- Employee SpotlightGeneral Page Tier 3BlogCharles (Chuck) Fields and Sergeant Michael (Mike) Fuller have very different job responsibilities. Chuck, director of Information Systems support, works in a call center environment, managing anywhere from 100 to 150 calls per day while handling other IT related tasks. Sgt. Fuller, lead security officer, walks approximately 12 miles per day around campus making rounds, helping visitors find their way and keeping the hospital safe. But, on a personal level, Chuck and Sgt. Fuller share a similar sense of compassion. This unlikely duo, both in passing while at work, encountered a man struggling with addiction. They came together, sat with the man and encouraged him to seek help in the hospital’s Emergency Department (ED). Chuck and Sgt. Fuller helped the man over to the ED and stayed until he was seen. Sgt. Fuller could relate to the man in more than one way. “I’m a person who’s in recovery,” he explains. “I attend a recovery meeting that takes place here in the hospital. My empathy is there. But also, that’s the person I am. When you sit down with somebody and give them a little bit of one-on-one attention, when they’re already feeling awkward, it takes the pressure off of them.” Before leaving the ED, Chuck wrote his name and number on a piece of paper and placed it inside the man’s pocket. “It was just a moment where I felt that this gentleman needed some additional help,” he says. “At any point, if he did need something, I was happy to spend some more time with him just to be able to help.” By chance encounter, Sgt. Fuller saw the man a month after the incident. He expressed how grateful he was for Sgt. Fuller and Chuck taking the time to help him during what he felt was a very vulnerable moment in his life. “Sometimes people who come through here, especially those who suffer with addiction and relapse, can feel like their bridges have been burned,” says Sgt. Fuller. “The neat thing about being at AAMC is that we have so many resources, and we have a hospital that has a lot to offer to our community.” Pro tip: “When someone is coming up to you to talk, listen. We are all in this together.” If you know a great individual or a fantastic team going above and beyond to make a difference, make sure to let us know! Looking for a career in health care? We invite you to join a diverse and collaborative team of professionals working together to innovate the future of health care for our entire region. Check out our career opportunities.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNow that the World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a global health emergency, you may have questions and concerns about the virus and how it is spread. What is monkeypox? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a virus—part of the same family as smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder and rarely fatal. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, monkeypox had been reported in people in several Central and Western African countries. Previously, almost all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs. How does it spread? While many of those affected in the current global monkeypox outbreaks are gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox can get the illness. Monkeypox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through: Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs or body fluids Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, skin-to-skin contact or sex Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. Unlike other diseases and illnesses, asymptomatic individuals (those who do not have monkeypox symptoms) cannot spread the virus to others. At this time, it is not known if monkeypox can spread through semen or vaginal fluids. What are the common symptoms? Symptoms of monkeypox can include: Fever Headache Muscle aches and backache Swollen lymph nodes Chills Exhaustion A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash. How to avoid contracting monkeypox You can take a number of steps to prevent contracting monkeypox: Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels or clothing of a person with monkeypox Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer If you are sick with monkeypox: Isolate at home until all lesions have resolved, the scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with, when possible How is it treated? There are no treatments specifically for monkeypox virus infections but because monkeypox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat monkeypox virus infections. Antivirals, are sometimes recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems. If you have symptoms of monkeypox, you should talk to your healthcare provider. According to the CDC and Maryland Department of Health, vaccination for monkeypox is not currently recommend for the general public. Vaccine resources are being reserved for individuals who have had known close contact with someone infected with monkeypox and for those who are in the highest risk population. This article was originally published in the Enquirer Gazette. Authors Jean Murray, RN, MSN, CIC, is the System Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Luminis Health. Her 29-year career as a registered nurse includes over 26 years of experience in infection control, outbreak surveillance and epidemiology. Jean is certified in Infection Control (CIC) and is an active member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the Greater Baltimore Chapter.0
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s impossible to separate Thanksgiving from the turkey, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie. The big feast can be full of fats and calories, but celebrating the holidays doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite dishes. Some small tweaks can make a big difference. Let’s talk turkey The bird is the main dish so try these healthier tips: Choose a fresh bird rather than processed meat Roast the turkey in its own juices. Don’t deep fry Avoid butter; use cooking sprays instead Apply fresh herbs for seasoning to help reduce the amount of salt Eat white meat which is lower in calories and fat. Skip the dark meat in the thighs and legs Don’t eat the skin Fewer calories, more nutrients Since fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, fill half your plate with them. That can be easier said than done, so try for example, boosting the nutrition of your stuffing by adding celery, mushrooms, apples or cranberries. Mashed potatoes are another must-have on Thanksgiving, but typically have added butter and cream, increasing the amount of fat in an already starchy vegetable. Try using skim milk, light sour cream or Greek yogurt. Go a step further and mix some riced cauliflower with the mashed potatoes to lower the carbohydrate and sugar count. When making gravy, avoid the flour. Instead, make it with reduced-fat chicken broth or turkey stock. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and antioxidants. But on Thanksgiving, many of us spruce it up with butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows. For a simple substitute for sugar, try plant based zero calorie sweeteners such as Stevia or Truvia. Green bean casserole is another popular side dish that is often topped with fried onions and made with condensed cream of mushroom soup, both of which add fats, carbohydrates and sodium to the very nutritious green bean. This year, keep it simple and just roast or steam fresh green beans. Tasty treats Take a break before dessert. A short walk will do you a lot of good. When whipping up your favorite baked goods or pie, you can decrease the amount of sugar in any recipe by 25 percent without compromising flavor. You can also use unsweetened applesauce in place of sugar in baking recipes. Replace the sugar with applesauce in a one-to-one ratio: For example, one cup of sugar would be replaced with one cup of applesauce. Sugar can exact a significant toll on our health when consumed excessively. Luminis Health sees the resulting effect in our medical practices with a 1-2 percent drop in diabetic control each year in January. When making pies, hold the crust. It’s full of fat and calories. If you must have crust, use one layer rather than on the bottom and top. For pumpkin pie lovers, you will be happy to learn pumpkin is one of nature’s season superfoods. Pumpkin is heart healthy. It’s rich in potassium, which can help regulate your blood sugar, and rich in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants—all of which help prevent heart disease. In addition, pumpkin can: improve your vision because it’s rich in beta carotene, an antioxidant that your body turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A helps you see more clearly in low light. lower your cancer risk with its jam-packed combination of cancer-fighting nutrients and antioxidants. boost your immunity with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, folate and iron, all of which help your body be more effective at fighting off germs. leave you feeling full for longer because it’s high in fiber. Other Reminders Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Adding extra calories with alcohol, soda or juices isn’t worth it when you have so many tasty food options to put on your plate. Remember that Thanksgiving is only once a year, so enjoy your favorite family dishes while following portion size control and keeping leftovers to a minimum.0
- Wellness, NutritionGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAntioxidants. They seem to be in everything these days, from granola bars to beauty products. But what are they? How should you get them? And how much do you need? Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells in your body from free radical damage that can occur from exposure to certain chemicals, smoking, pollution, radiation, and as a byproduct of normal metabolism. Dietary antioxidants include selenium, vitamin A and related carotenoids, vitamins C and E, plus various phytochemicals such as lycopene, lutein and quercetin. Antioxidant supplements are not always beneficial. Some trials found a benefit to antioxidant supplementation, but most have not. Grocery store shelves are full of products with labels claiming they contain antioxidants and implying that you are just a few bites away from better health. But it is not that simple. Too much of a good thing can be bad, especially when it comes from dietary supplementation. Some evidence suggests that when taken in megadoses, antioxidants can become pro-oxidants. This can increase the production of free radicals, particularly in people who smoke or drink alcohol. In these cases, supplements can have unpredictable interactions and turn from potentially healthy to being harmful. In one study, heavy smokers who took high-dose beta-carotene were more likely to get lung cancer. Scientists do not know why the studies have been disappointing. However, one explanation might be that supplements cannot replicate the complex, beneficial effects of a healthy diet. Are there ‘super fruits’? All fruits and vegetables are super foods. There is no scientific definition of ‘super foods’, therefore it is meaningless. Marketing has overused this buzzword to sell products. Each fruit and vegetable has a unique distribution of nutrients. By eating only those considered ‘super’ you are short changing your health by skipping the nutrients specific to other produce. So, remember, any and every fruit and vegetable is good for you. Foods that contain a lot of antioxidants are good for your health. Most health experts agree antioxidant supplements are not worth your money. But, antioxidant rich foods are! Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are all rich in antioxidants. They also have healthy fiber and essential nutrients that your body needs for long-term health. As scientists continue to explore how antioxidants work in the body, the best advice remains the simplest: Eat a variety of brightly colored fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes. This daily dose can improve your health. Advertising has gone too far. Some packaged food labels insist that antioxidants will boost your health. However, these claims do not always mean a health benefit. Unfortunately, ‘antioxidant’ is a loosely used term. Outside the lab, it has become more of a marketing term than a scientific one. For example, some manufacturers add an antioxidant, such a vitamin E and zinc, and then label the product as containing antioxidants (likely in hopes of boosting sales such as Kellogg’s Fiber Plus Antioxidants Dark Chocolate Almond bars). It’s true they have vitamin E and zinc. But this comes at a cost of 7 grams of sugar and 5 grams of fat. A preferred, non-processed choice to get these nutrients could be an ounce of almonds, which provides more vitamin E, and 3 ounces of lean beef, which has more zinc. It is important to keep in mind that too much of a good thing can be problematic, especially when it comes from dietary supplements. Beware of multi and single antioxidant capsules labeled megadoses, which contain more than the recommended daily values of antioxidants. Supplements can have unpredictable interactions and potentially cause more harm than good. It is much less likely that you will consume too many antioxidants from food. Most Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. If you want to boost your intake, then stick to a wide variety of produce. Authors Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford are nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555.0
- NutritionGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLet the festivities begin. The holidays are a time for celebrating with friends, family and, of course, good food! However, the season spans for more than a day or two. We would do ourselves a favor if we paced our indulgences and considered healthier alternatives to some of the old rituals. Here are our top “eat this, not that” hacks to try to stay on track throughout the holidays. Swap full-fat dips for yogurt dips. Why indulge on appetizers? Substitute low-fat or nonfat plain Greek yogurt for sour cream in all of your recipes this season. With herbs and seasonings, no one will be able to tell the difference. Just 1 ounce of sour cream has 60 calories compared to 1 ounce of Greek yogurt, which only has 15 calories. Be sure to use fresh vegetables instead of chip or crackers. Skip some alcoholic drinks and try wine spritzers. For a portion-controlled alternative that will help you save calories, replace 2 ounces of wine with club soda. A 5-ounce glass of red or white wine has about 150 calories, while club soda has none, saving you 60 calories. Now that’s a deal! Skip candied yams and eat roasted sweet potatoes. Instead of serving candied yams, which have 215 calories per half-cup, try oven-roasted sweet potatoes. A ¾-cup serving of sweet potatoes brushed with olive oil is only 100 calories. Go for the white turkey meat, pass on the dark. The dark meat in the turkey has about twice the fat of white turkey breast. That’s why we recommend that you eat mostly white meat. Lose the skin on either to save up on the calorie count. Try low-fat gravy instead of traditional. Turkey gravy is a recipe that can be healthy without losing taste. Try 1 cup of fat-free turkey broth, 2 tablespoons of flour and seasonings to taste. If you want to add some drippings, skim off the fat first. Skip cranberry sauce, eat cranberry relish. That can of cranberry sauce is full of sugar, corn syrup and other added sweeteners. Even if using portion control, just ¼-cup of the canned stuff can have more than 100 calories. Make your own relish and use less sugar than the recipe calls for – it’s often too much anyway! Eat fresh green beans with slivered almonds in lieu of green bean casserole. Alternatively, use reduced fat mushroom soup. Eat your vegetables first because they are lower in calories and help fill you up, leaving less room for higher calorie foods. Go for pumpkin pie with graham cracker crusts and say “no thank you” to pecan pie. We know this one is tough! It’s hard to resist holiday desserts but you can save about 200 calories by choosing pumpkin pie. Consider eating a handful of pecans sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. If you really can’t pass on the pie, skip the crust entirely, which is where most of the fat lurks. Be adventurous this year! Look at some of your old recipes, put a new spin on a few and see how it goes. Healthy holiday eating might make you anxious but don’t get too worked up. This should be a time of celebration and relaxation. If you happen to eat more than you planned during this holiday season, don’t beat yourself up. More importantly, don’t let a lapse become a relapse. Nevertheless, by planning ahead you can set yourself up for success! Authors Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford are nutritionists and registered dietitians at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555. Originally published Nov. 5, 2018. Last updated Nov. 17, 2021.0
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