- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center President and CEO Victoria W. Bayless has been named 2016 Business Leader of the Year. Bayless was honored by the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce this fall. The Business Leader of the Year Award is presented to an individual who demonstrates exceptional qualities needed to manage and lead a successful business or organization. As Business Leader of the Year, Bayless is recognized as a visionary who possesses outstanding leadership attributes that have led Anne Arundel Medical Center to being distinguished among the best. Bayless has 25 years of experience in management and leadership roles specializing in strategic planning, health system operations, performance improvement, community health and outreach, medical staff relations, physician practice management and business development. The principal architect of AAMC’s ten-year strategic plan, Vision 2020: Living Healthier Together, Bayless is focused on overall quality performance, workforce development, growth and financial strength, while improving access and meeting the needs of the community. During her tenure, AAMC has become the third busiest hospital in Maryland, with the busiest joint, bariatrics and urogynecology programs in the state, and is one of only six percent of hospitals in the U.S. to have earned the Magnet® designation for superior nursing care. Bayless was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of 12 national healthcare leaders in the publication’s 2007 “Up and Comers” report. In 2007, the Baltimore Business Journal recognized her as one of “40 under 40” business leaders in the region. In 2015, she was named to the list of “Influential Marylanders” by The Daily Record. Most recently, in 2016, the Capital Gazette named Bayless to its list of “People to Watch.” Additionally, Bayless was named one of the “Most Powerful Women in Healthcare IT” by Health Data Management. Bayless is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Anne Arundel and the 2011 recipient of the YWCA’s Tribute to Women & Industry (TWIN) Award. She is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on the board of organizations including the United Way of Central Maryland, CareFirst/Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Johns Hopkins Home Care Group, and the American Hospital Association Region 3 Policy Board. In 2016, Governor Larry Hogan appointed Bayless to serve on the state’s Health Services Cost Review Commission.0
- PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAny way you choose to feed your baby is a loving act. If you decide breastfeeding is the right choice for you and your baby, connecting with other moms, friends and experts who have first-hand experience with breastfeeding can be key to your own success– and often sanity! Breastfeeding is a new skill– some moms will get the hang of it on the first day, and for others it may take more time. Think about the last time you tried something new. It probably took some time to feel confident. Remember, your baby is learning too. AAMC asked local moms to offer words of wisdom from their own breastfeeding experience. Many moms shared similar thoughts such as: It can be awkward or difficult at first, but it gets easier. Use knowledgeable resources. Talk to other moms for advice and support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Believe in yourself! Here’s more encouragement for moms, from moms: Breastfeeding is hard work and commitment, but completely worth it! Stick to it and you’ll be surprised at just how far you and your little one will come. Things start clicking around six weeks and you’ll be glad you pushed through. – Amy, Pasadena Just try it. It is not for everyone, but from someone who was about as anti-breastfeeding as they come prior to having my baby, my advice is to just try it– you might just surprise yourself. I did. – Casey, Severna Park Enjoy it, because it goes by really fast. You think you’ll have a baby tied to the boob forever, but suddenly your toddler doesn’t have time for you anymore. Breastfeeding became a really big part of my life. It’s a cool club to be in and I’ve met some amazing, supportive women along the way. – Marisa, Annapolis It may not be beautiful bonding instantly. It takes time for you and baby to get the hang of it. I remember about two months in finally having the moment where I was like, ‘ohhh I love this!’ Also, even when you’re doing everything right, your body is adjusting and it can be uncomfortable. But it gets better! – Jemma, Gambrills There is a lot of advice out there– how often the baby should eat, how many ounces, how many minutes, what mom should and shouldn’t eat– it’s enough to drive a new mother crazy. Every baby is different. Relax, follow your instincts and best judgment, and don’t expect perfection from yourself or anyone else. – Whitney, Severna Park It’s overwhelming until you get the hang of it, but it’s all worth it. Breastfeeding is so special and rewarding. I’m glad I stuck it out. The support of friends and my pediatrician was so important, especially in the first few weeks! – Alexandra, Annapolis Nursing doesn’t work out for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still provide your baby with the benefits of breast milk. Exclusively pumping is an option you should read about and consider. – Katie, Davidsonville After an emergency c-section, my body was under so much stress it took longer for my milk to come in. I put pressure on myself, thinking the harder I tried, the faster my milk would come in. The pressure I put on myself ended up working against me. I wish I’d known it can take time for your milk supply to regulate to your baby’s needs. Redefining my vision of success to focus on the things that mattered– my baby was healthy and gaining weight and we were bonding– is what ultimately drove me to stick with breastfeeding, and I’m so happy I did. – Bridget, Annapolis Breastfeeding is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. When it feels like you can’t do it anymore set a small goal, like a day, and then another day. Use small goals as long as you can to help you reach your bigger goals. – Katy, Pasadena I worried about others judging me if I chose to breastfeed in public, so I refrained for a while. I wish I knew the vast majority of people I have encountered are supportive, or at the very least don’t give any indication that they’re bothered by it. You will hear advice from everyone. Go with what works best for you and your family. – Jen, Centreville If you have to supplement with formula, it isn’t the end of the world. Any amount of breast milk you can give your baby for as long as you can is better than none at all! – Brooke, Crofton For something so “natural,” it may not feel that way at first. You and your baby have the instincts to build a nursing bond but it takes work and patience. Stick to it, it gets so much easier and then becomes amazing! – Diana, Crofton (pictured with baby Josephine above) Take a class with your support person. My husband was my biggest help! When we first got home from the hospital I was so tired I couldn’t remember anything from the class. He remembered so many tips and tricks. He set up a nursing station for me with drinks, snacks, blankets and a remote so I could be as comfortable as possible. I was ready to quit at the two week mark, and he asked me to check out the AAMC support group first. Attending the support group that day changed everything for us. I ended up nursing my first son for 11 months! We never set a goal of how long to breastfeed but just told ourselves we would do it until we were ready to stop. – Heather, Annapolis If you’d like more encouragement, advice or have questions for other moms, join AAMC Smart Parents on Facebook. Breastfeeding Resources Originally published April 13, 2016. Last updated Sept. 16, 2025.0
- Women's Health, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHeart disease affects more than one in three women and is the leading cause of death for females, according to the American Heart Association. The risk of heart disease increases for everyone with age, but for women that risk rises significantly after menopause starts. A natural part of aging, menopause can bring about changes that feel anything but natural. Most women enter this stage, marked by the end of menstruation and then a decline in estrogen, between 50 to 54 years of age. During this time, symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain and fatigue, leading to a new reality full of both emotional and physical changes. Estrogen is a complex, naturally occurring hormone responsible for many functions, like adding vital strength and flexibility to the arteries in the body, including those of the heart. A drop in estrogen can cause several different bodily reactions that don’t bode well for heart health. In fact, the rate of heart attacks dramatically increases in women about 10 years after menopause starts. Menopause can play a part in several risk factors related to heart disease: Higher blood pressure. The blood vessels and heart become stiff and less elastic. High blood pressure, or hypertension, puts added strain on the heart. Higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels. A drop in estrogen can lead to increased levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL), while “good” cholesterol (HDL) levels decrease or stay the same. Triglycerides are a component of body fat that can increase with menopause. Weight gain. Metabolism slows with age and a decline in estrogen, making women more prone to weight gain. Diabetes. After menopause, women become more resistant to insulin, a hormone needed to convert carbohydrates into energy for the body to use. This higher risk of diabetes puts women at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. The good news is going through menopause does not make you helpless against heart problems. There are plenty of simple, effective steps you can take to combat or slow down its effects. It should come as no surprise that a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential to having a healthy heart. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of weekly exercise, which translates to working out for thirty minutes, five days a week. Aerobic fitness classes, swimming, brisk walks, jogging, dancing, hiking and biking are a few physical activities you can do to keep your heart healthy. Regular exercise will speed up your metabolism, and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. If you have a smartphone, you already have access to free fitness apps to give you a gym-quality workout in the comfort of your home or office. Create a diet plan full of whole and nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, unsalted nuts and fatty fish, like salmon and tuna. Limit red meat and avoid food and drinks that are high in added sugar. And if you smoke, you’ll be doing your heart (and the rest of your body) a potentially life-saving favor by quitting. Regular doctor appointments are also important for a healthy heart. Your doctor should check your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, body mass index and waist circumference. As women get older, their risk for heart disease inevitably increases. Staying active, eating nutritious foods and removing unhealthy habits packs a triple punch by lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and creating a stronger heart. As your body enters a new stage of life, adapting your lifestyle is a great way to stay heart healthy. Author Sadia Shafi, MD, a cardiologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach her office, call 410-224-0040. Originally published Aug. 29, 2016. Last updated Feb. 7, 2019.0
- General 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
- Men's Health, Physical Therapy, Senior Care, Women's Health, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you love to garden, you’re not alone. Almost 75 percent of all U.S. households work on their lawn and garden, according to a 2016 National Gardening Survey. While it may seem like a chore to some, working in your garden can actually be good for both your mind and body. Benefits include exposure to Vitamin D and stress relief, to name just a few. But what if you’re one of the 50 million Americans who have arthritis? According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions that cause joint pain. Two of the most common are degenerative and inflammatory arthritis. Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) involves degeneration of joint cartilage, causing joint pain, stiffness and loss of mobility in hands and wrists. Inflammatory arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when uncontrolled inflammation leads to joint erosion. The type of arthritis you have determines how you manage it. But arthritis doesn’t have to keep you from enjoying a day in your garden. Getting your hands dirty without extra pain can be as simple as working smarter, not harder. Here are some tips for a more enjoyable gardening season: Listen to your doctor or therapist’s advice to manage pain. Make your garden easier to access. For example, raise your garden beds so they’re easier to reach. Choose low-maintenance plants, such as perennials instead of annuals. Choose tools and equipment that encourage good body mechanics and minimize strain. Examples include lightweight tools, tools with ergonomic handles and gloves to protect and cushion joints. Modify your activity in the garden as necessary. Switch tasks every half hour, take breaks and ask for help if you need it. When possible, use larger, stronger joints and muscles. For instance, use your forearms and shoulders to carry objects instead of your fingers or hands. Listen to your body, and stop if you feel pain. Minimize repetitive pinching and gripping, as well as sustained gripping. Weed when the soil is moist. If you have arthritis that is causing wrist or hand pain, talk to a medical professional. A doctor, physical therapist or occupational therapist can give you a personalized treatment and pain management plan. Having arthritis doesn’t mean you have to give up growing flowers, fruits and vegetables. Protect your joints, and avoid overuse and fatigue to help keep you in the gardening game. Originally published Sept. 17, 2017. Last updated March 9, 2020. Author Raina Lyght, MPT, is a physical and certified hand therapist with AAMG Physical Therapy. To contact her office, call 443-481-1140.0
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