- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTalk about a special delivery! Nurse Maria Moody was coming into her shift when she was approached by a father, Sean McGee, in the Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) parking garage asking for help. His wife, Lindsay, was having a baby! Maria quickly ran to the north entrance front desk and asked the team to call for help. They activated OBGYN Net, which is the emergency response team for deliveries, and Maria returned to the car in time to help deliver the baby. She was so happy the baby was breathing, moving, and healthy, she forgot to check if the baby was a girl or boy! The rest of the team arrived and took over care for mom and baby girl, Beau Isla. “The whole experience was incredible and Nurse Maria is amazing,” said Lindsay. “Her presence made me feel safe and gave me the confidence to give birth right there and then. This is a story we will be telling our little girl for the rest of her life!” “It was my privilege to be a part of their special day and such a blessing to be able to meet this beautiful family,” said Maria. “Lindsay truly is the definition of a super mom!” Maria has worked at LHAAMC since 1999. Currently she works in the Procedural Care Unit, where she preps and recovers all Interventional Radiology and Cardiac Catheterization patients. Thank you, Maria for all that you do!0
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFeeling down? Anxious? A little “off?” You’re not alone. The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a 25% increase in anxiety and depression around the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Now, as the threat of airborne illness remains, everyone — from seniors to teens — are feeling the effects. Isolation, stress, and worry about our families and loved ones can take a toll on our physical and mental health. But knowing what resources are available and where you can access them can make a big difference. Whether you’re looking for talk therapy, a support group or any other kind of mental health care, these options can help you decide what you need and where to find it. Counseling and Psychotherapy Bad days are normal. But when feelings of anxiety, burn out, or “the blues” become constant, the help of a doctor may help you feel better. Counseling or psychotherapy (also known as “talk therapy”) is one of the most widely used treatments for mental health. A mental health professional will meet with you — either one-on-one or in a group setting — to discuss how you’re feeling and ways to make it better. Talk therapy can be a valuable resource for anyone experiencing: A long-term mental health condition Anxiety Depression Interpersonal issues Life challenges Talking to a licensed mental health professional may be a good place to start if your symptoms are causing distress or affecting your daily functioning. Or, if you’re seeking help for trauma or a mental illness. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a specialist. Or you can search your provider directory for the counselor who is right for you. You may also be able to access mental health care for low- or no cost through a local community center, church or hospital. Substance Abuse Prevention or Treatment Programs If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t wait to get help. Reaching out right now could save a life. Out-patient therapy, support groups and stays at in-patient facilities assist individuals managing substance dependence. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers resources to help people begin their recovery journeys. Use this anonymous treatment services locator to find services and facilities. The SAMHSA National Helpline, available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), can connect you to even more treatment options, referrals and information. Mental Health Crisis The World Health Organization defines “mental health” as a state of being in which an individual can work, thrive, cope with life stressors and recognize their own value. During a mental health crisis, coping becomes extremely difficult. Here are some signs that you or someone else might be experiencing a mental health crisis: Extreme mood swings Dissociation Hallucinations Paranoia Poor hygiene Self-harm or self-injury Self-imposed isolation Severe agitation Significant despair Feelings of helplessness Hopelessness If you suspect that someone is in crisis, call the SAMHSA National Helpline anytime at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or dial 988. You can also visit a walk-in urgent care center or emergency room (ER) for immediate care. In Case of Emergency When a mental health crisis escalates, it can become an emergency. And a mental health emergency is a life-threatening situation. During this kind of emergency, a person may threaten to harm themselves or someone else. They may appear disoriented or “out of touch” with reality. Dangerous activities and out-of-control behavior may be signs of an emergency. If you or your loved one is in danger or threatening to hurt themselves or someone else, call 9-1-1. That way, you or your loved one can get the help you need right away. Learn more about Luminis Health’s behavioral health services. We offer comprehensive care across outpatient therapy and medication management, substance use programs, inpatient treatment and partial hospitalization. Authors Maria Winters is Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for Luminis Health.0
- SleepGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNot getting a good night’s sleep can compromise your brain performance, mood, and health. Plus, you just won’t feel great the next day. The American Medical Association says approximately 30 million Americans have sleep apnea—a condition that interferes with sleep—but only 6 million are diagnosed with it. Sleep apnea can be a significant, potentially life-threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. While snoring is annoying and can signal apnea, sleep apnea itself can halt breathing partially or completely—from ten seconds to over a minute at a time—and that adds up. This can happen from five to more than 100 times an hour during sleep. As a result, oxygen levels in the bloodstream fall, which may lead to high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, or abnormal heart rhythms. These disrupted normal sleep stages leave you unrefreshed and may also negatively impact your memory. Types of Sleep Apnea There are three types: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): This very common sleep disorder occurs when the tissue in the back of the throat collapses (it relaxes when you sleep) and partially or completely blocks the airway. Air can’t enter the lungs and airway blockage can happen a few times, or several hundred times, per night. Central sleep apnea (CSA): This less common type occurs when the brain fails to tell the lungs to breathe during sleep. When the signal is lost, the lungs don’t intake the oxygen the body needs. Mixed or complex sleep apnea: You experience both obstructive and central events on the same night. Symptoms An individual with apnea may experience: Loud, irregular snoring Gasping and snorting after pauses in breathing Excessive daytime sleepiness Morning headaches Weight gain or obesity Frequent nocturnal urination High blood pressure Falling asleep while driving Loss of energy Anxiety or depression Risk Factors These factors can raise the risk of developing apnea: Age: You are over age 50. Gender: OSA is more common in men, and until the age of menopause in women. Family history: If someone in your family has sleep apnea, your likelihood increases. Low activity level: Exercise can improve sleep apnea. Being overweight: Even 10% to 20% weight loss can help with sleep apnea. Use of sedatives: These should be avoided, along with alcohol, before bed. Diagnosing Sleep Apnea An overnight sleep study at a sleep center clinic is the gold standard to diagnose sleep apnea. Painless electrodes and sensors placed on different points on the body—called polysomnography—are used. Home-use devices can study heart and breathing rate and blood oxygen levels; positive results will require a full study in a sleep center clinic. Treatment Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is commonly used to treat apnea. Patients wear a device, containing a mask with a hose, over the nose when sleeping. A small, quiet air compressor creates pressure that splints the airway open to eliminate snoring and prevent oxygen levels from dropping in the blood. This allows normal cycling through sleep stages, so users wake up refreshed and can stay alert during the day. Other treatment options include weight loss, oral appliances, hypoglossal nerve stimulation that involves an implant, and other ear, nose, and throat surgeries. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, don’t endure more sleepless nights—consult a healthcare professional. You’ll find the right treatment solution that improves your quality of life. This post originally ran in the Enquirer-Gazette. Authors Timothy Lady, RRT. Luminis Health offers comprehensive, fully integrated services for patients with sleep disorders.0
- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogOur bodies do a lot for us — carrying us through each day when we’re at work and at play. But we don’t always listen to the signals. When you notice something in your body isn’t quite right, it can be worth getting checked out without delay. Watch for early warning signs Most commonly found in women after menopause, endometrial cancer affects the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium), causing growing cancer cells to thicken the lining of the uterus or form a tumor. Usually, endometrial cancer causes symptoms early on that lead women to check with their doctor. And fortunately, taking early action often means catching it at a highly treatable stage. Here are the symptoms women most commonly notice. Unusual vaginal bleeding. About 90 percent of women with endometrial cancer have abnormal vaginal bleeding. If you haven’t gone through menopause yet, you might notice a change in your period or bleeding between periods. After menopause, if you have any vaginal bleeding, you should be checked out by a doctor. Other pelvic symptoms. Some women with endometrial cancer experience pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse and trouble urinating. It can also cause unusual vaginal discharge after menopause. Know if you’re at risk for endometrial cancer About three percent of women receive a diagnosis of endometrial cancer in their lives, most commonly around the age of 60. You might have a higher chance of developing it if you: Are obese Have a close family history of endometrial cancer, which can be passed to you from your mother OR father Have never been pregnant Started your period early (before the age of 12) or started menopause late Take estrogen without progesterone for menopausal hormone therapy Take tamoxifen for breast cancer If you’re worried about your risk for developing cancer, talk to your doctor about what you can do to help protect yourself. Generally, being physically active and eating a healthy diet can help reduce your overall risk. Act quickly if you have symptoms If you notice one of the symptoms listed above, schedule an appointment with your gynecologist. They’ll likely talk to you about your health history and do a physical exam. And if needed, may also recommend an ultrasound of the area to look for tumors or see if your endometrium is thicker than normal. These two common tests can help the doctor check the cells in your endometrium: Endometrial biopsy. The doctor will insert a thin, flexible tube into your uterus through your cervix to remove a small amount of tissue. They’ll examine the cells with a microscope to check for cancer. The doctor will use a tool with a light and lens to look for and biopsy any abnormal areas. Your care team might also order additional tests if needed. Sometimes unusual bleeding or other symptoms are flags for different conditions that are less serious than cancer. But it’s important you still get checked to understand what’s causing the change in your body. If it is endometrial cancer, doctors will likely recommend surgery and other therapies, such as radiation and chemotherapy, to treat it. Be your body’s best advocate Right now, there’s no standard screening test to check for endometrial cancer. The best way to catch it early is to listen to your body — and take note of any signs or signals. If you’ve noticed a change in your body recently or have questions, we’re here to support you. Authors Monica Jones, MD, MS, FACS, FACG is the chair of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Women’s and Children’s services. To make an appointment with a Luminis Health gynecologic oncologist, please call 443-481-3493. Luminis Health was recently joined by Michael L. Hicks, MD, a board certified gynecologic oncologist. Dr. Hicks has a wealth of experience in gynecologic oncology.0
- Cancer Care, Men's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSeptember is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and there’s good reason to take note. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men. And, about one in eight men will be diagnosed with the disease in his lifetime. This year alone, nearly a quarter-million American men will get it and, sadly, more than 34,000 will die from it. These are scary numbers — and they underscore the importance of screening and finding prostate cancer early when successful treatment is more likely. About Screening Tests Prostate screening involves looking for prostate cancer before symptoms are present. We use two main screening tests: Digital rectal exam: In this test, a doctor feels the prostate gland for bumps or suspicious areas by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: A PSA test is a blood test that measures levels of a particular protein produced by normal and cancerous prostate cells. The higher a man’s PSA level, the more likely prostate cancer is present. The problem with prostate cancer screening tests is they aren’t entirely accurate. Results might suggest you have cancer even when you don’t. On the other hand, a screening test could appear normal when cancer does exist. When there’s concern about prostate cancer, doctors do a biopsy, which involves removing cells from the gland and looking at them under a microscope to see if they appear abnormal. Unfortunately, biopsies can cause pain, bleeding and infection. They also sometimes lead to: Overdiagnosis: There are times when a man might never know he had cancer if he hadn’t had a screening test. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and don’t cause symptoms or threaten a man’s life. Rather than dying of cancer, he’s more likely to die with it. However, once he gets a cancer diagnosis, it can cause stress, anxiety and possibly, overtreatment. Overtreatment: When a man knows he has prostate cancer, he wants it treated, even if it’s likely the cancer would never cause problems. Unfortunately, treatment can cause bowel and bladder toxicity and erectile dysfunction, which can negatively — and unnecessarily — affect his quality of life. Prostate cancer screening recommendations Different medical organizations, including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the American Urological Association and the American Cancer Society, make recommendations regarding who should be screened and when. And while their recommendations vary slightly, they all generally suggest that men take these steps to safeguard their prostate health: Regardless of your age, medical history or risk factors, you should talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of screening and treatment before deciding. From roughly the age of 50 to 69, you should make a personal decision about getting screened with a PSA test. If you’re younger than 50 with increased risk factors — such as being African American or having a strong family history of prostate cancer — you should start conversations with your physician, and screenings, sooner. It’s okay to stop routine prostate cancer screenings at age 70. In general, most experts also agree that your PSA value can help support your decisions about screening frequency, and that your overall health and life expectancy should be considered as well. Making your decision So where does this leave you? Possibly, uncertain. But when in doubt, always speak to a medical expert. Your doctor can help you learn more about your risk for prostate cancer and weigh what’s most important to you when making screening decisions. In the meantime, it’s helpful to know the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer and to tell your doctor if you have them. When signs and symptoms, such as these, are present, looking for cancer may become more important: Blood in urine or semen Erectile dysfunction Pain the hips, back, or chest or other areas Urination difficulties, including a weak stream or frequent urination, especially at night Loss of bowel or bladder control Numbness or weakness in your legs or feet While all of these symptoms can be related to problems other than cancer, it’s crucial you get them evaluated to be sure. The team at Luminis Health is here to help. Schedule your consultation or screening appointment today. Authors Amar Rewari, MD, MBA is the Chief of Radiation Oncology for Luminis Health. Dr. Rewari is a board-certified radiation oncologist trained to treat all types of cancer with the latest radiation therapy techniques.0
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