- SpecialtyDigestive symptoms, such as nausea, abdominal pain and weight loss, can happen for many reasons. A gastroenterologist's job is to figure out what is going on and to bring relief. Gastroenterologists also make sure your digestive system is functioning well, supplying you with the nutrients you need., Why Luminis Health At Luminis Health, we pride ourselves in caring for patients close to their homes. We treat problems that occur in any part of the digestive system (biology class refresher: that includes the esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, liver and intestines). Gastroenterologists conduct colon cancer screenings and also diagnose and treat a number of conditions. They even have a fancy scope to see right into the digestive system. (Pretty cool, right?) We go beyond that, providing treatments that aren't available in all hospitals. We're one of a select number of centers in the state to offer interventional gastroenterology, which means we diagnose and treat conditions using tiny instruments the doctor sends down the esophagus through a specialized tube. This technique avoids the risks of surgery and cutting through the skin, so patients recover faster. If we find a problem that requires surgery or cancer care, we work closely with our colleagues in these fields. This ensures that patients get the best, most appropriate care right away., When Should You See a Gastroenterologist? The American Cancer Society recommends that all Americans get screened for colon cancer every 10 years, starting at age 45. While colonoscopies aren't "fun," they're not painful — and they usually take only 30 minutes or so. The best part is they allow your gastroenterologist to find growths that could turn into cancer and remove them before that happens. (Bye, bye, precancerous growths!) Another reason to see a gastroenterologist is if you have symptoms of a digestive-system condition. Your doctor may refer you or you can call us directly. Signs of a digestive disorder include: Abdominal pain. Unexplained weight loss. Bleeding in the stool or from the rectum. Low iron levels. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, which indicates a liver problem). Diarrhea. Acid reflux (heartburn). Pain as food moves down the esophagus. A sensation of food getting 'stuck' in the esophagus. Vomiting., Conditions We Care for at Luminis Health Gastroenterology At Luminis Health, our gastroenterology team can both diagnose and treat a wide range of digestive-health problems. (One-stop care, close to home. Pretty great, right?) We care for patients with the following conditions: Stones in the bile ducts Infections in the pancreas or bile ducts Non-cancerous growths and cysts in various parts of the digestive system Cancers, including esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer and colon cancer Ulcerative colitis Crohn's disease Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Gallstones Liver disease Chronic hepatitis C, Tests and Treatments We Offer At Luminis Health, we offer common and routine procedures as well as advanced technologies. This means we can diagnose patients quickly. (We know that digestive symptoms can be unpleasant, to say the least!) As a growing hospital network, we are attracting more doctors with expertise in innovative treatments that weren't available even a few years ago. That's good news — advances in treatment mean patients experience improved health with fewer side effects. Here are some of the tests and treatments we offer at Luminis Heath Gastroenterology: Colonoscopy, to screen for cancer or look for problems in the colon. Advanced Endoscopy : minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, including complex issues affecting the esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, liver and intestines. Upper endoscopy , in which the surgeon inserts a very thin, flexible tube down the throat. The tube has a camera on it to show the esophagus, stomach and more. Don't worry — this test isn't painful. Medication management for a range of digestive-system problems. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP, for short). This is an advanced procedure where the doctor inserts a dye into the pancreatic or bile ducts. Combined with x-ray technology, it allows the doctor to see any blockage, tumor or infection in the liver, gallbladder or pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound, which uses the same technology as a normal ultrasound but shows the digestive system in much more detail. Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) , a new technology to connect different parts of the digestive system. This can be helpful in draining an infection in the pancreas, for example. Other imaging tests , including MRI.0
- Community, Giving, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogCongratulations to Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation Board Member and Past Chair JoAnn DeCesaris, who has been named the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County 2015 Philanthropist of the Year. This prestigious award is presented annually to an individual known for exceptional generosity who has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility and whose generosity encourages others to become philanthropic leaders. Through the Geaton & JoAnn DeCesaris Family Foundation, JoAnn DeCesaris and her five daughters make giving a family affair. They inspire others to give by participating in and hosting many community events and fundraisers, inviting new potential donors to fundraising events and referring potential donors to AAMC. Their gifts have made an incredible impact on the well-being of our community. The DeCesaris family provided the financial support to create the region’s only combined, state-of-the-art pediatric emergency and pediatric inpatient unit, named in the family’s honor. It is a comforting, innovative and medically-appropriate space for our youngest patients to be cared for in the hospital. The DeCesaris Pediatric Unit expands our capabilities, ensuring that children who come through our doors receive seamless care with the same pediatric specialists, nurses and physician teams, all in one location. Additionally, the family provided the funds to build and expand the Geaton & JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute, which continues to provide leading-edge care for oncology patients in our region with the best facilities, programs and equipment. Most recently, they established a fund to help give direct financial assistance to patients undergoing cancer treatment who cannot afford their care and/or family living expenses due to the cost of their illnesses. “AAMC is proud of the trust JoAnn and her family have put in us to advance healthcare in our community,” says AAMC Foundation President Jan Wood. “We congratulate JoAnn on this well-deserved award.”0
- Community, Giving, OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAfter years of service as an AAMC volunteer, longtime AAMC Auxilian Buddy Sears wanted to make a difference for the hospital in another impactful way. Through his volunteer shifts assisting patient recovery and physical therapy at the Joint Center and Spine Center at AAMC, Buddy recognized the need for new recliner chairs to transport patients to and from joint camp and provide comfortable accommodations during recovery. Also a member of the Davidsonville Ruritan Club, a non-profit community service organization local to the Annapolis area, Buddy shared his request and interest in supporting AAMC with his fellow members. In October 2016, the Davidsonville Ruritan Club made a generous $50,000 charitable gift to purchase 28 brand-new recliner chairs to support patient- and family-centered care and comfort. We have the busiest joint replacement program in Maryland, and the new chairs will make an incredible difference for those we serve. Call the AAMC Foundation at 443-481-4747 or visit AAMCFoundation.org to learn how you can help.0
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMove over quinoa, kale and coconut oil! The newest food trend is here: pulses. So what exactly is this food that’s caught the global spotlight? Pulses are the dried seeds of legumes (think soybeans, peanuts, etc.). There are many different varieties of pulses but the most common pulses are dried beans, chickpeas and lentils. Pulses have been a staple around the world for thousands of years, keeping people healthy, lean and satisfied without increasing risk of disease or weight gain. So why should you make pulses part of your diet? They’re affordable! You don’t have to empty your wallet to eat healthy. Beans, chickpeas and lentils aren’t expensive and fill you up fast. Thanks to fiber and complex carbohydrates, pulses keep you full and help control blood sugar and insulin. Research shows the more you add beans to your diet, the less risk you have for type 2 diabetes. Pulses are packed with nutrients like folate, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, protein, B vitamins, phytochemicals and fiber. Plus they’re low in fat. Pulses can help manage cholesterol, improve digestive health, regulate energy levels and appetite, increase bone health and lower risk of obesity and certain cancers. Here are five ways to add pulses to your diet: Add lentils to homemade or canned soups for a hearty lunch. Add black beans in tacos and use less ground meat or poultry. Add white beans to spaghetti sauce for a vegetarian pasta dish. Add black beans and salsa to your macaroni and cheese to create a Mexican twist on the traditional dish. Sprinkle chickpeas on your tossed salad for a filling topping. For healthy snacks try adding pulses to yogurt and smoothies, grains, soups or salads for color and crunch, but remember that moderation is key. Recipe: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad INGREDIENTS: Salad: One 15-ounce can garbanzo beans (chickpeas) 1/8 cup fresh parsley, chopped ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped ½ cup Roma tomatoes, diced ½ cup cucumber, seeded and chopped 1/8 cup black olives, sliced 2 ounces feta cheese, reduced fat, crumbled 1/8 cup red onion, finely chopped Dressing: 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar ¼ teaspoon garlic, minced INSTRUCTIONS: Drain and rinse the garbanzo beans. Place in a medium bowl. Add the vegetables and toss. Add feta cheese and olives. Mix all dressing ingredients together and whisk to combine. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coast. Chill for 1 to 2 hours before serving. Add salt and pepper to taste. Authors By Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford, nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them call 443-481-5555. Originally published Nov. 7, 2016. Last updated March 6, 2019.0
- Women's Health, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHeart attack symptoms in women are different than in men, says Elizabeth Reineck, MD, interventional cardiologist with AAMC. Heart Attack Symptoms in Women and Men Chest pain Heart Attack Symptoms in Women Shortness of breath Nausea Jaw pain Weakness Back pain “Women don’t always have the classic ‘there’s an elephant sitting on my chest’ pain,” says Dr. Reineck. “So if something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Come in and have it checked out.” Some women show no symptoms at all. So it’s important to pay attention to five traditional risk factors, says Kelley Sullivan, MD, cardiologist with AAMC: A family history of early heart disease (before age 60) Smoking High cholesterol High blood pressure Diabetes and/or obesity Read one woman’s heart attack survival story. Authors Elizabeth Reineck, MD, is an interventional cardiologist with AAMC. Kelley Sullivan, MD, is a cardiologist with AAMC. Originally published Feb. 15, 2017. Last updated Feb. 1, 2019.0
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