LIVING HEALTHIER TOGETHER
Maryland’s
Health Status
Looking Ahead
VISION
2020
IER
TOGETHER
V20
Anne Arundel Health System
It’s funny how the habits—whether
healthy or unhealthy—of others
can influence our own habits. And
our choices, including the foods we eat and the way we
spend our free time, are likely to affect our friends and
loved ones as well.
So, in the spirit of a new year and a fresh start, why
not make sure the habits you’re sharing will benefit
everyone in your circle of health? To get started, try
these ideas:
››
Create a healthy food contest.
For family meals and
friendly get-togethers, make it a challenge to plan
a menu that is both healthy and satisfying. (For tips
on how to help your child eat better, see page 19.)
››
Make exercise a team effort.
Let’s face it—we’re all
much less likely to skip a workout if someone is
waiting on us. So make exercise dates with a friend,
your spouse or your kids. You’ll be able to enjoy
each other’s company and improve your health at
the same time. (Read about how Brenda Williams
started a walking group at her apartment building
on page 15.)
››
Kick the habit collectively.
It can be extremely
difficult to quit smoking if those around you are still
lighting up. Recruit your smoking buddies to set a
group quit date and rely on each other to stick to it.
(See page 6 for Andy Baum’s inspiring story of how
he quit after 50 years of smoking.)
At Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC), we’re here
to support you as you form new healthy habits—after
all, that’s what friends are for.
In good health,
Tori Bayless
President and CEO
Anne Arundel Medical Center
Healthy Habits
Can Be Contagious
Get healthy reminders sent right to your inbox. Visit
askAAMC.org/enews
to subscribe to one of our three e-newsletters.
You go to the doctor to check up on your own health, but
what about the health of our region? Here’s a quick look at
some health challenges Maryland is facing, as well as steps
we at AAMC are taking to make things better.
Primary Care
Access to care requires not only financial coverage but
also access to the right providers. Areas with a lot of
specialty physicians have been associated with higher,
and perhaps unnecessary care. The availability of
primary care physicians is essential for preventive and
primary care and, when needed, referrals to appropriate
specialty care.
Steps we’re taking
AAMC continues to add primary care doctors and offices
throughout our region, including Easton, Largo and
Pasadena. Visit
askAAMC.org/findadoc
to find one near you.
1,153
For every
ONE
primary care
physician
there are
Marylanders
2
» A AMC MAGA Z I N E | W I N T E R 2 014
