- Complete Care for Bone Health and OsteoporosisOur Osteoporosis Program evaluates and treats people at high risk of suffering a fragility fracture. Plus we help those interested in assessing their bone health.Choose Luminis Health because we offer:Superior screening rates. Nationwide, many people who need bone health assessments don't know it. What's more, many who do receive a recommendation for screening don't get tested. Luminis Health tests 83% of cases that show need, compared to just 12% at other hospitals.A full range of preventive care. We have a team of experts who help you take steps to protect your bones. We work with you to create eating and exercise plans that fit into your life. Smoke or drink alcohol? We give you tools to cope with cravings to help you stop.Long-term tracking. Our team stays in touch with you long after your first visit. This means we'll likely catch any worsening of your bone health.Constantly improving expertise. Our experts keep up with advances in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.ConditionConditions/Services/Treatments PageWe're experts at diagnosing and treating osteoporosis. We also help people build habits that improve bone health and prevent fractures.What is Osteoporosis?Our bones constantly break down and rebuild. But as we get older, our bones become thinner and weaker. But this happens silently, without you knowing it's going on.Several things affect bone strength. For instance, some people are just born with sturdier bones than others. Habits like drinking and smoking can speed up bone loss. And women rapidly lose bone when their estrogen levels drop dramatically during menopause.When your bone strength falls below a certain range, bones break more easily. And if it's very low — a condition called osteoporosis — your bones can break even during a minor fall.Unfortunately, osteoporosis-related fractures (also known as fragility fractures) are common in older adults. Half of all postmenopausal women experience at least one fragility fracture over a lifetime.Some of these fractures have serious consequences, like taking away your independence or even shortening your life. And even when the outcome isn't dire, osteoporosis decreases your quality of life.The good news is there are ways to slow down bone loss and reduce the risk of a fracture. That's why experts recommend a test — called a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan — to check bone strength sometime between age 50 and 65.When you should get your first DEXA scan after age 50 depends on risk factors., including if:You have a family history of osteoporosis.You're a smoker.You've had a fracture.Your doctor may also suggest an earlier test if, for example, you slip and break your wrist. Why? If your bones are healthy, a fall from a standing height or less shouldn't cause a broken bone.Also, the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) can help gauge what your fracture risk is if your DEXA scan shows you have osteopenia (low bone density).0
- Why Choose The Lifecare Institute?The Lifecare Institute’s team of experts in primary care provides comprehensive health assessments, health care management and coordination of care, with 24/7 phone access to the medical team. In addition to medical care, we provide emotional, social and volunteer support, which can include check-in phone calls, one-on-one companionship, respite breaks for caregivers, and veteran salutes to service. All volunteers are thoroughly screened and go through extensive training. We can help you anticipate the concerns likely to arise as your illness progresses and offer guidance on advance care planning and navigating the health care system. We are here to offer you the resources and support you and your family need to maintain the best quality of life.ServiceConditions/Services/Treatments PageThe Lifecare Institute Elder Care Program Our program is for individuals with serious illness who need coordinated care and guidance. Older individuals living with serious illnesses often find themselves in an unending cycle of health crises that lead from home to the hospital to rehabilitation and back home again. Our team of physicians, nurse practitioners and social workers are experts in providing coordinated geriatric and comfort care, and guidance to improve quality of life. We care for individuals and families throughout Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County, Maryland. We help ensure that those who often “fall through the cracks” of the health care system—those who have difficulty traveling to office appointments and for whom treatment is becoming less effective—receive the care and attention they need when and where they need it.0
- NutritionGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe temptation of sugary delights becomes almost irresistible during the holidays. While sugar is an integral part of traditions, it can exact a significant toll on our health when consumed excessively. We see the resulting effect in our medical practices with a 1-2 percent drop in diabetic control each year in January. If you have a chronic health condition or are working to improve your health, having a strategy to approach the holiday season is key to your success. Americans are eating and drinking more added sugar than recommended according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Excess added sugar in our diet increases the risk for weight gain, diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers. As we enter a sugar-conscious holiday season, moderation can pave the way for a celebration of joy and tradition, with enhanced well-being. Here are some recommendations: Mindful Drink Choices: Sugar-sweetened beverages are the top source of added sugar for the U.S. population – this is a great place to cut back. While water is always the best choice, there are many sugar-free and low-sugar beverages available. Plus, it’s easy for our bodies to confuse thirst with hunger, which can lead to overeating. Amidst the array of cocktails, sodas and sweetened drinks this season, try a glass of sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice or a squeeze of lemon. Creative Substitutes: Reduce the amount of sugar in your desserts by replacing it with natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup or dates. These alternatives introduce sweetness and distinct flavors to your sweet dishes. Experiment by sautéing apples with cinnamon and honey for a healthy take on a seasonal treat.When baking, Colleen Kiley, lead diabetes educator at Luminis Health notes “You can lower the sugar amount in any recipe by 25 percent without a noticeable taste change. For example, you can reduce one cup of sugar to three-fourths cup.” Cinnamon in Coffee: To infuse your morning coffee with a festive essence, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon instead of traditional sweeteners. Allison Maurer, registered dietitian at Luminis Health, shares more tips to reduce sugar in caffeinated drinks here. Adding Fruit: Include fruit in baked goods and drinks when appropriate to add natural sweetener and increase nutritional value. For example, when crafting cocktails and mocktails, try using muddled fruit or seltzers rather than sugary mixers and syrups. Thoughtful Gift-Giving: Be a conscientious gift giver, especially if you are known for your holiday treats. Consider reducing the portions you generously give out to friends, family and co-workers. Smaller portions can help others savor the flavors while being mindful of their health.Another option is to get creative with gifts. For example, consider sharing festive cheer with candles, potted plants, or seasonal fruits like figs, pomegranates and clementines. It’s a thoughtful gesture that embodies the joy of giving with the consideration of wellbeing. Don’t forget to prioritize exercise and movement. Planning activities with family and friends is a great way to maintain your health and spend time together. Create new holiday traditions, such as a family walk, or sign up for seasonal events like a turkey trot or other organized activities to stay active this season. Holidays are a time of indulgence, but they don’t have to mean sacrificing your health. By making these mindful swaps and taking a balanced approach, you can embrace the season without compromising your well-being. Author Dr. Andrew McGlone is the executive medical director of Luminis Health Primary Care and Population Health.0
- General Page - Tier 1Luminis Health Easton Pavilion 28438 Marlboro Ave., Easton, MD 21601Primary CareCardiologyBreast CareGeneral SurgeryWeight Loss SurgeryOrthopedicsDiabetes and EndocrinologyMaternal Fetal MedicineWomen's Pelvic HealthPhysical TherapyImagingConexus Laboratories Easton Patient Service Center, Luminis Health Kent Island Pavilion 1630 Main St., Chester, MD 21619 Primary Care Ob-Gyn Physical Therapy Imaging Conexus Laboratories Kent Island Patient Service Center Heart Surgery , Luminis Health in Centreville 202 Coursevall Drive, Centreville, MD 21617 Primary Care Cardiology Ob-Gyn0
- Orthopedics, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogInjuries and a lifetime of high-impact sports have left Doug Herman, 58, with significant knee damage and arthritis. Yet this competitive athlete maintains peak performance by varying his exercise routine and working closely with the orthopedic specialists at Anne Arundel Medical Center to help protect and preserve his knees. “I’ve been exercising my entire life. I’ve got to stay in motion,” he says. Whether you’re an older weekend warrior or a young competitive athlete, the earlier you take steps to protect your joint health, the longer you can continue to participate in the activities you love. Doug was a young surfer and water skier in the 1970s when he faced his first knee surgery to repair a torn ACL, leaving him vulnerable to arthritis. When doctors suggested that he pursue a less risky activity, he chose competitive running. But 15 years of continuous training and many marathons later, he was in trouble. “My orthopedist advised me to stop running to save my knees,” he says. That’s when Doug switched to competitive cycling, a low-impact sport that puts much less pressure on lower body joints than running. That’s also when he learned the benefits of cross-training, a strategy that alternates high- and low-impact activities. Highs and Lows High-impact exercises should be done in moderation, and include activities with sustained periods of running, jumping or lifting heavy weights. Low-impact exercises include walking, swimming, biking, light resistance work with exercise bands, some forms of dance, yoga and Pilates. Mix It Up “Regular exercise protects joints by strengthening the surrounding muscles and keeping bones strong, but sustained, high-impact exercise can place extreme impact on joints over the long term,” says Daniel Redziniak, MD, an AAMC board-certified orthopedist who specializes in sports medicine. “For example, when one leg hits the ground during a run, five times your body weight is translated across the knee joint, leading to wear.” Cross-training can protect joint health in people of all ages and all activity levels by allowing time for the joints to recover from this stress, he says. It should include low-impact activities; exercises that strengthen the “core” area, which includes abdominal and back muscles; and a regular regimen of stretching to help joint-supporting tendons, ligaments and muscles stay limber, says Dr. Redziniak. This whole-body approach can help prevent not only common knee and hip problems, but also lower back pain, rotator cuff injuries of the shoulder, and a multitude of other bone and joint injuries, he adds. “I now alternate my cycling sessions with swimming and core strengthening. And, I’m more careful with my weightlifting routine, using proper posture and limiting my time,” says Doug. “I feel stronger all the way around.” Arthritis Options Doug has also benefitted from orthopedic intervention to manage his arthritis symptoms. According to Dr. Redziniak, people with arthritis can help prolong the life of their joints and remain active by: Maintaining a healthy weight. Using ice and anti-inflammatory medication. Bracing joints for strenuous activities. Those who need additional relief may benefit from therapies, including: Cortisone shots directly into the affected joints for extended pain relief. Viscosupplementation shots, which may help lubricate the affected joint for periods of up to six months. Doug currently uses anti-inflammatory medications and viscosupplementation injections. Due to his careful arthritis management and the switch to cross-training, his doctors say he’ll likely avoid joint replacement surgery for up to a decade longer. Doug doesn’t plan to let the inevitable surgery stop him. In fact, many people with artificial knee and hip joints can continue high-performance, competitive activities as long as they protect the new joints, says Dr. Redziniak. Doug’s got an advantage: He now knows exactly how to do that. Learn more about The Joint Center at AAMC, which performs more joint replacements than any other hospital in Maryland. Read more about how to protect bones and joints at any age. Contributor Daniel Redziniak, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
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