- Women's Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3Blog“It felt so normal. It was truly the best experience of my life,” says mom of four Carly Glover as she recounts the birth of her first child. It was a birth that happened outside the walls of the hospital and inside the home-like environment of Anne Arundel Medical Group Bay Area Midwifery’s birth center. The practice operates a nationally accredited birth center — one of only two in Maryland. And like Carly, one in four of their clients decide the birth center is the right place for them to have their baby. “Birth choices are so personal,” says Carly. “When I was pregnant, my mother was sick, and I was spending a lot of time in the hospital. I knew I wanted a completely different environment when I had my baby. So I switched to a birth center halfway through my pregnancy.” While 98 percent of all births in the United States still happen in the hospital, the percentage of birth center births has been on the rise since 2004. How is a birth center different than a hospital? “A birth center is like a home away from home, or home with the extra safety net,” says Anne Seifert, one of seven certified nurse midwives at AAMG Bay Area Midwifery. “We have the same basic emergency medications and equipment that the hospital has, but in a home-like setting. We safely monitor mom and baby, and allow families to give birth in a comfortable, non-medical setting.” Midwives are experts in supporting women with low-risk pregnancies give birth without pain medications. Still, the idea of a birth center can be confusing or overwhelming for some. “My husband was hesitant about a birth center. I think his exact words were, ‘Are you crazy?’” says Carly. “He was worried about risks. What if something goes wrong? What if you need a doctor? What if you want an epidural?” A tour and consult at the birth center put his mind at ease. “We get those questions all the time,” says Shaina French, certified nurse midwife with AAMG Bay Area Midwifery, who says there’s a misconception that birth centers are unsafe or that midwives don’t have enough training. As birth centers rise in popularity, studies continue to show they provide a safe alternative to hospitals for women with low-risk pregnancies. “As certified nurse midwives, we are all master’s-degree-trained nurses who specialize in obstetrics and gynecology,” says Shaina. “We are board-certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board and licensed by the State of Maryland. We also collaborate with doctors, nurses and other allied health professionals, such as doulas.” Preparing for a Birth Center Birth Whether women choose a birth center or hospital birth, prenatal care is the same. “The best part was arriving at the birth center in labor,” says Carly. “My husband said, ‘What do we do now?’ The midwife replied, ‘Whatever you want!’ It was magic to my ears — no needles, no monitors, no being stuck in bed.” Pain management options in the birth center include verbal coaching, position changes, breathing techniques, methods like hypnobirthing or Bradley, massage and water therapy. “We’re one of the few places in Maryland that offers water births,” says Anne. “Moms can labor and deliver in our tubs. It’s a big reason many women choose us.” “There was a moment where I started to doubt myself,” says Carly. “But my midwife was right by my side reminding me of my strength, and providing kind and gentle support. It was just what I needed in that moment.” Homeward Bound Women and their families typically stay in the birth center three to four hours after giving birth, and then it’s time to go home. Parents must take the new baby to a pediatrician one to two days after birth. “We call families a few days following the birth to answer questions and see if an in-person check is needed,” says Shaina. “Typically we see moms back in the office two and six weeks after birth.” Is a Birth Center Right for You? Here are some questions to ask yourself if you’re considering a birth center: Are you generally healthy with either no chronic health problems or well-controlled health problems? Do you have the interest, time and energy to invest in learning about and preparing for a pain-medication-free birth? Will you feel comfortable going home with a four-hour-old newborn? Do you have a support system to enlist? Have you handled physical pain well in the past? The birth center is not an option for high-risk pregnancies, women expecting multiples, women who want a vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC) or women who want an epidural. These women, however, can still choose a midwife at AAMG Bay Area Midwifery and have their baby at Anne Arundel Medical Center. For a free tour and consultation with a midwife, call AAMG Bay Area Midwifery at 443-481-4400.
- Cancer Care, Men's Health, News & Press Releases, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLung cancer is the deadliest cancer, claiming more lives in Maryland yearly than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined. Only about 15 percent of lung cancers are diagnosed in the early stages when lung cancer is more likely to be cured with surgical treatment. Early detection is key to effective treatment. Thanks to a grant from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) will expand lung cancer prevention and screening services within high-risk populations in Maryland counties including Prince George’s County. The foundation awarded the Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute at AAMC a three-year, $1.25 million grant to replicate and expand the medical center’s award-winning Rapid Access Chest and Lung Assessment Program (RACLAP). RACLAP is designed to quickly identify, evaluate and manage early stage lung cancer. “The grant from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation will allow us to better reach and inform at-risk patients in our service area about the need for lung cancer screening, while providing desperately needed education and resources to help people quit smoking,” says Stephen Cattaneo, MD, medical director of Thoracic Oncology at AAMC.
- Men's Health, Orthopedics, Women's Health, Pediatrics, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhether your child plays for a competitive Little League team or you’re gearing up for the company softball game, you should be aware of throwing injuries. The repetitive motion of throwing puts stress on your shoulder and elbow, and can lead to chronic or sudden injuries. The good news is you can prevent most throwing injuries or treat minor ones with physical therapy. Here are few things you should know about throwing injuries: Signs of injury Watch for signs of fatigue or overuse. If you find yourself massaging your arm after each pitch, or taking more time between pitches, this may be sign of a developing throwing problem. Other signs may include redness, discoloration, swelling, tightness, sharp pain or loss of range of motion of either, or both, the elbow and shoulder. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, get evaluated by a professional. These signs could indicate a serious throwing injury. You may experience decreased grip strength or decreased pitch speed, too. Common injuries Common shoulder problems can involve your rotator cuff. Your rotator cuff is made up of four large muscles that extend from your shoulder blade to your shoulder joint. These muscles are extremely important for your shoulder strength and for holding your shoulder joint in the right position. Frequent throwing can irritate the rotator cuff. This can lead to shoulder pain, tendonitis or even a muscle tear in your rotator cuff. You may experience pinching, or impingement, of the rotator cuff if those muscles are weak or tired from overuse, if you have shoulder instability, or if you have poor throwing form. Elbow sprains are also common. With an elbow sprain, you may experience pain to touch, pain when you throw, or possible numbness and tingling below your elbow. These sprains are most commonly caused by strain to the elbow due to poor throwing form. Preventing injuries Throwing a baseball or softball is a full body activity. Your workouts in the off-season and pre-season should include shoulder strengthening, as well as leg strengthening, flexibility, core stability, speed and agility training. When it comes to your throw, physical therapists can help you identify your problem areas and address them. They can analyze throwing mechanics, determine the phases of throwing that need improvement, provide strength and conditioning programs, and much more. If you’re experiencing signs of a throwing injury, getting proper treatment can help you return to your sport as quickly and safely as possible. Author Lindsay Morgan is a physical therapist, specializing in rehabilitating throwing injuries, with Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Physical Therapy in Crofton. To reach her office, call 443-481-1140.
- Cancer Care, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) Oncology and Hematology has received reaccreditation by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) certification program. This designation certifies that AAMC Oncology and Hematology continuously meets nationally recognized standards set by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) for safe, quality cancer care. “ASCO’s QOPI certification recognizes those oncology practices that are committed to delivering the highest quality of cancer care,” said ASCO President Daniel F. Hayes, MD, FASCO. “By achieving recertification, this practice has demonstrated its commitment to quality and safety excellence in the care they deliver to patients, as well as to the continuous process of quality improvement.” QOPI certification for outpatient oncology practices is the first program of its kind for oncology in the United States. Only 250 practices are currently certified. AAMC Oncology and Hematology, located in Annapolis and Odenton, provides quality and compassionate care for patients with complex oncology/hematology related problems. The team of highly trained doctors, nurse practitioners and staff encourages open communication with patients. For more information about AAMC Oncology and Hematology, visit www.myaamg.org/oncology-and-hematology.
- News & Press Releases, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) Women’s Center for Pelvic Health has been awarded the Safety Certification in Outpatient Practice Excellence (SCOPE) for Women’s Health. They are one of only two women’s health practices in the state of Maryland, and among only 95 in the country, to receive this designation. The certification, awarded by the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), recognizes medical practices that are leaders in women’s health care. The ACOG affirms that patient safety is essential to providing optimal health care for women, and implementation of patient safety measures can reduce medical errors and risk, and lead to positive patient outcomes. To achieve the recognition, the center underwent a rigorous review process. Surveyors gathered real-time data and analyzed patient-safety concepts and techniques in the office. Satisfying all criteria, the center was granted the three-year SCOPE certification. AAMC Women’s Center for Pelvic Health is located in Annapolis, Bowie, Odenton and Easton. The center’s team of urogynecologists and nurse practitioners specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor conditions. Team members collaborate and develop care plans for patients of all ages, from those with minor issues to individuals suffering from complex conditions requiring advanced surgery and care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 443-481-1199.
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