- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYour health should be a top priority, and having a primary care provider (PCP) can make a big difference. Think of your PCP as your go-to health partner—someone who helps you stay well, manage ongoing issues and connect you with specialists when needed. Still, many people avoid going to the doctor. Whether it’s due to fear, discomfort or simply a busy schedule, it’s easy to let routine care slip through the cracks. But delaying care can lead to missed opportunities to catch issues early and stay on top of your health. Studies show that having a PCP is essential to staying healthy. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, people who have a PCP tend to manage chronic conditions better, spend less on healthcare and feel more satisfied with their care overall. Whether your PCP is a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant, they can help with most of your healthcare needs. Why Regular Visits to a PCP Matter Having a PCP isn’t just about convenience—it can lead to better health outcomes, including: Better Prevention: Each year, about 70% of adults with a PCP receive their flu shot, compared to just 42% of those without one. This simple action can be lifesaving, as the flu causes an estimated 12,000 to 51,000 deaths each year in the United States. Early Detection: The more your PCP knows about you and your health, the easier it is to catch issues early, when they’re easiest to treat. For instance, regular blood pressure checks can spot hypertension before it leads to heart disease. Lower Hospitalization Risk: Studies have shown that those with a PCP are less likely to be hospitalized for chronic conditions, like diabetes, asthma or heart disease, thanks to ongoing support and care. The Extra Perks Consistent Care: Seeing the same provider over time helps build trust and makes it easier to talk openly and feel truly understood. Better Communication: Over time, you’ll feel more at ease sharing your concerns and following their advice. Improved Health Outcomes: Regular care from a PCP is linked to lower death rates and better chronic disease management. Cost Savings: Preventive care, like checkups and vaccines, can help you avoid costly ER visits or hospital stays down the road. Ready to Take Charge of Your Health? Seeing a PCP regularly is one of the best things you can do for yourself. But the truth is, checkups are easy to put off. According to Prince George’s County Health Department data, only 83% of county residents have a regular PCP, below the statewide average of 87%. That means thousands are missing out on consistent, preventive care. Life gets busy, and healthcare often takes a backseat until something feels urgent. That’s why having trusted care nearby is so important—it helps make your health a priority before problems arise. Right now, 42% of Prince George’s County residents travel outside the county for care. Luminis Health is working to change that by recently opening primary care practices in District Heights and Greenbelt—making it easier to get the care you need, closer to home. This matters more than ever. Prince George’s County has higher-than-average rates of Type 2 diabetes, with many cases going undiagnosed. Early detection by a primary care provider is key to effectively managing this condition, leading to better long-term health. Let us be your health’s best ally. At Luminis Health, we’re here to be your partner in wellbeing, helping you reach your goals and build a healthier future for you and your family. Your health journey starts here—and having a primary care provider by your side makes all the difference. Find a PCP at Luminis.Health/PrimaryCare or call 301-927-0088 to schedule an appointment. Authors Layne Lesnau, is a Luminis Health nurse practitioner and practices in Prince George’s County.0
- Men's Health, Women's Health, Heart Care, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogChuck Raines and his wife Trang have run six marathons together since 2011. They don’t smoke, avoid junk food and stay active with their kids. A heart attack was the last thing on the healthy 53-year-old’s mind. But he found out that it can happen to anybody. After an easy run on a Sunday afternoon in August, Chuck noticed chest pain. “I sat down and took a break, and then I didn’t think much of it,” he says. The next morning, the chest pain returned. This time it was worse. The retired Army master sergeant was no stranger to pushing through pain. “Being the person I am, I said, ‘It’s just going to go away.’” Instead, the pain began radiating down his arm and into his jaw. He began sweating and feeling nauseated. He called Trang and said, “I think I need to go to the doctor when you get home.” But she insisted on dialing 911. “Never in a million years did I think a heart attack would happen to me,” says Chuck. “I was in so much denial when it happened, even though the symptoms were right there in my face.” A Critical Process When Trang called 911, she set in motion a chain of events that were critical to saving Chuck’s life. An ambulance equipped with an electrocardiogram (EKG) monitor rushed to Chuck’s home in Owings. On the way to Anne Arundel Medical Center, technicians sent real-time EKG results to the emergency room (ER). Chuck Raines enjoys a run. “We have a digital network that transmits from the ambulance to a central station in the emergency room,” says Jonathan Altschuler, MD, medical director of AAMC’s cardiac catheterization lab. “A doctor looks at it, and a decision is made to activate the cardiac catheterization team. Often our team gets there before the patient does.” When Chuck arrived at the ER, Elizabeth Reineck, MD, an interventional cardiologist, met him at the door and whisked him to the cardiac catheterization lab. “The artery supplying blood to the back of the heart was completely blocked,” says Dr. Reineck. “We opened the artery with a balloon and then stabilized it with a stent.” The team completed the procedure 65 minutes after Chuck arrived at the ER. This period of time, called “door-to-balloon time,” is a critical measure of cardiac care. AAMC’s average door-to-balloon time is well below the national standard of 90 minutes. “In our business, time is heart muscle,” says Dr. Reineck. “By opening the artery quickly, we minimize heart damage.” AAMC's Door-to-Balloon Time Door-to-balloon time is critical in successfully treating heart attack patients. Read more about how important reducing door-to-balloon time is at AAMC. An Innovative Approach Dr. Reineck used a new approach to cardiac catheterization, reaching Chuck’s heart through the radial artery in his wrist. Nationally, radial access is used in about 25 percent of stenting procedures and in fewer than 10 percent of patients with emergency heart attacks. “Radial catheterization has fewer vascular complications and less bleeding,” says Dr. Reineck. “For the patient, this means an easier recovery than the traditional route through the femoral artery in the groin.” “When Chuck left the hospital, his heart function was normal,” says Dr. Reineck. “This was the best case scenario. Chuck acted fast in seeking medical attention, emergency medical technicians sent information from the field and our cath lab team quickly re-opened the culprit artery. By working together, we prevented damage to Chuck’s heart, giving him the best possible outcome.” Chuck returned home after a week in the hospital. He enjoys swimming with his kids again. He’s back to work as an analyst for the federal government. And his doctors recently gave him the okay to resume running. Chuck and Trang are registered for the Big Sur Marathon in California this spring. “I’m a firm believer that I’m going to be out there running in April,” he says. When he does, it will be lucky number seven. Web Exclusive: Life After a Heart Attack Chuck, like many patients, experienced feelings of depression as he recovered from his heart attack. Read more about how he overcame these feelings and got his life back on track. Are you at risk? Learn your heart age and risk for heart disease with our free online heart health profiler. Contributors Jonathan Altschuler, MD, is an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Elizabeth Reineck, MD, is an interventional cardiologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- Super Specialty ParentDelivering the Best Maternity Experience Pregnancy is a deeply meaningful time as you prepare to meet your precious bundle and feel that out-of-this-world love. We help you worry less and enjoy this time in your lives more. We give you the information and support you need when you need it. You're surrounded with a caring team of providers you'll come to know and trust. And we connect you with other women at the same stage as you to build your community. We also offer a unique spin on traditional prenatal health checkups through our CenteringPregnancy prenatal care program. Get one-on-one time with your healthcare provider coupled with group discussions alongside other expectant mothers. Learn more about other resources we provide for expecting parents. Insights & Expertise One of the Nation's Best for Maternity Care Newsweek recognizes Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center as one of the America's Best Maternity Hospitals. Out of the hospitals nationwide that offer maternity services, the publication recognized 159 institutions with five ribbons. Celebrating a Legacy of Care This year, we celebrate key milestones in Women’s & Children’s services at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center: 30 years since the opening of the Clatanoff Pavilion 20 years since the naming of Teddy’s Place, our NICU 10 years since the dedication of Frank Family Birth Center. Even before Clatanoff opened in 1995, LHAAMC was a trusted place for families to begin their parenthood journey, a legacy of expert, compassionate care that continues with our teams today. As we celebrate, we’re also looking ahead: expanding access to care and improving maternal health outcomes. From launching CenteringPregnancy and TeamBirth to expanding doula support, we’re taking action to ensure safe, equitable care for everyone we serve. Join the Celebration Whether you were born here, gave birth here, or worked here you are part of our story. Join us in celebrating and supporting Women’s & Children’s Care.0
- General Page - Tier 2MyChart: https://www.luminishealth.org/en/mychart-connectPatient medical records are confidential and maintained by the Health Information Management Department. Patients have the right to review and receive a copy of their medical records.If you received treatment at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center, Luminis Health J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center, Luminis Health Pathways, or any Luminis Health Medical Group practice, you, or your representative, with proper documentation, can authorize the release of confidential patient information., The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) includes federal laws to protect the privacy of your health information.Notice of Privacy Practices / Notificación de Prácticas de PrivacidadAbout HIPAA0
- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThanks to awareness and education campaigns, breast cancer tops the list of well-known cancers. But, unfortunately, millions of women know about breast cancer firsthand — it’s the most common cancer in women. Women diagnosed with breast cancer are typically over the age of 50. But the Centers for Disease Control shares that there isn’t just one face to breast cancer. Breast cancer can and does develop in younger women. When it does, it’s known as early-onset breast cancer. What is early-onset breast cancer? Breast cancer is categorized as early-onset when diagnosed in someone age 45 and younger. And although breast cancer isn’t as common in younger women, one in 10 women diagnosed is under age 45. Black women tend to have a higher rate of early-onset breast cancer than other younger women. A few things set early-onset breast cancer apart from other cancers: It may include worries about body image, fertility, finances and isolation It’s more aggressive and challenging to treat It’s often hereditary (runs in your family) It’s usually at a later stage when found What increases your risk for breast cancer when you’re younger? While anyone with breasts is at risk for breast cancer (yes, even men), different factors increase your risk for breast cancer when you’re younger. If you’re under 45 years old, your risk may be higher if you: Are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, which puts you at a higher risk for changes in genes that fight breast cancer (BRCA1 or BRCA2) Are Black, due to genetics, the biology of the cancer, and/or differences in health care. Are transgender, due to differences in hormones and gender affirmation surgeries. Have a mammogram that reveals you have dense breasts Had other breast health problems, such as lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Had radiation to your breast or chest during early childhood or as a young adult Have changes in the BRCA genes or have close relatives with changes in the BRCA genes Have relatives (parents, siblings, grandparents on both sides) who had breast or ovarian cancer before age 45 What are the symptoms of breast cancer? Breast cancer symptoms can show up differently for everyone. Or you may not have any symptoms at all. In fact, many people don’t know they have breast cancer until it shows up on a mammogram. Some breast cancer warning signs are: A new lump in the breast or the armpit area Any change in the size or shape of the breast Irritation or dimpling of breast skin Nipple discharge (including blood) other than breast milk Nipple pulling in Pain in any area of the breast Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or breast Thickening or swelling of any part of the breast While these symptoms can also be a sign of something other than cancer, it’s crucial to talk with your doctor about these symptoms. How can you reduce your risk of early-onset breast cancer? If you have any risk for early-onset breast cancer, there’s good news. You don’t have to let cancer have the upper hand. You can take action and reduce your risk. Learn about your family’s history of breast and ovarian cancer Your family’s health history is one of those risk factors that’s out of your control. Learn about your family’s history of breast, ovarian and other cancer history (including your immediate family and extended family on both your mom’s and dad’s side). It gives you and your doctor a solid starting point for better understanding your risk for early-onset breast cancer and hereditary cancer. Consider genetic counseling and testing If your family history puts you at greater risk for cancer, your doctor may recommend genetic counseling. You’ll talk with a specialist who can help you and your family decide whether genetic testing for the changes in the BRCA and other inherited genes is right for you. If you have testing and learn you have a mutation (change) in a gene known to cause cancer, you have options that will make it less likely you’ll develop cancer. Those may include having mammograms, clinical breast exams and ovarian cancer screenings at a younger age. Medications to reduce your risk and surgery to remove your breasts, ovaries and fallopian tubes are also options. Focus on a healthy lifestyle Reducing your breast cancer risk is just one of the many benefits of making a healthy lifestyle a priority. Take action and take care of your health. Lower your cancer risks by choosing to: Breastfeed your babies, if possible Exercise regularly Limit or eliminate alcohol Maintain a healthy weight Take charge of your breast health at every age Don’t assume you have to be a certain age to consider your risk for breast cancer. Prevention and early detection save lives. Talk with your primary care provider, or if you need a provider, call Luminis Health at 443-481-5800 to schedule an appointment. This post was originally published on the Enquirer Gazette. Authors Dr. Regina Hampton, Medical Director of the Breast Center at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. She is a breast surgeon with more than 15 years of experience.0
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