Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center

04/08/2025

Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center is excited to celebrate Nurses Week with our Inaugural Nurses Week 5K Fun Run/Walk on May 10. This event will raise funds to assist our nurses with continuing education credits and professional development opportunities, helping them grow and thrive in their careers. Whether you walk, run or cheer from the sidelines, the public is welcome to participate and show appreciation. Four-legged friends are welcome at this dog-friendly event! Registration is $25 per person, with discounted rates for families and teams. Register by April 15 to get a special Nurses Week shirt!

Register today: https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/1586cddc-060d-4dba-953f-e4b939108da8/events/vevt:1e33ef17-f689-4ebc-8693-4d22683eede1/home/story

04/07/2025

Today is World Health Day, a time to celebrate the founding of the World Health Organization and promote action toward better health. Learn how you can prioritize your health with these wellness resources from Johns Hopkins: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention

04/06/2025

Congratulations to Bradley Strunk, M.D., assistant director of the hospitalist team, who was recognized as the William Baumgartner, M.D., Physician of the Year as part of the 2024 Johns Hopkins Clinical Awards for Physicians and Care Teams. A colleague notes, “Dr. Strunk exemplifies outstanding professionalism, unparalleled compassion and unrelenting commitment to his patients, their families and his colleagues.” Read more: https://bit.ly/3E6JgnW

04/05/2025

Did you know that one tissue donation can benefit up to 75 people? April is National Donate Life Month. Give hope and assist in saving lives by registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor today: https://bit.ly/42yQLgI

04/05/2025

If you or a loved one has or is at risk of developing diabetes, having the right tools to manage your condition can make all the difference. Living Well with Diabetes: Tool Kit is a free, six-week self-management workshop held on Thursdays beginning April 17, from 12 to 12:30 p.m. Participants will connect virtually each week to learn strategies for monitoring glucose levels, reducing stress, making healthy food choices and improving overall well-being. Each participant will also receive a free toolkit filled with resources to support their diabetes journey. Caregivers and support persons are welcome but must also register. To sign up, visit: https://living-well-with-diabetes-toolkit-spxgf.events.hcgh.hopkinsmedicine.org/

04/04/2025

Congratulations to Sunitha Mathew, a Howard County Medical Center nurse, who received the DAISY Award for November/December 2024. This special award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day.

A family member shared that during a frightening and difficult time, Sunitha showed “empathy, kindness and patience that left a lasting impression.” Thank you, Sunitha, for the exceptional care you give to our patients!

04/03/2025

Join Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center in the fight against drug misuse. Drive up to our main entrance and safely dispose of your unused or expired prescription medications during our upcoming Drug Take-Back Day event on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is open to employees, patients and the public. Learn more: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/about/drug-take-back-day

04/02/2025

Today is World Autism Awareness Day, a time to show your support for individuals on the autism spectrum and promote acceptance and understanding. Together, we can create a more inclusive world.

04/01/2025

Congratulations to Tabi Amu, a PCT on 3P, for being named the Starfish Award winner for the 2024 fourth quarter! This prestigious award honors patient care technicians and constant observers who provide compassionate care to our patients and families. Tabi’s extraordinary dedication and kindness have truly made a difference, and we’re thrilled to see her efforts recognized by her peers.

03/30/2025

This Doctors’ Day, we want to thank all doctors for all the ways you make this world a better place. Thank you for delivering exceptional care and for your boundless compassion, integrity and devotion to the well-being of others. In honor of National Doctors’ Day, please share a story about a doctor who inspires you.

03/27/2025

Chronic conditions don’t have to control your life. Our Living Well with Chronic Conditions: Tool Kit workshop provides the knowledge and support you need to manage symptoms and stay active. This free, six-week virtual program starts Tuesday, April 1, from 4 to 4:30 p.m., and includes expert guidance on pain management, energy conservation and more. All participants receive a free toolkit. Caregivers and support persons are encouraged to attend. Register today: https://bit.ly/3FHwLzD

03/26/2025

Healthy living is important when managing diabetes. Join us in-person for our free six-week course led by a trained facilitator. Living with Diabetes: Toolkit, will be held at the Little Patuxent Specialty Care Center in Columbia. Sessions run on Thursdays, April 3 to May 15, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. No class on May 1. Caregivers and family members welcome! Register today: https://bit.ly/444VCY2

03/25/2025

Diabetes affects millions — are you at risk? On Diabetes Alert Day, we encourage you to check in on your health. With one in three U.S. adults living with prediabetes and most unaware of it, now is the time to take action. Small lifestyle changes like staying active, eating well and seeing your doctor regularly can make a big difference. Learn more about diabetes: https://bit.ly/4iGFIrA

03/24/2025

A cancer diagnosis changes everything, but finding support can make all the difference. Join Cancer Self-Management: Thriving and Surviving, a free, six-week workshop designed to help individuals and caregivers develop strategies for managing symptoms, reducing stress and improving quality of life. Sessions take place Fridays from March 28 to May 9, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., both virtually via Zoom and in person at the Claudia Mayer/Tina Broccolino Cancer Resource Center in Columbia. Family members and caregivers are encouraged to participate. Sign up today: https://bit.ly/4iHKBAz

03/22/2025

Join us for a six-week journey to better health! Our free Living Well with Diabetes: Tool Kit virtual workshop helps participants with type 1, type 2 or prediabetes build essential self-management skills. Sessions run Wednesdays, April 16 to May 21, from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Caregivers welcome! Register today and receive a free toolkit: https://bit.ly/4kTrDIW

03/21/2025

Late-night snacking, unhealthy cravings and emotional eating — sound familiar? Identifying emotional eating triggers is the first step toward a healthier relationship with food. Check out these expert-backed strategies from Johns Hopkins Medicine: https://bit.ly/4ipokYc

03/20/2025

Join us on Monday, April 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cured/18th & 21st in Columbia for a special evening celebrating The Kahlert Foundation and their ongoing support of Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center. Their recent $3 million gift will help fund the new One Pavilion Observation Unit, expanding patient care for our community. All event ticket proceeds will also support the new unit. Tickets are available here: https://bit.ly/41Iipq7

03/20/2025

Join us for our Living Well with Diabetes: Tool Kit, a free, virtual workshop for participants with type 1 or type 2 diabetes or prediabetes on Mondays starting March 24, from noon to 12:30 p.m. Over six weeks, you'll learn essential self-management skills, including goal setting, stress management, glucose monitoring and more. Participants will also receive a free toolkit. Caregivers, partners, support persons and family members are also welcome to register.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4io8u02

03/15/2025

"Without the necessary research funding, I think our progress in congenital diaphragmatic hernia will stall," Dr. Kunisaki says. "These babies have the potential to be fully functional adults. You're not just saving a life, but you're saving a lifetime."

NIH funding helps Johns Hopkins pediatric surgeons conduct lifesaving research to repair congenital diaphragmatic hernias

03/15/2025

Research shows that intermittent fasting is a way to manage your weight and prevent — or even reverse — some forms of disease. But how do you do it? And is it safe?

Intermittent fasting involves switching between fasting and eating on a regular schedule. This type of fasting could manage your weight or even some forms of disease through these safe practices.

03/14/2025

“There does appear to be a circular relationship between sleep health and mental health,” says Dr. David Neubauer. “Worse sleep or mental health can have a negative impact on the other.”

The relationship between sleep and depression, anxiety, and other mood and mental health problems is complicated, but very connected. Here’s what you should know.

03/14/2025

Is corn good for you? Fresh sweet corn provides fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients that support vision and gut health. A dietitian reviews the role of corn as a vegetable, starch and grain, and touches on corn syrup and other corn-derived foods that are commonplace in American diets.

Corn has characteristics of a vegetable, starch and grain, and corn products can be found in many American foods.

03/13/2025

Cleidocranial dysplasia, or CCD, is a rare, genetic condition, present at birth, that affects teeth and bones such as the skull, face, spine, collarbones and legs. A plastic surgeon talks about CCD diagnosis and treatment, and what you need to know.

Cleidocranial dysplasia is a rare genetic condition that affects teeth and bones, such as the skull, face, spine, collarbones and legs. The bones in people with CCD might be formed differently or might be more fragile than normal, and certain bones such as collarbones may be absent.

03/13/2025

Are you tossing and turning when you should be sleeping? Stress could be the culprit. Sleep expert Dr. Luis Buenaver offers a few techniques that can help you calm down and get to sleep.

Tension can interfere with slumber, and sleepless nights can create even more stress. Learn about the link between anxiety and insomnia and how to gain control.

03/12/2025

"Most kids start getting vaccinated at a year. Kids can get vaccinated as early as six months, so the recommendation is that routinely we would tell people to get them vaccinated at 12 months when they’re at their pediatrician. If someone is traveling, say abroad or even somewhere in the US where measles is circulating, we would recommend getting kids their first dose as early as 6 months of age." - Dr. Aaron Milstone, Johns Hopkins Children's Center expert.

We know there are lots of questions surrounding measles after the Maryland Department of Health confirmed one case in Howard County on Sunday, so we asked an expert.

03/11/2025

The measles is one of the most contagious infections on earth. Learn the best ways to protect your children. https://bit.ly/4ijC32t

03/11/2025

NIH funded clinical trials are driving groundbreaking cancer treatments. Vanessa, a Baltimore-native resident, was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer in 2014 and faced limited options until an NIH clinical trial at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center introduced her to a life-saving immunotherapy treatment.

Cuts to research funding put patients like Vanessa at risk of missing the chance to watch their grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, grow up. Share to show your support. Share so we all understand what’s at stake. Share because Research Saves Lives.

03/11/2025

Nicole Newman and Eleanor Reiner have been best friends since they met at dance camp in middle school. When they got to their senior year of high school, neither had firm plans for the future until they happened upon a life-changing two-week mentorship program in The Johns Hopkins Hospital ’s pediatric operating rooms.

The mentorship program was started 10 years ago by certified registered nurse anesthetists Aileen Mendez and Soo-Ok Kim. From the beginning, they were determined to make the two-week program exceptional. “You want them to see how extraordinarily exciting it is to do what we do,” says Mendez.

After just two weeks of shadowing nurses, surgeons and anesthetists, Newman and Reiner knew they wanted to work on the Johns Hopkins Hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). “It just set us on a very direct path,” Reiner says. And five years later, Newman and Reiner have realized their dream. They are both nursing school graduates and are well into their second year as Johns Hopkins registered nurses on the PICU. “It was the most incredible experience of my entire life,” says Newman.

03/10/2025

Staying active as you age is important to living the life you want. Geriatrician Dr. Alicia Arbaje shares some tips on how to keep your energy levels up so you can continue to do things you love for years to come.

Discover how to get more energy and feel your best every day with these tips from a Johns Hopkins expert.

03/09/2025

"NIH has been vital to CAPABLE's creation, development, testing, and dissemination across the country," said Szanton, now the dean of the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. "You can think of it like this: A researcher's idea is like a seed; the university is the ground where the seed is planted; and the NIH provides the water and sunlight to help it grow."

The CAPABLE program, launched in 2012 by Sarah Szanton, demonstrates how a single NIH seed grant can blossom years later

03/09/2025

Tiffany Howe had been living with progressively worsening lymphedema in her leg since birth. She had undergone several treatments, including liposuction and regular manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and compression wraps. But her condition kept worsening, making it hard for Tiffany to walk or work, and the threat of amputation was becoming more real. After researching several doctors and treatments, Tiffany underwent a series of surgeries. Today she’s walking, driving and participating in more activities with her teenage daughter. She continues to advocate for herself and others with lymphedema. “People get scared with this diagnosis,” she says, “but you can accomplish a lot when you stay on top of it.”

A young mother debilitated by primary lymphedema becomes her own advocate and finds compassionate surgical treatment at Johns Hopkins.

03/08/2025

Reconstructive surgeon, Julie Caffrey, provides a comprehensive overview of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa, describing what causes it, who is most at risk from being diagnosed with HS, and how it is treated.

03/07/2025

If your lymphedema progresses despite conservative treatments like compression and physical therapy, you may be a candidate for surgery.

Lymphedema, an abnormal buildup of this fluid in any part of the body, has several medical options to help treat.

03/07/2025

How to keep your memory sharp: Diet? Exercise? Crossword puzzles? Find out whether these are “yay” or “nay” when it comes to boosting your memory.

Can brain games really give you a boost? Does your diet affect your recall?

03/06/2025

Risk of lymphedema increases after surgery — for instance, from surgery to remove the lymph nodes during breast reconstruction after cancer. If caught soon enough, home treatments can provide relief.

Treatment for lymphedema depends on the severity and extent of the condition. Prevention and controlling symptoms are important since there is no cure.

03/06/2025

Slogging through the day and think sleep apnea is to blame? Our experts shed new light on the often-misunderstood sleep disorder.

Johns Hopkins experts address common myths about sleep apnea—and share the truths you need to know to recognize this sleep condition in yourself or a loved one.