- Community, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogEvery May we honor a special holiday to celebrate motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of women in society. To celebrate all the wonderful women in our community and beyond, we asked some AAMC employees to share the biggest lessons they still carry from the women who have inspired them. Here’s what they had to say: Chad M. Patton, MD, orthopedic surgeon: “My mother taught me that kindness, patience and listening to others goes a long way. My brothers and I are all physicians, and these lessons undoubtedly influence our approach to patient care.” Jennifer Brady, MD, cardiologist: “I learned from my mom at an early age that while receiving a gift gives instant gratification, the euphoria is short-lived. On the other hand, giving a gift provides a sense of satisfaction that remains for a long time and shapes how we feel about ourselves. My mom needed to draw upon her strengths when at the age of 45 she was diagnosed with a large tumor, which required extensive surgery. The courageous way she endured the arduous process gave me a perspective that has been extremely helpful as a clinician. I am grateful every day to my mom for being such an incredible role-model.” Kwasi Sharif, MD, pain management physician: “As a registered dietitian nutritionist, my mom has instilled in me the values of healthy eating and exercise. My habits today include exercising at least three times a week and obtaining at least seven hours of sleep each day.” Joseph Morris, MD, OB-GYN hospitalist: “I lost my dad when I was 12. My mom raised three boys, ages 12, 15 and 17, by herself. All of us went on to become physicians in large part from the lessons we learned from her. One lesson in particular that I remember is that if you want a good friend, be 75 percent of the friend.” Lauren Fitzpatrick, MD, pediatrician: “The piece of advice that I learned from my mother is always stand up for what is right, even if it is not the popular opinion. Growing up, my mother regularly reminded me to do the right things and not to worry about whether I was liked by others because of it. Those who respected me for doing the right thing were the ones I would want to surround myself with. As a pediatrician, taking care of children can be difficult some days, but doing the right thing for them is always worth it.” Jo Deaton, senior director, behavioral health: “One of the most influential people in my life has been my friend of 45 years, Donna. We met our first year of college, where I was an unhappy psychology major. Donna was pre-nursing and told me all about nursing. I had never considered that as a career but as I began to investigate, becoming a psychiatric nurse seemed like a good fit. I was 18 years old and Donna was a 26-year-old newly divorced, single mom of three young children. Donna has shown me that if you have a clear goal, you can achieve it regardless of your external circumstances.” Kay Hoskey, MD, urogynecologist: “As a retired nurse, my mother taught me the value of human connection, the magic of a smile and the importance of understanding a person’s story. It is not always easy to walk in some else’s shoes. Still, these lessons have helped me to connect with friends, patients and strangers alike.” Lil Banchero, RN, senior director, Institute for Healthy Aging: “I had the wonderful privilege of having two very strong loving females in my life, my dearest gram and my mom. Both smart and brave. I come from a family of four girls, so these two women really were strong advocates for our ability as women to do whatever we wanted. Over the years, they taught me many things. Be yourself. Do your best. Say please and thank you. Keep your word. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Be independent. Be kind, compassionate and loyal. Do not hold hate in your heart. These are just a few of the many other lessons they taught me that have shaped me as a mother and nurse leader.” Heather Keats, OTR/L, occupational therapist: “Watching my mother as I was growing up, I learned to work hard and take full advantage of opportunities given to me. As a result, I am able to see the value in putting in the hard work now for the future pay off. This lesson carries over to all aspects of my life including relationships, health and career.” READ MORE: 6 ways to support a new mom0
- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn 2015, Rebecca Blizzard was about to begin a new chapter of her life in more than just one way. The year she turned 40 was the same year she chose to follow the cancer screening guidelines for detecting cancer early. After scheduling a visit with her doctor for her first-ever mammogram, results showed something wasn’t right. She went for a biopsy. It was breast cancer. In June 2016, she had a lumpectomy at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) followed by six weeks of radiation therapy to lower the risk of her cancer coming back. It wasn’t until a few months later that she would find out she tested positive for BRCA2, sometimes referred to as the “breast cancer gene.” Rebecca proceeded with the removal of her breasts. “At this point I didn’t want to take any chances, so I decided to have a double mastectomy,” she says. Her doctor referred her to Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Plastic Surgery for options regarding breast reconstruction. “After hearing all of my options, I chose a DIEP flap reconstruction,” Rebecca says. “That’s where I learned about the nipple tattooing procedure since my nipples could not be saved.” A new option AAMC’s Chief and Medical Director of Plastic Surgery Devinder Singh, MD, and Virginia “Ginny” Lobach, M.S., PA-C, informed Rebecca about breast reconstruction options, including nipple tattooing. As an alternative to nipple areolar reconstruction, which requires surgery, this caught her attention. “I was nervous about how another surgery would impact me,” she says. “I’m young and in my head, I didn’t want to not have anything. Ginny told me she recently trained to do 3D nipple tattooing, so I was all in for it.” Whatever your age, relationship status or orientation, it’s hard to predict how you will react to losing a part of your breast. According to breastcancer.org, there are many feelings an individual can experience when giving up a part of the body that is a hallmark of becoming a woman – including anxiety, uncertainty and sadness. This is the reason Dr. Singh and Lobach wanted to bring 3D nipple tattooing to AAMG Plastic Surgery. AAMG Plastic Surgery is unique in that it offers patients several innovative breast reconstruction options, including tissue expansion with Aeroform AirXpanders, pre pectoral implants, and microvascular deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) procedures. 3D nipple tattooing is part of this comprehensive list. “It gives normalcy back to a patient,” says Lobach, who started the clinic after taking a course to learn the 3D technique of nipple tattooing. “I think nipple tattooing is for the woman who says, ‘I don’t want to look at my breasts,’ and doesn’t feel comfortable in her own skin. I want to give back that comfort. I want to create a full breast.” What is it? 3D nipple tattooing is done at the end of breast reconstruction after the nipple is removed during the mastectomy. It’s a noninvasive approach that Lobach performs in the office using a needle and pigmentation to create a 3D-looking nipple and areola. This approach creates an image of a nipple that feels flat to the touch but looks real. “Tattooing is the least invasive, low-risk way of providing a patient with a complete breast,” Lobach says. “Nipple reconstruction has been around for a long time as part of breast reconstruction. Unfortunately, reconstruction means another operation taking skin from somewhere else to create an areolar and nipple, leaving additional scars. The nipple usually loses projection after a year.” According to Lobach, the aesthetic results of nipple reconstruction are not as pleasing as a 3D nipple tattoo. “Working with the Rebecca Fortney Breast Center, we get to see many breast reconstructions that do not have the end result of an areola and nipple,” she says. “I saw that patients were not finished. And many were just OK with that result. They didn’t want to go through another operation. With 3D nipple tattooing, we are able to offer a completed breast reconstruction without another operation.” Is it safe? “Nipple tattooing is a safe technique and it’s always my patients’ choice,” Lobach says. “I want it to be an option so the patient can make their decision either way.” Despite a lingering negative connotation attached to tattoos by some, a 3D nipple tattoo is a safe alternative to regaining a full-looking breast after a patient has been diagnosed with breast cancer. There is a difference between the tattoo pigmentation Lobach uses and that of the one used at a tattoo shop. “I use an organic pigmentation made from lake salts,” she says. “I only like to use very safe products with very low risk of infection. It’s the same type of pigments that are used for cosmetic and facial tattooing. The pigment is a very soft and beautiful color. The patient also has a choice in the color we choose for tattooing.” Tattoo artists, on the other hand, often use metal-based pigments containing titanium, led or chromium. 3D tattoos are permanent but like any tattoo, will fade over time. Usually only one session is needed to create the tattoo, but an additional touchup session may be required over time. When a person is diagnosed with breast cancer, it is one of the scariest times of their lives. It can change them completely, particularly physically. Once a person has beaten cancer, they can focus on rebuilding themselves emotionally and physically. “I feel like the tattoo gave me my confidence back, which I needed after everything that happened,” Rebecca says. “It made me feel more comfortable looking at myself in the mirror.” Nipple reconstruction is often the last step in breast reconstruction. Find out more about our different options and schedule an appointment with AAMG Plastic Surgery today.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMost people who fall ill from COVID-19 don’t need advanced medical attention. Some benefit from a caretaker, a person committed to help manage recovery. Caring for someone else is a big responsibility. You want to fully understand how to properly care for your loved one, and for yourself, when dealing with a contagious illness like COVID-19. We can help you prepare. What makes a good caretaker COVID-19 caretakers put themselves in potentially harmful situations. Caretakers should be compassionate, flexible and in good health. Those who are fully vaccinated are much less likely to contract COVID-19 than those who are not vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discourages caregiving for those who have a compromised immune system or a chronic condition like heart disease or diabetes. Caretaker duties Many people who contract COVID-19 become physically unable to keep up with their daily activities. They may need help with basic needs, like shopping for groceries and caring for pets. As a caretaker, you may need to coordinate visits to the doctor that could be in-person or virtual. Your loved one will probably be asked to stay home. Picking up their medication and helping them follow their doctor’s orders, like resting and drinking fluids, are essential duties. Cleaning Maintaining cleanliness and personal hygiene stops COVID-19 from spreading. Identify frequently touched objects and surface areas and clean them often, in some cases, after each use. Household soap and detergent kill virus particles that collect on doorknobs, tables, light switches, canes, walkers and countertops. Wearing a mask Masks keep droplets from passing to others. You and your loved one should wear a mask any time you are in the same area. Your loved one should mask any time they are around others, even outdoors. Masks are most effective when worn properly, covering the nose and mouth. Keeping contact minimal Limiting contact is hard, but it’s the most effective way to avoid spreading the virus. Keep personal items separated, like utensils, plates and towels. Stay in separate rooms, including bedrooms and bathrooms. If you’re unable to maintain physical distance, make sure your surroundings have good air circulation. You can open windows or run fans. Keeping your loved one socially active Isolation is taxing. Make sure your loved one can still communicate with others throughout their recovery. Your loved one can stay connected, even at a distance, by greeting the mailperson from the window or receiving mail from family. Video calls through smartphones and laptops bring friends, family members and care team members right to your loved one without risking anyone’s safety. Knowing your signs As a caretaker, you can observe and monitor your loved one’s condition. COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. If these symptoms begin to worsen, you may want to consider taking your loved one to the emergency room. Emergency warning signs include: Chest pain or pressure Confusion Labored breathing Skin that has turned pale, gray or blue Unconsciousness Preparing for the unexpected If your loved one’s condition worsens, seek emergency care immediately. Prepare a medical “go bag” ahead of time. In case of emergency, you can grab the bag in a hurry. You won’t waste critical time pulling items together, and you’ll reduce the likelihood that you’ll forget to bring something important to the hospital. Also, make sure you have a plan in case you, the caretaker, get sick. Designate an emergency contact with your loved one who can fulfill your duties if you are not able. Make sure your loved one has plenty of food, water, medication and other essentials. Many businesses offer delivery now. You may want to research the options ahead of time to help avoid panic. Helpful items for a caretaker Eye protection (face shield or goggles) Dish soap, hand soap and laundry soap Hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol Medical masks Over the counter medication to reduce fever (ibuprofen, acetaminophen) A thermometer Tissues and disposable paper towels Caring for yourself Caregiving can take its toll. Don’t feel discouraged if you face challenges. Watch for symptoms of burnout, like poor eating habits, difficulty sleeping and feeling of hopelessness. You need to meet your needs to be able to help your loved one. You can help care for yourself through: Breaking a big task into small, achievable steps Eating a healthy diet Limiting news intake Exercising regularly Taking a break from caregiving to recharge Author Stefanie Osterloh, CRNP, is a family nurse practitioner with Luminis Health Primary Care in Crofton, Md.0
- General 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
- Men's Health, Plastic Surgery & Skin Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogVashti Myers thought she was making the right choice when she decided to undergo cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic. Myers chose a doctor for her tummy tuck and Brazilian butt lift who had operated successfully on her aunt and cousin. Myers, a mom of three from Upper Marlboro, says she researched the doctor for a few years. She saw two negative reviews, but figured there are always disgruntled customers. Most importantly, getting the work done in the Dominican Republic would save her thousands of dollars. But when she flew to the island last September and prepared for the procedure, she felt something wasn’t right. She says the equipment looked outdated, and the doctor performed the operation in an area of the hospital that looked more like a basement. “To be honest, if I hadn’t been slightly sedated, I probably wouldn’t have gone through with it,” Myers says. She returned to the United States with what she says was a botched tummy tuck. She had major scarring, an off-center belly button, and a lot of pain. Myers went to the Emergency Room (ER) at Anne Arundel Medical Center where a doctor diagnosed her with a kidney infection. The ER doctor then referred her to Tripp Holton, MD, a plastic surgeon with Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Plastic Surgery, to treat the large open wound on her abdomen. “I should have just saved my money and had it here,” Myers says. The risks of medical tourism Medical tourism — the practice of traveling out of the country for discounted medical procedures — may sound tempting. People want to combine an overseas vacation with that plastic surgery they’ve always wanted. Plus they can recover in a beautiful location. But consider the risks before booking those plane tickets, say Dr. Holton, a plastic surgeon with AAMG Plastic Surgery. A 2016 report in the Centers for Disease Control and Population’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal identified 21 people in six states, including Maryland, infected with rapidly growing mycobacteria after traveling to the Dominican Republic for cosmetic surgery. Eight of these people were hospitalized, some more than once, according to the study. In 2014, a Long Island woman died from complications following a liposuction and tummy tuck that she got in the Dominican Republic, according to a news report. AAMG Plastic Surgery sees between five and eight cases of botched plastic surgery each year due to medical tourism. “We see the downside of it very often,” Dr. Holton says. A desire to save money is usually what prompts people to travel outside of the U.S. for plastic surgery. Experts say that plastic surgery has always been a cost-sensitive specialty. But when patients travel to another country for these procedures, they may pay for it in other ways. Dr. Holton says the surgeries patients seek out overseas run the gamut from tummy tucks to breast augmentations and liposuction. But they say patients are gambling with things including a doctor’s medical credentials, the outcome of the surgery, and their own safety. In America, surgeons follow a high standard of care. This includes the “time out” rule, meaning that before any operation, everyone involved must stop and double check that they are working on the right person and the right body part. Dr. Holton says that doesn’t always happen overseas. It’s also highly unlikely you will be able to see your plastic surgeon for regular follow up appointments unless you stay overseas for an extended period of time. The American Board of Plastic Surgery also cautions that patients should avoid typical “vacation activities” after surgery – including sunbathing, swimming and drinking alcohol. The board also says long flights or surgery can increase the risk of developing pulmonary embolism and blood clots. It suggests waiting five to seven days after most procedures before flying. The recommended wait after facial procedures, such as facelifts, eyelid surgery and nose jobs, is longer at seven to 10 days. How to find the right plastic surgeon Dr. Holton has some advice for finding the right plastic surgeon. Check out the doctor’s training and education. Make sure the doctor is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Ask questions about the doctor’s experience. Has he or she done these types of surgeries before? You should be able to see before and after pictures of the doctor’s work. Review the doctor’s licensing history with your state’s medical board and see if he or she has received any disciplinary actions. Myers says people tried to warn her about the dangers of getting plastic surgery in the Dominican Republic, but she didn’t listen. “You are definitely going to get a higher level of care in the United States,” she says.0
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