- Men's Health, Senior Care, Women's Health, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogCan we talk for a minute? When you hear this question, you wonder, what is this going to be about? You might fear the worst. But one conversation about a very important, albeit uncomfortable, subject can make all the difference. I’m talking about sharing your wishes for end-of-life care. I’ve been a registered nurse for 31 years. I’ve coached other families on the importance of having end-of-life discussions as a trained facilitator for The Conversation Project, a national campaign dedicated to helping people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care. An experience in my own family served as my wakeup call for why talking matters. My aunt went to the hospital for what we thought was a quick visit for a chronic condition. We didn’t know she wouldn’t return home. She suffered a massive stroke. She was unable to move her right arm or leg or even speak. Without a medical power of attorney or living will, her husband automatically became the decision maker. Facing the greatest grief of his life, he now had some difficult choices. He turned to me for help and, together, we blindly did the best we could. We made decisions based on what we thought my aunt would have wanted. Too often people die in a way they wouldn’t choose, leaving loved ones feeling guilty and uncertain. According to The Conversation Project National Survey, 90 percent of people say talking with their loved ones about end-of-life care is important. Yet only 27 percent of people have actually done so. We may find ourselves having the conversation about end-of-life wishes over our loved ones’ hospital beds. Let’s not save this important conversation until there is a medical crisis. How do I start? This topic often triggers fear in loved ones that something is wrong. Break the ice by immediately deflecting from the worst. You might start with, “Even though I’m okay right now, I want to be prepared.” Or, “I need to think about the future. Will you help me?” When’s a good time? Timing can be an essential element to having the conversation. Initiate the conversation when your family is together, perhaps during a holiday or family event. Also use life’s milestones, such as a birthday or graduation, to spark the conversation. What to talk about? Here are just a few things you should consider discussing: Who would you like to make decisions on your behalf? What affairs (finances, property, relationships, etc.) do you need to get in order, or talk to your family about? Where do you want, or not want, to receive care? What kinds of treatment (resuscitation, breathing support, feeding tube, etc.) do you want or not want? Your first conversation should be the first of many. Remember, you don’t have to cover everyone or everything at once. Learn more about The Conversation Project and use these free tools to help you start talking to your loved ones. Author Ann Marie Holland, MSN, RN, CNOR, FNE-A, NPD-BC, is a clinical education specialist at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published Nov. 14, 2017. Last updated April 15, 2021.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Gilchrist Lifecare Institute will enhance elder care services in Anne Arundel County Gilchrist, Maryland’s largest nonprofit leader in serious illness and end-of-life care, today announced a joint venture with Luminis Health to form Luminis Health Gilchrist Lifecare Institute. The joint venture will enhance comprehensive geriatric care services in Anne Arundel County. The Luminis Health Gilchrist Lifecare Institute will provide an integrative continuum of care for the elderly across multiple settings, including hospitals, doctors’ offices, long-term care facilities and at home. These services will help address the complex medical, emotional and social needs specific to the elderly. The joint venture expands on Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center and Gilchrist’s existing partnership for hospital-based palliative care services. In-hospital hospice care will also be available at Anne Arundel Medical Center. The Luminis Health Gilchrist Lifecare Institute will provide services in Anne Arundel County, with plans to expand to Prince George’s County through Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in the future. “Gilchrist is pleased to partner with a nationally recognized regional health system to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care to those with serious illness, whenever and wherever they need it,” said Catherine Y. Hamel, president of Gilchrist. “Luminis Health shares our commitment to serving patients throughout all stages of life.” “Our partnership with Gilchrist is a natural evolution of our nationally recognized Institute for Healthy Aging to provide expansive care and services to our older adult population and their families,” said Mitch Schwartz, president of Luminis Health Clinical Enterprise. “It’s about providing the right care, at the right time and the right place, and this new partnership will ensure that elderly health care is seamless. We are pleased to have the expertise of Gilchrist in hospital-based palliative care and, now, geriatric care and hospice services beyond our hospital walls into the communities and homes of the people we serve.” By 2034, older adults (65 and over) are expected to outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history. Maryland will experience a projected 136 percent increase of individuals aged 80 to 84, between 2005 and 2040. Sixty-three percent of individuals 60 and over live in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. The Luminis Health Gilchrist Lifecare Institute aims to better meet the needs of this elderly population and improve their quality of life while reducing costly, unnecessary hospitalizations.0
- Men's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogDo you know a man who is reluctant to go to the doctor for a routine checkup? Maybe you are that man who avoids seeking medical treatment unless it’s an emergency. Many studies show that men are less likely than women to seek help for medical problems – including physical and emotional health issues. It could be because they are afraid to seem weak, or because they want to stay independent and in control. But this means men may be missing opportunities to deal with minor health issues before they become major problems. Routine checkups and screenings are necessary for staying healthy. The U.S. Preventive Service Task Force encourages men to have the following regular health screenings. High cholesterol. Beginning at age 35, men should get their cholesterol checked at a minimum of every five years. Men younger than age 35 could benefit from cholesterol testing if they smoke, have high blood pressure or diabetes, or have a family history of heart disease. High blood pressure. All men should get their blood pressure checked at least every two years, or more often if recommended by a healthcare provider. Both high cholesterol and high blood pressure are silent diseases, meaning symptoms may not always be obvious. Diabetes. Men should schedule a blood glucose test for diabetes if they have raised cholesterol or high blood pressure. They should also have this test if they notice signs of diabetes, such as frequent thirst and urination, extreme tiredness and blurred vision. Healthy men should get screened every three years starting at age 45. Colorectal cancer. Screenings should begin at age 50, or earlier if there is a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or a family history of colorectal cancer. Cancer screenings READ MORE: Cancer Care and Coronavirus: Taking Care of Our Patients Now and Into the Future The American Cancer Society also recommends the following screenings for men: Prostate cancer. Starting at age 50, men should talk to their doctor about prostate cancer testing. Men at high risk, including African-American men and those with a family history of the disease, should talk to their doctor at age 40 or 45. Lung cancer. Men ages 55 to 74 who are or were heavy smokers should talk to a doctor about whether a low-dose CT scan to screen for lung cancer is right for them. Skin cancer. Men should keep an eye on all moles and spots on their skin, and report changes to a doctor immediately. You should speak with your healthcare provider about the right method of screening for you. Author By Tim Romanoski, MD, a physician at AAMG Centreville Family Medicine. To reach him, call 410-758-3303. Originally published June 13, 2017. Last updated June 16, 2020.0
- OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSkiing and snowboarding are excellent recreational and competitive sports. Every year, these sports are becoming more and more popular. The good news is that the rate of injury in snow sports has declined every decade since the 1980s. This is in part due to advances in ski and snowboard equipment, boots and bindings. People are also more accepting of safety gear such as helmets. But even still, let’s not underestimate the dangers of snow sports. Snowboarders are more likely than skiers to sustain a more serious injury, including fracture and concussion. Snowboarders are also most likely to have an upper extremity injury like a broken wrist, collarbone or shoulder. Skiers are more likely to have lower extremity injuries like a sprained knee, ACL tear or fracture. And head and neck traumas in both sports remain the most common cause of fatality. So how do you stay safe on the mountain? Here are a few things you can do to dramatically reduce your chances of injury: Know your limits. Based on my experience as an orthopedist in Vail, Colo., there were very few injuries and broken bones before noon, while the afternoon was ripe with them. Many people want that “one last run” even if their legs are dead tired. This is a recipe for injury. Wear a helmet. In fact, if you don’t wear a helmet, you are the minority. Approximately 75 percent of skiers and snowboarders wear a helmet. They are not only comfortable and warm, they are effective at preventing head trauma. A helmet reduces minor to moderate head trauma by 30 to 50 percent. Wear other protective gear. For snowboarders the risk of wrist fracture is high. Wrist guards can dramatically reduce risk of injury. Proper clothing is also critical. Dress appropriately for the weather as you head out, and be prepared for changes. Respect your equipment. It’s important to have well-fitting and functioning equipment. If your bindings don’t release when needed, or release when not appropriate, this increases your risk of serious injury. A simple pre-season equipment tune up can keep you out of the hospital. It’s also very important to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol while on the slopes. When done correctly, snow sports are fun and safe. Every year is better than the last in safety numbers. Follow these simple, common sense recommendations and you will likely be able to have years of enjoyment. Author By Benjamin Petre, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at AAMC Orthopedics. He is also the team physician for the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboard Team, Baltimore Orioles, Bowie BaySox, and Annapolis High School. To reach him, call 410-268-8862. Originally published Jan. 28, 2018. Last updated Jan. 6, 2020.0
- PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNow that warmer weather is here, hitting the playground with your child may be top on your list of fun activities. Before you do, read our tips on how to prevent falls and other injuries on the playground. Check Playground Surfaces It’s easy for injuries to occur on playgrounds. Make sure the surface of the playground is soft. Some examples are surfaces that are matted or filled with wood chips or sand. These surfaces will lessen the severity of cuts and bruises that may occur during play. Supervise During Play A playground is a very exciting place for your child. They may want to explore every piece of equipment in their path. Let them explore; just make sure they are using age-appropriate equipment. Avoid playground equipment that is too high for their size or that they are not familiar with using. Carefully monitor children when they use monkey bars, swings and climbing equipment. A fall from one of these can lead to a concussion. Every day, medical staff treat approximately 8,000 children in U.S. emergency rooms for fall-related injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Limit Sun Exposure During Peak Hours Try to avoid going to unshaded playgrounds at peak-sun exposure hours, 10 am to 2 pm. This will prevent heat-related illnesses and skin burns due to hot playground equipment. Instead, find a shaded playground or go to the playground outside of peak hours. Staying in the shade and wearing sunscreen, hats and sunglasses can all help provide some sun protection. On warm days, make sure you have drinking water available for your child. Lookout for Hazards Keep your eye out for rusted or broken equipment and dangerous surfaces on playgrounds. They can cause cuts if children accidentally run into them. Also, tree stumps and uneven surfaces can be trip hazards. Practice Sliding Board Safety Traveling down the slide with a toddler on your lap may cause a leg fracture. This usually occurs if the child’s foot gets stuck on the surface of the slide as you slide together. Consider letting your child slide alone or making sure their feet don’t touch the slide if you go down together. Author Kristen Breslin, MD, MPH, is the medical director of the Children’s National Emergency Department at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.0
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