- 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
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) President and CEO Victoria W. Bayless has been recognized as an “Influential Marylander” by The Daily Record and will be honored March 23 at a ceremony in Cockeysville, Md. Fifty-one Influential Marylanders were selected by the editors of The Daily Record for their significant contributions to their respective fields and for their leadership in Maryland in the following areas: civic leadership, communications, education, finance, freestyle, general business, health care, law, philanthropy, real estate and technology. “This year’s Influential Marylanders demonstrate an impressive record of accomplishment, leadership and vision,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, publisher of The Daily Record. “What they say is important, and what they do makes a difference in the lives of many in Maryland and beyond. The Daily Record is honored to recognize their accomplishments.” 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. Honorees will be profiled in a special magazine that will be inserted into the March 24 issue of The Daily Record and available online at www.TheDailyRecord.com.0
- Heart Care, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones tragically passed away from hypertensive cardiovascular disease in July at the age of 40, it brought attention to a disease that millions of Americans are at risk for – and that many don’t even know they have. That’s why it is important to take steps to reduce your risk of hypertensive cardiac disease and other dangerous heart conditions. What is hypertensive heart disease? Hypertensive cardiovascular disease, or hypertensive heart disease, is a condition caused by having high blood pressure over a long period of time. High blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart, forcing it to work harder to pump blood throughout your body, which can lead to damage over time. This damage can lead to heart attacks, heart failure, strokes and other health problems. High blood pressure is defined as pressure that is consistently above 130/80 mmHg. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, but just a quarter have it under control. That’s because many may not know they have high blood pressure in the first place. In addition to heart attacks, heart failure and strokes, high blood pressure can put you at greater risk for conditions like: Atherosclerosis, including coronary artery disease Atrial fibrillation (AFib) Aortic Dissection or Rupture Congestive heart failure Kidney disease Retinal problems The risk of heart disease generally goes up with age, and those who have a family history of heart disease may be at higher risk. Athletes or other active people may be prone to hypertensive cardiovascular disease after they wrap up their careers and their activity level decreases. Even people who have lived very active lives can be diagnosed with heart disease. For example, arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (or the buildup of plaque or cholesterol on the walls of the arteries) played a role in the death of fitness guru Richard Simmons. Warning signs of cardiovascular disease High blood pressure usually doesn’t present symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose and treat. However, over time, high blood pressure can cause damage to your heart and lead to symptoms like: Chest pain Dizziness or fainting Heart attack or stroke Irregular, rapid or pounding heartbeat Shortness of breath It’s important to see your primary care provider and check your blood pressure regularly. Your care team will monitor your risk factors, including a family history of hypertension. Depending on your risk factors, your provider may recommend additional testing. These tests may include blood and urine tests or an electrocardiogram (EKG). How to prevent cardiovascular disease Managing your blood pressure can greatly lower your risk of dangerous cardiac events like heart attacks and strokes. That includes living a heart-healthy lifestyle by: Getting enough sleep Lowering your stress Maintaining a healthy weight Quitting smoking Reducing salt intake Reducing alcohol consumption Staying physically active Treating chronic conditions like sleep apnea, high cholesterol, diabetes and kidney disease How to treat cardiovascular disease Your provider will likely recommend adjusting lifestyle factors as a first line of treatment for hypertensive cardiovascular disease. If these adjustments don’t bring your blood pressure down, or if your heart has already sustained damage from high blood pressure over time, your care team may recommend medications as a next step. There are many kinds of blood pressure medications (or antihypertensives) including: ACE inhibitors Beta-Blockers Calcium channel blockers Diuretics (thiazide) All medicines can have side effects and it’s important to understand these impacts. Take medications as directed and follow up with your provider if you have any questions. Protecting your heart in the long run High blood pressure might not cause symptoms by itself, but it can be dangerous if left untreated. If you experience concerning symptoms, we have a number of Luminis Health primary care doctors ready to help, as well as cardiovascular specialists and heart surgeons with all the experience and expertise you need. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for taking medications or change your lifestyle. Your heart will thank you. About the Author: Luminis Health Chief of Heart Surgery David J. Caparrelli, MD. Dr. Caparrelli has more than 20 years of experience in both cardiac and vascular surgery.0
- General Page - Tier 2SOS Committees Patient Mentors Breast cancer survivors serve as mentors who can provide information and real life experience to help alleviate some of the fear and anxiety caused by the diagnosis of breast cancer. SOS mentors volunteer their time to give a sympathetic listening ear, share experiences, but above all, bring understanding to the experience of newly diagnosed patients. Mentors provide an invaluable "buddy support system" and support patient over the course of their treatment. Delivery Scheduler A weekly schedule of breast cancer surgeries, excluding patient names or information, is compiled by the Fortney Breast Center and forwarded to the SOS scheduler who then emails the schedule to the Patient Visitors. These volunteers then reply to the scheduler regarding their availability and which days and times they are able to deliver the SOS gift tote bags. Gift Bag Packers/Inventory Monitors The gift tote bags are packed by volunteers on a biweekly basis so that they are available in the Fortney Breast Center library workroom to be picked up by the Patient Visitors. Many of the items that are packed include "comfort gifts," such as lip balm, protective seatbelt pillows, scarves, socks, and lotion, plus reference materials. An inventory list is updated frequently so that the gift items can be reordered on a timely basis. Patient Visitors These volunteer survivors deliver the wonderful SOS gift tote bags to our patients in the hospital on the day of their surgeries. This visit provides a source of hope and comfort at an overwhelming time. The bags include different products and niceties to help our patients cope both physically and emotionally in their post- operative period. Library Mentors/Office Support SOS members are encouraged to staff the Fortney Breast Center Library, which is a hub for SOS efforts. Volunteers are available as an on-site resource for newly diagnosed patients and their families. These volunteers are mini-mentors who have been trained to offer real life support and understanding of a patient's journey. Sometimes just chatting with a survivor provides proof that one day at a time does result in an end to the treatment process. Library volunteers offer a welcoming presence to the Library and provide office support to the Fortney Breast Center staff when needed. New Member Liason The SOS organization is constantly evolving and seeking new volunteers who are breast cancer survivors having completed active treatment one year ago or longer. This liaison maintains a contact list of all individuals who indicate interest in becoming new SOS volunteers. These names are then forwarded to a hospital staff member who sets up the SOS training sessions and prerequisites. The SOS Membership List is also maintained by this volunteer liaison.0
- General Page - Tier 2Definitions: Care Partners – Any person(s) who plays a significant role in an individual’s life. This may include family or a person(s) not legally related to the individual. Family members include spouses, domestic partners, and significant others. Care partners may be individuals with a continued legal, genetic and/or emotional relationship as defined by the patient. Support Person – For patients with disabilities, support persons provide personal, behavioral and/or communication support not otherwise provided in a hospital setting. A support person may be appropriate for, but is not limited to, patients with intellectual, Developmental, physical, or neurocognitive disabilities. A support person may include, but is not limited to a family member, personal care assistant and/or disability service provider. Please see below for visitation in specific areas such as Surgical Services, Labor and Delivery, Mother Baby, Pediatrics, Emergency Department and Outpatient Practices. An adult/guardian must accompany all children.Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) is committed to patient- and family-centered care and strives to provide a safe and healing environment. LHAAMC welcomes care partners and support persons in all areas 24/7, with the exception in Behavioral Health and Clatanoff.All care partners and support persons will be required to wash or sanitize their hands throughout their visit. Patients and visitors who prefer to wear a mask while in our facility may do so. Patients may also request that their care team wear masks.As a patient- and family-centered organization, we will continue to review and update our visitation guidelines and practices as the situation changes. At Luminis Health, our Patient and Family Advisors program allows patients, family members and community members to give input on our policies, programs and practices. These advisors work with our health care providers to support our patient- and family-centered care approach.0
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