- Pregnancy & Birth, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you’re new to CenteringPregnancy®, you may have a lot of questions about your first visit, especially if you’re only familiar with one-on-one appointments with your OB/GYN or midwife. Don’t worry — having questions about this new experience is normal. Each CenteringPregnancy® visit includes self-led health assessments, a belly check with your healthcare provider and group discussion time. Meetings generally start at 16 weeks of pregnancy and continue through your due date month. The group will include eight to 12 expecting moms who are all due around the same time. It’s important to bring up any concerns with your prenatal care team prior to your first CenteringPregnancy® visit, as they will be able to provide more detailed information about the experience and what to expect. In the meantime, here are answers to some of the common questions around CenteringPregnancy® visits. What does the health assessment entail? For most women, each CenteringPregnancy® visit starts with a health assessment. During the health assessment, your care team will show you how to take your own blood pressure, weight and health data, which you will record in your medical chart. You will check this data each week and track your progress throughout your pregnancy. Some women may not be able to complete the health assessment before the group discussion starts. If that is the case, the health assessments may continue to take place during a break time halfway through the visit. Will I be able to meet with my provider privately? Every CenteringPregnancy® visit includes one-on-one time with your doctor or midwife for a private belly check. Your care team will use this time to take measurements and potentially do ultrasounds to assess your baby’s health and growth. Belly checks my take place at the beginning of the visit or during the break time. During your belly check you can bring up any personal questions or concerns that you may not feel comfortable bringing up with the group. We will ensure each woman gets the privacy she needs with her provider to ensure sensitive information is kept confidential. What will we talk about during group discussion? Most of your CenteringPregnancy® visit will be made up of group discussion time with the moms and members of your care team. During this time, your care team will lead discussions and interactive activities that aim to answer some of the major questions and concerns many expecting moms face. We will talk about topics including: Nutrition Stress management Pain management and common discomforts Labor and delivery Breastfeeding Infant care In addition to the planned topics, we will also be sure to leave time for the moms to ask questions and talk about any topics that may be on their mind. With these group discussions, we hope to help women feel more confident about motherhood and provide them with an environment where they can find support and friendship from other moms. How much am I required to share during the CenteringPregnancy® group discussion? While we encourage participation from everyone in the group, it’s important to remember that no one is required to share during the CenteringPregnancy® meetings. If you feel hesitant sharing your thoughts early on, don’t worry — many moms feel more comfortable as time goes on. Am I allowed to bring someone with me? Every participant is allowed to bring a spouse, partner or support person to the CenteringPregnancy® visits. This person can help you with your health assessments, sit with you during the belly check and participate in the group discussion. How long will the CenteringPregnancy® visit last? Each CenteringPregnancy® visit lasts between 90 minutes and two hours. This gives you 10 times the average time as a typical office visit with your healthcare provider. If you have more questions about CenteringPregnancy® please view our program website.0
- Cancer Care, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMany people know that having a family history of cancer can increase your chance of developing cancer. In some cases, it’s possible to inherit a gene mutation that can cause cancer. That’s what happened to Chaplain Edrees Bridges. When he was 33 years old, he experienced gastrointestinal issues that didn’t go away. He mentioned it to his mother, and she suggested he see a doctor because of the family history of cancer. The doctor recommended a colonoscopy. His colonoscopy results showed six non-cancerous polyps. His doctor removed the polyps during the procedure. After that, he continued to have colonoscopies every three years. About six years ago, before one of his colonoscopies, his pre-procedure bloodwork revealed he had Lynch syndrome. “I always had concerns that haunted me, but now that I had a name for my situation, I felt that I could address it and take preventive measures,” Bridges explains. Zoe Bogus, a cancer genetic counselor at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, answers a few questions about Lynch syndrome: What is Lynch syndrome? Lynch syndrome is an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome that happens when someone inherits a mutation in any one of five different genes. The specific cancer risks can vary by individual and family. However, individuals with this condition may have a higher risk of developing a variety of cancers including (but not limited to) colorectal cancer, uterine cancer, stomach cancer, ovarian cancer, urothelial cancers, brain cancer, and pancreatic cancer. How will I know if I have it? Usually, providers use genetic testing to diagnose Lynch syndrome. If you have a family history that includes several relatives who have the cancers listed above, and were diagnosed before the age of 50, it may be time to see a genetic counselor. You can call 443-481-5081 to make an appointment. If I test negative for Lynch syndrome, does that mean I won’t get colorectal cancer? No, everyone has some risk of colorectal cancer over the course of their lifetime. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for colon cancer screening based on your own history and family history. If I test positive for Lynch syndrome, what should my next steps be? Now that you know you have Lynch syndrome, you may want to consider additional cancer screenings. Talk to your doctor about the best preventive steps for you. You may also want to encourage relatives to get the test as well. What are the risk factors for colorectal cancer? Risk factors include: Age (risk increases as age increases) Racial/ethnic background (African Americans and Jews of Eastern European descent) Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, adenomatous polyps or colorectal cancer Family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps Sedentary lifestyle Being overweight or obese Diet high in red and/or processed meats Smoking Moderate to heavy alcohol use Having Type 2 Diabetes Inherited syndromes – most common are Lynch Syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) Bridges’ diagnosis hasn’t slowed him down. In August 2021, he made history as the Maryland National Guard’s first chaplain whose faith tradition is Islam. He also works as a special agent with the U.S. Capitol Police. His message to others: “A simple blood test can save a life.” To learn more about genetic counseling, please click here.0
- Men's Health, Women's Health, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogA heart attack sounds scary, and with good reason. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. But life after a heart attack doesn’t have to be fraught with fear. Chuck Raines, who survived a heart attack in August thanks to the cardiac catheterization team at Anne Arundel Medical Center, is discovering that life goes on. Life-Saving Intervention In August 2015, Chuck, a 53-year-old experienced marathoner, felt some chest pain after a routine run. The next morning, the pain returned with sweating and nausea. His wife Trang called 911. An ambulance rushed Chuck from his home in Owings to AAMC, where the cardiac catheterization team was ready. The team was ready because Chuck’s electrocardiogram (EKG) results arrived wirelessly from the ambulance directly to the emergency room. Interventional cardiologist Elizabeth Reineck, MD, placed a catheter through Chuck’s wrist to the blocked artery in his heart and inserted a stent, opening the artery and ending Chuck’s heart attack. “They saved my life, so I was pretty excited,” says Chuck, who returned home after a week in the critical care unit. But at the same time, the shock of what had happened led to a sense of depression. “I thought, ‘I’m never going to be able to do the things I like again,’” he says. A Common Feeling “A lot of people can develop depression after a heart attack,” says Baran Kilical, MD, Chuck’s cardiologist. In fact, studies show that up to 33 percent of heart attack patients develop some degree of depression. “Patients typically were doing something when the heart attack happened, so now they’re afraid that their heart is delicate and they’re afraid to do common activities,” says Dr. Kilical. “I tell them, ‘You’re going to go back to your usual life, as long as you take the right steps.’” Those steps include faithfully taking prescribed medications, eating a healthy diet and exercising. All these steps can be aided by cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac rehab provides a safe, monitored environment to begin increasing physical fitness. AAMC’s Outpatient Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program includes counseling to help patients improve their health and reduce the risk of future heart problems. “Patients who choose to participate in cardiac rehab do better than those who don’t,” says Dr. Kilical. A Healthy Future Chuck is motivated to take the right steps by Trang, who is his marathon partner, and his three young children. “Now I’m running again,” says Chuck. “Not as much as before, but I’ll get there.” He hopes to run the Big Sur Marathon with Trang in April. “Don’t feel like your life is over just because you had a heart attack,” Chuck advises. “You can get back.” Read more about Chuck in Quick Heart Attack Treatment Saves Runner. Find out your heart age and heart disease risk factors with our free online heart health profiler. Learn more about AAMC’s commitment to quick heart attack treatment. Contributor Baran Kilical, MD, is a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist with Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnnapolis, MD — Luminis Health’s Geaton and JoAnn Decesaris Cancer Institute will host breast cancer survivor, author and advocate Christine Handy for an inspiring community event on March 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the Doordan Institute on the campus of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis. The free event will feature a screening of the acclaimed film Hello Beautiful, followed by a live Q&A with Handy and a panel of Luminis Health experts. Hello Beautiful is a character-driven drama that follows Willow Boutrous as she navigates love, identity and self-worth after a breast cancer diagnosis. Based on Handy’s memoir, the film shifts the focus from illness to survivorship, exploring the emotional and relational impact of diagnosis and treatment. “Hello Beautiful shines a light on what it really means to be a patient,” said Christine Handy. “It offers breast cancer doctors and the medical community a powerful glimpse into the emotional reality of treatment—reminding us that breast cancer affects the whole family, not just the person diagnosed. Understanding starts with listening.” Handy’s personal journey inspired the story. A former professional model, including work with Victoria’s Secret, she draws on her experience navigating illness, identity and recovery to shape the film’s perspective, bringing an authentic voice to conversations about survivorship and life after diagnosis. “Hello Beautiful is a powerful reminder that cancer care extends far beyond medical treatment,” said Dr. Young Joo Lee, medical director of Luminis Health’s Breast Medical Oncology. “As oncologists, we focus on delivering the most advanced therapies available, but we also recognize the profound emotional and relational impact a diagnosis has on patients and their families. This film captures the resilience, vulnerability and humanity of survivorship in a way that truly resonates with both patients and providers.” The March 3 event at the Doordan Institute is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with Handy and Luminis Health clinicians during the post-screening discussion, fostering meaningful dialogue about survivorship, identity and compassionate cancer care. Wrabyn Boutique in Annapolis will host a welcome reception and fundraiser for Christine Handy on March 2 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Luminis Health’s Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute.0
- Orthopedics, Senior CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogJoint replacement surgeries are some of the most successful and popular operations in the medical field. These procedures have helped countless people achieve more mobility and less pain with brand new hips or knees. Sounds like the perfect solution to joint pain, right? But how do you know if you’re ready for joint replacement surgery? It’s not a simple answer, and the timing of your surgery can greatly affect your result. An orthopedic surgeon who specializes in these operations can help you decide if and when to have surgery. A surgeon will talk to you about your pain level and mobility, examine how you walk and evaluate your x-rays before recommending a plan. If you’re experiencing joint pain and thinking about surgery, it will help to be familiar with the following points before you start a conversation with your surgeon: Arthritis and cartilage The most common form of arthritis is called osteoarthritis, a degenerative process which causes your cartilage cushion to wear down. Since cartilage covers the bones in your joints, this can affect how your joints move and feel. If your x-rays show that your cartilage cushion around your joints is gone, it may be time for surgery. Patients call this state “bone on bone.” If your x-rays show you still have your own cartilage, it’s probably too soon for replacement surgery. Hip vs. knee replacement Deciding on hip replacement can be easier than choosing to have a knee replacement. Here’s why: Hip pain is constant, and non-surgical methods of relieving pain aren’t as effective as with knees. Knees are more difficult. Knee pain will come and go, so it’s harder to recognize your pain level. Also, there are other effective ways to relieve pain for knees besides surgery. Injections and physical therapy tend to work better for knees compared to hips. Knee replacement patients often don’t expect the pain that comes with rehab after surgery. Your symptoms: A personal choice Ice and heating packs, joint injections, weight loss, over-the-counter medications and physical therapy can all help reduce pain. However, if you’ve tried these methods and you still have severe pain in your groin or around your knee, it’s time to see a surgeon. While we can make medically based recommendations, remember that having joint surgery is a personal decision. My patients often make the choice to have surgery when their pain is so bad they can’t even sleep or it prevents them from traveling or doing something they love. Patients ready for surgery often stop asking what they can’t do with a total joint, and start looking forward to what they can do after surgery. Still not sure? If you have daily pain that limits your activities, you may benefit from surgery. Surgeons can certainly guide your decision, but the final choice is yours. We want you to feel a big enough improvement after your surgery to be glad you went through the procedure. And remember, joint replacement surgeries have been helping people for decades and most patients are very happy with their results. To learn more about joint replacement surgery, visit https://www.luminishealth.org/en/services/joint-replacement-surgery. Author By James MacDonald, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Luminis Health. To reach his practice, call 410-268-8862.0
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