- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAfter having children, women experience a lot of changes (hello new sleep schedule and goodbye personal space). We also feel and see changes with our bodies. Things can start to feel different and work differently “down there.” Many of us hear, “Oh, that’s just part of having kids,” or “That’s what happens when you get older,” but in many cases, what seems common is really a pelvic health issue that needs care. According to the American Urogynecologic Society, one in four women over 20 suffer from a pelvic floor disorder (PFD). So what’s not OK and when should you call a doctor? Dr. Kay Hoskey, urogynecologist, walks us through some of the signs that your “mom bod” might actually be a PFD that can be treated. Sneezing and Coughing Comes With an Outfit Change The most common symptom of a PFD is stress incontinence, which is when you leak urine while you exercise, laugh, sneeze, cough or during any other movement that puts pressure on your bladder. This is also one of the most easily ignored symptoms because of just how universal it seems among women. As the pelvic floor weakens due to any number of factors, the bladder can shift and its function is compromised. READ MORE: Tips for treating urinary incontinence You Can’t Go — or Oops, You Just Went Number two on our list is actually well, just that. The pelvic floor supports your rectal organs the same way it supports your bladder, and the same problems can occur with leakage, flatulence and even constipation. Your exact symptoms all depend on exactly how the structure of your pelvic floor has changed. Because this can be a hugely embarrassing symptom, many women suffer in silence. You’re Running to The Bathroom — Literally Urge incontinence is when the need to urinate comes on very quickly giving you only a few seconds of warning, whether the bladder is full or not. This can also come with pelvic pressure or pain while urinating. Urge incontinence can be a challenge to your daily routine, family and social life with the feeling that you always have to be near a bathroom. Exercises, medication and surgery are all options for solving this issue. You Feel Bulging or Heaviness One of the more serious and painful symptoms of a PFD is pelvic organ prolapse in which pelvic organs —such as the uterus, bladder and rectum — drop or fall out of position. Many women actually feel a falling out sensation, which can be frightening and debilitating. Prolapse can also be felt in the lower back and abdomen so keep an eye out for recurring pain in those areas as well. READ MORE: It’s 3 am. Do you know where your pelvic floor is? Sex is Painful Do you cringe when you insert a tampon, get a gynecological exam or have sex? This is a sign of any number of pelvic floor disorders and you should discuss this with your health care provider. If you think of the pelvic area as a house, depending on if the floor, roof or walls fall and weaken; you could have varying issues and pain points. PFDs are NOT a normal part of aging that you just have to live with. They’re medical conditions and they’re treatable. Treatments include bladder control training, lifestyle changes, pelvic muscle strengthening, medication, support devices or surgery. Your doctor will work with you on a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs, which often includes a combination of things. Having children and getting older comes with a lot of change. Some of these changes are a proud reflection of the life you’ve lived. But when it comes to your pelvic health, no amount of pain, pressure, inconvenience and embarrassment is normal. Don’t let the unnecessary stigma of PFD symptoms prevent you from seeking effective treatment. You can hit reset on your pelvic health and find your way back to yourself. Contact AAMC’s Women’s Center for Pelvic Health at 443-481-1199 and speak to a specialist who will help guide you to the right solutions and a provider to best fit your current needs. Author Kay Hoskey, MD, a urogynecologist with AAMC’s Women’s Center for Pelvic Health. Originally published April 27, 2018. Last updated May 14, 2019.0
- General Page Tier 3BlogMany of us are still working and learning virtually from home. That’s why this is a good time to take a closer look at your child’s (and your own!) relationship with snacking. A good rule of thumb is to keep it simple. To do that, ask the four ‘w’s’ – why, when, where and, most importantly, what. Why is your child looking for a snack? Snacks are important to help your child meet nutritional needs for overall health. But, if they are seeking snacks more frequently, it’s fine to ask them if they might be feeling something other than hunger. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety, boredom or loneliness, thirst or fatigue can bring about food cravings. If one is an issue, be sure to address the underlying problem. When does a snack make sense? Snacks are important to help children meet their nutritional needs. It helps them stay focused and gives them energy to get through a busy day. In general, children and teens need to eat every three to four hours during the day. Younger kids need at least two snacks a day. Older kids/teens need at least one (two or more if they are participating in sports or going through a growth spurt). The timing of snacks is important, too. You want your child to have an appetite for their meals and not get in a habit of grazing throughout the day only to refuse food at mealtime. Consider offering a snack a few hours after one meal ends and an hour or two before the start of the next meal. Offer meals and snacks at predictable times. Where should you eat a snack? Make snacking an eating event. Have specific areas in your home where snacking takes place. For example, the kitchen table, the counter or a table outside during nice weather. Research shows that when kids snack while doing other things, such as watching TV or studying, it can lead to overeating. And when your child eats all over the house, you’re less likely to be aware of what or how much they are eating. What to eat as a snack? The nutritional choices you and your children make are crucial. Good nutrition is essential to good health. Parents need to think about food choices as health decisions for their children. Think of snacks as “mini meals.” Try to make 50% of a snack a fruit or vegetable. Add in a high fiber grain, like whole grain cereal or bread. Or add in lean protein, like sliced turkey or peanut butter. This will keep their tummies happy until the next meal or snack. Additional tips for healthy snacking Involve your children in age-appropriate meal and snack planning and preparation. Keep produce in plain sight. For example, a bowl of fruit on the counter or table. Have cut veggies and fruit in baggies or on a plate in the refrigerator. Purchase frozen fruit for a quick smoothie. Prepare small portioned containers of trail mix or dry cereal. Keep small yogurts and cheese sticks on hand. Try baked chips with homemade salsa or bean dip. Roast some chickpeas or kale chips. Prepare mini bagels with nut butter and a banana. Your turn! Prepare a yogurt parfait with your child Set up a yogurt parfait bar. Place all the ingredients on the table and have your children make their own yogurt parfaits. It can be a fun and nutritious snack activity. You will need: Greek yogurt or non-dairy coconut yogurt Granola or your favorite dry cereals Mixed, cut fresh fruit Pumpkin, sunflower seeds or nuts (for older children) Start with yogurt in the bottom of the glass or bowl and alternate layers of cereals, fruit, seeds and nuts. Enjoy! Authors Ann Caldwell is a nutritionist and registered dietitian at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach her, call 443-481-5555.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe COVID-19 vaccine is our best shot at stopping the pandemic. We encourage you to get the vaccine once it’s available to you. Here are a few reasons why. It’s effective. The COVID-19 vaccines available right now in the U.S., Pfizer and Moderna, have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19. The vaccines have a reported 94% to 95% effectiveness rate—a beacon of hope as we work to end the pandemic. For perspective, the FDA recommends a vaccine have an effectiveness rate of at least 50%, and the influenza vaccine effectiveness is around 30-50% effective. Data from clinical trials, plus what we already know about vaccines for other diseases, indicate that even if you do get COVID-19, the vaccine may help prevent severe illness. It’s safe. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To receive an EUA, the benefits of a vaccine must outweigh its risks. Before a vaccine receives approval for use, clinical trials must first show it’s safe and effective – including COVID-19 vaccines. Reports from the Pfizer and Moderna clinical trials have not indicated any serious safety concerns. Both trials had fully independent safety monitoring boards. In most cases, serious side effects become apparent early (usually less than 40 days) after receiving a vaccine. Short- and long-term monitoring of those who receive the vaccine will continue. It’s better to receive immunity from a COVID-19 vaccine than risk severe illness and death from the virus. We don’t yet know how long immunity lasts post-infection — and some who recover from COVID-19 have no detectable antibodies, meaning they have no immunity protection. People who get COVID-19 can have serious illnesses. Some have debilitating symptoms that persist for months. When you get the COVID-19 vaccine, this will help protect you by creating an immune system response without having to get sick first. And, the vaccine may also help protect people around you. We believe a vaccine is a light at the end of the tunnel. But we still must practice the 3Ws as we wait for everyone to get the vaccine. Wash your hands. Wear a mask. Watch your distance. We’re spotlighting all your frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about why it’s our best shot. Information adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).0
- Wellness, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFebruary is Heart Month. And we want to know – what is your reason for staying heart healthy? Here’s the deal: Heart disease continues to be the number one killer of men and women in the U.S. Not to mention 90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease. With our “What’s Your Reason?” campaign, we’re empowering you with resources — like our heart health risk assessment — to take control of your heart health. Fill out your heart health risk assessment to learn your risk for heart disease and be better informed on what will help you live your best life. What’s more? When you complete your heart health risk assessment you’ll be automatically entered to win a Peloton bike! (We’re hearing delivery times for Peloton are getting pretty good.) When it comes to your health and wellness, we’re here for you. Which is why this Heart Month, we’re proud to mark an historic milestone for our patients and community with the launch of our cardiac surgery program at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC). For years, cardiac surgery has been the missing link to a full spectrum of heart care services at LHAAMC. Now, with our state-of-the-art cardiac surgery program, we’re providing a seamless experience for patients and their families, with less disruption and the best possible outcomes. We can’t thank our community members enough for their ongoing support. Questions? Our heart team is here to help. Call us at 443-481-1358. More Heart Month resources: How to Stay Heart Healthy During Lockdown 7 Ways to Manage Your Blood Pressure0
- Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn August of 2023, Eileen Littlejohn received a diagnosis of gynecologic cancer. Her gynecologist, Dr. Chasheryl Leslie of Luminis Health, recommended that she schedule an appointment with Dr. Nicholas Lambrou, the Chief of Luminis Health Gynecologic Oncology. Upon contacting the gynecologic oncology office with inquiries, Eileen experienced a compassionate and accommodating response. They promptly scheduled her for an appointment the following day. “From my initial appointment, I found the team approachable and very reassuring,” she remarked. “Their responsiveness to answering my call, all my questions and addressing my concerns left a strong impression of relief for me.” Dr. Lambrou commented “When a patient is referred to our office, our team reaches out immediately to the patient to schedule an appointment. Knowing the concern and worry a new cancer diagnosis carries, we try our best to provide prompt appointments at a location most convenient to our patients. Our goal is to provide ample time during the initial visit to allow patients and their families to meet with our team members, understand their plan of care, and coordinate next steps. We believe the key to this is clear communication within our team and to our patients.” Offering advice to fellow patients, Eileen stressed the importance of having a strong support system. She consistently brought a companion with her to appointments, emphasizing the significance of asking questions without reservation. “There’s no such thing as a dumb question,” she advised. She adds, “I was extremely happy and comfortable that the entire team including the doctor, PA, nurse, scheduler and office staff were all kind and tender with their approaches, responses and responsiveness to all requests…I highly recommend Dr. Lambrou, his team and the Luminis Health Gynecologic Oncology for services and treatment.” If you or a loved one are seeking gynecologic oncology care, please call 443-481-3493 to make an appointment. Our services are available in Annapolis, Lanham and Easton. Click here to learn more.0
How can we help?
Common Searches
Common Searches
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?
Your Account
View your Dashboard
Messages
Billing Summary
Find Care
Schedule Appointment
My Care Team
My Record
Appointments
Medications
Insurance Summary
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?