruses, which cause infections every year. But this specific strain hasn’t been linked to outbreaks before now, even though it’s been around since at least 1962. Children are more likely than adults to get sick from EV-D68, simply because they lack natural immunity from previous exposure to any of the enteroviruses. EV-D68 spreads like the flu—through close contact with an infected person or contaminated objects. It often causes only a mild illness, with symptoms similar to a cold or the flu: coughing, sneezing, runny nose, body and muscle aches, and fever. But EV-D68 can also trigger serious breathing problems in some children—especially those with asthma or a history of wheezing. How is it treated? EV-D68 is diagnosed with a lab test. While there’s no specific treatment for the virus, doctors may suggest pain and fever medicines to ease mild symptoms. People with severe respiratory complications may need to be hospitalized. It’s important to remember that not every illness this time of year is caused by EV-D68. But see a doctor right away if your child does get sick and has trouble breathing. You can also take steps to help reduce the risk of your family getting sick from EV-D68: If your child has asthma, be sure that his or her asthma is treated and well-controlled. Have everyone wash their hands often with soap and water. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs. Don’t kiss, hug, or share cups or eating utensils with anyone who is sick. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Cancer Care, Women's Health, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogStacy Stewart was a healthy wife and mother of two—until she found out she had breast cancer. Unsure of what to do next, she went to Anne Arundel Medical Center for treatment. While there, she was assigned to Nurse Navigator Kim Stewart, RN, who helped guide her through the turbulent process of scheduling appointments and doctors’ visits. Here is Stacy’s story in her own words. When I first got the call informing me of my diagnosis, I was speechless. I had no idea what was next for me or my family and I was scared of what could happen. I called my husband sobbing and told him that our biggest fear came true—I had breast cancer. The diagnosis was very hard on my family. My youngest son was very emotional about it and we reassured him that I would be fine. My eldest son just wanted to make sure that I would be okay. At my first appointment at the Breast Center, I was introduced to my nurse navigator, Kim Stewart. In the very beginning, she helped point me in the right direction as to what was next. Without her, I would have been lost because there are so many appointments. Kim was there with me every step of the way, comforting me and making me feel at ease. It was reassuring to be able to go home and know that she had everything in line for me. All my appointments were set up and I didn’t have to worry or stress about it. This assistance helped me calm down so I could focus on my recovery—I didn’t have the time or energy to worry about planning every visit and every appointment. With Kim, I never had to. This feeling of ease became contagious among my family. Seeing how calm and comfortable I was helped settle the nerves of my husband and sons. I was going to be fine. I knew this and, with the support of my family and nurse navigator, I beat cancer. To learn more about Stacy’s story watch a video on our YouTube Channel here To learn more about breast cancer and treatment visit our Breast Center website
- Orthopedics, Women's Health, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThirty-four-year old Jennifer da Rosa had spent several months and visited four different doctors searching for someone to cure her unexplained hip pain. “Finally, I saw Dr. Petre and he was able to diagnose it,” says the 34 year-old college instructor from Kent Island. Jennifer had an uncommon condition in her right hip which caused the bones to grate against one another rather than slide smoothly in the hip socket. After diagnosing her condition—called FAI for femoral acetabular impingement—Orthopedist Ben Petre, MD, performed arthroscopic surgery to remove the extra bone tissue in her hip and restore the joint to proper function. The procedure is not widely available, but as one of the few hip specialists in the area, Dr. Petre has both the experience and the tools to offer arthroscopic hip surgery for FAI and a variety of conditions. “The ability to diagnose and treat this is relatively new,” he says. “It’s an uncommon condition, and diagnosing it is complicated because there are many other things that can cause hip pain, from a problem with the back or internal organs such as your bladder or ovaries to a hernia.” For Jennifer, the diagnosis came as a huge relief. The surgery eliminated her pain, and within a month she had recovered her life again. “Before the surgery, I had been afraid to take my kids to the aquarium or the zoo,” she says. “I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to walk because of the pain.” Jennifer says the experience has given her a new perspective on having surgery in general. “I know a lot of people try to avoid surgery, but I’m very pleased that I had it. The benefit far outweighs any kind of fear or downtime needed for recovery.”
- Behavioral Health, Men's Health, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs director of engineering, Tony Kuzawinski is responsible for plant operations, maintenance and facilities. On a typical day you’ll find him running all over Anne Arundel Medical Center’s medical park campus to meetings and inspections that help ensure a safe environment of care for patients, families and employees. One day, he noticed he was having trouble keeping up with his boss, who always takes the stairs. “We’d go up a couple flights of stairs and it felt like my heart was coming out of my chest,” says the 36-year-old who had been a pack-a-day smoker since age 14. “It would take me several minutes to catch my breath and be able to talk. When alone, I’d take the elevator.” Tony had tried to quit several times, including three years ago when his daughter was born. Then, in early 2014, AAMC announced that starting July 2015 it would not hire people who use tobacco. Although the new policy would not affect him, it hit a nerve. “I found myself defending the policy with family and friends about how it’s about helping people live healthier,” says Tony, who lives in Catonsville. Finally, a friend challenged him to practice what he preached: quit smoking once and for all. So he did. Tony chose June 20—his birthday—as the day he would stop smoking. And he hasn’t looked back. “I wanted do it—for my wife, for my kids and for my health,” he says. Since quitting, his blood pressure has returned to normal. He can run up five flights of stairs and no longer gets winded carrying his kids up to bed at night. And, he’s inspired some of his colleagues to quit. “Little things make a difference,” he says. “Make up your mind and do it. It’s not easy at first, but it gets easier. You can do it, but you have to want to do it.” Ready to quit? Learn more about smoking cessation programs at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Courses and individual counseling are free if you live, work or attend school in Anne Arundel County. If you live elsewhere in the region, our staff may be able to navigate you to free resources in your area so please call 443-481-5366. If you’re an employee, we have specific resources for you, too.
- Men's Health, Women's Health, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMost of us are comfortable sharing with family and friends our woes of back, neck or leg pain. But what about when you have pain in a place where—ahem—no one really talks about? Enter Karen Dobbs. A physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, Karen helps men and women suffering from muscle and nerve pain associated with sex, going to the bathroom, wearing underwear, and even sitting or standing. “Because of the sensitive nature of my patients’ problems, during the first session, my goal is to make them feel comfortable and gain their trust,” says Karen, who lives in West River, Md. “We sit in a private room and have a confidential, personal conversation about what’s going on.” Karen is one of four practitioners at Anne Arundel Medical Center who focuses on pelvic health issues. She says it is an emerging field with few professionals trained to do this kind of work. Every person is different, says Karen. “Each condition I treat is very specific and the treatment is customized to the patient’s needs.” The goal of pelvic floor physical therapy is either muscle strengthening—often associated with urinary or fecal incontinence, or muscle relaxation, which is frequently associated with sexual pain; for example, pudendal neuralgia, a nerve condition that leads to pain in the clitoris/penis, vulva/scrotum, perineum, and rectum. Treatment also can involve the back and leg muscles because they are connected to the pelvic floor. “Often, patients cannot share their problem with friends, family or even their doctor,” says Karen. “Sometimes it takes a few sessions before they open up.” But once they begin to have pain relief as a result of the therapy, they become more comfortable and willing to try different treatment options. Karen talks to her patients about anatomy, how muscles work, and how you can relax or strengthen them. Patients are usually given a home program to follow, which is very important. They only progress at the rate the patient is comfortable.
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