- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s hard to miss headlines that tout the benefits of this fruit, that nut or another oil as a way to hold cancer at bay. In light of that, Molly Rusch, RD, LDN, registered dietitian at AAMC’s Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute, turns to the most recent evidence-based nutrition information for the facts. “No one food causes or cures cancer,” says Molly. “Broccoli and blueberries are called ‘superfoods’ because they are high in antioxidants — which is great — but what people should really be aiming for is a lifestyle that incorporates a variety of foods for good health.” While foods like chia seeds, coconut oil and walnuts offer a plethora of nutritional benefits, Molly explains that it’s easy to latch on to the newest food trends while missing the bigger picture. “We can’t expect superfoods to preserve our health while still eating processed and fast foods.” So what’s the best way to use food to fight cancer? Eat more fruits and vegetables. Molly says fruits and vegetables should make up about 50 percent of the food we consume, which translates to at least two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables daily for most adults. This plant-focused diet has the added benefit of contributing to a healthy weight, which is known to reduce cancer risk. “We know obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer and many other diseases,” Molly says. For those who are currently in cancer treatment or who are survivors, the total gets boosted to three fruit and five vegetable servings or more each day. With that said, Molly says, when one is dealing with the challenges of chemotherapy or radiation, a little nutritional latitude is given — at that point it’s more important for patients to tolerate food in general, rather than worrying about eating the “right” foods. Recipe for Good Nutrition: Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry The beauty of this vegetable-centric recipe is that nothing has to be exact. Shop your local market for what’s fresh and try different combinations of vegetables. Seasonal superstars like broccoli and bok choy pack a dense nutritional punch. Broccoli includes fiber and protein, and is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, manganese and iron. One cup of broccoli is only 30 calories! Similarly, one cup of bok choy, sometimes called Chinese cabbage, is only 20 calories. It’s an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, vitamin K, folate and some B vitamins. You can easily substitute tofu for chicken and vegetable broth for chicken broth to make a vegetarian entrée. Ingredients 2 teaspoons canola oil, divided 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed 4 cups assorted vegetables, such as broccoli, bok choy, snow peas, carrot, bell pepper 1 tablespoon cornstarch ¾ cup chicken broth 2 tablespoons dry white wine or white cooking wine 1 tablespoon soy sauce Directions Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and garlic. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove chicken with slotted spoon, set aside, cover, keep warm. Add remaining teaspoon of oil to the skillet or wok. Add vegetables and stir fry 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender, stirring constantly. Place cornstarch in a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of chicken broth and stir to smooth paste. Stir in remaining chicken broth, white wine and soy sauce. Pour mixture over vegetables in skillet or wok and cook 1–2 minutes, until sauce thickens. Add reserved chicken and toss to coat. Serve over rice. Author Molly Rusch, RD, LDN, is a registered dietitian at the DeCesaris Cancer Institute at AAMC. Originally published Sept. 16, 2016. Last updated Feb. 11, 2019. Save0
- 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
- 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
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3Blog(Annapolis, MD)— Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC), a cornerstone of healthcare in the Annapolis region and the Eastern Shore for more than 120 years, has earned its twelfth consecutive ‘A’ Grade from the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. “Exceptional quality and safety are the result of the dedication and expertise of our entire team—physicians, residents nurses, advanced practice providers, technicians, therapists, support staff, and volunteers,” said Sherry Perkins, president of LHAAMC. “Earning an ‘A” grade consistently for patient safety is a true reflection of our team’s commitment and the strong partnership we have with the community.” According to Leapfrog, LHAAMC has earned ‘Straight A’s’ for every grading period since 2018, making it the only hospital in Maryland to achieve this prestigious honor, and one of 105 hospitals nationwide. Leapfrog updates hospital safety grades twice a year, in the fall and spring. Luminis Health is dedicated to upholding best practices that prioritize quality, safety, and accountability across all operational areas. Our commitment is demonstrated through safe staffing, safety huddles, communication, a focus on well-being and retention of the health care team, workplace safety, community partnership, and collaboration with patient family advisors. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.0
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