Beware of 'Stomach Bug' in Anne Arundel

There is no vaccine for the highly contagious stomach "flu," which isn't really a flu at all, so make sure you're washing your hands properly.

Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs, diseases and other conditions. It's so important to perform this task properly that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a whole website dedicated to handwashing instructions. Throughout the year—and not just flu season—handwashing can help prevent the spread of viruses that are highly contagious, such as noroviruses or "stomach bugs." How to recognize symptoms and tips to avoid infection were outlined in a recent Patch blog by David Clark, Patient First community relations coordinator. Clark wrote: Despite being referred to as stomach flu, norovirus is not really the flu, which is a respiratory infection. Norovirus inflames the stomach and …

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Watch Out for 'Stomach Flu'

Maryland is being hit with a new strain of norovirus that is highly contagious. Patient First explains in a blog what the symptoms are and how to avoid infection.

Anne Arundel Schools Get $8,000 Donation from Patient First

The company's donation goes to two schools near each of its centers of operation in Glen Burnie, Laurel, Odenton and Pasadena.

Local healthcare provider Patient First recently donated $1,000 each to eight county elementary schools, two in each community that it serves. Schools that received the $1,000 donation are: According to a release from the school system, the schools will use the funds to expand book collections, enhance STEM offerings, or increase technological resources. “We are grateful to be able to support our community in this way,” said David Clark, community representative for Patient First.  “Sustaining our schools is essential to ensuring a better quality of community life.”  The company's donation goes to two schools near each of its centers of operation in Glen Burnie, Laurel, Odenton and Pasadena. Patient First has also offered to help schools …

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Tips for Dealing with Excessive Heat

Patient First offers some tips for dealing with the high summer temperatures.

Wednesday’s temperatures in Pasadena reached 97 degrees in some areas, and Thursday’s are expected to reach 99 to 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. As the summer’s first very hot days are among us, Patient First offers some tips to help you stay safe. Pasadena has its own Patient First located on Ritchie Highway, and community relations head David Clark is providing Pasadena residents with some information to help them stay cool. Excessive heat exposure can cause heat cramps, which are felt in your arms legs and abdomen muscles, Clark wrote in a release.  If you are experiencing these symptoms you should rest in a cool place and drink fluids containing electrolytes. “Heat exhaustion symptoms include profuse sweating, …

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Signs of Spring in Pasadena

Have you seen any spring flowers in the area?

  As I drove around Pasadena Wednesday with my windows down enjoying the beautiful day, I couldn’t help but notice flowers popping up around the area, hinting that spring may not be too far away. The Patient First on Ritchie Highway had some pretty yellow and purple flowers in bloom around its giant marquee sign. Have you noticed other signs of spring in the area?

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Fort Smallwood Elementary Receives $1,000 Donation

The elementary school was one of three Anne Arundel County Schools to receive a donation from Patient First.

  Fort Smallwood Elementary School will receive new collections of books and technology for the school thanks to a $1,000 donation from Patient First, according to a press release from David Clark, Patient First’s community relations representative. According to the release, Fort Smallwood Elementary is one of three Anne Arundel County Schools that is receiving new supplies thanks to a $3,000 donation to the 21st Century Education Foundation from Patient First. Patient First has three medical centers in Anne Arundel County, including one on Ritchie Highway in Pasadena. “We are grateful for the opportunity to provide educational materials and aids to local schools,” Clark said in a release. “Supporting schools is an important objective for …

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Feeling Sick? Find Quick Help Here

Patch looked around town for the best options if you aren’t feeling well.

As flu season continues, many people wake up feeling a little under the weather. With busy work schedules, it can be hard to find time for doctor appointments, but flu-like symptoms shouldn’t go untreated. If you find yourself feeling sick, and are short on time, the CVS Minute Clinic on Magothy Beach Road may be able to help you. The Minute Clinic is the perfect solution for someone short on time and in need of assistance because no appointment is necessary. Just show up, sign in and a medical practitioner will see you in a timely manner. The CVS Minute Clinic on Magothy Beach Road is open 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday,  9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. The clinic treats children 18 months and …

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