Celebrating Survival

by Amanda Changuris on May 15, 2012

On National Cancer Survivors Day® (NCSD), Sunday, June 3, 2012, FMH will honor area residents who are living with and beyond cancer.

NCSD is an annual celebration of life that is held throughout the United States, Canada, and other participating countries. Cancer survivors, caregivers, family members, friends, and healthcare professionals will unite in this symbolic event to show the world that having an active, productive life after a cancer diagnosis can be a reality.

A “survivor” is anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life, according to the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation.

NCSD is a treasured annual celebration as well as a time to bring attention to the issues cancer survivors face. Major advances in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment have resulted in longer survival. However, a cancer diagnosis can leave a host of problems in its wake.

We will join hundreds of communities worldwide in celebrating life as part of the 25th annual National Cancer Survivors Day. Frederick Memorial Hospital’s Regional Cancer Therapy Center will be host to 250 of Frederick County’s cancer survivors, their families, and healthcare providers.

A wellness and renewal theme is planned, complete with a ceremonial tree planting, butterfly release, and survivorship presentation by Denise O’Neill. Denise is a locally recognized cancer survivorship advocate and founding member of local breast cancer support group, Survivors Offering Support (SOS).

Cancer survivors interested in attending our celebration should register by calling 240-566-4692 no later than May 22nd. Admission is free to a survivor and one guest. Up to two additional guests per survivor are welcome at a fee of $10 each.

Please note: This is an outdoor event. Parking is available in the FMH garage, with shuttle service provided. Please follow signs for ADA (handicap) drop-off.

Sign language interpreters are available upon request.

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Ladies, it’s All About You!

by Amanda Changuris on May 10, 2012

Ladies, we’re all busy, but it’s important to make time to take care of ourselves!

Women's Health Week 2012 Logo

This National Women’s Health Week, join FMH and a long list of community partners for a free health education fair designed just for you. We’ll be celebrating Saturday, May 19th at FMH Crestwood from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Check out a wide array of informational booths and demonstrations including an introduction to meditation and a Tai Chi demonstration. We’ll also offer free blood pressure, cholesterol and skin screenings plus seated massages (who doesn’t need one of those?).

Throughout the day, experts will speak on the following topics:

11:00 a.m. – Robotic Surgery: Is it for Me?
11:45 a.m. – The HPV Vaccine Controversy
12:30 p.m. – The Health of Your Wealth
1:15 p.m. – Where Did My Mojo Go?
2:00 p.m. – Health Benefits of Chocolate (with The Perfect Truffle)

Sign language interpreters are available by advance request. Please call 240-566-4351 to arrange for an interpreter.

National Women’s Health Week is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. It brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women’s health.

This won’t be news to you, ladies, but you’re often the primary caregivers for your families. That means you might be putting the needs of your spouse, children, or even your parents ahead of your own. It’s kind-hearted and generous — we’ll give you that — but if you’re going to take care of everyone around you, you’ll need to take at least a little time to care for yourself.

We hope you’ll be able to join us Saturday, May 19th, but if you’re already booked for a baseball tournament, dance recital, wedding, 5K, or any other item on your list of commitments, at least take a minute to look at this list of recommended screenings (PDF) from the Office on Women’s Health. The list is broken down by age and screening, so you can take a quick look and see which tests you might want to discuss with your doctor.

Ready to find the time for that long-put-off checkup with your doctor? Monday May 14th is the tenth annual National Women’s Checkup Day and you can join women across the country in promising to see your doctor, discuss which screenings may be appropriate for you, and get them on your calendar.

We promise, your health is worth the time and effort.

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Car Seat Checks – Via Skype!

May 8, 2012

If you’re a parent with a child riding in a car seat, chances are your schedule is a little hectic. Maryland Kids in Safety Seats (KISS) understands, and they’re making it easier to make sure your seat is installed correctly. KISS car seat technicians have been available through a public helpline, email and website, and they’re [...]

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Camp Kesem: Supporting Children of Cancer Patients

May 3, 2012

In 2000, a group of college students at Stanford University started the first Camp Kesem. The students wanted to create a magical summer camp experience for children with parents who have cancer. Today, Camp Kesem has grown to become a national organization that serves hundreds of children in need all over the country. Each year since its founding, Camp Kesem finds [...]

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Bring Out Your Inner Marilyn!

May 1, 2012

On May 23, 2012 the streets of Frederick will be asplash with women in platinum blonde wigs, ruby red lips and bling that could light up a room! These women will be taking part in the FMH Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund’s “Marilyn Monroe” fundraiser.  Proceeds from the event help the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund continue [...]

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Growing Green

April 26, 2012

This Earth Week, we’re all trying to think a little greener, and Frederick Memorial Hospital is no exception. In addition to collection drives for old cell phones, books, nursing uniforms and footwear and a confidential paper recycling event, the hospital’s Food and Nutrition Department is joining the green movement by planting an herb garden. Hospital [...]

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Genes Play Role in Flu Cases

April 24, 2012

We had a remarkably mild winter this year, both in terms of weather and when it came to cases of the flu. For example, Frederick Memorial Hospital reported 96 positive flu tests in February 2011. This year, the health system’s locations (including primary care physicians, immediate care and off-site facilities) only saw 12 positive flu [...]

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Sometimes Less is More

April 19, 2012

Perspective on recent recommendations from the ABIM Foundation by the Medical Director of FMH’s Regional Cancer Therapy Center, Dr. Mark Soberman: A group of nine medical specialty societies, collectively called the Choosing Wisely initiative, has recommended that doctors perform 45 common tests and procedures less often. Eight other specialty societies are preparing to follow suit with [...]

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Asthma 101

April 17, 2012

According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, more than 22 million Americans are known to have asthma, and six million of these people are children. “That’s just one reason why it’s so important for kids to understand asthma and know what to do if they experience symptoms themselves or see another child having [...]

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Getting the Nutrition Facts

April 12, 2012

Even if you think you’re pretty good at reading nutrition labels, a recent research study suggests you’re probably over-estimating the amount of information you’re actually absorbing. The study, published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, included 203 participants who were asked to look at information on 64 different grocery products displayed [...]

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