May 17, 4:00-9:00 p.m. Preakness® Celebration Hot Air Balloon Festival. Come to an exciting, family-friendly celebration with enchanting balloon glows, tethered rides and balloon flights, walk-thru balloons, arts and crafts and great local food. Located at the Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center. For more information- click on the link!

May 17 or May 22. Living With Diabetes.  Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes or have you been living with diabetes and would like to improve your health? Our diabetes specialists will teach you how to change your habits, give you practical, attainable solutions for staying healthy and design a diabetes management plan to fit your lifestyle. Living with Diabetes is a two-day, interactive, group course taught by an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, psychologist, podiatrist, and exercise specialist. Choose a day program or a condensed evening program. Day classes are held Friday and the following Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Evening classes are held Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. Most insurance plans cover all or part of this program.  The Bolduc Family Outpatient Center at Howard County General Hospital. For more information or to register, please call 443-718-3000

May 18, 10:30 a.m. Caregiver’s Support Group. Meets on the third Saturday of each month at 10:30 a.m.- noon or the first Tuesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. FREE. Registration is required.  Call the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center at 410 740-5858 for more information.

May 18. 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Springing Up Healthy. Howard County General Hospital (HCGH) hosts a free family health event at The Mall in Columbia, featuring community experts, topics and activities to help kids stay healthy, active and safe. Sample a selection of healthy food from Panera Bread and Williams-Sonoma. Enter drawings for an iPad courtesy of HCGH, a bicycle and helmet from Sears and a gift certificate from SA Elite.

May 18, 2:00 p.m. Math Circle. Are you good at math? Do you love numbers? Join the HCLS Math Circle at the East Columbia Branch to learn about patterns and intricacies in the world of mathematics. Use logic and problem solving skills to solve brain teasing problems. Ages 11-14. Register online or by calling 410.313.7700.

May 18, 4:00 p.m. Calling All Volunteers. Volunteering is good for you, so be sure to sign up at the Miller Branch to make reading fun for kids and earn service learning hours. Volunteers assist HCLS instructors with the summer reading club and other tasks. To register for this orientation session, submit a volunteer application to the teen instructor at the branch where you would like to volunteer. Accepted applicants will be contacted to confirm registration. Ages 13-17. Register by calling 410.313.1950. Offered again 5/22 at 7:00 p.m. Also offered on 5/24 at 4:00 p.m. at the East Columbia Branch; register by calling 410.313.7700.

May 20, 10:15 & 11:15 a.m. Twist and Shout. Music and movement for little ones with an adult at the Elkridge Branch. 30 min. Ages infant-5. No registration required.

May 20, 10:30- 12:00 p.m. HCGH Benefit Golf Classic The premiere golf fundraising event in Howard County. Winner of hole-in-one challenge will win a car from title sponsor, Apple Ford Lincoln. 10:30 a.m. – registration/putting contest. 12:00 p.m. – tee off at the Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center

May 20, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Blood Pressure Screening. Free, walk-in blood pressure screening and monitoring at the Glenwood Branch offered by Howard County General Hospital. 1st & 3rd Mondays. A Well & Wise event. No registration required.

May 20, 4:30 p.m. Baseball Twist & Shout. Grand slam music and movement activities at the Glenwood Branch that are sure to hit a home run! Ages 2-5 with adult; 30 min.  Register online or by calling 410.313.5579. Offered again at 7:00 p.m.;  register online or by calling 410.313.5579. Offered again 5/21 at 10:30 a.m.;  register online or by calling 410.313.5579. Offered one more time on 5/21 at 11:30 a.m.;  register online or by calling 410.313.5579

May 20, 6:30 p.m. Good Decision Making: A Lifelong Skill for All of Us. Two-part series at the Miller Branch; register for each session separately. Our quality of life depends on decisions we make. Learning how to make good decisions is fundamental to our physical, psychological, professional, financial, and spiritual well-being. Dr. Gopal Dorai–author, economist, financial consultant, and Professor Emeritus at William Paterson University, New Jersey–explores the basic principles governing decision-making techniques. Part 2 will be presented May 21, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

May 20, 7-8:30 p.m. Common Gastrointestinal Conditions. Learn about common gastrointestinal issues, screening recommendations, and treatment approaches to conditions that can be a sign of something more serious. Presented by gastroenterologist Preston Kim, M.D. Free. HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia. Click on the link to register, or call 410 740-7601 for more information.

May 20, 7:00 p.m. What’s in Season? Eating seasonally and locally can benefit you and our community. John Dove of Love Dove Farms and Chef Paul Dongarra of Dionysus Kitchen join forces at the Miller Branch to teach you about making delicious, seasonally fresh meals.  Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

May 21, 10;15 & 11:30 a.m. Baby Sign & Play. Learn basic signs in American Sign Language at the Central Branch. Ages 6-23 months with adult; 30 min. Six-week series. Ticket s available at Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class.

May 21, 10:15 & 11:30 a.m. The World Around Me: Me And My Family. A class at the East Columbia Branch exploring simple social studies concepts inspired by children’s literature. Focus on different family members each week through stories and crafts. Multi-week series. Ages 3-5; 45 min. Tickets available at Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class.

May 21, 4:30 & 7:00 p.m. Bike Safety. Celebrate American Bike Month at the Miller Branch by learning about bike safety with staff from Race Pace Bicycles. Ages 6 & up; 45 min. A Well & Wise event. Tickets available at Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class.

May 21, 6:30 p.m. Good Decision Making: A Lifelong Skill for All of Us. Two-part series at the Miller Branch; register for each session separately. Different stages in the life cycle require appropriate, age-specific decisions. While it is impossible to avoid all mistakes, careful planning can minimize regrets and losses. Dr. Dorai explores strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

May 21, 7-8:30 p.m. Rewiring Your Neural Pathways of Emotion. Did you know that emotions affect our health, outlook, and well-being?  Participants will examine their own current emotional response patterns and learn how to use the tools of imagery, visualization, and meditation to promote positive change and optimal ways of being. HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia. Click on the link to register, or call 410 740-7601 for more information.

May 22, 2:00 p.m. Just for Me. A class at the Miller Branch for children ages 3-5 who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills. 30 min. Tickets available at Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class.

May 22, 7:00 p.m. Attracting Butterflies to Your Garden. Pat Greenwald comes to the Miller Branch to reveal which plants and physical environment best attract nature’s loveliest insects to your backyard. University of Maryland Extension – Howard County Master Gardeners. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

May 22, 7:00 p.m. Are You Covered? Sue Rogan, Director of Financial Education at Maryland CASH Campaign, presents an interactive seminar at the Savage Branch on homeowners, car, and other types of property insurance. Determine if you are properly insured. In partnership with Howard County Financial Education Alliance and Maryland CASH Campaign. A “Your Money” event. Register online or by calling 410.880.5980.

May 23, 4:30 p.m. Enchanted Garden Club. Discover the joys of gardening at the Miller Branch. Learn gardening basics, grow flowers and vegetables from seeds, and help plan and maintain beds in our Enchanted Garden. Ages 9-11; 90 min. Registration and signed release form required.Click here for the May 23 Let’s Plant a Pizza Garden release form. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

May 23, 6:00 p.m. Engineering Club. Tinker with springs, pulleys, Lego® bricks, and duct tape while creating rockets, roller coasters, and other gadgets in a team environment at the East Columbia Branch. Ages 11-17. Register online or by calling 410.313.7700.

May 23, 7-8:30 p.m.  Living with Breast Cancer. This group is designed to meet the needs of breast cancer patients with a Stage IV diagnosis. This safe, welcoming group provides encouragement, support and education and meets on the 4^th Thursday of each month. FREE. HCGH Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center. Call 410 964-9100 x5 for more information and to register.

May 23, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Smoke-Free Lungs. Want to give up smoking but don’t know where to begin? Learn tips for quitting your tobacco habit and mastering long-term success. This program provides support and education for those wanting to quit as well as support for those who have already quit. Choose to attend one or all of the sessions. HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia. Click on the link to register, or call 410 740-7601 for more information.

May 25, 10-11:30. Together We Thrive. Patient support group offered for men and women diagnosed with cancer, where participants can share, explore, and be encouraged in a safe environment. This group meets the 4^th Saturday of each month. FREE. HCGH Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center.  Call 410 740-5858 for more information and to register.

May 31, Relay for Life. Want to have some fun while doing something meaningful for the Howard County community. Join the HCGH Healing Angels on May 31 for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. This fun filled event will be held at Long Reach High School at 6:30 p.m. and will be complete with entertainment, food, walking and hope. This event gives our community an opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those who have lost those who have lost their lives to cancer and fight back against this disease.  Would you like a chance at a winning a new car? We are selling raffle tickets for $5 for a chance to win a new Mazda6. Call Maia Alloy at 410. 740-7601 for more information on the relay and the raffle tickets.

Nick with his Mom, Dad and two older sisters.

William Nicholas Koutrelakos (Nick) was a sophomore and a standout varsity soccer player at Marriotts Ridge High School, when an ordinary soccer game took a life-threatening turn. His father Nick Koutrelakos, M.D., an HCGH medical oncologist, describes what happened: “It was late in the game against Oakland Mills, and my son took a shot to the belly and went down. Nick never goes down, so I knew he had been hit hard. Marriotts Ridge won the match shortly thereafter, but my son did not run out with his teammates.” Dr. Koutrelakos knew something was wrong, and, when he approached his son, his fears were confirmed. “He said, ‘Dad, something is wrong. I was hit hard, and I have this bad pain in my left shoulder.’ I told him right then he must’ve ruptured his spleen.”

Immediately, Nick’s mother, Susan Lancelotta, also a physician, called 9-1-1 and he was taken to the HCGH Pediatric Emergency Department. Although Nick didn’t appear very sick on the ride over, within minutes of arrival, his condition quickly deteriorated. He was faint and losing blood, his blood pressure dropped, and his hematocrit was low. The staff gave him blood transfusions. When they realized he wasn’t stable enough to transport to a trauma center, they made plans to operate. “He was fading,” Koutrelakos says. “I told him, ‘You have to hold on, I promise you will survive this.’” Surgeon Susan Behen, M.D. was called in and she called Deepak Merchant, M.D. to assist in the surgery.

Nick continued to receive blood transfusions as surgeons worked to save his spleen. They realized that Nick’s spleen was “boggy,” and tests were ordered to determine if he had mononucleosis – a disease that primarily affects adolescents and young adults and leaves the spleen susceptible to injuries. The surgeons worked quickly to repair the lacerations and, despite complications, were able to save it. “The surgery was a work of art between the two of them,” Dr. Koutrelakos says. “They got the work done, they saved his life.”

After the surgery, Nick spent several days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) – one of the first kids his age to stay there. His parents took turns sleeping in Nick’s room, and, after he was stable, he was moved to the pediatric inpatient unit for two days, where Nurse Eva Von Bernstorff took great care of him. Test results confirmed mononucleosis, and Nick faced three more weeks of recovery at home.

Dr. Koutrelakos knows they were lucky. “He would’ve died if someone hadn’t recognized the symptoms so quickly. Sometimes, parents aren’t sure with that kind of injury and they take their child home and put them to bed and that’s it. The child doesn’t wake up.”

Today, Nick is a junior at the University of Maryland majoring in supply chain management and marketing. His parents have made adjustments. Now at least one of them is in town for every high school game for their youngest child. And, while they realize they can’t control every situation, they know that they can count on HCGH in an emergency. “The hospital does a great job recognizing the emergency and mobilizing the resources needed. Resources were immediately available when we needed them. There is not another community hospital around that can do what this hospital can do. The people here are really well trained; they live in the community, and they work in the community.”

Today, Howard County General Hospital’s new pediatric general surgery service enables children and their families to be treated closer to home for most routine surgeries in children, such as inguinal hernias, minor trauma, appendicitis, gallbladder disease and removal of masses. Additionally, our surgical specialists can perform the latest minimally invasive procedures.  For more information about our pediatric general surgery service, as well as questions about common childhood surgeries such as appendicitis, visit our website. 

May 11, 11:00 a.m. Seeds to Sunflowers. Sunflowers add beauty to our garden and provide food for wildlife. Listen to stories, learn interesting sunflower facts, and help plant a sunflower patch in our Enchanted Garden at the Miller Branch. Take home sunflower seeds to plant at home and return in the fall for a sunflower show and tell! Ages 7-9; 45 min. Registration and signed release form required.Click here for the release form.  Register online or by calling 410.313.1950

May 11, 3:00 p.m. Calling All Volunteers. Volunteering is good for you. Make reading fun for kids and earn service learning hours. Volunteers assist HCLS instructors with the summer reading club and other tasks. To register for this orientation session at the Elkridge Branch, submit a volunteer application to the teen instructor at the branch where you would like to volunteer. Accepted applicants will be contacted to confirm registration. Ages 13-17. Offered again 5/13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Elkridge and Central Branches.Register by calling 410.313.5088, or 410.313.7800.

May 13, 7-8:30 p.m. Healthy Weight, Healthy You, Part 2 –Kitchen Wisdom. They say that variety is the spice of life! In part two of our Healthy Weight, Healthy You series, sample foods and learn how to spice up healthy meals with herbs and spices for a variety of taste. Free. Register for one or both parts. HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia. Click on the link to register, or call 410 740-7601 for more information.

May 13, 10:15 & 11:15 a.m. Twist and Shout. Music and movement for little ones with an adultat the Elkridge Branch. 30 min. Ages infant-5. No registration required.

May 13, 12:30-3:00 p.m. Blood Pressure Screening. Free, walk-in blood pressure screening and monitoring at the Savage Branch offered by Howard County General Hospital. 2nd Mondays. A Well & Wise event. No registration required.

May 13, 6:30 p.m. Invitation to the Ballet. Students of Misako Ballet perform classical ballet and contemporary dances at the Central Branch. Children from the audience may learn a quick piece and perform it. Register online or by calling 410.313.7880.

May 13, 7:00 p.m. Day Trippin’. Do a little armchair traveling at the Glenwood Branch and learn about public gardens & natural spaces an easy drive from Howard County. Presented by Master Gardeners. Register online or by calling 410.313.5577.

May 16-17, 4:00-9:00 p.m. Preakness® Celebration Hot Air Balloon Festival. Come to an exciting, family-friendly celebration with enchanting balloon glows, tethered rides and balloon flights, walk-thru balloons, arts and crafts and great local food. Located at the Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center. For more information- click on the link!

May 16, 6:00 p.m. Engineering Club. Tinker with springs, pulleys, Lego® bricks, and duct tape while creating rockets, roller coasters, and other gadgets in a team environment at the East Columbia Branch. Ages 11-17. Register online or by calling 410.313.7700

May 16, 7:00 p.m. Ready, Set, Grow! Through hands-on activities at the Savage Branch learn to plant your own garden, either in your backyard or in a container. Then make a craft. Ages 6 & up; 45 – 60 min. Register online or by calling 410.880.5978.

May 17, 2:00 p.m. Meet Authors with Girl Power. Come to the Central Branch and celebrate the wonder of being a girl and having the freedom to follow your dreams. Meet authors Elisabeth Dahl, Erica S. Perl, Shawn K. Stout, and Elissa Brent Weissman, whose dynamic characters stand up for their beliefs, and learn valuable lessons about growing up. Books available for purchase and signing. Refreshments. Ages 8-12; 60 min. A Meet the Author event. Register online or by calling 410.313.7880.

May 17, 2:00 & 2:45 p.m. Dig: Discovery in Gardening. Join members of the Split Rail Garden Club at the Miller Branch to discover the magic of seeds. Ages 5-7; 30 min. (Ho. Co. schools closed.) Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

May 17, 3:30 p.m. Be A Mad Scientist. Use everyday household items at the Savage Branch to create slime, flubber, and gunk, and learn the science behind how they are made. Ages 9-13; 90 min. No registration required.

May 17 or May 22. Living With Diabetes.  Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes or have you been living with diabetes and would like to improve your health? Our diabetes specialists will teach you how to change your habits, give you practical, attainable solutions for staying healthy and design a diabetes management plan to fit your lifestyle. Living with Diabetes is a two-day, interactive, group course taught by an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, psychologist, podiatrist, and exercise specialist. Choose a day program or a condensed evening program. Day classes are held Friday and the following Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Evening classes are held Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. Most insurance plans cover all or part of this program.  The Bolduc Family Outpatient Center at Howard County General Hospital. For more information or to register, please call 443-718-3000

May 18, 10:30 a.m. Caregiver’s Support Group. Meets on the third Saturday of each month at 10:30 a.m.- noon or the first Tuesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. FREE. Registration is required.  Call the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center at 410 740-5858 for more information.

May 18. 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Springing Up Healthy. Howard County General Hospital (HCGH) hosts a free family health event at The Mall in Columbia, featuring community experts, topics and activities to help kids stay healthy, active and safe. Sample a selection of healthy food from Panera Bread and Williams-Sonoma. Enter drawings for an iPad courtesy of HCGH, a bicycle and helmet from Sears and a gift certificate from SA Elite.

May 20, 10:30- 12:00 p.m. HCGH Benefit Golf Classic The premiere golf fundraising event in Howard County. Winner of hole-in-one challenge will win a car from title sponsor, Apple Ford Lincoln. 10:30 a.m. – registration/putting contest. 12:00 p.m. – tee off at the Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center

May 20, 7-8:30 p.m. Common Gastrointestinal Conditions. Learn about common gastrointestinal issues, screening recommendations, and treatment approaches to conditions that can be a sign of something more serious. Presented by gastroenterologist Preston Kim, M.D. Free. HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia. Click on the link to register, or call 410 740-7601 for more information.

National Nurses Week 2013

The art and science of nursing:  then and now

When Judy Siegelman started working at HCGH in 1979, the field of nursing was very different from what it is today. “Back then, you could easily move to a different hospital, even in a different state, and orientation was not an issue. Now we have to learn a whole new system of technology,” remarked Siegelman. While new practices make nursing more complicated and require a much higher learning curve, in the end, the art of nursing is still about caring for patients, being their advocates and looking out for their safety.

Admiration for her mother, who was also a nurse, convinced Siegelman to go into the same profession. She received her diploma from Albany Medical Center School of Nursing in 1966 and began her career there as a pediatric nurse. After that, she worked in several different states in both community and teaching hospitals as well as in public health. “When I came to HCGH in 1979, I found the best of all worlds. The nursing care and doctors here were on the leading edge and HCGH was a very progressive community hospital – right in my own backyard. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven.”

Siegelman was assigned to work at “Unit A” in Lorien Nursing Home where HCGH rented space for Medical/Surgical and Psychiatric units. “At that time, the units were not self-contained, so patients could go from one unit to the other. Things could get pretty interesting,” she noted. After several moves and renovations, in 1997 the unit moved to 4 South, which is Medical/Surgical and Oncology.

Originally, there were 30 beds on the unit with a ratio of one nurse and assistant for every 15 patients. “It was manageable then,” said Siegelman. “Patients were not as acutely ill as they are today; they stayed longer to convalesce.”  In 1985, Siegelman became nurse manager of the unit and Jon Minford, M.D., brought his oncology practice to Columbia and started admitting patients for chemotherapy.   “Back then, patients were almost always sick after treatment.” Chemotherapy today is vastly different because of wonderful advances in preventing and managing side effects, and newer drugs are better tolerated. This allows most chemotherapy to be outpatient.

Asked if certain patients stand out in memory, Siegelman mentioned a 36-year-old man who was getting chemo for colon cancer. “He pulled all the stops to get what he wanted, but he was funny, unique and had a great attitude. He asked for me as his nurse every time he was admitted. He had very aggressive disease and did not do well, but we never talked about death.  One day near the end, he asked me if I would please come to his funeral.  Of course, I did. He died at 37. I learned a valuable lesson about crucial conversations from him.”

In 2003 Siegelman experienced the other side of patient care at HCGH when she needed a hemicolectomy for colon cancer. “Dr. Parikh saved my life,” she said. “I was here for a week and everyone took excellent care of me and looked out for my privacy.” In 2012, she needed a knee replacement after an injury during “Snowmagaeddon.” “I’d heard horror stories about knee replacements and tried to put it off, but it was the right thing to do. The JAS staff was wonderful, and I highly recommend the care at HCGH. I could be the poster child for knee replacements!” she added.

Judy Siegelman, today.

In closing, Siegelman said, “There is both art and science in the practice of nursing. The science is what you bring out of nursing school; the art is what you develop through experience. Now we have to add technology as a critical element for nursing. The monitors, IV pumps – even the beds— are all computerized.”   Siegelman noted that, years ago, only one or two types of nursing were considered specialties, but now all types of nursing are specialties. “I am happy to see Medical/Surgical now recognized as such, because these nurses deserve that recognition.”

While nursing technology, theories and practices continue to evolve and change, the essential care that nurses provide does not. They are still truly the care givers.

(photo of Judy from 83-84 Annual Report and photo of her now as nurse manager in her office)

April/May.  Cherrybration Days. The Blossoms of Hope project is helping to bring hope to individuals and families within our community who are coping with cancer through its contributions to Howard County General Hospital’s CLAUDIA MAYER CANCER RESOURCE CENTER. A variety of CHERRYBRATION DAYS events are held during the trees beautiful blossoming season each April. Check out the calendar of April events at www.blossomsofhope.org

May 4, 11:00 a.m. Chemists Celebrate Earth Day: Water. Join a chemist from the Army Research Laboratory and the American Chemical Society for hands-on experiments and a celebration of Earth Day at the Miller Branch. Ages 7 & up (7-8 year olds must be accompanied by an adult); 60 min. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950. Offered agan at 1:00 p.m.; register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

May 4, 2:00 p.m. Math Circle. Are you good at math? Do you love numbers? Join the HCLS Math Circle at the East Columbia Branch to learn about patterns and intricacies in the world of mathematics. Use logic and problem solving skills to solve brain teasing problems. Ages 11-14. Register online or by calling 410.313.7700.

May 6, 10:15 a.m. Just For Me. Class at the Savage Branch for children ages 3-5 who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills. 30 min. No registration required. Offered again on 5/8 at 2:00 p.m. at the Miller Branch. Also offered 5/10 at the Central Branch at 2:30 p.m.

May 6, 10:15 & 11:15 a.m. Twist and Shout. Music and movement at the Elkridge Branch for little ones with an adult. 30 min. Ages infant-5. No registration required.

May 6, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Blood Pressure Screening. Free, walk-in blood pressure screening and monitoring at the Glenwood Branch offered by Howard County General Hospital. 1st & 3rd Mondays. A Well & Wise event. No registration required.

May 6, 7:00 p.m. Edible Bouquets for Mother’s Day. Turn the bounty of spring into a beautiful and unusual bouquet at the Miller Branch. Learn what is blooming in the Enchanted Garden, snip some veggies and herbs, and create a lovely gift to enjoy at home. Ages 9 & up; 60 min. Registration and signed release form required. Click here  for the release form. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

May 6, 7-8:30 p.m. Healthy Weight, Healthy You, Part 1 – Looking to Lose Weight? In part one of our Healthy Weight, Healthy You series, our certified nutritionist and registered dietitian will discuss physiology and health challenges that affect your weight. Learn to plan meals that taste great, provide balance in your diet, and promote health. FREE. HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia. Click on the link to register, or call 410 740-7601 for more information.

May 7, 10:15 & 11:30 a.m. Baby Sign & Play. Learn basic signs in American Sign Language at the Central Branch. Ages 6-23 months with adult; 30 min. Six-week series. Tickets available at Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class.

May 7, 10:15 & 11:30 a.m. The World Around Me: Me And My Family. A class at the East Columbia Branch exploring simple social studies concepts inspired by children’s literature. Focus on different family members each week through stories and crafts. Multi-week series. Ages 3-5; 45 min. Ticket available at Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class.

May 7, 3:30 p.m. Caregiver’s Support Group. Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. or the third Saturday of each month at 10:30 a.m.- noon. FREE. Registration is required.  Call the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center at 410 740-5858 for more information.

May 7, 7:00 p.m. Calling All Volunteers. Voluntering is good for you, so come to the Elkridge Branch to help make reading fun for kids and earn service learning hours. Volunteers assist HCLS instructors with the summer reading club and other tasks. To register for this orientation session, submit a volunteer application to the teen instructor at the branch where you would like to volunteer. Accepted applicants will be contacted to confirm registration. Ages 13-17. Register by calling 410.313.5088.

May 7, 7:00 p.m. Guided Meditation. Presented by Star Ferguson-Gooden, M.Ac., L.Ac. At the Miller Branch. Enjoy a guided mindfulness meditation designed to impart a feeling of peacefulness and connection. In addition to her Master’s degree in Acupuncture, Star Ferguson-Gooden holds a Professional Certificate in Energetic Healing and is faculty at Tai Sophia Institute. She and her husband co-own their practice, Sage Center for Wellness, in historic Ellicott City. A Well & Wise event. In the Enchanted Garden. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

May 8, 6:30 p.m. Welcome to Howard County. Come to the Central Branch to discover a wide array of social services and engaging activities for county residents. Presented by Howard County Tourism. Register online or by calling 410.313.7800.

May 9, 4:30 p.m. Enchanted Garden Club. Discover the joys of gardening at the Miller Branch. Learn gardening basics, grow flowers and vegetables from seeds, and help plan and maintain beds in our Enchanted Garden. Ages 9-11; 90 min. Registration and signed release form required. Register for each session separately. Click here for the May 9 Creative Container Gardens release form. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

May 9, 7:00 -9:00 p.m. Pre-diabetes. What is Pre-Diabetes and what can you do about it? This program will answer your questions. Our certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian will teach you how to make changes to prevent or delay an actual diabetes diagnosis. $15. HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia. Click on the link to register, or call 410 740-7601 for more information.

May 9, 7:00 p.m. Hands-Only CPR. Brad Tanner, from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, teaches the basics of adult CPR and the warning signs for sudden cardiac arrest at the Elkridge Branch Branch. He also discusses the functions of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Participants are required to practice the Hands-Only CPR method on the provided mannequins as they are assisted by the instructor. This course is intended for all ages and recommended for individuals who wish to learn the basics of CPR. Registration required. A Well & Wise event. Note: Hands-Only CPR is a basic course and is designed to be performed without a CPR card. As a result, a CPR card is not issued upon course completion. Register online or by calling 410.313.5088.

May 9, 7:30 p.m. Get Fit with the Boot Camp Girl. Certified personal trainer and yoga instructor Stephanie Dignan comes the the Glenwood Branch to teach how to achieve fitness goals with a series of classes. Come to one or all three. An exercise release form is required for the April session. Please bring a mat or towel. A Well & Wise event. Click here for the exercise release form for adults 18 and over. Click here for the exercise release from for children under 18. Register online or by calling 410.313.5577.

May 10, 2-6:00 p.m. HCGH Farmers’ Market – Opening Day. Join us for the Opening Day of the HCGH Farmers Market. Keep your family healthy with fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese, eggs, meat and other farm products grown and produced on local Howard County Farms. New vendors this year include Misty Meadows Milk and a jewelry vendor once a month. Free HCGH grocery tote bags to first 50 customers and seasonal recipes. Market is at the rear of Visitor Lot C at HCGH.

May 12, 8:00 a.m. Hills of Milltown 5K Challenge.  Scenic, challenging, historic race route with cash and gift certificate prizes totally more than $500. Proceeds to benefit Howard County General Hospital’s Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center. Ellicott City – Lot F off of Ellicott Mills Drive.  The entry Fee of $35 includes a race t-shirt.

May 13, 7-8:30 p.m. Healthy Weight, Healthy You, Part 2 –Kitchen Wisdom. They say that variety is the spice of life! In part two of our Healthy Weight, Healthy You series, sample foods and learn how to spice up healthy meals with herbs and spices for a variety of taste. Free. Register for one or both parts. HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia. Click on the link to register, or call 410 740-7601 for more information.

May 14 or May 16. Skin Cancer Screening. Worried about a funny looking mole? Our HCGH dermatologist will examine your area of concern. (Due to time limitations, a full-body exam will not be performed.) Appointment are slots available between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Free. HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia. Click on the link to register, or call 410 740-7601 for more information.

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Howard County General Hospital is celebrating 40 years of caring for generations!  In honor of that milestone, here’s a list of 40 healthy tips for kids.  How many are a part of your regular routine? Join us on May 18 for “Springing Up Healthy” at the Columbia Mall to learn more!

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General Health

1.  Be a germ fighter! Encourage children to use hand sanitizer and wash hands with soap and water before eating. Teach kids to sing Happy Birthday or the ABC’s while soaping up at the sink to ensure they wash for at least 15 seconds.
2. Catch some Zzzzz’s. Lack of sleep in children can lead to irritability, anxiety and behavior issues.
3. What’s up doc? Make your child’s annual well check a yearly must-do. These yearly visits provide your child with necessary immunizations, chart growth and physical development, and ensure developmental and social milestones are being met. Log on to hcgh.org to find a pediatrician near you.
4. Seen and heard. Vision and hearing screenings should be a regular part of your child’s annual check-up. For a list of ophthalmologists, visit hcgh.org
5. Save your skin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Protect children’s skin from the harmful rays of the sun, stay away from tanning beds and promote sunscreen use to help minimize risks from sun exposure.
6. Brush those pearly whites. Pediatric dentists agree that dental care should begin by one year of age, with a dental check-up at least twice a year. Check out the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s dental checklist to learn more about pediatric dental hygiene.
7. Allergy alert. Food allergies have become increasingly common and some can be life threatening. Be prepared – learn more about what signs to look for in your child.
8. Prevent poisonings. Accidental poisoning is a leading cause of death in children under the age of 14. Keep the Maryland Poison Center’s hotline number handy – 1-800-222-1222.
9. Reveal how you feel. Help young children find constructive ways to talk about and deal with their feelings to help avoid anxiety and even depression.
10. Tense times. Childhood anxiety is not uncommon; eight to 10 percent of children have anxiety disorders. Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Anxiety Disorders Program can help parents learn how to deal with and understand a child’s anxiety.
11. Stranger danger. Teach kids early on not to talk to strangers. Children should learn to be aware of their surroundings and know not to go with any unfamiliar adults.
12. Protect that head. Maryland law requires children under the age of 16 to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. Properly fitted helmets can reduce the risk of head injury in children by up to 85 percent. Learn more at sha.maryland.gov.
13. Know the signs of ADHD. One of the most common chronic conditions of childhood, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) makes it hard for children to control their behavior and can interfere with their daily lives at home and school.
14. Up and at ‘em! Get out and move as a family – riding bikes, playing a game of tag or walking the dog together are easy ways to fit exercise into your day. Find other fun ways to stay active at stayactivehowardcounty.org.
15. Be an engaged parent. Howard County has a number of programs, workshops and valuable resources for parents through the Howard County Family Institute, visit co.ho.md.us.

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Toddlers

1. Don’t wait- vaccinate. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about annual routine immunizations, including the flu vaccine.
2. Is your seat safe? Contact the certified child passenger safety technicians at The Johns Hopkins Children’s Safety Center to install your child’s car seat correctly. The installation and inspection service is $10, or free for families who qualify. Call 410-955-6276. The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services also offers child safety seat inspections. Call 410-313-6090 to schedule an appointment.
3. Mommies matter. HCGH has many valuable programs and wellness classes to help new mothers be successful. Infant care, breastfeeding and new mother support classes are held at HCGH throughout the year. Visit hcgh.org.
4. Power to the family. Healthy Families Howard County is part of the Healthy Families America Initiative, a free, national program that identifies first-time parents in the community, aligns them with community resources and offers them support in their new role as parents. For information, visit hcgh.org
5. Back to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Back to Sleep Campaign recommend that babies under one year of age be placed on their backs to sleep to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Learn more at sidscenter.org.
6. Be book smart. Reading to your baby and toddler is great for bonding and it starts them on the road to a lifetime love of books. Read favorite books as part of your child’s bedtime routine.
7. Practice safe sports! Approximately 3.5 million children ages 14 and younger are treated for sports-related injuries each year. Have children wear properly fitted protective equipment, including helmets, and encourage them to stay well hydrated. We hope that injuries don’t happen, but if they do, our Pediatric Emergency Room and orthopedic specialists are here when you need care.
8. Be a team player. Playing a sport is not just great exercise, it also teaches kids about teamwork and respect, and encourages lasting friendships as well as self-confidence.
9. Noggin know-how. If your child suffers a head injury, seek medical attention and know the signs of a concussion: neck pain, nausea, dizziness, balance problems and sensitivity to light. Following a head injury, talk to your child’s pediatrician for the “all clear” before returning to sports or other activities.
10. Just say no! School-aged kids are not too young to learn about the negative effects of drugs and alcohol. Find valuable articles and resources through Howard County Drug Free at hcdrugfree.org
11. Drop that weapon. Teach kids about gun safety. Securely lock up guns and keep them away from curious little hands. Never keep live ammunition in any weapons in your home.
12. Contents under pressure. The need to be liked and accepted by one’s peers begins at an early age. Talk to kids about avoiding negative peer pressure and the importance of surrounding themselves with good friends and support systems.

1. Surf safely. Kids have access to just about everything, thanks to the Internet. Put parental controls on family computers and monitor the websites your child visits, including social media sites.
2. Driven to distraction. Distracted driving can result in serious injury and even death. The dangers of texting and driving are real; set clear rules about no cell phone use while driving.
3. Stop drunk driving. Learn how to talk to teens about the dangers of underage drinking and driving at madd.org.
4. Ban the butts. Teach kids about the health dangers of smoking and provide them with a smoke-free environment. If you smoke, consider quitting with the help of HCGH’s Smoking Cessation program “Smoke Free Lungs.”
5. Say no to bullying. Teach kids at an early age about the negative effects of bullying. A 2002 CDC survey estimates that approximately 30 percent of teens have been involved in bullying as a victim, spectator or perpetrator.
6. Stick up for yourself. Kids who are interested in learning about self-defense will benefit from HCGH’s Kids Self Defense program where they are taught the basic principles of safety awareness and age appropriate self-defense techniques.
7. Home alone. Is your “tween” ready to stay home alone? HCGH offers a free class called “Home Sweet Home” to help get kids ready.
8. Adventures in babysitting. Learning how to manage young children and knowing what to do in an emergency situation will prepare teens for the responsibilities of babysitting. Take HCGH’s “Essentials in Babysitting” course.
9. Let’s talk about sex. Talk to your kids about their changing bodies. Make sure to educate them about safe sex, sexually transmitted diseases, peer pressure and teen pregnancy.
10. When to see a gynecologist. Young women can begin visiting a gynecologist at age 13 to 15, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, but pelvic exams may not be recommended at that age. For a list of gynecologists, visit hcgh.org/findadoctor.

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Nutrition

1. Snack smart. Encourage children to reach for healthy foods that will satisfy hunger rather than the empty calories and fat of fast food.
2. Be a healthy kid. Learn how to make a healthy, well-balanced diet part of your children’s lives at HCGH’s Springing up Healthy Kids Clinic at the Columbia Mall May 18.
3. Shed the sugar. Join the fight against childhood obesity. Learn how to limit sugary drinks in your child’s diet at Howard County Unsweetened – hocounsweetened.org.

April/May.  Cherrybration Days.  The Blossoms of Hope project is helping to bring hope to individuals and families within our community who are coping with cancer through its contributions to Howard County General Hospital’s CLAUDIA MAYER CANCER RESOURCE CENTER. A variety of CHERRYBRATION DAYS events are held during the trees beautiful blossoming season each April. Check out the calendar of April events at www.blossomsofhope.org

April  27, 10-11:30. Together We Thrive. Patient support group offered for men and women diagnosed with cancer, where participants can share, explore, and be encouraged in a safe environment. This group meets the 4^th Saturday of each month. FREE. HCGH Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center.  Call 410 740-5858 for more information and to register.

April 27, 2:00 a.m. The Lorax’s Arbor Day. Come to the Elkridge Branch to listen to Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax and learn about the importance of trees. Ages 5 & up; 45 min. Register online or by calling 410.313.5085.

 April 29, 10:15 a.m. Twist and Shout: Dance Party! Music and movement at the Miller Branch for little ones with an adult. 30 min. Ages 2-3. Dance Party! Register online or by calling 410.313.1950. Offered again at 11:30 a.m.; register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

April 29, 10:15 a.m. Just For Me. Class at the Savage Branch for children ages 3-5 who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills. 30 min. No registration required. Also offered on 4/30 at 10:30 a.m. at the Glenwood Branch; register online or by calling 410.313.5579. Also offered 5/3 at 2:30 p.m. at the Central Branch; tickets available at the Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class.

April 29, 10:15 & 11:15 a.m. Twist and Shout. Music and movement at the Elkridge Branch for little ones with an adult. 30 min. Ages infant-5. No registration required.

April 29, 4:30 a.m. Books in the Garden. Learn what is happening in the Enchanted Garden at the Miller Branch through stories and activities, then visit the garden for more discoveries. Multi-week series. Ages 5-8; 45 min. Registration and signed release form required. Click here for the release form. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

April 30, 10:15 & 11:30 a.m. Baby Sign & Play. Learn basic signs in American Sign Language at the Central Branch. Ages 6-23 months with adult; 30 min. Six-week series. Ticket s available at Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class.

May 6, 7-8:30 p.m. Healthy Weight, Healthy You, Part 1 – Looking to Lose Weight? In part one of our Healthy Weight, Healthy You series, our certified nutritionist and registered dietitian will discuss physiology and health challenges that affect your weight. Learn to plan meals that taste great, provide balance in your diet, and promote health. FREE. HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia. Click on the link to register, or call 410 740-7601 for more information.

May 2, 2:00 p.m. Twist and Shout: Beach Party. Music and movement at the Savage Branch for little ones with an adult. 30 min. Ages 2-5. Beach Party! Register online or by calling 410.880.5978.

May 2, 7:00 p.m. Day Trippin’. Do a little armchair traveling at the Glenwood Branch and learn about public gardens and natural spaces an easy drive from Howard County. Presented by Linda Decker and Sherry Conklin. University of Maryland Extension – Howard County Master Gardeners. Register online or by calling 410.313.5577.

May 2, 7:00 p.m. Family Zumba. Join Columbia Association fitness instructors T THE Central Branch for a family Zumba© class. This interactive and fun dance workout uses Latin and international music. Please wear athletic shoes. Ages 5 & up with adult; 45-60 min. A Well & Wise event. Registration and signed release form required. Click here for the release form for children under 18. Click here for the release form for adults 18 and older. Register online or by calling 410.313.7880.

May 2, 7:00 p.m. Hands-Only CPR. Come the the East Columbia Branch where Brad Tanner, from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, teaches the basics of adult CPR and the warning signs for sudden cardiac arrest. He also discusses the functions of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Participants are required to practice the Hands-Only CPR method on the provided mannequins as they are assisted by the instructor. This course is intended for all ages and recommended for individuals who wish to learn the basics of CPR. Registration required. A Well & Wise event. Note: Hands-Only CPR is a basic course and is designed to be performed without a CPR card. As a result, a CPR card is not issued upon course completion. Register online or by calling 410.313.7700.

May 10, 2-6:00 p.m. HCGH Farmers’ Market – Opening Day. Join us for the Opening Day of the HCGH Farmers Market. Keep your family healthy with fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese, eggs, meat and other farm products grown and produced on local Howard County Farms. New vendors this year include Misty Meadows Milk and a jewelry vendor once a month. Free HCGH grocery tote bags to first 50 customers and seasonal recipes. Market is at the rear of Visitor Lot C at HCGH.

May 9, 7:00 -9:00 p.m. Pre-diabetes. What is Pre-Diabetes and what can you do about it? This program will answer your questions. Our certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian will teach you how to make changes to prevent or delay an actual diabetes diagnosis. $15. HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia. Click on the link to register, or call 410 740-7601 for more information.

May 12, 8:00 a.m. Hills of Milltown 5K Challenge.  Scenic, challenging, historic race route with cash and gift certificate prizes totally more than $500. Proceeds to benefit Howard County General Hospital’s Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center. Ellicott City – Lot F off of Ellicott Mills Drive.  The entry Fee of $35 includes a race t-shirt.

May 13, 7-8:30 p.m. Healthy Weight, Healthy You, Part 2- Kitchen Wisdom. They say that variety is the spice of life! In part two of our Healthy Weight, Healthy You series, sample foods and learn how to spice up healthy meals with herbs and spices for a variety of taste. Free. Register for one or both parts. HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia. Click on the link to register, or call 410 740-7601 for more information.

May 14 or May 16. Skin Cancer Screening.  Worried about a funny looking mole? Our HCGH dermatologist will examine your area of concern. (Due to time limitations, a full-body exam will not be performed.) Appointment are slots available between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Free. HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia. Click on the link to register, or call 410 740-7601 for more information.

Volunteering at Howard County General Hospital

This week we celebrate National Healthcare Volunteer Week in recognition of the support that volunteers and auxilians provide to hospital staff, their patients, family members, and within the community.   Volunteers and Auxilians practically predate the hospital, itself as they were some of the biggest supporters for building a hospital in rapidly developing Howard County.  Volunteers serve in many sections of the hospital, whether with patients or in supporting administrative roles, their work is essential to what we do. From Junior volunteers and summer interns to Senior volunteers they’ve been with us every step of the way.  In addition to the direct patient services they’ve provided over the years, they’ve founded Centers like the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center, established hospital consignment shops and raised funds for our capital campaigns.

Mrs. Dorothy Brooker, a Howard County General volunteer for  26 years talks about her role and what it has meant to her.

Q. How long have you been a volunteer?

A. 26 years

Q. Where have you volunteered?

A. I volunteered with the auxiliary beginning in the 1980’s holding various positions such has treasurer, program chair, etc. I now volunteer once a week in the hospitals gift shop.

Q. What made you want to become a volunteer?

A. I lived in Buffalo, New York where I raised my 4 children and eventually worked in the school education system before retiring and moving to Columbia in 1986. The winters were getting too cold and bitter in New York, and I was ready to move closer to my children including my daughter who resides in Columbia. I went to the hospital for an exercise class I was interested in, and noticed the volunteer office. I inquired, and they said they needed volunteers with the auxiliary.

Q. Tell me about what it used to be like when you started volunteering in the 1980’s?

A. It was great fun; I really enjoyed the people. I enjoyed meeting so many new people, and making new friends. I found volunteering to be interesting and it kept me very busy.

Q. Tell me what it is like now?

A. I don’t feel it has changed too drastically. The hospital has expanded, and the gift shop location has moved about 5 times since I started. We are busier, but it has continued to be great fun for me. I still really enjoy greeting customers and meeting new people.

Q. Do you have a favorite volunteer story?

A. I won the Betty Stant Award for best volunteer, which included a fancy dinner where I had a great time.  Also, when I’m not volunteering at the hospital, I will run into people who I’ve met while working in the gift shop and they recognize me and I remember them. We have customers who are no longer patients or staying at the hospital, but will come in to browse the gift shop because they really like the items we sell.

Q. How has volunteering made you feel personally?

A. It makes me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile. I enjoy being with people, and I feel like I am helping the hospital, helping people, and it keeps me very busy. I look forward every week to working in the gift shop. I even plan my vacations and appointments around Wednesdays, so I can be sure I’ll be there each week.

Q. How would you relate volunteering to your health?

A. I am blessed to be healthy, and with volunteering it helps me to stay active and busy, while also interacting with people and meeting new people.

Thank you, Mrs. Brooker- and all of the volunteers who have served the hospital so well over the last 40 years!  Happy National Healthcare Volunteer Week!

Check out these local classes to make you Well & Wise.  

April.  Cherrybration Days- The Blossoms of Hope project is helping to bring hope to individuals and families within our community who are coping with cancer through its contributions to Howard County General Hospital’s CLAUDIA MAYER CANCER RESOURCE CENTER. A variety of CHERRYBRATION DAYS events are held during the trees beautiful blossoming season each April. Check out the calendar of April events at www.blossomsofhope.org

April 19. Living With Diabetes.  Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes or have you been living with diabetes and would like to improve your health? Our diabetes specialists will teach you how to change your habits, give you practical, attainable solutions for staying healthy and design a diabetes management plan to fit your lifestyle. Living with Diabetes is a two-day, interactive, group course taught by an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, psychologist, podiatrist, and exercise specialist. Choose a day program or a condensed evening program. Day classes are held Friday and the following Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Evening classes are held Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. Most insurance plans cover all or part of this program.  The Bolduc Family Outpatient Center at Howard County General Hospital. For more information or to register, please call 443-718-3000

April 20, 10:00 a.m. Infectious Disease and Technology. Come to the Savage Branch to learn about how infectious diseases are spread and how disease detectives work to find and stop their spread using medical technology and nanotechnology. Ages 11-18. HiTech is supported in part by a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and IMLS. Visit hclibrary.org/hitech_events. Register online or by calling 410.880.5980. Offered again on 4/24 at 12:30 p.m.

April 20, 10:30 p.m. Chemists Celebrate Earth Day: Water. Join a chemist from the Army Research Laboratory and the American Chemical Society for hands-on experiments and a celebration of Earth Day at the Glenwood Branch. Ages 7 & up (7-8 year olds must be accompanied by an adult); 60 min. Register online or by calling 410.313.5579. Offered again at the East Columbia Branch at 1:00 p.m.; register online or by calling 410.313.7730. Also offered at 3:00 p.m. At the Elkridge Branch; register online or by calling 410.313.5085.

April 20, 2:00 p.m. Math Circle. Are you good at math? Do you love numbers? Join the HCLS Math Circle at the East Columbia Branch to learn about patterns and intricacies in the world of mathematics. Use logic and problem solving skills to solve brain teasing problems. Ages 11-14. Register online or by calling 410.313.7700.

April 22, 10:15 a.m. Just For Me. Class at the Savage Branch for children ages 3-5 who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills. 30 min. No registration required. Offered again on 4/23 at 10:30 a.m. at the Glenwood Branch; register online or by calling 410.313.5579. 4/24 at 10:15 & 11:15 a.m. at the East Columbia and Elkridge Branches, and at 2:00 p.m. at the Miller Branch. Also offered 4/26 at the Central Branch at 2:30 p.m.

April 22, 7:00 p.m. The Newest Green is Platinum. Columbia’s Robinson Nature Center boasts the highest green building rating: LEED Platinum. LEED Accredited Professional Jeffrey Williams comes to the Miller Branch to teach about green building attributes and what makes the Center so spectacular. Learn about green roofs, geothermal heat pumps, and sustainable wood. Jeffrey Williams is a LEED-Accredited Professional volunteer at the Robinson Nature Center and a working professional in the sustainability field. In partnership with Robinson Nature Center. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

April 22, 7:00 p.m. NASA Science 4 Girls. Join NASA Goddard women scientists at the Elkridge Branch as you celebrate women in science, learn about the universe, and explore the role of science in your life. Participate in some hands-on activities. Ages 9-14; 60 min. Register online or by calling 410.313.5085.

April 23, 10:15 & 11:30 a.m. Baby Sign & Play. Learn basic signs in American Sign Language at the Central Branch. Ages 6-23 months with adult; 30 min. Six-week series. Tickets available at Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class.

April 24, 7:00 p.m. Growing Great Tomatoes. Learn how to grow great tomatoes at the Savage Branch. Register online or by calling 410.880.5980.

April 25, 2:00 p.m. Recess! School’s out; spend time with new friends at the Savage Branch exploring games that get your mind and body moving. Use and eat marshmallows too! Ages 7 & up; 60 min. Register online or by calling 410.880.5978.

April 25, 4:30 p.m. Enchanted Garden Club. Discover the joys of gardening at the Miller Branch. Learn gardening basics, grow flowers and vegetables from seeds, and help plan and maintain beds in our Enchanted Garden. Ages 9-11; 90 min. Registration and signed release form required. Register for each session separately. Click here for the April 25 Gardening for You, Me, and the Chesapeake Bay release form. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

April 25, 7:00 p.m. Hands-Only CPR. Brad Tanner, from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, teaches the basics of adult CPR and the warning signs for sudden cardiac arrest at theMiller Branch. He also discusses the functions of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Participants are required to practice the Hands-Only CPR method on the provided mannequins as they are assisted by the instructor. This course is intended for all ages and recommended for individuals who wish to learn the basics of CPR. Registration required. A Well & Wise event. Note: Hands-Only CPR is a basic course and is designed to be performed without a CPR card. As a result, a CPR card is not issued upon course completion. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

April 25, 7-8:30 p.m.  Living with Breast Cancer. This group is designed to meet the needs of breast cancer patients with a Stage IV diagnosis. This safe, welcoming group provides encouragement, support and education and meets on the 4^th Thursday of each month. FREE. HCGH Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center. Call 410 964-9100 x5 for more information and to register.

April  27, 10-11:30. Together We Thrive. Patient support group offered for men and women diagnosed with cancer, where participants can share, explore, and be encouraged in a safe environment. This group meets the 4^th Saturday of each month. FREE. HCGH Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center.  Call 410 740-5858 for more information and to register.

via Johns Hopkins Health Magazine

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Despite its reputation as an older person’s disease, colorectal cancer is increasing among young people.

The rise of poor eating and exercise habits permeates the news these days and, as a result, many illnesses traditionally affecting older people are now appearing in the young. One startling example is colorectal cancer; doctors are seeing an increase in cases among people younger than 50, which is the typical age to begin screening.

“Nobody knows for sure why,” says Sandy Fang, M.D., a colorectal surgeon at Johns Hopkins, “but it’s probably a combination of things.” Fang points to many culprits as possible risk factors: a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and lifestyle patterns such as low-fiber diet, excessive intake of red meat, obesity and lack of exercise.

Colorectal cancer rates have been declining in older populations, but the disease is on the rise in people ages 18 to 49, with rates having gone up more than 2 percent between 1998 and 2007, according to the National Cancer Institute. Fang says younger people are often misdiagnosed because the symptoms of colorectal cancer—rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and change in bowel habits to name a few—can point to many other disorders, and doctors don’t always consider colorectal cancer because of the patients’ age.

When the disease is diagnosed it is usually advanced, because the younger person hasn’t sought care quickly or because symptoms might not have been recognized or acknowledged. Thus, the treatments are more extensive and costly.

Fang urges people who have signs of colorectal cancer, regardless of their age, to be proactive with their care. When she sees symptoms in people who have a family history of the disease, Fang says she tends to do colonoscopies sooner rather than later.

Minimizing Your Risk Johns Hopkins recommends that most men and women get their first colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer at age 50. There are, however, certain factors that can place younger people at higher risk and necessitate earlier screening:

• Rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, diarrhea, changes in bowel movements, or anemia. Talk to your doctor about when to start screenings.
• A family history of colorectal cancer. Start screening 10 years before the diagnosis of the youngest affected family member.
• Lynch syndrome. If you are at risk for this hereditary cancer of the digestive tract, start colonoscopies at age 21 and continue every one to three years.
• Familial adenomatous polyposis. This disease is characterized by benign growths that will likely develop into cancer. Get a colonoscopy every one to two years, starting as early as the teen years.

April.  Cherrybration Days- The Blossoms of Hope project is helping to bring hope to individuals and families within our community who are coping with cancer through its contributions to Howard County General Hospital’s CLAUDIA MAYER CANCER RESOURCE CENTER. A variety of CHERRYBRATION DAYS events are held during the trees beautiful blossoming season each April. Check out the calendar of April events at www.blossomsofhope.org

April 17 OR April 19. Living With Diabetes.  Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes or have you been living with diabetes and would like to improve your health? Our diabetes specialists will teach you how to change your habits, give you practical, attainable solutions for staying healthy and design a diabetes management plan to fit your lifestyle. Living with Diabetes is a two-day, interactive, group course taught by an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, psychologist, podiatrist, and exercise specialist. Choose a day program or a condensed evening program. Day classes are held Friday and the following Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Evening classes are held Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. Most insurance plans cover all or part of this program.  The Bolduc Family Outpatient Center at Howard County General Hospital. For more information or to register, please call 443-718-3000

April 19, “Donate Life, Go Green” day. With more than 118,000 people nationwide waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, including more than 2,200 people in Maryland, the need for designated organ, eye and tissue donors has reached an all time high. To help bring awareness to this growing healthcare crisis, HCGH has partnered with The Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland (LLF) to provide employees and members of our community information about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation. With more than two million Marylanders having already made the decision to designate themselves as organ, eye and tissue donors, either through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration or the Maryland Donor Registry at www.donatelifemaryland.org, this statewide outreach will hopefully encourage others to make the decision to be a donor.

April 25, 7-8:30 p.m.  Living with Breast Cancer. This group is designed to meet the needs of breast cancer patients with a Stage IV diagnosis. This safe, welcoming group provides encouragement, support and education and meets on the 4^th Thursday of each month. FREE. HCGH Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center. Call 410 964-9100 x5 for more information and to register.

April 27, 10-11:30. Together We Thrive. Patient support group offered for men and women diagnosed with cancer, where participants can share, explore, and be encouraged in a safe environment. This group meets the 4^th Saturday of each month. FREE. HCGH Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center.  Call 410 740-5858 for more information and to register.

Spring is in the air, but warm weather means ticks and exposure to Lyme Disease.

Did you spend time outdoors this weekend? Gardening? A walk in the woods? Camping? Or maybe just a pick-up game of softball in the park? All of these activities and more are part of the reason we look forward to Spring. But- in our area especially-  it is important when spending time outdoors, to be aware of the risks of ticks and Lyme Disease. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. People become infected when an infected black-legged tick, also known as a “deer tick” bites them.
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Here are 7 tips to help you avoid Lyme Disease

Avoid Direct Contact with ticks. Stay on the trail. Avoid, if possible, high grass and wooded areas.

When hiking, wear long sleeves and long pants over tall socks. Pull your hair back and wear a cap. Light colored materials make it easier to spot any hitchhikers. Tuck the bottom of your pants into your socks, or band the bottom of your pants and sleeves. (Another great use for duct tape!)

Apply repellents that contain 20% or more DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) on exposed skin. Re-apply every few hours. Make sure to follow directions and avoid applying to hands, eyes and mouth.

Apply repellents that contain permethrin to clothing and gear. A coating on pants, socks, etc. will last through several laundry cycles. (Outfitters make clothing that is pre-treated and can last for 50 or more laundry cycles)

Bathe or shower immediately after coming indoors. Conduct a thorough search with a partner if possible, or a hand mirror. Parents- check your children! Pay special attention to the scalp, under the arms, between the legs, and inside the ears.

Stow your gear outside until you get a chance to check it. Pets, coats, day packs- all should be checked before coming into the house. Clothing can be laundered and dried on high heat for an hour to kill any remaining ticks.

If you’ve been bitten by a tick- follow these tick removal instructions from the CDC.

For more information about Ticks and Lyme Disease, check out the Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library.

Follow these guidelines and you can still enjoy the great outdoors, so go ahead…  Get Out!

Hiking in the Middle Patuxent Watershed
Photo Credit: Mary Catherine Cochran

April 9^th, 30 minute slots 5:00- 7:30 p.m. or April 11, 30 minute slots 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Dietary Counseling. This individualized nutritional counseling program is available for children and adults. Meet with a registered dietitian one-on-one to discuss your dietary concerns and goals including weight loss, healthier bones, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol.  The counseling is also appropriate for those who want to gain weight, maintain a vegetarian diet, or just need good advice about following a healthy diet. Day and evening appointments are available.  Payment is due at time of registration. Insurance is not accepted. $35.00. Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center. 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia.

April 11, 5:30-9:00 p.m. Adult, Child and Infant CPR/AED. This course will teach you the skills needed to clear an airway obstruction, perform cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). At the successful completion of this course, you will earn a two-year American Heart Association completion card.  This course is for community members and does not meet the qualifications for health care provider. Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center. 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia.

April 17 OR April 19. Living With Diabetes.  Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes or have you been living with diabetes and would like to improve your health? Our diabetes specialists will teach you how to change your habits, give you practical, attainable solutions for staying healthy and design a diabetes management plan to fit your lifestyle. Living with Diabetes is a two-day, interactive, group course taught by an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, psychologist, podiatrist, and exercise specialist. Choose a day program or a condensed evening program. Day classes are held Friday and the following Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Evening classes are held Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. Most insurance plans cover all or part of this program.  The Bolduc Family Outpatient Center at Howard County General Hospital. For more information or to register, please call 443-718-3000

April 20, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon. CPR Across Howard County- A free community CPR Class. Bring along your family members and friends. As part of  ”CPR Across Howard County”, we are offering a 3 hr. American Heart Association (AHA) CPR class. Learn how to recognize signs and symptoms of a Heart Attack, how to perform CPR on an adult and child victims (1 year old and over), and how to deal with choking for adult and child. The course provides a lot of hands on practice in a small group setting.  This program is designed for people who would like to be prepared in an emergency, but do not require a completion card for a job. Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center. 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia. Call 410-740-7601 for more information.

April 25, 7-8:30 p.m.  Living with Breast Cancer. This group is designed to meet the needs of breast cancer patients with a Stage IV diagnosis. This safe, welcoming group provides encouragement, support and education and meets on the 4^th Thursday of each month. FREE. HCGH Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center. Call 410 964-9100 x5 for more information and to register.

April 27, 10-11:30. Together We Thrive. Patient support group offered for men and women diagnosed with cancer, where participants can share, explore, and be encouraged in a safe environment. This group meets the 4^th Saturday of each month. FREE. HCGH Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center.  Call 410 740-5858 for more information and to register.

Spring blooms bring spring allergies.
photo credit: Mary Catherine Cochran

Finally! Spring is in the air. The trees are budding, Robins and Bluebirds are building their nests and the Daffodils and Cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom. (Just in time for the Blossoms of Hope Cherrybration days!)

As welcome as the warmth and sunshine might be, it also signifies the start of Spring allergy season. Trees including cedar, maple and elm, which are responsible for the first pollens of the allergy season, are already working overtime. According to the local pollen forecast, we’ve already reached the “red” zone, spurred in part by the recent windy weather, which distributes the particles of pollen, increasing your allergy symptoms.

Pollen allergy (hay fever or allergic rhinitis) affects about 8 percent of adults in the United States and its onset is sometimes confused with the cold virus because they share similar symptoms including nasal congestion, runny noses, sneezing and watery eyes.  Seasonal allergies, however, last more than just a few days and are usually accompanied by the additional symptom of itchy eyes and nose.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, it is nearly impossible to eliminate pollen completely from your life, but here are five ways to minimize your exposure to pollen:

1. Keep the windows closed in the car and at home, and use air conditioning if necessary.
2. Use a HEPA air filter and a high-efficiency furnace filter to reduce pollen inside the house. Be sure to change the filters frequently. (You can also use a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner)
3. Vacuum carpets, and wash the bed linens weekly.
4. Shower and change your clothes after being outside. If you have pets that spend time outdoors, don’t forget to bathe them, as well, to reduce the pollen they bring into the home.
5. Limit your outdoor activity to specific times. Pollen counts are highest between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and lowest right after it rains or at night so consider making your morning constitutional an evening stroll instead.

What about medications?  Several over-the-counter medications are available that help manage the symptoms including nasal sprays, inhaled corticosteroids, antihistamines, eye-drops and decongestants. Consider checking with your physician before using over-the counter-medications, such as decongestants, as these can cause significant side effects including high blood pressure and heart palpitations.

If your allergies are not responding to your initial line of defense, consult a Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine Allergy and Immunology expert.  These physicians are able to treat moderate to severe allergies with more extensive tools including prescriptions, nasal steroids and/or a series of immunotherapy shots.

Columbia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Focus on MEE is being spearheaded by the Columbia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. MEE stands for motivate, educate and empower, and the goal of Focus on MEE is to facilitate lifestyle changes that will improve physical and mental health specifically with regard to combating childhood obesity.  In the United States and Maryland, obesity has become a serious problem. Based on their body mass index, 12% of Maryland adolescents (aged 12 – 19) are classified as obese (Source: Maryland Youth Tobacco Survey). This places these adolescents at a higher risk for heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea and social discrimination.

To address this health issue we have planned a series of forums and physical activity sessions to motivate, educate, and empower adults, parents, and adolescents on: (1) making healthier food choices; (2) enhancing their physical fitness levels; and (3) improving their mental health by maintaining a positive mental attitude with regard to body image and lifestyle choices.

The series will include the following events:

Get Active, Think Healthy

Physical & Mental Health Fitness Fair

Saturday, March 30, 2013 – 2:30PM to 4:30PM

Gymnasium, North Laurel Community Center

9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel MD

Come dressed for participation!

Learn About Healthier Food Choices

Cooker-Cise Demo

Saturday, May 4, 2013 – 4:30PM to 6:30PM

Keith’s Treats & Eats, 14713 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD

Please register at pmhcommittee@colmddst.org

Healthy Shopping Tips

Smart Food Tour

Friday, May 24, 2013 – 2:45PM to 3:45PM

Meet in Upper Level Dining Area

Wegmans, 8855 McGaw Rd, Columbia, MD

Measure Progress Toward Goals

Health Celebration with Prizes & Awards

Saturday, June 1, 2013 – 1:00PM to 5:00PM

Centennial Park, Pavilion E, Ellicott City, MD

The Columbia MD Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was chartered in 1971. Delta was the first African-American Greek organization to start a chapter in Howard County. Our outreach programs include The Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy for middle school girls interested in science and math, the Lifestyle Change Initiative in which we work to combat the high incidence of obesity among women, and the Financial Fortitude Program assists participants in defining goals and developing a financial plan to achieve.

For additional details, please feel free to contact Dr. Phyllis Campbell or Debra Stepp at pmhcommittee@colmddst.org or at 410-926-0174 or 301-518-0842 respectively.

@cacdst1971 #focusonmee

March 20, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Get Active, Think Healthy. The Physical and Mental Health Fitness Fair at the North Laurel Community Center Gymnasium.  Part of the Focus on MEE spearheaded by the Columbia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority to facilitate lifestyle changes that will improve physical and mental health. Come dressed for participation! 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel MD.

April.  Cherrybration Days- The Blossoms of Hope project is helping to bring hope to individuals and families within our community who are coping with cancer through its contributions to Howard County General Hospital’s CLAUDIA MAYER CANCER RESOURCE CENTER. A variety of CHERRYBRATION DAYS events are held during the trees beautiful blossoming season each April. Check out the calendar of April events at www.blossomsofhope.org

April 2, 3:30 a.m. Care Giver’s Support Group. This free support group for care givers meets the 1^st Tuesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. or the third Saturday of each month at 10:30 a.m. (April 20) at Howard County General Hospital’s Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center, 10710 Charter Drive.  This support group is designed for people who are caring for a loved one with a chronic illness. FREE. Call 410 740-5858 for more information and to register.

April 2 & 9, 7:00- 9:30 p.m. Infant Care.  This two-day course is designed to prepare parents, grandparents and caregivers for the care of an infant. Lecture, group discussion and “hands-on” practice are used to enhance learning. Topics include the newborn`s appearance, feeding, sleeping, crying, signs of illness, caring for a sick infant, infant stimulation and parenting roles. Newborns are welcome. 
Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center. 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia.

April 3, 5:00- 6:30 p.m. Topic of Cancer. Prostate cancer screening, including digital rectal exam and PSA blood test. $15.00. Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center. 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia.

April 9^th, 30 minute slots 5:00- 7:30 p.m. or April 11, 30 minute slots 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Dietary Counseling. This individualized nutritional counseling program is available for children and adults. Meet with a registered dietitian one-on-one to discuss your dietary concerns and goals including weight loss, healthier bones, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol.  The counseling is also appropriate for those who want to gain weight, maintain a vegetarian diet, or just need good advice about following a healthy diet. Day and evening appointments are available.  Payment is due at time of registration. Insurance is not accepted. $35.00. Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center. 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia.

April 11, 5:30-9:00 p.m. Adult, Child and Infant CPR/AED. This course will teach you the skills needed to clear an airway obstruction, perform cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). At the successful completion of this course, you will earn a two-year American Heart Association completion card.  This course is for community members and does not meet the qualifications for health care provider. Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center. 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia.

April 17 OR April 19. Living With Diabetes.  Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes or have you been living with diabetes and would like to improve your health? Our diabetes specialists will teach you how to change your habits, give you practical, attainable solutions for staying healthy and design a diabetes management plan to fit your lifestyle. Living with Diabetes is a two-day, interactive, group course taught by an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, psychologist, podiatrist, and exercise specialist. Choose a day program or a condensed evening program. Day classes are held Friday and the following Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Evening classes are held Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. Most insurance plans cover all or part of this program.  The Bolduc Family Outpatient Center at Howard County General Hospital. For more information or to register, please call 443-718-3000

April 20, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon. CPR Across Howard County- A free community CPR Class. Bring along your family members and friends. As part of  ”CPR Across Howard County”, we are offering a 3 hr. American Heart Association (AHA) CPR class. Learn how to recognize signs and symptoms of a Heart Attack, how to perform CPR on an adult and child victims (1 year old and over), and how to deal with choking for adult and child. The course provides a lot of hands on practice in a small group setting.  This program is designed for people who would like to be prepared in an emergency, but do not require a completion card for a job. Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center. 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia. Call 410-740-7601 for more information.

April 25, 7-8:30 p.m.  Living with Breast Cancer. This group is designed to meet the needs of breast cancer patients with a Stage IV diagnosis. This safe, welcoming group provides encouragement, support and education and meets on the 4^th Thursday of each month. FREE. HCGH Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center. Call 410 964-9100 x5 for more information and to register.

April 27, 10-11:30. Together We Thrive. Patient support group offered for men and women diagnosed with cancer, where participants can share, explore, and be encouraged in a safe environment. This group meets the 4^th Saturday of each month. FREE. HCGH Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center.  Call 410 740-5858 for more information and to register.

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Children are notoriously finicky when it comes to food, plus my kids’ taste buds change faster than I can say chicken nugget. So how do you make your picky eater feast on enough nutritious calories to keep him revving? It’s not easy, but it can be done with a little creativity:

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8 Tips to Expand Your Picky Eater’s Palate

1) Encourage the Artist Within: To make vegetables more fun, I present them as “appetizers” right before the main course is ready. I set out a cutting board “palette” with a glob of organic creamy Caesar and thinly sliced veggies and let the kids paint. They consume less dressing, too, when the carrot sticks finally reach their mouths. (Portion tip: a serving size of vegetables is one tablespoon per age for kids five and under.)

2) Presentation is Key: I’ve used dinosaur sandwich cutters, Mickey Mouse imprints on toast, Batman plates and Hello Kitty cutlery—whatever it takes to make the meal fun. But you don’t have to buy fancy gadgets to get a nibble out of your little one. Remember ants on a log? There are enough food art recipes out there to get your kids reaching for more.

3) Nutrition Alternatives: My kids aren’t big meat eaters, so to sneak protein into their meals I’ve done the trial and error method and landed on eggs and nuts as alternatives, even Greek yogurt (eight grams of protein in Chobani Champions®) served with a side of oyster crackers.

4) Send Them Away: While visiting a neighbor friend after school, my daughter’s friend not only shared his toys but his pistachios and mango as well, two healthy treats I hadn’t considered. So when your child finds a new food on her own, celebrate by making it a staple in your house.

5) The Two-Bite Rule: (known as the Ms. Mel rule in my house after our day care teacher): If you’re serving something that makes your kids squirm, instruct them to take two bites before they reject it. Sometimes they discover it’s not so bad after all. (Go the extra mile: I’ve once read that it can take several weeks of introducing the same food before a child will learn to like it. So don’t give up.)

6) Make Them Take Ownership: Next time you cook dinner, ask your kids to help measure and pour. They’ll be excited to get their hands dirty as they roll chicken through the breadcrumb sandbox. It gives them a vested interest in eating the meal they helped prepare. Another way to pique their interest is to plant a garden together. Perfect timing, since it’s spring! My kids don’t eat squash now, but they may once they pluck it off the plant later this summer.

7) Routine Rally: Make sure meal times start about the same time each day. Routine is important. Also, snacks should end two hours before dinner to ensure an appetite when you sit together at the table.

8) Nonconventional Meals: Since my kids are fond of breakfast food, dippy eggs, toast and berries for dinner work just as well as nuggets and carrots. And they think it’s hilarious to eat breakfast at night. A change of pace may make mealtime more fun in your house as well.

For more on nutrition and portion sizes, follow these links:
Portion sizes for toddlers
Portion sizes for children (4 to 8 years)
Portion sizes for all (toddlers through adults)

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Christina Lombardi is the Publications Manager for Howard County General Hospital.

The Story of Benjamin Burton

Benjamin Burton and Garrett            photo credit: Mary Catherine Cochran

Benjamin Burton is a bright and lively second-grader. He wrestles with his brother Josh and teases his sister, Meghan. He loves the Ravens, especially running back Ray Rice, and continually tosses a football during our conversation. He is well informed about super heroes, and when he gets bored, he snuggles with Garrett, the family’s golden retriever. But it has been a long road to get to this happy, normal point that most families take for granted.

Baby Benjamin was the third child of Chris and Kerry Burton. Although Ben’s birth was uneventful and the first moments of Ben’s life were average, things quickly took a scary turn. Blissfully unaware of what the future held, Ben’s mother, Kerry was able to hold and nurse Benjamin before he was taken away for his routine exam. Ben’s grandmother, Cathy Lundy recalls “I was aware that the baby wasn’t coming back right away and then things happened so very quickly.” The Burton family, including grandparents Cathy and Harry (Chip) Lundy were told that Benjamin had stopped breathing while sucking and although the suck-swallow-breathe incoordination in infants is not uncommon, it is an automatic ticket to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for further examination. Howard County General Hospital (HCGH) was fortunate to have a level IIIb NICU and Dr. Tuvia Blechman, Director of the NICU, coordinated Ben’s care in the nursery, performing a standard battery of tests and assessments to determine his overall state of health. Immediately a flag was raised when one of the tests indicated that Ben was missing several ribs – in and of itself not life threatening but a potential marker for more serious conditions and more detailed assessments. Suddenly “uneventful” and “average” took a back seat on Ben’s journey.

On the third day Kerry received the call that Benjamin had more serious problems than originally anticipated. Although tests indicated that Benjamin’s heart and lungs seemed fine, there were serious issues with his spine. Whole cervical (neck) vertebrae and ribs were missing and many of the existing ones were malformed. Kerry recalls meeting with her father, Chip Lundy, and Dr. Blechman and poring over medical books and journals trying to get a handle on what was wrong with Ben. Dr. Blechman called in specialists, including a pediatric cardiologist from Hopkins who, within a day, performed an echocardiogram and gave reassuring results. More tests were ordered and more specialists contacted, including a geneticist from the University of Maryland and pediatric neurologists and pediatric orthopedic specialists from Johns Hopkins. As specific syndromes and diseases were ruled out, Kerry remembers thinking “Was he going to live? Was he going to die? We didn’t know.”  Despite the uncertainty, Kerry remembers feeling reassured. “When everything happened it was so quick. It went from a couple of missing ribs to a significant health issue and we just didn’t know what it was. Dr. Blechman was able to pull everyone and everything together so quickly.” Cathy Lundy agrees, “It alleviated many days of worry for us to have such immediate access to the specialists.” Throughout their ordeal, the Burtons and the Lundys were aware of the other families struggling through similar, difficult issues in the NICU. Ben’s father, Chris Burton says, “While we were there, Benjamin was parked next to another child who had been there for months and was finally able to go home.” “The level of care and attention from the entire staff just struck me,” Kerry says. “The NICU had a great, homey feeling with caring nurses… I mean, they really cared.”

After three days in the NICU and after all other potential health issues were ruled out, the diagnosis of cervical kyphosis was limited to Benjamin’s certical spine in his neck. With an appointment scheduled for three months later with the head of Johns Hopkins Children’s Center pediatric orthopedics, Dr. Paul David Sponseller, Benjamin was finally able to go home. Chris Burton recalled, “It was a seamless transfer in care from HCGH to Johns Hopkins. It was this, this and this and we were on our way to Hopkins. We weren’t taking duffle bags of x-rays with us; everything was already handled by Howard County.”

Baby Benjamin

Kerry talks about her revelation in the NICU, “When you come so close… when you think is everything okay? Is the baby going to live…? When you don’t know what’s wrong and you are surrounded by other babies in incubators in the same situation, you can really relate to these parents. We connected as parents. We are all together in the same scary boat.”

Kerry credits their faith in helping them through and she knows that her life has forever changed. “These experiences have made the little things not so important anymore.”

Chip Lundy adds “Everyone in Howard County talks about how good the schools are, and the great libraries and parks – and they are. They are all great, but one of our greatest assets is our hospital. As a community hospital – it is in its own right one of the finest community hospitals in Maryland, but then- on top of that – we are associated with a world class hospital and we have ready access to the best specialists – which a lot of community hospitals don’t have and can’t offer.”

The family felt called to help families who were experiencing similar experiences.  A generous, historic donation was made through the Lundy Family Foundation of Columbia, Maryland, which is led by Harry L. “Chip” Lundy, Chairman of the Williamsburg Group, LLC, and his wife Cathy, and includes their children Laurie Lundy, Dianne Heeter, and Kerry Burton. Just as the NICU will always hold a special place in Benjamin’s history, the Lundy Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will now hold a special place in hospital history. Speaking of his family’s support of the hospital, Chip noted, “The future of our health care system primarily depends on giving back to it. We all want our hospital to be the very best it can be. After all, HCGH touches more of us than any other nonprofit. We consider it a privilege to serve others in this community by getting involved in philanthropic organizations –  I think anyone would agree that by serving we get back more than we give.”

The Burton Family

Where is Benjamin today?
For the six years following his birth, Ben was under the care of Johns Hopkins Children’s Center specialist, Dr. Paul David Sponseller, who measured his progress, assessed his condition and made plans for the surgeries that Ben would need.

Because Ben’s curvature forced his head forward and down towards his chest and because his spinal cord was unprotected, Sponseller suggested a two part surgical solution that would help straighten the spine and raise the head. The first step was the surgical insertion of a halo, or metal ring that surrounded his head and was bolted directly into his skull. The halo combined traction with steadily increasing amounts of weight – and would gently pull his head back, decompress his spine and make room in his neck for the vertebrae and special titanium rods that Sponseller would insert and fuse in a second surgery. All told, Ben would be in the special halo and vest for more than two months and stay as an inpatient at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center for several weeks.

On August 17, 2011, Benjamin left behind his faithful Golden Retriever, Garrett, packed up his special stuffed puppy, Blueberry, and went to Johns Hopkins for the first hour-long surgery. After recovery, Ben was immediately moved to a room to begin the traction process. Traction required weights to be hung from the back of Ben’s head. Ben’s father, Chris, says, “To see Ben in such a high-tech setting, and still using traction- which seemed like a throwback to older days was pretty odd. But Sponseller explained to both parents that just five or 10 years ago, the procedure would have been much more risky. The evolution in treatment had evolved in just the short amount of time that Ben had been around.

Benjamin wearing his specially-made Ray Rice Ravens jersey

A family friend made custom clothes that Ben could wear over his hardware, including a Ray Rice jersey. In the next two weeks following surgery, weight was gradually added to Ben’s traction, increasing from zero to fourteen pounds. And if wearing fourteen pounds on your head wasn’t enough, Baltimore experienced the strongest earthquake in 100 years on August 23, which was followed by Hurricane Irene on August 27. It was a rough patch for Ben. Despite the kind nurses and private room, the IVs, pain medications, immobility, and nausea made his stay difficult. Because he was in traction, watching television or movies was difficult so his father and grandfather rigged an iPad on the metal triangle “pull up” bar over his head which allowed him to watch videos. He could only listen to the Ravens, though, but he tuned in for each game during those days and the Ravens wins over the Chiefs, Redskins and Falcons made his stay just a bit more bearable. One morning as the resident was making his rounds, he asked Ben to stick out his tongue. There on the tip of Ben’s tongue was a tooth. Ben had lost one of his baby teeth. Kerry recalls, “When Dr. Sponseller came in an hour later and Ben was sleeping, the doctor quietly slipped a dollar under Ben’s pillow, just in case the tooth fairy would not be able to find his way into Hopkins.”

Unfortunately, the treatment was not without problems. Ben developed a complication in the nerve to his arm and the arm lost some functionality. The amount of weight was reduced and the second surgery was delayed. “Perhaps this was just too much weight for Benjamin’s little body, his anatomy just couldn’t stretch and change that much without affecting other functions,” Kerry writes in the CaringBridge journal she kept throughout the experience. Ben returned to surgery to be fitted with a special vest that was not removable and was attached to his halo by rods that kept his neck stable until his arm improved and the second surgery could take place.

Kerry says “When I saw Benjamin in the recovery room I was surprised yet again about how much hardware you can attach to a human-body – especially a little boy who only weighs 38 pounds at best!” Ben returned home for a couple of weeks to give his arm time to recover and to gain weight. Garrett, who had been keeping his spot in the family room warm, while he was away, was glad to see him.

On Sept. 27, Ben reentered the hospital for the big surgery. Dr. Sponseller and Dr. George Jallo, Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery, operated. First, Jallo made room in Ben’s spine and then Sponseller took bone from Ben’s hip and, using titanium rods for stability, fused it to his neck. The surgery went well, but when Jallo emerged first from the surgery he told the Burtons that Ben did not have much in the way of vertebrae. “He thought it was amazing that he didn’t have physical limitations as he grew including problems with walking,” Kerry says. “I suppose I am glad that I was unaware of how unstable his neck truly was and I am so thankful that God protected Ben for all those years.” After one week in the hospital, Ben returned home for another month of recovery in the halo and vest. With the help of physical therapy, Ben learned how to balance and walk with his hardware and teachers visited the house to help him keep up with his first grade studies.

Benjamin and his mother, Kerry.

On Oct. 27, Ben returned to Hopkins to have the vest and halo removed. Kerry asks Ben, “Do you remember what the first thing was that you could do after they removed your halo and vest” and Ben grinned and said, “I could hug you!” and Kerry responded, “That’s right! For the first time in months I could feel your little arms around my neck and I could squeeze without all of that hardware in the way!”

Four days later, sans halo and vest, Ben dressed up as Dr. Benjamin Burton, Hopkins surgeon, for Halloween. Wearing scrubs, gloves and a stethoscope, Ben blended in with the other trick-or-treaters.

Ben will have further surgery in the future. The screws holding the rods in place will be loosened to allow for growth. But Ben continues to grow and progress and last winter he went skiing for the very first time!

 

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Mary Catherine Cochran works as a Senior Communications Project Manager at Howard County General Hospital: Johns Hopkins Medicine where, among other things, she manages and writes for the Well & Wise blog.

March 15 OR March 20th. Living With Diabetes.  Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes or have you been living with diabetes and would like to improve your health? Our diabetes specialists will teach you how to change your habits, give you practical, attainable solutions for staying healthy and design a diabetes management plan to fit your lifestyle. Living with Diabetes is a two-day, interactive, group course taught by an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, psychologist, podiatrist, and exercise specialist. Choose a day program or a condensed evening program. Day classes are held Friday and the following Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Evening classes are held Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. Most insurance plans cover all or part of this program.  The Bolduc Family Outpatient Center at Howard County General Hospital. For more information or to register, please call 443-718-3000

March 16, 2:00 p.m. I’m Going To Be A Big Brother Or Sister. Prepare for the arrival of a baby in this class at the East columbia Branch for new siblings. Enjoy stories and activities, and bring a favorite doll or stuffed animal to practice holding your baby. Resources for parents, too. Ages 3 & up, with adult; 30 – 45 min. A Well & Wise event. In partnership with Howard County General Hospital: A Member of Johns Hopkins Medicine. Register online or by calling 410.313.7880.

March 16, 10:30 a.m. Care Giver’s Support Group. This free support group for care givers meets the 1^st Tuesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. or the third Saturday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at Howard County General Hospital’s Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center, 10710 Charter Drive.  This support group is designed for people who are caring for a loved one with a chronic illness. FREE. Call 410 740-5858 for more information and to register.

March 18, 11:30 a.m. Just For Me. Class at the Savage Branch for children ages 3-5 who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills. 30 min. No registration required. Class also offered on 3/19 at 10:30 a.m. at the Glenwood Branch; register online or by calling 410.313.5579 . Also offered on 3/20 at Elkridge Branch at 10:15 & 11:15 a.m.; no registration required.  Offered again on 3/20 at 2:00 p.m. at the Miller Branch; tickets availble at the Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class.

March 18, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Blood Pressure Screening. Free, walk-in blood pressure screening and monitoring offered by Howard County General Hospital at the Glenwood Branch. 1st & 3rd Mondays. A Well & Wise event. No registration required.

March 19, 10:30 a.m. Mini Milestones. Prepare your toddler as you learn about mini milestones at the Glenwood Branch. Ages 18-36 months with adult; 30 min. Register online or by calling  410.313.5579.

March 19, 11:00 a.m. Gardens – An Inspiration To Arts And Literature. Anne Roy comes to the Miller Branch and reveals the flowers, herbs and gardens that have inspired writers, poets, and gardeners for centuries. Enjoy a virtual garden tour that celebrates the natural world captured in literature. If you like, bring a favorite quote or passage. University of Maryland Extension – Howard County Master Gardeners. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

March 19, 7:00 p.m. Starting Seeds Under Fluorescent Lights. Kent Phillips demonstrates how to get an early start on your garden with fluorescent bulbs at the Glenwood Branch. University of Maryland Extension – Howard County Master Gardeners. Register online or by calling 410.313.5577.

March 21, 6:00 p.m. Haikus For Hope, Blossoms of Hope Community Workshops. In celebration of National Poetry Month, come to the Miller Branch to learn to compose haiku, beautiful Japanese poems that combine form, content, and language in a meaningful yet compact verse. Add your original haiku on the community Haiku Tree of Hope at the planting of three National Cherry Blossom Festival historic legacy saplings on National Arbor Day. Families (ages 6 & up). Allow 1-2 hours. All haiku composed during the workshops will be entered in a Blossom of Hope contest. Judges will select one adult (age 18 & over), one teen (age 11-17), and child (age 10 & under) from each library branch to be featured as part of the Arbor Day event and to receive a gift certificate to a participating PINK PLATE restaurant. Details at BlossomsofHope.org. No registration required.

March 21, 7:00 p.m. Signs Of Spring. Kathy Pongor, a teacher from the Clerc Center at Gallaudet, interprets springtime stories in sign at the Savage Branch. Then, make a craft. Children and families; All ages. 30 min. No registration required.

March 21, 7:00 p.m. Ingredients Of A Successful Vegetable Garden. Kent Phillips comes to the Central Branch to discuss the four basic ingredients for a successful vegetable garden: soil preparation, testing, moisture, and integrated pest management. Discover which cultivators of specific vegetables are best suited for Maryland. University of Maryland Extension – Howard County Master Gardeners. Register online or by calling 410.313.7800.

March 21, 7:00 p.m. Hands-only CPR. Brad Tanner, from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, comes to the Savage Branch to teach the basics of adult CPR and the warning signs for sudden cardiac arrest. He also discusses the functions of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Participants are required to practice the Hands-Only CPR method on the provided mannequins as they are assisted by the instructor. This course is intended for all ages and recommended for individuals who wish to learn the basics of CPR. Registration required. A Well & Wise event. Note: Hands-Only CPR is a basic course and is designed to be performed without a CPR card. As a result, a CPR card is not issued upon course completion. Register online or by calling 410.880.5980.

Meet Beans, the protein in your pantry

As a pescatarian (eats fish but no meat or poultry) who is usually too lazy to cook fish, beans are my go-to source for protein (and a whole host of other good for you nutrients). Flatulence jokes aside, beans are a great nutritious food that should be part of everyone’s diet. High in  fiber, fluid, carbohydrates and protein, beans are a great option for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Unlike meat, one cup of cooked beans provides about 12 grams of fiber, almost half the recommended daily dose per day for adult women (WebMD). Fiber keeps you fuller for longer and helps channel cholesterol out of your blood circulation. Not convinced yet that beans are a perfect substitute for meat? Beans are also low in sugar which prevents the spikes in glucose which cause hunger and has no saturated fat. Happy heart! Furthermore, according to research, bean eaters weigh, on average, 7 pounds less and had slimmer waists than typical meat eaters (WebMD). So, what’s keeping you from adding some beans to your diet?

So I have this can of beans sitting in my closet…

• Beans can be bought dried or canned
• Dry beans must be pre-soaked in order to be rehydrated (either overnight or prior to cooking)
• Changing the water during the soaking period will remove the majority of the indigestible sugars that cause gas
• Rinse and drain canned beans to remove the excess salt used for preserving

How to use:

• Throw into soups and stews (it works great to add some into those microwavable soups or throw in a combination of beans for a meatless chili)
• Use pureed beans as the basis for recipes, dips and spreads (see below for two great desserts using beans)
• Add beans, such as chickpeas, to your salad
• Toast nuts such as soybeans or chickpeas in olive oil and your favorite spices for a great snack

Try these GREAT recipes. (No really!)

Black Bean Brownies

Black Bean Brownies (Adapted from Green Mountain at Fox Run)

Makes a 9×9 pan

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4-1/2 cup sugar, depending on your sweetness preference
• 1/4 c cocoa powder, unsweetened*
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 cup canola oil
• 1-2 bananas (optional)- thinly or thickly sliced
• 1/2-3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray 9×9 pan and line w/ sliced banana. Puree all ingredients except the chocolate chips. Mix in the chocolate chips and pour over the bananas. Bake for about 30 minutes or until set.

*If you only have sweetened cocoa powder, feel free to use that and take out the 1/4 c sugar. Also, if you don’t have a machine to puree the ingredients, feel free to mash the beans first with a fork or spoon and then combine all the ingredients. Feel free to sprinkle the chocolate chips on top, if you’re like me, and forget to mix them in at the end!

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White Bean Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (Adapted from Rocco DiSpirito’s recipe for Oprah)

Makes 20 cookies

Ingredients:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup sweet cocoa powder, sifted
• 1 cup canned white cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 T maple syrup
• 3 large egg whites
• 1/3 c granulated sugar
• 1/2 c semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 of it chopped

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375°. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray lightly with cooking spray. Even Silpat needs to be sprayed. Set aside.

In a food processor, combine vanilla, cocoa, cannellini beans, and the maple syrup, and blend the mixture until smooth, about 3 minutes, scraping down the side of the bowl halfway through blending.

In another bowl whip the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gradually beat in the sugar. Continue to beat the whites until they are creamy and nearly stiff. Add one-third of the egg- mixture to the cocoa bean mixture in the food processor. Blend to combine, about 30 seconds. In 2 batches, fold the lightened cocoa mixture into the egg whites until they are almost fully combined. Add chopped chocolate chips to the batter. Fold batter until chocolate are evenly dispersed and cocoa mixture is completely incorporated.

Drop mounded spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared sheets. Spread batter out to form cookies about 2½ inches in diameter. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the cookies.

Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the pans one turn halfway through baking. Using a metal spatula, transfer cookies to wire racks to cool.

Sooyoung is a second-degree student studying dietetics at the University of Maryland-College Park, Sooyoung spends her spare time cooking, baking and blogging about her recipe experiments. She is also a certified group fitness instructor and a running enthusiast. You can find her other recipe experiments at www.sweptdandelions.blogspot.com.

March 11, 11:30 a.m. Just For Me. Class at the Savage Branch for children ages 3-5 who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills. 30 min. No registration required. Class also offered on 3/12 at 10:30 a.m. at the Glenwood Branch. Register online or by calling 410.313.5579. Also offered on 3/13 at Elkridge Branch at 10:15 & 11:15 a.m.; no registration required.  Offered again on 3/13 at 2:00 p.m. at the Miller Branch; tickets availble at the Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class.

March 11, 12:30-3:00 p.m. Blood Pressure Screening. Free, walk-in blood pressure screening and monitoring offered by Howard County General Hospital at the Savage Branch. 1st & 3rd Mondays. A Well & Wise event. No registration required.

March 11, 7:00 p.m. The Curiosity Concept: Creating Conversations That Change Children’s Lives. Dr. Brad Sachs, nationally renowned psychologist, educator, and the bestselling author of The Good Enough Child and The Good Enough Teen, comes to the Miller Branch to describe an innovative form of communication. Speaking with children in ways that promote their curiosity about themselves enables them to solve problems, find meaning, and mature in healthy ways. A Meet the Author event. *Registration is required. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

March 12, 10:30 a.m. Mini Milestones. Prepare your toddler as you learn about mini milestones at the Glenwood Branch. Ages 18-36 months with adult; 30 min. Register online or by calling 410.313.5579.

March 12, 7:00 p.m. Essential Linguistics For Parents And Teachers. Anita Pandey, author of Language Building Blocks and professor of linguistics and coordinator of professional communication in the Department of English and Language Arts at Morgan State University, comes to the Miller Branch. Pandey emphasizes the centrality of language in the early years and examines phonemic awareness and vocabulary development through guided play and other interaction-and-feedback-oriented activities. Learn more at: Language Building Blocks. Books available for purchase and signing. Sponsored by Friends of Howard County Library. A Meet the Author event. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

March 13, 6:30 p.m. Welcome To Howard County. Come to the Central Branch to discover a wide array of social services and engaging activities for county residents. Presented by Howard County Tourism. Register online or by calling 410.313.7800. 

March 14, 4:30 p.m. Enchanted Garden Club. Discover the joys of gardening at the Miller Branch. Learn gardening basics, grow flowers and vegetables from seeds, and help plan and maintain beds in our Enchanted Garden. Ages 9-11; 90 min. Registration and signed release form required. Register for each session separately. Click here for the March 14 1001 Worms release form. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950. 

March 14, 7:00 p.m. Masala Bhangra Workout®. Intense Indian dance-inspired fitness workout class designed for people of all ages. Learn high energy Bhangra and Bollywood dance moves in an easy-to-follow aerobic class at the East Columbia Branch. Exercise release forms and appropriate shoes required. Water bottle recommended. In partnership with Columbia Association. A Well & Wise event. Click here for the exercise release form for adults 18 and over. Click here for the exercise release from for children under 18. Register online or by calling 410.313.7700. 

March 15 OR March 20th. Living With Diabetes.  Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes or have you been living with diabetes and would like to improve your health? Our diabetes specialists will teach you how to change your habits, give you practical, attainable solutions for staying healthy and design a diabetes management plan to fit your lifestyle. Living with Diabetes is a two-day, interactive, group course taught by an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, psychologist, podiatrist, and exercise specialist. Choose a day program or a condensed evening program. Day classes are held Friday and the following Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Evening classes are held Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. Most insurance plans cover all or part of this program.  The Bolduc Family Outpatient Center at Howard County General Hospital. For more information or to register, please call 443-718-3000

March 16, 10:30 a.m. Care Giver’s Support Group. This free support group for care givers meets the 1^st Tuesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. or the third Saturday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at Howard County General Hospital’s Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center, 10710 Charter Drive.  This support group is designed for people who are caring for a loved one with a chronic illness. FREE. Call 410 740-5858 for more information and to register.

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By Kate Schultz

Tax season has arrived and a lot of us are looking forward to getting filing out of the way and maybe receiving some extra cash in April. I think we can agree that we feel better about our taxes when we know they are filed accurately by a certified professional.

For many low-income Howard County residents, professional tax prep can be costly and is not always easily accessible, especially for those with limited mobility. And trying to do our taxes ourselves may result in errors, and ultimately not receiving the highest refund possible.

That’s why 2-1-1 Maryland at United Way of Central Maryland (UWCM) works with the Maryland CASH Campaign and other programs to help low- to moderate-income residents in the Baltimore area, including Howard County, find resources for free tax preparation.

Low to moderate-income individuals and families are eligible to sign up for the service. There are many tax prep sites throughout Howard County, including sites located in senior centers, making the service more accessible to seniors and persons with disabilities.

Henrietta is just one central Maryland resident who benefitted from the program.

Henrietta called 2-1-1 Maryland at UWCM and a call specialist helped her find free tax prep in her area and prepared her for her appointment. In a follow-up call, Henrietta said she was very pleased. She said they were prompt, everything went very well, and she even referred a friend to the program. Henrietta received a small refund in the bank in two weeks and used it to help buy food.  She also commented that she volunteers her time in the community, saying “I try to give back.”

2-1-1 Maryland at UWCM is pleased to be able to offer this important service, helping families and individuals save hundreds of dollars and work toward reaching their financial goals.

To find out if you qualify for free tax preparation services, dial 2-1-1.

For more information about 2-1-1 Maryland at UWCM, visit www.uwcm.org/about211.

Author, Kate Schultz of 2-1-1 Maryland at United Way of Central Maryland is an information and referral specialist.

The story of a micro-preemie’s fight for life in the Howard County General Hospital’s Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

By Moira Mattingly

It wasn’t supposed to happen this way, not to say it had ever been easy.  I’d awoken that night in October, 24 weeks pregnant, with some cramps.  Uncomfortable and not able to sleep, I decided to watch television downstairs to take my mind off them.  They were not very painful so I wasn’t too concerned.  For some reason as I watched the clock on the DVR player absentmindedly, I noticed that these cramps were happening very regularly – every seven minutes in fact;   time to call the midwife.

Baby Emily

Not long afterwards, my husband and I were in the car on the way to the Howard County General Hospital where my doctor would meet us.  It was 3 a.m.  I was numb, scared but also very, very angry.  It had already been a long road – now this?

When my husband and I decided to start our family, we knew it wouldn’t be straightforward.  He had suffered from Stage 2 Testicular Cancer as a teenager but had fortunately frozen his sperm – but that was 21 years ago.  Turns out, even in the world of cryogenics, that is a long time for sperm to stay healthy.  What we had always perceived as a straightforward session with a ‘turkey baster’ was not an option.  We had to go straight for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with two additional procedures called  Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), (a procedure that uses microscopic instruments to inject a single sperm into the egg ) and assisted hatching (a form of embryo micromanipulation that involves creating an opening in the outer covering of the embryo).

On top of it all, it turned out that I didn’t produce many eggs – they wanted at least a dozen, I was lucky to give them four.  I felt like a failure.  However, on our second IVF cycle, 57 stomach injections later, I did get pregnant, identical twins that I miscarried at 11 weeks.  One day their heartbeats were there on the ultrasound, flickering rapidly like little beacons – the next day they were gone.  Dimmed. Vanished.  My body failing us all once again.  The weeks after that were a hard time, overwhelming sadness washing over moments of normalcy.  After a few months hiatus from anything baby related and much soul searching, we decided to try IVF one last time; our third attempt.  After that, we would move to adoption – my husband’s sister was adopted from South Korea and it was something we had always planned to do when building our family.

Which brought us to that night, driving to the hospital.  Scared, angry and numb.   We went straight to Labor and Delivery, and they immediately started a cocktail of drugs to keep me from delivering our baby.  When my doctor checked me, I was already 10cm dilated.  My husband later told me they brought the ‘crash cart’ into the room as they thought they would not be able to stop the delivery.  I’m glad I did not know that at the time.

The next week was a bit of a blur, I was fairly looped from the large amounts of magnesium used to try to stop my contractions.  One of the side effects is that you feel unbearably hot – the nurses turned my room’s thermostat as cold as it would go and wore sweaters or cardigans whenever they came in to see me.  Friends and family that would visit sat huddled in their coats.  My doctor told me I would be in the hospital until my baby came, I remember thinking, ‘wow, what am I going to do here for the next  15 weeks, guess I’ll catch up on some reading’.   In retrospect, I don’t think that was the timeframe the doctors had in mind….

When you are in a situation like this, everything becomes a series of small steps and milestones.   The first one of those was to keep my daughter inside me for at least 24 hours so that the steroid the doctors had given me to develop her lungs could have some effect.  If I could keep her inside me 48 hours longer, even better.

I made it 5 days, and then our daughter’s heart rate started dropping.  Time to get her out.  She was 25 weeks old.  We were so early in the pregnancy that we had not even picked a name.  We named her in our room in the labor and delivery ward, oxygen mask on my face, wired to too many things, drugged.   She would be Emily.

As we prepped for the C-Section, I was scared.  Scared Emily would die, but also scared of how she would look.  After all, she was only 25 weeks old.  Would she look like an alien from one of those tabloids you see at the supermarket?  All this fears went through my head.  The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) team was there in the operating room, standing by, waiting for Emily.  They had been aware of her since the time I was admitted – the NICU always being alerted when a premature or distressed baby was imminent.  Dr. Radzin from the NICU had talked to my husband prior to the surgery to give him some idea of what to expect with Emily.  As soon as Emily was removed from me – the NICU team immediately started working to save her life, all I saw was them wheeling our new daughter out in a glass box I would later learn was called an isolette.  It was just a fleeting glimpse.  They told me Emily was 13 inches long and weighed a pound and a half – 690 grams. The size of a telephone.

I finally got a good look at Emily several hours later.  I was out of the recovery room and they wheeled my bed down to the NICU.  There was Emily- small, red, wizened, eyes fused shut, a tiny, bony bundle of wires.  In  her isolette, untouchable, frightening, frightened.

There are things people take for granted that I always resent.  I know I shouldn’t.  After all, we are one of the lucky ones, our daughter lived.  I know this.  But I also know that selfishly when I see or hear people talk about their pregnancies, or baby showers, or cutting the umbilical cord, or holding their baby for the first time after delivery, or just how cute their babies were when they were born.  I smile and mouth the right words, but inside I feel that tight knot of resentment tinged with sadness.  I’m not proud of it because I have seen parents go through much worse than us, but it’s there nonetheless.

I remember when I was still in the hospital recovering in the maternity ward.  Whenever I would walk back to my room from the NICU, I would have to pass by the room full of healthy babies.  They looked huge, like Sumo wrestlers.

My heart  broke for Emily, seeing her in her isolette.  Ventilation tube down her throat, taped to stay in.  PIC line, feeding tube, IV lines, electrodes, monitoring equipment, lights, beeping, buzzing.  All the things needed to keep her alive, but so far removed from the gentle arms of a mother. I always felt guilty at not being able to carry her to term – I still do.  I used to wonder if she could feel all the discomfort, the pain, after all she couldn’t cry and tell us – the tube was in her throat.  The nurses assured me that she couldn’t, her brain wasn’t fully formed, she couldn’t register it.  I still wonder if it’s something they would just tell a mother to keep her sane.  I still think about it.

There is no feeling more unnatural to a new mother then going home from a hospital without your baby.  I think that’s when it all hit me.  My husband and mother bringing me home.  Emily still in the NICU.  When I walked into the empty house, I lost it.  The numbness was gone, replaced with raw, heart wrenching grief.  I let it out.  Then it was time to get on with it.

It’s hard to describe the 131 days that Emily spent in the hospital.  But it soon became our new normal.  As normal as the roller coaster ride of prematurity can ever be.  Initially, we couldn’t even touch Emily.  Her skin wasn’t fully formed, so it could tear easily.  The isolette she was in was humidified for that reason.   So we would sit there, hoping to add some comfort just through our presence.  Emily couldn’t feel us or see us (her eyes were still fused shut), maybe she could hear us.

This was when we started to get to know the Howard County NICU team, Emily’s doctors, nurses and the respiratory technicians that would come by to ensure the ventilator was working as it should.  They were kind to us.  We must have looked like deer in the headlights when we first got there.  Shell shocked and not sure what to do.  I know this because I later saw it myself.  As we became the seasoned veterans of the NICU, rookie NICU parents always had that look too.

I kept a diary during those 131 days, dutifully writing Emily’s status for the day (am and pm), the milestones, the setbacks.  It’s a battered old spiral notebook, every date marked with Emily’s age that day;  two ages – her gestational age and her ‘real’ age from birth.  Until you get to day 120.  We thought she might come home that day.  This was really going to be it, Emily was finally well enough to leave the NICU.  Then nothing.  10 days of silence.  I see that gap in my journal and remember how in despair I was at the news Emily couldn’t come home due to a setback on eating and breathing.  Finally drained of all my emotional reserves.  That gap says it all.  Then Day 131 – a simple entry, “Emily finally home!”.

I had drawn a table in my NICU journal, a table of all the bad things that could happen to a micro-preemie. Things to rule out.  As time progressed, and tests were run, I would place an X or a check next to these illnesses.  Brain bleeds got an X; Chronic Lung Disease got a check, Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) an X, Retinopathy of Prematurity check.  And so on…..

The first days were the most tenuous.  Only 1 ½ pounds when she was born, Emily soon dropped to 1 lb 5 oz.  The Doctors assured us this was ‘normal’.  It was still terrifying.  They worked to balance her glucose levels, started lipids and “TPN”; giving her milk too soon would cause serious complications.  Feeding was done through a stomach tube.  Emily was also jaundiced so was under a special light.  She developed anemia, and received the first of many transfusions.  I remember the Doctor calling us at home that first month; it must have been about 3 in the morning.  I was terrified to answer as I was afraid they would tell us Emily had died.  The doctor spoke to my husband to let him know there seemed to be an infection and that they needed to do a spinal tap to check for sepsis.  That was a phone call you never want to get.  Fortunately it was not sepsis but it was still a bacterial infection; one that caused a huge setback in Emily’s ability to get off the ventilator as she started to need more oxygen support again.

One of the scariest conditions for us during Emily’s time in the NICU was the “As and Bs” – apnea and bradycardia (bradys).  Emily would stop breathing (apnea) and her heart rate would drop (brady).  Alarms would sound when this happened and sometimes you could just jiggle her to get her breathing started again.  Other times the nurses would have to ‘bag’ her.  I remember vividly a terrifying moment when Emily was 10 days old.  My husband’s parents and sister had come to visit Emily for the first time.  She had been having a rough day with apneas and bradys.  She had one particularly bad spell when the nurses had to ‘bag’ her 4 times to fix the brady.  It seemed that her heart rate just kept slowing and wouldn’t come up.  I thought that was it; she wasn’t going to make it.  But, as Emily always did, she pulled through.

Feeding and breathing seemed to be Emily’s challenges.  Born so small, it would take time, and much balancing of medications and treatments to help Emily’s lungs grow stronger while ensuring breathing wasn’t such a struggle that she would burn through the few calories she could safely take in to put on weight.  Emily’s other big challenge was her eyes; she developed Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) with Plus Disease in both eyes, a disease that can ultimately cause the retina to detach and cause blindness.  It sometimes resolves on its own in the early stages, but if it doesn’t, surgery is required to halt the disease.  In true Emily fashion, we went right to the brink with the disease’s progression; surgery was scheduled but on the day of surgery the ROP began to spontaneously resolve  - so a reprieve.   Now she is just extremely near sighted.

And so it went on like this, every day checking to see if Emily had put on any weight, how was feeding going, was it drip or bolus, could the stomach tube be removed yet and replaced with a feeding tube down her throat, was she breathing better, what were the ventilator settings, could she regulate her own temperature yet, how many bradys did she have, was there an infection, what were the x-ray results, the bloodwork results, etcetera.   It was exhausting for her, exhausting for us.

But there were times when we got to be ‘normal’ parents for fleeting moments.

I helped the nurse change Emily’s diaper for the first time when she was 3 days old; the diaper the size of a Post-It note but still going up to her chest.  I held her for the first time when she was 13 days old; briefly, her ventilator cords draped across my shoulder, awkwardly trying not to pull out the other monitor leads and wires.  It was wonderful.

I got to hold Emily again 9 days later.  These moments were precious but infrequent due to Emily’s instability in the early stages at the NICU.  We usually had to settle for putting our arms through the isolette with one hand on her feet and one on her head.  Sometimes if you touched her back she would have an apnea, a brady; we always had to be so careful.

We kissed Emily for the first time when she was 31 days old.  You see, you couldn’t reach her to do that in the isolette and when you held her, the ventilator and tape blocked you.  As my husband held Emily for the first time, I was able to lean over, kiss her head and feel her soft downy hair on my lips, breathe her in.

We held Emily for the 4^th time on Day 33.  These are the moments that get you through; the moments that you long for.  The moments that you feel everyone else takes for granted.

When Emily finally came off the ventilator on Day 55 and was moved to a CPAP mask, we heard her voice for the first time.  It was wonderful but heartbreakingly sad, little mewing sounds of discomfort.

And so it continued, all these firsts:  first outfit, first crib, first bottle feed;  all the setbacks: the infection, the breathing, the eyes, the feeding issues;  a roller coaster progression.

But aside from the medicine, monitors, and machines my notes of Emily’s time in the  NICU also belied beautiful actions of humanity and warmth from the Howard County NICU team;  the nurses taping little bows in her hair, draping a Halloween shirt across her for the holiday, making a plaster cast ornament of her feet, taping a “Grammy Award’ to her isolette when she finally weighed 1000 grams, hanging a Christmas stocking on her isolette, taking a photo of her and leaving it for me when I came in.  Simply just telling me what Emily was wearing when I would call at midnight for a final check before bed.  They weren’t just doctors and nurses.  They were teachers, advisors, surrogate grandmas, and a shoulder to cry on when things just got too much.  They were there for your baby; they were there for you.

At last, day 131.  After months on the ventilator, CPAP, nasal canulas, feeding tubes, more transfusions then I could even count, bacterial infection, eye disease, apneas, bradys, anemia, jaundice, and the endless endless needles, we finally left the NICU – with our daughter.  Hugs, tears, photos and goodbyes to the NICU Doctors, the Nurses, the Respiratory Therapists – the Team that had made this possible. Then Nurse Elaine wheeled Emily out the doors, we got in our car and went home.

Moira and Emily today. Photo by Keith Weller

I still worry about the future for Emily.  During those dark hours of the night when a slight noise awakens you, then all the worries and fears tucked away in the recess of your mind come out to spin endlessly around your head.  There has not been extensive research in long term health outcomes for extremely low birth weight micro preemies as it has only been fairly recently that they have survived in any numbers.  But some of the health issues they have found ironically include infertility.  This hits home with me. I hate to think she may go through some of the same struggles we have.

But then I push all the thoughts back into their dark corner, and go back to sleep – or I just get up.  Sometimes I go into Emily’s room to see her sleeping; a tall, strong, healthy 8 year old, peacefully dreaming, the tiny needle scars on her wrists and heels a reminder of her time in the NICU.  I lay down next to her and breath in the smell of her hair.  No wires, no needles, no glass wall…. just us.

To learn more, watch this video about Emily’s struggle. 

Howard County classes and events for the whole family to enjoy!

March 3, 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Prepared Childbirth- Weekend. This one-day course is designed to prepare expectant couples for their labor and delivery. Terms, stages, and phases of labor, medical interventions, recovery, changes to expect after the baby arrives, as well as medical and non medical pain management. Relations, breathing patterns and coach’ involvement will be covered. Class registration is PER COUPLE.  $80/$105. Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine Wellness Center. 10710 Charter Drive.

March 3, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Blood Pressure Screening. Free, walk-in blood pressure screening and monitoring offered by Howard County General Hospital. 1st & 3rd Mondays. A Well & Wise event. No registration required.

March 4, 11:30 a.m. Just For Me. Class at the Savage Branch for children ages 3-5 who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills. 30 min. No registration required. Class also offered on 3/5 at 10:30 a.m. at the Glenwood Branch. Register online or by calling 410.313.5579. Offered again on 3/6 at 2:00 p.m. at the Miller Branch; tickets available at the Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class.

March 5, 10:30 a.m. Mini Milestones. Prepare your toddler as you learn about mini milestones at the Glenwood Branch. Ages 18-36 months with adult; 30 min. Register online or by calling 410.313.5579.

March 5, 7:00 p.m. Guided Meditation. Presented at the Miller Branch by Star Ferguson-Gooden, M.Ac., L.Ac. Enjoy a guided mindfulness meditation designed to impart a feeling of peacefulness and connection. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950. 

March 6, 7:00 p.m. Hop Into Spring! Hip-hop line dancing instructor Kelly Furr teaches the latest line dances with repeated sequences of steps. Get a jump start on spring and have fun while burning calories. Exercise release forms and appropriate shoes required. Water bottle recommended. In partnership with Columbia Association. A Well & Wise event. Click here for the exercise release form for adults 18 and over. Click here for the exercise release from for children under 18. Register online or by calling 410.313.7800.

March 6, 7:00 p.m. Grow It! Eat It! Spring Vegetable Gardening. Jerry Kissel comes to the Miller Branch to teach how to prepare your garden soil for spring planting, which crops like cool weather, and which plants to start indoors. Tips on critter and harsh weather protection also included. University of Maryland Extension – Howard County Master Gardeners. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

March 7, 6:30 p.m. The Employment Edge. Topics include job search tools, resume writing, interview skills, and professionalism on the job. Presented by Howard County Office of Workforce Development at the Central Branch. No registration required.

March 7, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Don’t Be Defeeted! Foot, heel and ankle problems can really limit your daily activities. Join orthopedic specialist Dr. Ricardo Cook to discuss common complications and injuries, and the most effective physical therapy, medications and surgical options. FREE, but registration is required.  Call 410-740-7602 for more information.

March 15 OR March 20th. Living With Diabetes.  Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes or have you been living with diabetes and would like to improve your health? Our diabetes specialists will teach you how to change your habits, give you practical, attainable solutions for staying healthy and design a diabetes management plan to fit your lifestyle. Living with Diabetes is a two-day, interactive, group course taught by an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, psychologist, podiatrist, and exercise specialist. Choose a day program or a condensed evening program. Day classes are held Friday and the following Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Evening classes are held Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. Most insurance plans cover all or part of this program.  The Bolduc Family Outpatient Center at Howard County General Hospital. For more information or to register, please call 443-718-3000

March 25, 7-0:00 p.m. Common Gastrointestinal Conditions. Learn about common gastrointestinal issues, screening recommendations, and treatment approaches to conditions that can be a sign of something more serious. Presented by gastroenterologist Preston Kim, M.D. FREE.Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine Wellness Center. 10710 Charter Drive.

March 27, 7-8:30 p.m. The ABCs of Adult Blindness. Age-related Macular Degeneration, Blepharoptosis (drooping eyelids), Cataracts and more. Are you always the last one in the car to read the road signs? Wondering why you can’t read the newspaper anymore? Join us as we explore common reasons for vision impairment and find out what can be done to improve your eyesight. Presented by Vanessa Lima, M.D. FREE. Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine Wellness Center. 10710 Charter Drive.

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March is National Nutrition Month. Here are 7 Well & Wise tips to get you started on the path to better nutrition.

1. Keep a food log.  Whether you use the old fashioned approach of paper and pencil or a new smartphone app like My Fitness Pal, record everything you eat and drink for at least five days. This will give you great insight into the strengths and weaknesses of your diet and help you create a plan for eating more nutritiously in the future.
2. Breakfast- the most important meal of the day.  You’ve heard this before, but not only will eating breakfast help you consume less calories throughout the day, it will kickstart your metabolism, improve your mental focus and give you energy.
3. Put down the sugary drinks. Drink water. Today, one in four Maryland children is overweight or obese.  Sugary drinks are estimated to account for 20 percent of the nation’s overweight problem and are the number one source of empty calories in children’s diets.
4. Rock the Wok! Learn to make quick, easy and tasteful stir fry recipes. A great way to get more veggies into your diet.
5. Lose the Salt. 9 out of 10 Americans eat too much salt.  Don’t blame it all on the shaker, though- sixty-five percent of salt consumption comes from food sold in stores. Check out this grocery store tour by a Johns Hopkins dietitian for more information.
6. Portion Control is key to healthy eating. Our judgment of portion size is skewed. Learn to estimate serving size more accurately by using visual cues. (A 3 oz serving of fish is approximately the size of a deck of cards.  A tsp of butter is about the size of a single die. One serving of dry cereal is the size of a hockey puck.- not a medium-sized mixing bowl!)
7. Nuts! Reach for these great sources of healthy monounsaturated fats. Nuts are one of the best sources of omega 3- a heart healthy fatty acid. In addition to omega 3, nuts contain the amino acid, L-arginine. L-arginine may relax blood vessels making them more flexible and less prone to blood clots. Arginine has also been shown to promote wound healing, and boost immune function.

As HCGH celebrates its 40th Anniversary-  meet some folks who were in it for the long haul –

Joan Becker, Bob Simonsen and Nancy Guercio, today.

As HCGH celebrates it’s 40th year, we’d like to introduce you to our three longest-serving employees have been with the hospital since the beginning, witnessing its evolution from a small 59-bed facility surrounded by farmland to the current 249-bed medical center in the midst of a bustling community.

In October 1972, 15-year-old Nancy Guercio, PCA, ED, began working as a weekend employee before the hospital building even opened. A high school student, she worked in medical records in the Banneker Building, at the time home to the Columbia Medical Plan (CMP). She moved to the hospital when it opened in July 1973 and stayed when CMP left about a year later. She worked as an admitting counselor in the Emergency Department (ED) for several years, before moving up the ranks to serve as manager of Admitting. When her children were born, she began working part-time so she could be home to raise her three children. Guercio’s highest priority is her family and she appreciated the flexibility that working for the hospital afforded her.

A former Navy corpsman, Bob Simonsen, PA, Operating Room, joined the HCGH team in April 1973 and helped open the new ED. “A surgeon I had worked with in the Navy, told me the new hospital was looking for former corpsmen and medics to staff the ED, a very innovative move at the time,” explained Simonsen. After serving as a physician associate for a few years, Simonsen became the ED evening supervisor when he passed his physician assistant (PA) boards in 1975. He was then appointed the orthopedic PA for the hospital, in charge of the PA staff. Although he left his full-time position in 1990, he still works part-time in the Operating Room.

Joan Becker started working as a part-time weekend telephone operator in August 1973. A neighbor of HCGH, Becker was told about the part-time job by a friend who worked at the hospital. She and another part-time weekend operator would pick up work in the hospital on weekdays, assisting with hospital billing. “We would look at the bills and pull patient records and x-rays to compare the charges to what was actually done,” she explained. “We used to work out of a little conference room in the basement next to the double elevators, which is now the EVS closet.” Becker currently serves as the director of telecommunications and said, “The place has grown enormously. Every wall in this hospital has moved and I think I have moved every phone that is here.”

What Are YOUR memories of the early days?

If you would like to share memories of your time at HCGH, please send them to HCGH_news@jhmi.edu.

Howard County classes and events for the whole family to enjoy!

February 23,  7:00 p.m. Evening In The Stacks: Sparkle And Spurs. Join us for a spectacular evening in the grand new HCLS Miller Branch featuring live music, literary entertainment, silent auction, and fine food and drink. HCLS Signature Event. Cocktail attire. Black tie optional. Sparkly accessories and boots encouraged.

February 23, 2:00 p.m. Math Circle Are you good at math? Do you love numbers? Join the HCLS Math Circle at the East Columbia Branch to learn about patterns and intricacies in the world of mathematics. Use logic and problem solving skills to solve brain teasing problems. Ages 11-14.  Register online or by calling 410.313.7700.

February 26, 10:30 a.m. Just For Me. Class at the Glenwood Branch for children ages 3-5 who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills. 30 min. Register online or by calling 410.313.5579. Also offered 2/27 at 10:15 & 11:15 a.m. at the Elkridge Branch; no registration required.

February 27, 7:00 p.m. Terrariums: A Garden Under Glass. Design and create a garden under glass at the Miller Branch. Ages 11-17.  Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

February 28, 10:15 & 11:30 a.m. The World Around Me. A class at the Miller Branch exploring simple social studies concepts inspired by children’s literature. Multi-week series. Ages 3-5; 45 min. Tickets available at Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class. Offered again on 2/22 at 10:15 & 11:30 a.m. at the East Columbia Branch.

March 7, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Don’t Be Defeeted! Foot, heel and ankle problems can really limit your daily activities. Join orthopedic specialist Dr. Ricardo Cook to discuss common complications and injuries, and the most effective physical therapy, medications and surgical options. FREE, but registration is required.  Call 410-740-7602 for more information.

March 15 OR March 20th. Living With Diabetes.  Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes or have you been living with diabetes and would like to improve your health? Our diabetes specialists will teach you how to change your habits, give you practical, attainable solutions for staying healthy and design a diabetes management plan to fit your lifestyle. Living with Diabetes is a two-day, interactive, group course taught by an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, psychologist, podiatrist, and exercise specialist. Choose a day program or a condensed evening program. Day classes are held Friday and the following Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Evening classes are held Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. Most insurance plans cover all or part of this program.  The Bolduc Family Outpatient Center at Howard County General Hospital. For more information or to register, please call 443-718-3000

March 25, 7-0:00 p.m. Common Gastrointestinal Conditions. Learn about common gastrointestinal issues, screening recommendations, and treatment approaches to conditions that can be a sign of something more serious. Presented by gastroenterologist Preston Kim, M.D. FREE.  Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine Wellness Center. 10710 Charter Drive.

March 27, 7-8:30 p.m. The ABCs of Adult Blindness. Age-related Macular Degeneration, Blepharoptosis (drooping eyelids), Cataracts and more. Are you always the last one in the car to read the road signs? Wondering why you can’t read the newspaper anymore? Join us as we explore common reasons for vision impairment and find out what can be done to improve your eyesight. Presented by Vanessa Lima, M.D. FREE. Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine Wellness Center. 10710 Charter Drive.

April 23, 6-8:00 p.m. Shouldering the Burden. Having difficulty raising your arm or lifting things? Common shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff and labrum tears, as well as degenerative conditions like arthritis can cause joint pain and limit motion. Johns Hopkins orthopedic surgeonDr. Uma Srikumaran will discuss surgical and other options to lighten your load. FREE.Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine Wellness Center. 10710 Charter Drive.

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What to do if you are experiencing symptoms 

• Call 911 immediately
• Cardiologists recommend chewing one adult aspirin while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.

Saturday, Feb 16, 3:30 p.m. Care Giver’s Support Group. This free support group for care givers meets the 1^st Tuesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. or the third Saturday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at Howard County General Hospital’s Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center, 10710 Charter Drive.  This support group is designed for people who are caring for a loved one with a chronic illness. FREE. Call 410 740-5858 for more information and to register.

February 15/19, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30p.m. Or February 20/21, 6:00- 9:00 p.m. Living with Diabetes. If you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes–or even if you have been living with diabetes for some time and would like to make a commitment to improve your health–this course will teach you how to change your habits and will give you practical, attainable solutions for staying healthy. Our diabetes specialists will not tell you what to do–instead they will empower you with information and design a diabetes management plan to fit your lifestyle.  Living with Diabetes is a two-day, interactive, group course taught by an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, psychologist, podiatrist, and exercise specialist.  The class is held at The Bolduc Family Outpatient Center at Howard County General Hospital. Choose either a day program or a condensed evening program. Day classes will be held Friday and the following Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Evening classes are held Wednesday and Thursday from 6-9 p.m. Most insurance plans cover all or part of this program. For more information or to register, please call 443-718-3000.

February 20th, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Breast Cancer Support Group. This free, ongoing support group for Breast Cancer patients is facilitated by Mary Dowling, LCSW-C.  FREE. For more information or to register, please call 410 740-5858.

March 7, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Don’t Be Defeeted! Foot, heel and ankle problems can really limit your daily activities. Join orthopedic specialist Dr. Ricardo Cook to discuss common complications and injuries, and the most effective physical therapy, medications and surgical options. FREE, but registration is required.  Call 410-740-7602 for more information.

More bad news for the Boomer generation- those born 1946 – 1964.

Although great medical advances have been made in the Boomer lifetime, contributing to greater life expectancies, the Boomer generation may be much less healthy than the previous Silent Generation.

A study released online last week in the JAMA Internal Medicine examined the health status of aging Baby Boomers relative to the previous generation. Here are the grim statistics:

• Overall, only 13.2 percent of Boomers reported themselves in “excellent health” compared to 32% of individuals in the previous generation
• Diabetes has more than doubled in just one generation. 15.5% of Boomers have diabetes compared to only 6.2% of individuals in their parent’s generation
• High Blood Pressure? 43% of Boomers vs 36.4% of the Silent Generation
• Obesity increased to 38.7% of Boomers from 29.4% in the previous generation
• High Cholesterol is clogging up the works for 73.5% of Boomers versus only 33.8% of individuals in the Silent Generation

So that’s bad news, but it’s an active generation, right? They run and compete in triathlons and walk the Malls and they know the importance of physical activity, don’t they? Well…  Boomers might talk the talk, but they surely don’t walk the walk.

• Only about 35% of Boomers exercise more than 12 times per month- down from nearly 50% a generation ago
• More than half of all Boomers report NO regular physical activity

On a national level, what exactly does this generational good-health deficit mean? According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Boomers made up 26.1 percent of the population. Unless these health statistics turn around, the Boomer Generation could strain our workforce numbers and, in the coming decades, impact our ability to provide adequate healthcare- important considerations for future policy planning.

The impact on a personal and individual level is even more significant. In addition to increased financial costs, Boomers will struggle with quality of life issues. While statistics may indicate that Boomers will live longer, they also indicate that the value of those additional years may be diminished by poor health.

Change is never easy… but surely it’s time to change?

Baby Boomer, Mary Catherine Cochran works as a Senior Communications Project Manager at Howard County General Hospital: Johns Hopkins Medicine where, among other things, she manages and writes for the Well & Wise blog.

Saturday, Feb 16, 3:30 p.m. Care Giver’s Support Group. This free support group for care givers meets the 1st Tuesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. or the third Saturday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at Howard County General Hospital’s Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center, 10710 Charter Drive.  This support group is designed for people who are caring for a loved one with a chronic illness. FREE. Call 410 740-5858 for more information and to register.

February 12, 5:30- 9:00 p.m. Adult, Child and Infant CPR/AED. This course will teach you the skills needed to clear an airway obstruction perform cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and teach you how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). At the successful completion of this course, you will earn a two- year American heart Association completion card. $55.  HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive Columbia.  Call 410 740-7602 for more information.

February 15/19, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30p.m. Or February 20/21, 6:00- 9:00 p.m. Living with Diabetes.  If you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes–or even if you have been living with diabetes for some time and would like to make a commitment to improve your health–this course will teach you how to change your habits and will give you practical, attainable solutions for staying healthy. Our diabetes specialists will not tell you what to do–instead they will empower you with information and design a diabetes management plan to fit your lifestyle.  Living with Diabetes is a two-day, interactive, group course taught by an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, psychologist, podiatrist, and exercise specialist.  The class is held at The Bolduc Family Outpatient Center at Howard County General Hospital. Choose either a day program or a condensed evening program. Day classes will be held Friday and the following Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Evening classes are held Wednesday and Thursday from 6-9 p.m. Most insurance plans cover all or part of this program. For more information or to register, please call 443-718-3000.

March 7, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Don’t Be Defeeted!  Foot, heel and ankle problems can really limit your daily activities. Join orthopedic specialist Dr. Ricardo Cook to discuss common complications and injuries, and the most effective physical therapy, medications and surgical options. FREE, but registration is required.  Call 410-740-7602 for more information.

From patient to volunteer – making a difference in Cardiac Rehab

Bill Bishop assisting a patient.

On a cold January day in 1991, William (Bill) Bishop was stacking firewood when he felt a chest pain and was having trouble breathing. At first he thought it was just the cold air, but then realized something was very wrong and came into the HCGH’s ED to learn he had just had a heart attack. He was under the care of cardiologist David Jackson, M.D., who has been the medical director of the HCGH Cardiac Rehabilitation program for 30 years.

Eighteen years later, on a hot August day in 2009, he had a second heart attack. This time he recognized the symptoms and called 911. Julie Miller, M.D., a Johns Hopkins cardiologist on duty that day at HCGH, was able to treat him locally. She performed a stent procedure on Bishop and he continued to see Jackson for follow-up treatment.

“Dr. Jackson tried to sign me up for the HCGH Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, but, since I was working at the Columbia Gym and could exercise there, I didn’t feel it was necessary for me to enroll.” Bill realized that he wasn’t doing all that he should to maintain a healthy lifestyle and was not exercising consistently. “In October 2009, I entered the 36-session Cardiac Rehab program under the care of Dr. Jackson, where I was carefully monitored, encouraged, and have truly improved my general health and fitness,” Bishop continued.

After finishing the program, he wanted to give something back to the department, and asked Preeti Benjamin, manager of Cardiac and Pulmonary Services, if she needed any volunteers. She said she’d be happy to have his help, and Bishop became a morning volunteer (Mon, Wed. and Thurs.) assisting the staff and cardiac rehab patients. “It’s a way to pay back for all of the help I got here! They run a well-organized program and all of the staff members are very serious about their work. Some of our patients need guidance performing their exercises or just want to talk. If they ask a question that I can’t answer, I refer them to one of the staff members.” He also noted that the camaraderie that develops among patients, clinicians and volunteers helps patients build the confidence they need to get back to the activities they care about. “It definitely made a difference in my life,” Bishop said.

Benjamin, who has been with the Cardiac and Pulmonary Services for 13 years, remarked, “Volunteers like Bill and all of our staff have a positive effect on our patients. The patients have connected with Bill and he’s made some of them want to give back to the hospital in a number of ways, including donating to the Howard Hospital Foundation.” Benjamin added, “The patients enrolled in the program are actively engaged in adopting a healthy lifestyle by increasing their exercise endurance, eating healthier food and practicing stress management techniques. Our rehab program can improve their overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life.”

Diane Dunn is a senior communications project manager in the Public Relations department at Howard County General Hospital.

Birthdays are often family celebrations. Generations gather around the birthday child, or parent, or grandparent to help them celebrate the past and make wishes for the future.

This year marks the 40^th birthday –  or anniversary –  for Howard County General Hospital and it will be a year full of celebrations. We hope you’ll join in the festivities because we’ve been caring for generations – your generations!  From infants to children, to adults and seniors, we’ve been there every step of the way.

In the beginning, it all started with a vision.  A growing new community needed top-notch healthcare and a hospital.  The Columbia Clinics and Hospital opened its doors in July of 1973 with only 59 beds and an emergency room that required you to call ahead so they could unlock the doors to meet you.  Originally the local hospital was designed only to deliver babies and provide short term care, like overnight stays, and simple surgeries. Even before the doors opened, however, visionaries knew that Columbia and Howard County would continue to grow; the need for a more comprehensive hospital was readily apparent. In 1974 the Columbia Clinics evolved into Howard County General Hospital — an independent, not-for-profit hospital created to care for the ever-evolving healthcare needs of a growing region. Today the hospital has 249 beds in individual rooms. We’ve grown from 88 physicians to over 900 physicians and from 485 babies delivered the year we opened to 3,333 babies delivered in 2012.

Throughout the upcoming year we’ll tell you the story of how we continued to grow and expand over the past forty years. We’ll do it by focusing on generations —  our children, our youth, our adults and our seniors.  We’ll tell you great stories about the addition of our special care nursery, now the Lundy Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit  and about The Center for Maternal Fetal Medicine  which provides perinatal services and high risk pregnancy care. We’ll talk about the Children’s Care Center and our pediatric emergency services. We’ll give you a virtual tour of the Patient Pavilion, which houses three inpatient units, and the Bolduc Family Outpatient Center, and we’ll talk about the more recent creation of The Comprehensive Breast Center, which offers a full range of treatment options for breast cancer patients. We have many old –  and new –  stories to share.

And, just like a real family celebration, we’ll tell you the story of our birth and our growth through the use of old photo albums, and scrapbooks. We hope these will inspire you to share your individual stories with us, as well!

Read more about our early beginnings!

Well & Wise takes a short break from health and wellness to wish the Ravens well in New Orleans!

Return of the Raven

by Mark Cochran (With apologies to Edgar Allan Poe)

Once upon a January, while I watched and worried, wary
As the mighty Broncos played the underdogs from Baltimore
While the press continued fanning all the flaming praise of Manning
And the Vegas boys were planning for the Denver team to score
Suddenly there came a tapping as of some one gently rapping,
rapping on Destiny’s door—
“‘Tis the visitors” I muttered, “tapping at Destiny’s door—
Just a tap, and nothing more.”

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December;
And each separate losing effort threw us closer to the floor.
Eagerly we all were pleading, can’t someone please stop the bleeding
As we slipped down in the seeding all the way to number four
Gone the rare and radiant top seeds, and the bye weeks they secure -
Not this year for Baltimore.

Yet the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic hopes that I had felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating,
“‘Tis the visitors entreating entrance at Destiny’s door—
entreating entrance like so many losing teams before
This it is and nothing more.”

Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
“Sir,” said I, “or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I’d stopped hoping, and prepared to begin coping
And to minimize my moping when you tapped upon that door,
I scarce was sure I even heard you”—here I opened wide the door;—
Darkness there and nothing more.

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before;
But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered “Baltimore?”
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the “Baltimore”—
Merely this and nothing more.

And then I saw a long pass flying, and Jacoby running by ‘em!
In there stepped the stately Raven of the saintly days of yore;
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
But, with mien of lord or lady, he reached right out and tied the score.
Perched upon the ruined Manning as the kick o’er crossbar soared
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore,
“Won’t the Denver fire keep burning? Won’t they do more kick returning?
Won’t Peyton and the tide be turning once again ‘gainst Baltimore?
Quoth the Raven “Nevermore.”

But the Raven still beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
As I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of screen one Sunday more.
Then, upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore—
What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking “Nevermore.”

This week’s challenge surely may be even tougher, they have Brady,
the One who writers say is maybe better than all Ones before.
They led the league this year in scoring.  The networks cannot stop adoring, the Vegas crowd has the spread soaring higher against Baltimore.
Oh little chance that we outscore!

“Prophet!” said I, “thing of evil!—prophet still, if bird or devil!—
Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted—
On this home by Horror haunted—tell me truly, I implore—
Won’t they – won’t they wicked beat us?—tell me—tell me, I implore!”
Quoth the Raven “Nevermore.”

And as I watched not yet believing, a victory beyond conceiving,
a thorough thrash all doubts relieving as Brady simply couldn’t score.
Boldin catching, Flacco throwing, no matter how the wind was blowing,
The Purple-clad were cawing, crowing.  Thrilling us down to the core
All the fans of Baltimore

“Prophet!” said I, “thing of evil—prophet still, if bird or devil!
By that Heaven that bends above us—by that God we both adore—
Tell us will we yet be vanquished.  Will our dreams be left to languish?
Will our hearts be filled with anguish as it has in years before?
Does dark disappointment dwell defeating us beyond the door?
Do we have a fall in store?

Will  our leader,  Flacco stumble? Will our half or fullbacks fumble?
Can our newfound dreams just crumble, and lie in pieces on the floor?
Can some Manning incarnation, or a Brady imitation,
or some new QB sensation bring trouble that we can’t endure?
Will we come this far and fail to reach the promised shore?
Spoke the Raven :  ”Nevermore”

And the Ravens, never quitting still are running, throwing, hitting.
Fatihfully their namesake fitting. Relentless as that bird of yore.
And their eyes have all the seeming of a champion that’s dreaming,
As the field lights o’er them streaming shows a team like none before.
And my voice, and all the others raise the roar from Baltimore,
To be silenced – nevermore!

Mark was born and raised in Howard County and has been a Ravens fan since they arrived in Baltimore. He is also a big fan of Edgar Allan Poe, thanks, in large part, to the teachers at Glenelg Country School and Atholton High School. He has resided in West Chester, Pennsylvania since 1995, and is currently a senior management consultant in business and non-profit operations.

January 24, 7-8:30 p.m. Living with Breast Cancer. This group is designed to meet the needs of breast cancer patients with a Stage IV diagnosis. This safe, welcoming group provides encouragement, support and education and meets on the 4th Thursday of each month. FREE. HCGH Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center. Call 410 964-9100 x5 for more information and to register.

January 26, 10-11:30. Together We Thrive. Patient support group offered for men and women diagnosed with cancer, where participants can share, explore, and be encouraged in a safe environment. This group meets the 4^th Saturday of each month. FREE. HCGH Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center.  Call 410 740-5858 for more information and to register.

January 26, 2:00 p.m. Math Circle. Are you good at math? Do you love numbers? Join the HCLS Math Circle at the East Columbia Branch to learn about patterns and intricacies in the world of mathematics. Use logic and problem solving skills to solve brain teasing problems. Ages 11-14. Register online or by calling 410.313.7700.

January 28, 7-8:30 p.m. Kitchen Wisdom: Nutrition and Delicious Meals.  They say that variety is the spice of life!  In part 2 of the Healthy Weight, Healthy You series, sample food and learn how to spice up healthy meals with herbs and seasonings for a variety of taste.  FREE. HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive Columbia.

January 28, 10:15 a.m. Healthy Kids. Class at the Savage Branch to explore simple health concepts inspired by children’s literature. Multi-week series. Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min. Tickets available at Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class. Classes offered on 1/29 at the Miller Branch at 2 & 7 p.m.

January 28, 11:30 a.m. Just For Me. Classes at the Savage Branch for children ages 3-5 who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills. 30 min. Also offered 1/29 at 10:15 & 11:15 at East Columbia Branch—tickets available at Children’s Desk at 10:30 a.m. Also on 1/29 at 10:30 a.m. at the Glenwood Branch; register online or by calling 410.313.5579. And 1/30 at 10:15 & 11:15 a.m. at the Elkridge Branch; no registration required. Also on And again on 1/30 at 7 p.m at the Miller Branch; tickets available at Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class.

January 29, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Smoke-Free Lungs.  Do you want to give up smoking but don’t know where to begin? Learn tips for quitting your tobacco habit and master long-term success.  This program provides support and education for those wanting to quit as well as support for those who already have quit. Attend one or more sessions- according to your needs. FREE. HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive Columbia.

January 30, 7:00 p.m. Meet The Author: George E. Leary Jr. George E. Leary Jr., M.A., will speak at the East Columbia Branch. He provides mental health services to addicts and those living with HIV/AIDS. He established and operated two recovery houses in Baltimore, Maryland, and served for nine years on a mobile crisis intervention team. In his book, What’’s Wrong With My Kid?, he applies his personal trials and professional expertise to provide a practical and compassionate guide for parents. Learn what to do if you suspect your child may be headed down a dangerous road. In partnership with HC DrugFree. Register online or by calling 410.313.7700.

January 30, 5:30- 9:00 p.m. Adult, Child and Infant CPR/AED. This course will teach you the skills needed to clear an airway obstruction perform cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and teach you how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). At the successful completion of this course, you will earn a two- year American heart Association completion card. $55.  HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive Columbia.

An organized approach to studying!

Two summers ago I was so excited to start my freshman year at Washington College. Just like any other freshman, I was nervous about meeting my roommate, making new friends and adjusting to classes and homework. I knew college would be more challenging than high school, but I was totally unprepared for the workload that the professors placed on me and my fellow classmates. The stress of moving away from home and living with someone unfamiliar, only added to the stress of classwork. The transition from high school to college became a huge struggle for me. My solution, naturally, was to whine and moan to my parents and older siblings about the issues I was having. They ignored my persistent complaints and assured me that with time, things would get easier and encouraged me not to give up.

A year and half later I can attest that the advice I was given freshman year has proven to be true. Over time I have learned how to better deal with stress and these four specific changes made things easier – especially during final exams – the most stressful week of each semester.

1. Manage your time. When it is nearing the end of the semester and all my professors decide to hand out a million assignments at once, my daily planner becomes my best friend. Each night I make a list of things that I want to accomplish the next day, number one being the most pressing assignment. Sometimes I even go as far as to put time slots next to each item in order to indicate how much time should be spent on them. I find that planning my days out in advanced gives me less to worry about and also prevents procrastination.
2. Don’t sweat the small stuff. There is no worse feeling than someone else is sitting in your spot at the library the night before the big exam, I get it. However, instead of getting upset about it, focus your energy on being productive. You will be amazed how much less stressed you feel if you ignore the insignificant dramas of everyday life.
3. Take breaks from work. College is not only about going to class and doing homework; it’s about experiencing new things and figuring out who you are. Don’t forget to allow yourself time to do things that you enjoy.  Fun activities are a great way to relieve stress. Go for a run, have a gossip session with your best friends, listen to some music, or watch an episode of your favorite TV show. Do something that’s fun for you and helps you let off some steam. Keeping stress bottled up can cause both physical and emotional harm in the long run.
4. Find what works for you. Everyone has their own methods when it comes to studying. When I study I like to listen to classical music and sit on my floor (strange, I know). I do know people though who prefer to work in the complete opposite setting – in silence while sitting at a desk. My advice to you is to find out what conditions are easiest for you to study in, and stick to them. This will help to eliminate any extra anxiety and stress that you might have because you will be more comfortable.

Stressful situations are sometimes unavoidable, especially for college students, but it is possible to weaken their blows. It was not too long ago that I was pulling my hair out because I was too overwhelmed. However, if I have been able to decrease the amount of stress in my life this drastically in just a year and a half, maybe by senior year I’ll be completely stress free!

Studying is not the only thing that creates stress in the life of a college student. If you are interested in finding out more about how to handle stress, check out Why Kids Lose it at College by Meg F. Schneider.

Sarah Lambertson is a sophomore at Washington College where she is studying business management and Spanish. She is an active member of several organizations including Zeta Tau Alpha, Students Helping Honduras and the tech crew at the campus theater.

When I was in second grade, I failed a standard vision screening and was prescribed glasses so that I could read the blackboard. I picked out an ultra-cool pair of blue cat’s-eye glasses with little rhinestones in the corner.  (Hoping that wearing such cool specs would be my armor against taunts of “four eyes”.)  As I grew and my vision changed, my glasses changed too. I can remember receiving a new pair of glasses after one dramatic prescription shift. I saw the world sharp and crystal clear for the first time in a long time. Route 40 has never looked more beautiful than it did on that ride home years ago. Eyeglass styles evolved- even as taunting the visually challenged remained static. We began to wear very tiny “granny glasses” with our mini-skirts and fishnet stockings- or if you were a boy- with your tight bellbottom jeans.

My neighbor who was older and drank green wheat grass smoothies and ate only nuts and berries gave up his glasses. He read somewhere that daily exercises could cure poor vision. It seemed plausible so I tried it, too- for a day. That whole groping your way through the school hallways was a little embarrassing. Just as our culture hit the tinted aviator stage of eyeglass style, I was able to graduate to contacts. A critical step for me as it was becoming more difficult to participate in sports with specs and the whole thing about guys not making passes at girls who wear glasses was beginning to matter more to me than I would ever admit.

Perception of those who wear eyeglasses has, thankfully, changed. Wearing specs is no longer the mark of a pariah and has instead become a right of passage. (The late, great pediatrician Dr. Leffler once told me that the sobbing little girl who had just left his exam room was having a very bad day. When I looked concerned, he laughed and said she was told she didn’t need braces OR eyeglasses!)

As a parent of twelve eyes, I know that the world of ophthalmology, specifically pediatric ophthalmology has continued to evolve. New treatments including surgeries have been developed for a variety of conditions. Doctors recognize that younger patients aren’t just miniature adults when it comes to eye problems. They grow and change and so their treatment is dynamic and ongoing. Often children can have many of the same issues as adults including low vision, cataracts, and retinal detachments, but treatment can be very different and examining and diagnosing the smallest patients takes a special skill set.

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As a parent, it can be difficult to understand our child’s diagnosis and the available treatment options and harder still to decide if and what kind of surgery is the best option. I understand now how my parents felt.  Children may have the luxury to focus on the style of specs… but parents must focus on the substance of vision and ultimate health of their child’s eyes. After all, they say it’s a gift to be able to see the world through a child’s eyes so it’s important to ensure that we can see it clearly!

Mary Catherine Cochran works as a Senior Communications Project Manager at Howard County General Hospital: Johns Hopkins Medicine where, among other things, she manages and writes for the Well & Wise blog.

Monday, Jan 14. 5:30-9:00 p.m. Adult, Child and Infant CPR/AED 2013. This course will teach you the skills needed to clear an airway obstruction, perform cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). At the successful completion of this course, you will earn a two-year American Heart Association completion card.  This course is for community members and does not meet the qualifications for health care provider. $55.

January 17, 2013. 7:00-9:00 p.m. The Eyes of Children. Learn about your child’s vision and how it impacts learning. Pediatric opthalmologist Anya Trumler, M.D. will discuss eye health and safety, common complaints and what you can do. The Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia 21044.

January 18. 8:30 a.m. -2: 30 p.m. or January 23. 6:00- 9:00 p.m. Living with Diabetes. If you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes–or even if you have been living with diabetes for some time and would like to make a commitment to improve your health–this course will teach you how to change your habits and will give you practical, attainable solutions for staying healthy. Our diabetes specialists will not tell you what to do–instead they will empower you with information and design a diabetes management plan to fit your lifestyle. 
Living with Diabetes is a two-day, interactive, group course taught by an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, psychologist, podiatrist, and exercise specialist.  The class is held at The Bolduc Family Outpatient Center at Howard County General Hospital. Choose either a day program or a condensed evening program. Day classes will be held Friday and the following Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Evening classes are held Wednesday and Thursday from 6-9 p.m. Most insurance plans cover all or part of this program. For more information or to register, please call 443-718-3000.

January 21, 2013. 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Looking to Lose Weight? In part one of our Healthy Weight, Healthy You series, our certified nutritionist and registered dietitian will discuss physiology and health challenges that affect your weight. Learn to plan meals that taste great, provide balance in your diet, and promote health. Free

January 12. 10:00 a.m.  Incredible Honey Bees with the Howard County Beekeepers. Learn about honeybees and beekeeping. FREE

January 20. 2:00 p.m.   Meet Our Local Farmers: Learn about farming, harvests, buying tips, markets and CSAs.  FREE! Come meet our local farmers. We have invited farmers who sell at our county markets, who provide us with CSAs and farm stand produce, plants, cheese and fruit to come set up a mini market. They will also be discussing why they farm here, what they love most about their choice to work the land in and around Howard County.   Farmers with CSAs will be answering questions and signing up anyone interested. Find out where to get meat, eggs, cheese, dairy and winter root veggies while our county markets are closed.  FREE Event. Families welcome.

If you’ve decided to go no or low carbs this year, you should know that not all carbs are created equal.  Simple carbohydrates- found in white bread, sodas, white rice, pastries, and processed foods- are more quickly digested, can raise blood glucose levels faster and may contribute to weight gain. Complex carbohydrates, on they other hand, are more gradually absorbed. Found in whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables, Complex carbohydrates fuel your body for longer periods and they are often a good source of fiber, minerals and vitamins.

Eight Tips to Choosing More Complex Carbs

1. Cold cereals should include 5 or more grams of fiber per serving. Check the ingredient list to see if whole oats, whole wheat or another whole grain is listed first. Check your favorite cereal brands to see if they meet these two guidelines.
2. If you are a hot cereal fan- switch from the instant oatmeal in packets which have added sugars, and try a hot bowl of steel-cut oatmeal instead. (Did you know that you can make oatmeal in your slow cooker overnight?)
3. Switch to whole grains when choosing breads. Don’t just read the name of the bread- make sure that whole wheat or another whole grain is listed first on the ingredient list.
4. Eat fewer potatoes and choose brown or wild rice, barley, quinoa, millet and bulgur instead. If these grains are unfamiliar to you try websites like allrecipes.com for ideas on how to incorporate these rich, nutty grains into your diet. Or try the recipe below!
5. Try whole wheat pasta, or pasta made with half whole-wheat and half white flour.
6. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and remember- juice doesn’t count in those servings!
7. Eat more legumes. Beans and Lentils- which are also a great source of protein- can be prepared in a variety of ways. Look beyond the standard chili recipes for new ways to incorporate these into your diet.
8. Snack on small amounts of nuts and seeds- they are higher in fiber and much more filling than a candy bar!

Mary Catherine Cochran works as a Senior Communications Project Manager at Howard County General Hospital: Johns Hopkins Medicine where, among other things, she manages and writes for the Well & Wise blog.

Wild brambles along the Little Patuxent. Photo by M. Cochran.

In November I was hiking through the woods, focusing on the camera in my hands, when a wicked sticker bush snagged me and left an angry bloody scratch across my leg. I’d like to tell you that I suffered the assault with grace and fortitude…and sweet words…  but not so much. What the heck? What did I do to deserve that wound? I started to react in anger to trample the blasted weed and remove it from my trail, but just as I moved forward, the setting sun illuminated it, making it glow deep red and I could see each individual thorn and the spaces where the ones that were still stuck in my leg had been ripped from the stem and I wondered- anthropomorphism runs deep within me- if perhaps the sticker bush felt undeservedly wounded as well?

And isn’t that life, after all? You follow your path- sometimes paying attention, sometimes distracted- when something comes along interrupting your progress, your thoughts your dreams and you can rage against the thing or you can pause and look for the wonder in the midst of the thorns. You’re still sidetracked and perhaps even wounded, but your fresh start- your healing-  happens in a place of acceptance and in that acceptance- a state of grace.

I have a saying attributed to a few including Joseph Campbell, hanging in my office.  It says; “We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned so as to live the life that is waiting for us”. It is a great reminder for me especially during the times when life- in all of its rich and glorious colors- refuses to stay within the neat, straight lines I’ve drawn.

My New Year’s wish for all Well & Wise readers is that each of your days in the upcoming year is filled with grace and wonder. And, as the Irish say…   “May you live each day of your life!”

Happy New Year!

Mary Catherine Cochran works as a Senior Communications Project Manager at Howard County General Hospital: Johns Hopkins Medicine where, among other things, she manages and writes for the Well & Wise blog.

Dec 31, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Midnight at 7.  See Howard County dazzle with a New Year’s Eve fireworks display! Celebrate with your family and friends. Walk through the animated light displays; enjoy food, music and other exciting activities as the Symphony of Lights comes to a close. Fireworks at 7:00 p.m.

January 2, 10:15 & 11:15 a.m. Just For Me. Classes at the Elkridge Branch for children ages 3-5 who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills. 30 min. No registration required.

January 2, 10:15 & 11:30 a.m. The World Around Me. Classes at the Central Branch exploring simple social studies concepts inspired by children’s literature. Multi-week series. Ages 3-5; 45 min. Tickets available at Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class.

January 9, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Prenatal Class for Your Early Pregnancy. This free class for parents to be and parents in their first trimester will learn about the early stages of prgnancy including your body’s phsical changes, your baby’s growth and easy ways to support your pregnancy. HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia.

January 10, 7:00-9:00 p.m.  What is Pre-Diabetes? Has your doctor told you that you have pre-diabetes or risk factors for developing diabetes? This program will answer your questions. Our certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian will teach you how to make changes to prevent or delay an actual diabetes diagnosis. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes but would like more information on how to manage your diagnosis, or information from endocrinologists, podiatrists and dieticians about how to live with diabetes, contact our Diabetes Management Program at Howard County General Hospital at 443-718-3000.

January 17, 7:00-8:30 p.m. The Eyes of Children. Children’s learning is affected by their vision. Learn about eye health and safety, common complaints and what parents can do. presented by pediatric ophthalmaolgist Anya Trumler, M.D. Free.

January 18 or January 23. Living with Diabetes: Day or Evening Program. Living with Diabetes is a two-day, interactive, group course taught by an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, psychologist, podiatrist, and exercise specialist.   The class is held at The Bolduc Family Outpatient Center at Howard County General Hospital. Choose either a day program or a condensed evening program. Day classes will be held Friday and the following Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Evening classes are held Wednesday and Thursday from 6-9 p.m. Most insurance plans cover all or part of this program. For more information or to register, please call 443-718-3000.

With the New Year approaching, some people are determining what their New Year’s resolutions will be. Year after year, two of the most popular New Year’s resolutions are staying fit and losing weight, according to USA.gov.

Will staying fit be one of your priorities this coming year? If so, great! If not, you should consider it. Physical activity provides many long-term benefits for everyone, including preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke, relieving stress, promoting strong bone development and more.

If you want to stay fit in 2013 and years to come, you must set goals that are specific, realistic, measurable, achievable and timely. Here are five ways to get started with setting realistic fitness goals:

1. Determine your purpose: There are plenty of reasons why a person may want to lose weight or stay in shape. Is it so you can fit into that dress or suit that’s been hanging in your closet for years? Do you want to lose weight because of a health condition? Do you want to stay in shape because you want to live a long, healthy life? Whatever the case may be, figure out why you are doing this — and don’t forget! In fact, write it down.
2. Take baby steps: One reason why some people tend to drop the ball on their New Year’s resolution to stay in shape, is because they set unrealistic goals for themselves. For instance, if you’re looking to lose 50 pounds in a month, you may be disappointed when week three comes by and you’re still the same size. Disappointment usually leads to a lack of motivation, and we don’t want that! Start small. Instead of trying to lose 50 pounds in the first month, perhaps aim to lose about five — hey, every bit counts!
3. Document your success: If you want to know if your fitness plan is working, consider keeping a record of your progress in a journal.
4. Give yourself a pat on the back: Staying fit is not always so easy, especially when you’re just starting out. Try rewarding yourself when needed. Not only will it help you stay motivated, but it’s also a good gesture to recognize yourself for making great accomplishments.
5. Consider a workout partner or fitness club: You’re not in this alone. There are many people who share the same desire as you — to get in shape. Perhaps seek a workout partner or join a community fitness club. Having a workout partner or team will most likely keep you motivated!

Columbia Association (CA) is running its Biggest Winner Contest, starting on Jan. 5, 2013. The Biggest Winner Contest provides a fun, motivational and supportive way to lose weight and support a healthier lifestyle! Learn more about The Biggest Winner Contest here.

How do you plan on getting fit in 2013? Tell us in a comment below!

Keithan Samuels works in the Communications and Engagement Division at Columbia Association (CA).

December 22, 2:00 p.m. Math Circle. Are you good at math? Do you love numbers? Join the HCLS Math Circle at the East Columbia Branch to learn about patterns and intricacies in the world of mathematics. Use logic and problem solving skills to solve brain teasing problems. Ages 11-14. Register online or by calling 410.313.7700

December 24 & 25, Howard County Library System Closed.

December 27, 2:00 p.m. Junior Architects. Come to the East Columbia Branch to design and build a room or building from recycled materials. You have two days to work on your project. Ages 8 & up; 60 min. Register online or by calling 410.313.7730

Dec 27, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Living with Breast Cancer. This ongoing support group for patients with a stage IV breast cancer diagnosis meets at the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center monthly on the fourth Thursday.  The group is free, but registration is required. Call 410 740-5858 for more information.

Dec 31, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Midnight at 7.  See Howard County dazzle with a New Year’s Eve fireworks display! Celebrate with your family and friends. Walk through the animated light displays; enjoy food, music and other exciting activities as the Symphony of Lights comes to a close. Fireworks at 7:00 p.m.

January 9, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Prenatal Class for Your Early Pregnancy. This free class for parents to be and parents in their first trimester will learn about the early stages of prgnancy including your body’s phsical changes, your baby’s growth and easy ways to support your pregnancy. HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia.

January 10, 7:00-9:00 p.m.  What is Pre-Diabetes? Has your doctor told you that you have pre-diabetes or risk factors for developing diabetes? This program will answer your questions. Our certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian will teach you how to make changes to prevent or delay an actual diabetes diagnosis. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes but would like more information on how to manage your diagnosis, or information from endocrinologists, podiatrists and dieticians about how to live with diabetes, contact our Diabetes Management Program at Howard County General Hospital at 443-718-3000.

January 17, 7:00-8:30 p.m. The Eyes of Children. Children’s learning is affected by their vision. Learn about eye health and safety, common complaints and what parents can do. presented by pediatric ophthalmaolgist Anya Trumler, M.D. Free.

January 18 or January 23. Living with Diabetes: Day or Evening Program. Living with Diabetes is a two-day, interactive, group course taught by an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, psychologist, podiatrist, and exercise specialist.   The class is held at The Bolduc Family Outpatient Center at Howard County General Hospital. Choose either a day program or a condensed evening program. Day classes will be held Friday and the following Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Evening classes are held Wednesday and Thursday from 6-9 p.m. Most insurance plans cover all or part of this program. For more information or to register, please call 443-718-3000.

By Kate Schulz

Mandy A. of Baltimore City suffers from chronic COPD and mental health issues. On Thursdays, her son usually travels from Washington D.C. to take care of her and bring her groceries. However, a couple weeks ago, he was unable to go due to impending Hurricane Sandy.

Mandy was almost out of food for the week, unable to travel herself, and wasn’t sure what to do.

Kate, one of 2-1-1 Maryland at United Way of Central Maryland’s Information and Referral Specialists, assists a caller by assessing their needs and providing useful referrals and resources.

Fortunately, 2-1-1 Maryland was there for her. Mandy’s goddaughter called 2-1-1 on her behalf and was able to get the information and referrals she needed. A city worker brought Mandy enough food to last her for several days and she didn’t have to go hungry during the storm.

My name is Kate Schulz and this is just one story of how I help as an information and referral specialist at 2-1-1 Maryland at United Way of Central Maryland.

2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember phone number that links people to the health and human services they need.

This confidential information and referral service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in 150 languages. Call specialists like me assess callers’ needs and get them to the right solutions using a comprehensive database of more than 4,600 federal, state and local services — both government and nonprofit.

Think about an unexpected situation that could happen to any of us – maybe a house fire or job loss. Would you know what to do next and where to turn?

2-1-1 is always there to help.

Jared, who lives in Anne Arundel County with his wife and two kids, lost his job last year.

Jared called 2-1-1 to seek assistance paying his bills, as his unemployment benefits had recently run out. He and his family were struggling financially and during the call, Jared was able to get even more help than he came looking for.

The 2-1-1 call specialist not only helped him with finding assistance to pay his bills, but also discussed other resources to address his most basic needs, like rental assistance, food stamps and job training to help him with finding a new job.

On an average day last fall, we received between 260 and 350 calls from people in our community who need help – often urgently. The calls that my colleagues and I handle can be both heartbreaking and heartwarming. What helps us stay strong are the stories of hope that emerge.

I am proud to work for United Way of Central Maryland. UWCM’s mission is to mobilize the community to improve people’s lives, especially the most vulnerable members of our community – primarily families and individuals living at or below the poverty level. Every day, we help ensure that basic human services are available to people who need them in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties.

Do you need help? Call 2-1-1 or dial 1.800.492.0618. A trusted and caring call specialist is there for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Dec 15, 5:30-8:00 p.m. Holiday Pizza & a Movie at the Gary J Arthur Community Center. Join us to watch the holiday favorite “Elf” (rated PG). The movie begins at 5:30 pm. and is shown in our comfy movie lounge. Your movie ticket includes pizza and a soda. Pre-registration is required. $2 for members and $4 for non-members.

Dec 15, 10:00 a.m. Care Giver’s Support Group. This free support group for care givers meets the third Saturday of every month at the Howard County General Hospital Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center on Charter Drive.  Call 410 740-5858 for more information and to register.

Dec 17. 3:30 p.m. Look Good Feel Better at the Howard County General Hospital Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center. This American Cancer Society program provides a free workshop by a licensed cosmetologist. Women undergoing cancer treatment learn to manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment and receive a complimentary bay of cosmetics. To register for this free class, call 1 800 227-2345

December 18, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Teens Together. Ongoing support group for teens who have a loved one with cancer meets the third Tuesday of each month at the Howard County General Hospital Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center. The group is free by registration is required.  Call 410 740-5858 for more information

Dec 19, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Breast Cancer Support Group. This free support group for breast cancer survivors meets thethird Wednesday of each month. Registration is required. Call 410 740-5858 more information.

Dec 27, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Living with Breast Cancer. This ongoing support group for patients with a stage IV breast cancer diagnosis meets at the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center monthly on the fourth Thursday.  The group is free, but registration is required. Call 410 740-5858 for more information.

Dec 31, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Midnight at 7.  See Howard County dazzle with a New Year’s Eve fireworks display! Celebrate with your family and friends. Walk through the animated light displays; enjoy food, music and other exciting activities as the Symphony of Lights comes to a close. Fireworks at 7:00 p.m.

by Mary Catherine Cochran

I’ve been called the Grinch, Ebenezer Scrooge and a few other choice things.  I understand.  They are labels thrown out by people that can’t fathom my particular brand of holiday spirit.   To them, there is no holiday without shopping and wrapping… without gift exchanges at the workplace, the preschool, the mom’s group, and the basketball team.  It’s the season of giving, right?

Absolutely.  Many illuminate the longest nights and darkest days of winter with a celebration that involves giving.  It is at that point, however where we usually diverge, as I choose the path less traveled and that has made all the difference in my life.

Long before the downturn in the economy prompted conservation, Occupy Wall Street caused us to consider our own personal levels of greed, and recent studies called to mind our staggering level of consumption; our family chose to tune out the unrelenting cacophony of the holiday season and celebrate Christmas “unplugged.”

Nearly fifteen years ago, on Christmas morning, my husband and I applied the proverbial brakes.   Surrounded by a sea of torn wrapping paper, empty boxes and mountains of new non-essential things to put away, we realized that which we had taken months to create, had taken only ten minutes to undo.  We had succumbed to commercial interests and become conspicuous consumers. We had filled the landfills with more than our share of stuff.  We were stressed and snappish.  We had lost sight of our own faith-based reason for the season. And, most heartbreaking- we had lost our most precious gift- time with our children.  There was no way to reclaim those dozens of hours lost each year to the commercial clamor of shopping and wrapping of holidays past, but we could rewrite the future.

We resolved to change.  Out of respect for the sensibilities of young children, who could understand the theory, but not so much the practice, we eased into our new tradition. We limited the gifts to three presents per child for the first year, but the next year, we were all in- we graduated to Christmas- Unplugged.

Holiday Display at the United States Botanic Garden

We concentrate on what we do, and not on the things we don’t do.  We bake cookies.  We see the the lights in Hampden or visit the holiday train and monument displays at the United States Botanic Garden.  We visit the International Crèche display at the Washington DC Temple. We support the local arts and go into Baltimore to see Tuba Christmas (200 of Maryland’s finest tubas and euphoniums in concert).  We try to catch a show- last year it was Monty Python’s Spamalot at the Kennedy Center. We participate in workshops, like the annual Sock Monkey Saturday at the American Visionary Art Museum (memorable for the hopeless looks we received from the men in the family as they tried to stitch their creations together.) We go ice skating outside and take long walks along the Patapsco and Middle Patuxent rivers. We play games like Bananagrams or Cathedral or Apples to Apples. We watch football games together.

Together as a family we celebrate old traditions and create new ones, we carve out time to spend together and in the process, we create lasting memories.  Our family has grown and evolved, but the Christmas Unplugged spirit remains a steady reminder that the spirit of the holidays is within us.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone!

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“You can watch an individual cell shrivel up, look like it has no chance, and then come back to life,” says biological chemistry professor Denise Montell (center), with siblings Holly and Hogan Tang.

No one knows for sure what happens after death, but most of us can be relatively sure that once we’re dying, there’s no turning back.

A new Hopkins study suggests that it may be possible to do a 180 from dying — at least cells may be able to. When scientists exposed batches of cells to deadly poisons, the majority were still able to bounce back completely after those toxins were removed.

A better understanding of this death-defying process may offer some practical insight on how to save dying tissues after heart attacks or strokes, as well as prevent cancer in cells transiently exposed to toxins.

This new insight into death—or the lack thereof—got its start when Ho Lam “Hogan” Tang, a researcher in the lab of Hopkins professor Denise Montell, began his first year as a doctoral student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. His main project was studying aspects of apoptosis, the process of programmed cell death.

While trying to figure out how the cell’s cytoskeleton, a network of fibers that helps it retain its shape, remolds during apoptosis, Hogan and his sister Holly Tang, a fellow researcher, became curious about whether the cells they exposed to toxins were really on an irreversible track to death.

In preliminary experiments, they waited until the cells appeared to be dying, then replaced the deadly brew with a nutritious broth normally used to grow cells. Within hours, most cells behaved as if they’d never faced mortality.

Montell, a professor in Hopkins’ Department of Biological Chemistry, was intrigued when she heard of this work. “There’s clearly some point when something is truly dead and can’t come back,” she says, “but there’s been a controversy about what constitutes the point of no return for cells.”

Hogan Tang headed for Montell’s lab in 2009 to continue his Ph.D., soon joined by Holly, who took a job as a lab coordinator. Together, the team, along with additional colleagues at Johns Hopkins, replicated the experiments performed in Hong Kong by exposing healthy cells from mice or rats that were growing in petri dishes to ethanol, a potent toxin. Within hours, the cells displayed the typical hallmarks of apoptosis. However, when the scientists washed the ethanol away, many of the cells regained aspects of their normal appearance. 

Their research showed that about 90 percent of the cells exposed to ethanol managed to survive. The team published their findings online in April in the scientific journal Molecular Biology of the Cell.

Repeat experiments showed that the ability to defy death could be universal for all or at least many kinds of cells in the body, Montell says. The experiments also showed that a small percentage of the surviving cells exposed to toxins developed some hallmarks of cancerous growth.

That finding could have implications for explaining and treating cancer, as well as other diseases, Montell says. For example, though researchers know that alcoholics have a propensity toward developing liver cancer, the reasons have been unclear. Based on this discovery, it’s possible that problem drinkers might continually bring their liver cells toward the brink of death and that some surviving cells continue on with genetic defects that lead to malignancy.

The results might also explain why cancer cells often develop resistance to chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, cells are transiently exposed to toxic drugs that induce apoptosis, and then the patient is allowed to recover. So while most of the cancer cells die, those that survive may develop genetic defects, some of which could contribute to their ability to resist death on the next round.

Montell, the Tang siblings and their colleagues plan to continue to investigate the mechanisms behind this ability to bounce back, which they’ve named anastasis. Apoptosis comes from Greek roots meaning “falling to death,” while anastasis means “rising to life.” Knowing more about anastasis could eventually lead to ways to enhance it, Montell says, which could be a boon for conditions in which apoptosis occurs to excess. On the other hand, identifying ways to reduce or prevent anastasis could help avert resistance to chemotherapy or other conditions where cell survival is harmful.

—Christen Brownlee

Reprinted with permission from the November issue of the Johns Hopkins Medicine Dome

Now- January 6. 6:00- 10:00 p.m. Symphony of Lights Drive Through. Cars, vans and busses can take a 20-30 minute drive-through a display of more than 70 larger-than-life, light creations illuminated by a fantasy of color, design, and animation. This holiday tradition is delightful for all ages.

Dec 9, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Second Sunday Market. Fresh produce, baked breads and cheeses and much more at the Courtyards at Tonge Row in Historic Ellicott City.

Dec 11, 4:30-5:45 p.m. Tail Lights. Back by popular demand! Treat yourself and your dog to a walk through the 1.4 mile Symphony of Lights displays.  It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the holiday season and to make this dog-friendly walk your family’s new holiday tradition.

Dec 13, 9:30 p.m.- 2:00 a.m. Geminid Meteor Showers with Dr. Alex Storrs, Towson University & Dr. Joel Goodman. Watch the skies with Stardoc Dr Joel Goodman and Towson University Astrophysicist Alex Storrs. Considered by many to be the best meteor shower in the heavens, Geminids are known for producing up to 60 multicolored meteors per hour at their peak! This year the new moon will guarantee perfect “dark” conditions to view meteors and other wonders in the skies. Wear WARM clothing. Bring beach chairs and blankets, thermal cups. We’ll have the hot chocolate! If raining or snowing, the program is cancelled. FREE. The Howard County Conservancy, 10520 Old Frederick Road, Woodstock.

Dec 15, 5:30-8:00 p.m. Holiday Pizza & a Movie at the Gary J Arthur Community Center. Join us to watch the holiday favorite “Elf” (rated PG). The movie begins at 5:30 pm. and is shown in our comfy movie lounge. Your movie ticket includes pizza and a soda. Pre-registration is required. $2 for members and $4 for non-members.

December 17, 10:15 & 11:15 a.m. Holiday Twist And Shout. Learn the moves and dance to some holiday tunes at the Elkridge Branch. Ages 2-5 with adult; 30 min. No registration required.

December 17, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Blood Pressure Screening. Free, walk-in blood pressure screening and monitoring offered by Howard County General Hospital at the Glenwood Branch. No registration required.

December 17, 6:30 p.m. Holiday Singalong. Come to the Central Branch and spend time with your loved ones and community. Sing songs to celebrate the holidays and lift your spirits. All ages; 30 min. No registration required.

December 18, 10:30 a.m. Mini Milestones. Prepare your toddler as you learn about some mini-milestones at the Glenwood Branch. Ages 18-36 months with adult. Register online or by calling 410.313.5579.

December 18, 10:30 a.m. Just For Me. A class at the Glenwood Branch for children ages 3-5 who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills. 30 min. Register online or by calling 410.313.5579.

December 20, 6:00 p.m. Erin & Friends. Come to the Glenwood Branch to soothe the savage breast brought on by the holiday stress. Listen to holiday chamber music in the cafe on Thursday evenings in December. Part of the “live on stage” series. No registration required.

Dec 31, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Midnight at 7.  See Howard County dazzle with a New Year’s Eve fireworks display! Celebrate with your family and friends. Walk through the animated light displays; enjoy food, music and other exciting activities as the Symphony of Lights comes to a close. Fireworks at 7:00 p.m.

Lisa Jacobs has helped expand Howard County General Hospital’s Breast Center so that patients in the community can have comprehensive breast services close to home.

When the Johns Hopkins Department of Surgery was seeking the best place to extend the reach of its breast cancer surgery services, it looked at several hospitals in the region. The answer, it discovered, was in the Health System’s own back yard.

This past spring, Hopkins sent breast cancer surgery specialist Lisa Jacobs to expand services at the existing breast center located at Howard County General Hospital. The move has given patients one-stop care and treatments supported by the latest evidenced-based medicine.

Just as importantly, the enhanced breast center offers the opportunity for Hopkins to better collaborate with the community physicians who are the backbone of medical services delivered at the county’s only community hospital.

“Howard County General had also approached the Hopkins surgery department about a breast cancer specialist coming out there,” Jacobs explains. “In evaluating the hospital, I quickly knew that its goals fit our academic goals. Of course, it helped that the hospital was already a part of the Hopkins system.”

Located on the first floor of the Health Care and Surgery Center, the new center offers screening mammography as well as imaging, biopsy and diagnosis.

Diagnosed cases receive a thorough evaluation by the Tumor Board, a group that includes community and academic specialists who determine the best course of treatment for each patient. Among the participants are a private-practice medical oncology group, the academic radiation oncology group, private-practice surgeons, plastic surgeons who are mix of private practice only and private practice with faculty appointments, and pathologists.

The Tumor Board also serves as one avenue by which Jacobs is bringing the latest research into decision-making.

“In many ways, we’re limiting and actually reducing the amount of treatment traditionally carried out in the past,” Jacobs notes. “For example, based on some recent research studies, we’re doing fewer axillary surgeries, such as node resections, thus saving the lymph nodes and armpits and reducing permanent swelling of the arm. By doing less, over time, we’ve been able to reduce the cosmetic issues related to breast cancer care and also the time commitment for patients.”

Traditionally, about 150 breast cancer procedures have been performed annually at Howard County General, all by general surgeons. But until the new breast center opened, many patients seeking comprehensive care in one location were leaving the county to receive breast cancer-related services at other hospitals.

Jacobs is convinced that the private-practice physicians and Johns Hopkins share the same goals of giving breast cancer patients the most advanced care possible and eliminating the need for them to travel to different locations. “Emphasizing that together we’re improving the level of care,” she says, “has resonated well with local physicians and their patients.”

—Patrick Gilbert

To make an appointment with the Breast Center, please call Colleen at 410-884-4744.

reprinted with permission from the Johns Hopkins Medicine November 2012 issue of the Dome.

Aging is inevitable

As our bodies age, our bones and joints tend to weaken. As a result, working out may be the last thing on our mind. However, having an active lifestyle is very important for mature adult health because it can prevent common complications such as heart disease and diabetes, and can reduce pain from arthritis.

Thankfully, there are options such as low-impact exercise that will allow mature adults to get the exercise they need, while not being overwhelmed. Low-impact exercise is defined as an activity that does not require you to place one of your limbs in contact with a hard surface. There are plenty of different low-impact exercises that provide aerobic fitness that mature adults can include as part of a regular exercise program, including walking, step exercises and aquatic exercises.

The latter option is the most beneficial. “Water’s natural buoyancy, resistance, cooling effect and decreased joint impact make it an ideal exercise medium for seniors,” says Crystal Welch, a writer for Livestrong.com.

Columbia residents can benefit from aquatic fitness opportunities close to home. Columbia Association’s (CA)Aquatics Department offers aqua fitness programs that are ideal for people with arthritis. There are two programs: Aqua Arthritis and Aqua Arthritis Plus.

The Aqua Arthritis class incorporates gentle exercises to help decrease pain and stiffness. The Aqua Arthritis Plus class offers the same thing with an emphasis on endurance. Both classes are offered at CA’s Columbia Athletic Club and Columbia Gym.

In addition to the Aqua Arthritis classes, the Athletic Club provides a warm water therapy pool. “Participating in fitness classes in the warm water therapy pool at the Athletic Club has proven benefits for our members,” says Aqua Fitness Team Leader Kim Zanski. “The exercises improve flexibility, muscle strength and endurance. Besides the fitness component, the social aspect of these classes has helped members form new and lasting friendships. Many attend class four to five times each week and feel it is an important part of each day. It’s a great opportunity to move, stretch and smile.”

Although we can’t change the fact that our bodies age, we can certainly change our lifestyle. In any case, being physically active is important — no matter your age.

For more information about CA’s aquatics classes, please visit ColumbiaPools.org.

Keithan Samuels works in the Communications and Engagement Division at Columbia Association (CA).

 

Now- January 6. 6:00- 10:00 p.m. Symphony of Lights Drive Through. Cars, vans and busses can take a 20-30 minute drive-through a display of more than 70 larger-than-life, light creations illuminated by a fantasy of color, design, and animation. This holiday tradition is delightful for all ages.

Dec 1, 8:30 a.m. Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run/Walk. Get in the spirit this holiday season at the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis®. Be one of the thousands of runners and walkers who hit the nation’s pavements, pathways and parks this winter to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. Jingle Bell Run/Walk® is a fun and festive way to kick off your holidays by helping others! Wear a holiday themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Run or walk a 5 kilometer route with your team members and celebrate the season by giving. Centennial Park 10000 Route 108, Ellicott City.

Dec 2, 4:30-5:45 p.m. 6^th Annual Celebration of Hope. Set aside time to celebrate the season of hope with family, friends and fellow cancer survivors. Stroll through the Symphony of Lights and take in the wonder of this animated light display. Call 410 740-5858 for more information.

Dec 4, 3:30 p.m. Care Givers Support Group. This support group is designed for people who are caring for a loved one with a chronic illness. The group offers a safe place to air concerns and receive support. Call 410 740-5858 for more information

Dec 6, 4:30-5:15 p.m. Blinkin’ Binkies. Families can celebrate the season with a leisurely walk through the dazzling Symphony of lights displays. Children in strollers and wagons are welcome!

Dec 9, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Second Sunday Market. Fresh produce, baked breads and cheeses and much more at the Courtyards at Tonge Row in Historic Ellicott City.

Dec 11, 4:30-5:45 p.m. Tail Lights. Back by popular demand! Treat yourself and your dog to a walk through the 1.4 mile Symphony of Lights displays.  It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the holiday season and to make this dog-friendly walk your family’s new holiday tradition.

Dec 13, 9:30 p.m.- 2:00 a.m. Geminid Meteor Showers with Dr. Alex Storrs, Towson University & Dr. Joel Goodman. Watch the skies with Stardoc Dr Joel Goodman and Towson University Astrophysicist Alex Storrs. Considered by many to be the best meteor shower in the heavens, Geminids are known for producing up to 60 multicolored meteors per hour at their peak! This year the new moon will guarantee perfect “dark” conditions to view meteors and other wonders in the skies. Wear WARM clothing. Bring beach chairs and blankets, thermal cups. We’ll have the hot chocolate! If raining or snowing, the program is cancelled. FREE. The Howard County Conservancy, 10520 Old Frederick Road, Woodstock.

Dec 15, 5:30-8:00 p.m. Holiday Pizza & a Movie at the Gary J Arthur Community Center. Join us to watch the holiday favorite “Elf” (rated PG). The movie begins at 5:30 pm. and is shown in our comfy movie lounge. Your movie ticket includes pizza and a soda. Pre-registration is required. $2 for members and $4 for non-members.

Dec 31, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Midnight at 7.  See Howard County dazzle with a New Year’s Eve fireworks display! Celebrate with your family and friends. Walk through the animated light displays; enjoy food, music and other exciting activities as the Symphony of Lights comes to a close. Fireworks at 7:00 p.m.

Thomas and Victoria

For four-legged Howard County residents, there is one event sure to get their tails wagging: Tail Lights. Don’t take my word for it; just ask Thomas, a 4-year-old Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier who has been to this annual holiday event for the past two years. Joined by his owner, Victoria Khomutetsky, fundraising and events associate for Howard Hospital Foundation, Thomas starts preparing for this seasonal highlight months in advance. From getting his photo taken with Santa at The Mall in Columbia, to attending Animal Advocates of Howard County’s Walk for Paws to spread the word about Tail Lights to his furry pals, Thomas is gearing up for his holiday must-see event.

Dressed in his Santa costume, Thomas will join his fellow canine friends, who also don festive attire to look like elves and reindeer, on Tuesday, December 11, from 4:30–5:45 p.m. to walk through the 1.4-mile lighted display. An avid fan of the Worthington Dog Park in Ellicott City, Thomas looks forward to seeing Symphony of Light’s “Kissing Couple,” which he proudly proclaims to be his favorite display out of the more than 70 larger-than-life illuminating displays that make Symphony of Lights a time-honored holiday tradition for so many folks.

If you have a pooch who loves being outdoors, meeting new friends and taking a stroll through a breathtaking lighted display, we invite you to join Thomas and Victoria for this year’s Tail Lights. The cost is $10 per walker; dogs and children 4 and under are free. You can register in advance at www.hcgh.org/taillights; but walk-ins are welcome.

Since 2009, the Tail Lights event has been a highlight of the annual Symphony of Lights festivities, helping to raise more than $1 million for Howard County General Hospital during its 18-year history. Learn more about this event and all the 2012 Symphony of Lights festivities at www.hcgh.org/symphonyoflights.

HCGH employees and their furry friends

Nov 19- January 6. 6:00- 10:00 p.m. Symphony of Lights Drive Through. Cars, vans and busses can take a 20-30 minute drive-through a display of more than 70 larger-than-life, light creations illuminated by a fantasy of color, design, and animation. This holiday tradition is delightful for all ages.

November 26, 10:15 & 11:15 a.m. Twist & Shout. Music and movement for little ones at the Elkridge Branch. Ages infant – 5; 30 min. No registration required.

November 27, 10:30 a.m. Just For Me. A class at the Glenwood Branch for children ages 3-5 who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills. 30 min. Register online or by calling 410.313.5579.

November 27, 7:00 p.m. Distracted Driving. Join high school students from Voices for Change at the Glenwood Branch to learn about the dangers of distracted driving. Play Distracted Driving Jeopardy, Text & Drive (with a remote-controlled car) and watch an award-winning video. Take the 3D pledge and promise to concentrate when you’re in the car. Ages 11-17. Register online or by calling 410.313.5577.

November 29, 6:30 p.m. Mean Girls. Come to the Central Branch to learn how to negotiate the social world of female friendships with expert Deborah West. Ages 11-17. Sponsored by the Horizon Foundation and the Women’s Giving Circle Register online or by calling 410.313.7800.

November 29, 7:00 p.m. Meet The Author: William Kamkwamba. When William Kamkwamba was 14 years old, his native country of Malawi was stricken by a terrible famine. Using his curiosity and ingenuity, he cobbled together a working windmill to provide crucial electricity to his family’s farm. In his New York Times bestseller The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Kamkwamba tells the story of how he achieved his dream of bringing electricity, light, and the promise of a better life to his home and community. Now Mr. Kamkwamba is bring his inspiring story and insight to the Miller Branch. In partnership with Howard Community College (HCC). Cosponsored by Friends of Howard County Library and HCC’s Offices of Student Life and International Education, Diversity Committee, and the academic divisions of Science and Technology, English, and Mathematics. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

November 29, 7:00 p.m. Masala Bhangra Workout®. Burn off some holiday calories. The Masala Bhangra Workout® is an exercise dance routine that modernizes the high-energy folk dance of Bhangra by blending traditional Bhangra dance steps and the exhilaration of Bollywood (Hindi film) moves, seen in the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire. This unique dance mixes cardiovascular with fun, and is suitable for participants of all ages and fitness levels. Join us at the East Columbia Branch to give it a try. Columbia Association instructors teach this new hit workout. Registration and signed release form required to attend. Click here to download the release form for a child or teen under 18 years old. Click here to download the release form for adults 18 or older. Register online or by calling 410.313.7700

Nov 29, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Smoke Free Lungs. Learn tips for quitting your tobacco habit and mastering long term success. This program provides support and education for those wanting to quit as well as support for those who have already quit. The Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center. 10710 Charter Drive.

Dec 1, 8:30 a.m. Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run/Walk. Get in the spirit this holiday season at the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis®. Be one of the thousands of runners and walkers who hit the nation’s pavements, pathways and parks this winter to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. Jingle Bell Run/Walk® is a fun and festive way to kick off your holidays by helping others! Wear a holiday themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Run or walk a 5 kilometer route with your team members and celebrate the season by giving. Centennial Park 10000 Route 108, Ellicott City.

Dec 2, 4:30-5:45 p.m. 6^th Annual Celebration of Hope. Set aside time to celebrate the season of hope with family, friends and fellow cancer survivors. Stroll through the Symphony of Lights and take in the wonder of this animated light display. Call 410 740-5858 for more information.

Dec 4, 3:30 p.m. Care Givers Support Group. This support group is designed for people who are caring for a loved one with a chronic illness. The group offers a safe place to air concerns and receive support. Call 410 740-5858 for more information

Dec 6, 4:30-5:15 p.m. Blinkin’ Binkies. Families can celebrate the season with a leisurely walk through the dazzling Symphony of lights displays. Children in strollers and wagons are welcome!

Dec 9, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Second Sunday Market. Fresh produce, baked breads and cheeses and much more at the Courtyards at Tonge Row in Historic Ellicott City.

Dec 11, 4:30-5:45 p.m. Tail Lights. Back by popular demand! Treat yourself and your dog to a walk through the 1.4 mile Symphony of Lights displays.  It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the holiday season and to make this dog-friendly walk your family’s new holiday tradition.

Dec 13, 9:30 p.m.- 2:00 a.m. Geminid Meteor Showers with Dr. Alex Storrs, Towson University & Dr. Joel Goodman. Watch the skies with Stardoc Dr Joel Goodman and Towson University Astrophysicist Alex Storrs. Considered by many to be the best meteor shower in the heavens, Geminids are known for producing up to 60 multicolored meteors per hour at their peak! This year the new moon will guarantee perfect “dark” conditions to view meteors and other wonders in the skies. Wear WARM clothing. Bring beach chairs and blankets, thermal cups. We’ll have the hot chocolate! If raining or snowing, the program is cancelled. FREE. The Howard County Conservancy, 10520 Old Frederick Road, Woodstock.

Squirrel with a black walnut

The squirrels have been zealously gathering and hiding nuts for the last few weeks, even going so far as to stash a few in the flower pots on my deck.  Black walnuts, hickory nuts, acorns… a veritable feast to last the winter! Of course this reminds me to stock up, as well.  Nuts were a part of my childhood. Each autumn a large bowl would appear in the middle of the kitchen table filled with all kinds including pecans, walnuts, filberts, and hazelnuts.  After school or after dinner we would sit around the table cracking nuts, the older kids teaching the younger ones how to use the nutcrackers to crack the outer shell but not the nut within. There is something about the satisfying and rhythmic sound of conversation, laughter and nut cracking that a pop-top can of salted peanuts will never replace.

For a while, though, nuts had a bad rap. They were shunned by dieters and health-conscious consumers. Over the last decade as the result of research and better nutritional understanding, nuts are now considered to be a healthy and even diet-friendly snack. Did you know that research suggests that nuts can lower your cholesterol, boost your immune system, improve your vein health and even help with inflammatory conditions like asthma when eaten as part of a balanced diet? The nutrition profile of each type of nut may differ slightly but almost all nuts contain heart-healthy fats and fatty acids, good amino acids, soluble fiber, vitamin E, and other beneficial substances.

Nuts are one of the best sources of omega 3- a heart healthy fatty acid.  Why is that important?  Well, research suggests that we should have a 1:1 dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, but our typical diet has a ratio closer to 15:1!  In a nutshell- we don’t eat enough omega-3 which is found in greens, seeds and nuts and we eat too much omega-6s which are found in poultry, wheat, eggs and the vegetable oils used in processed foods.

Excessive omega-6 consumption can promote heart disease, as well as cancer, inflammatory and autoimmune disease whereas consumption of omega 3’s decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and helps manage inflammatory conditions including arthritis and even asthma.  Omega-3 fatty acids can also help lower triglycerides and protect against heart arrhythmias or irregular heartbeat.  In addition to omega 3, nuts contain the amino acid, L-arginine. L-arginine may relax blood vessels making them more flexible and less prone to blood clots. Arginine has also been shown to promote wound healing, and boost immune function.

In addition to heart healthy omega-3s and arginine, nuts may aid digestion and have value as an antioxidant. Nuts are an excellent source of soluble fiber which is essential to good gastrointestinal health, helps lower blood cholesterol and reduces glucose levels. Nuts are also an excellent source of Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant essential for DNA repair, healthy skin and good immune function. Research has shown that Vitamin E may fight atherosclerosis or arterial plaque.

So nuts are good for you, relatively inexpensive and easy to store? Don’t hoard your nuts just yet.  Research shows only part of the picture. Sprinkling nuts over your ice cream sundae, eating peanut brittle, or consuming large quantities of salted peanuts during the Orioles game, for example, is not likely to be helpful.  Instead, of adding nuts to your diet, consider substituting them as a healthy snack instead of an unhealthy one. Instead of reaching for a piece of pecan pie reach for a handful of pecans instead.  Remember you are trying to find balance in your diet- and that can be a tough nut to crack. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist!)

For more information about the benefits of nuts and for a chart that lists the nutritional value of specific nuts, check out this article, Nuts and your heart: Eating nuts for heart health.

Mary Catherine Cochran works as a Senior Communications Project Manager at Howard County General Hospital: Johns Hopkins Medicine where, among other things, she manages and writes for the Well & Wise blog.

Nov 17, 7:30 p.m. Columbia Orchestra Free Chamber Concert.  The amazing talents of our orchestra members are on display when they come together in chamber ensembles. Hear some of the great works of the chamber literature up close in a beautiful, intimate setting. These concerts are FREE and no seat reservation is required. Christ Episcopal Church 6800 Oakland Mills Road.

November 17, 2:00- 3:00 p.m. Hands On History: Medieval Survival Guide. How about a little “medieval fun and fitness” at the Elkridge Branch? Good ladies and noble sirs, knowest thou how to stay alive and laughing in the Middle Ages? Crusade through time to construct, besiege, and make merry. Refreshments. Ages 6 & up. Register online or by calling 410.313.5085.

Nov 17, 5:00-7:30 p.m. Dazzle Dash. Friends and families gather to walk or run through the 1.4 mile magical Symphony of Lights. A fun filled kick-off community event to celebrate the opening of the 18th Annual Symphony of Lights. Come and experience the excitement as the holiday season begins. Enjoy games and activities for children of all ages, food, music, entertainment, and give-aways

Nov 18, 4:00-7:30 p.m. Dazzle Dash. Friends and families gather to walk or run through the 1.4 mile magical Symphony of Lights. A fun filled kick-off community event to celebrate the opening of the 18th Annual Symphony of Lights. Come and experience the excitement as the holiday season begins. Enjoy games and activities for children of all ages, food, music, entertainment, and give-aways

Nov 19- January 6, 6:00- 10:00 p.m. Symphony of Lights Drive Through. Cars, vans and busses can take a 20-30 minute drive-through a display of more than 70 larger-than-life, light creations illuminated by a fantasy of color, design, and animation. This holiday tradition is delightful for all ages.

November 19, 10:15 & 11:15 a.m. Twist & Shout. Music and movement for little ones at the Elkridge Branch. Ages infant – 5; 30 min. No registration required. 

November 19, 11:30 a.m. Just For Me. A class at the Savage Branch for children ages 3-5 who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills. 30 min. No registration required at the Savage Branch. Offered 11/20 at 10:30am at the Glenwood Branch–registration is required. Register online or by calling 410.313.5579.

November 19, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Blood Pressure Screening. Free, walk-in blood pressure screening and monitoring at the Glenwood Branch offered by Howard County General Hospital. 1st & 3rd Mondays. No registration required. .

November 21, 2-2:30 p.m. The First Thanksgiving. Come to the Central Branch on this day when Ho. Co. Schools are closed and travel back in time to see how the first pilgrims and Native Americans learned to work together and how this special holiday began. Ages 5-8. Tickets available at Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class.

November 22- Howard County Library System Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday. 

 Nov 29, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Smoke Free Lungs. Learn tips for quitting your tobacco habit and mastering long term success. This program provides support and education for those wanting to quit as well as support for those who have already quit. The Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center. 10710 Charter Drive.