- Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThere’s a lot of discussion about the importance of probiotics, “good” bacteria and the role they play in aiding digestion and balancing out the bad bugs in your gut. Research is hinting that probiotics may help treat diarrhea, boost your immune system for fighting colds and flu, help prevent allergy symptoms, treat irritable bowel syndrome and prevent and treat yeast and urinary tract infections, among other things. However, effects can vary from person to person. These active cultures seem to pack a powerful punch, but there are things you should know before you invest in probiotics. Let Food Be Your Source Just like your vitamins, the best source for probiotics is through their natural occurrence in whole foods, not supplements. Not only are supplements costly and unregulated by the FDA, there are questions surrounding the amount of probiotics your body can absorb through supplements. Dairy items with live and active cultures are rich in probiotics, as are pickled or fermented foods. Probiotic-rich foods include: Yogurt with live cultures Kefir (a cultured dairy drink) Pickles Sauerkraut Kimchi (a fermented Korean side dish) Tempeh (a fermented Indonesian vegetarian patty) Pickled vegetables Live cultured salsa Aged cheese, like cheddar, gouda, parmesan and swiss Assorted beverages such as kombucha tea A wide assortment of probiotic-enriched foods have jumped into the market—like juices, cereals and snack bars—but you should use caution with these as the organisms may be decayed and of little health value. Keep Them Alive The benefits of probiotics come from live organisms, so proper storage and shelf life are key to gaining their maximum benefit. Make sure you follow instructions for refrigeration, as well as use items before their expiration date in order to maintain potency. The probiotics won’t work if they’re dead when you use them. Pair Them With Prebiotics Did you know probiotics like food, too? Prebiotics are the food of choice for probiotics. They are dietary fiber that’s nondigestible and able to pass on to the gut to help good bacteria flourish. Prebiotics can be found in foods like: Whole grains Bananas Jerusalem artichokes Asparagus Onions Leeks Garlic Honey Chicory root Unfortunately you won’t find prebiotic fiber listed on labels for products with whole grains, so it’s easiest to focus on boosting your overall fiber intake. Also, prebiotics do not have to be eaten at the same time as probiotics, but there are some great combinations you can put together, like sliced bananas added to your yogurt. Fresh asparagus pairs nicely with tempeh or kimchi. Is There Too Much of a Good Thing? Still considering taking a probiotic supplement? Probiotics aren’t necessarily needed every day like a multi-vitamin, and there are some people, like those who are immunosuppressed, who may need to be careful about how much they take. If you’re considering a probiotic supplement in addition to or instead of adding probiotic-rich foods to your diet, check in with your doctor. There may be specific strains that would benefit you more and guidelines for how much and how often you should take the supplement. Also, since the FDA does not regulate probiotic supplements, your doctor or registered dietitian can steer you toward a reputable product. Ever consider nutritional counseling? Learn more about this service from Anne Arundel Medical Center. Author By Ann Caldwell, nutritionist and registered dietitian at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach her call 443-481-5555. Originally published April 28, 2015. Last updated July 23, 2018.0
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogProtein is popular. Grocery store shelves are packed with protein bars and high-protein cereals, fast-food chains are pushing protein-heavy menu items, and even coffee shops are blending protein powder into lattes. Keep in mind, you only need 0.54 grams of protein per pound of body weight. That means an average 150-pound adult needs about 81 grams of protein every day. If you’re struggling to hit your daily protein goal, you may consider protein powder. Do you need protein powder? Your first source of protein should be healthy, whole foods such as lean meat, eggs, nuts and lentils. Protein plays an important role in building and repairing muscles, supporting immune function and helping you feel full longer after meals. It also helps maintain healthy skin, hair and nails and provides energy for your body throughout the day. Most people meet or exceed their recommended daily protein intake with their normal diet. However, if you’re falling short of your daily protein needs, supplements like protein powder can help. What is protein powder made of? Powdered protein comes from different sources, including: Casein (the main protein found in cow’s milk) Hemp seeds (considered a high-protein food) Peas (high in protein, fiber, iron and other nutrients) Soy bean (considered a complete protein) Whey (a byproduct of cheese making) How much protein powder should you have per day and when? Most people do not need more than 1–2 servings of protein powder per day. Simple ways to take your protein powder can include: Bake it into pancakes, waffles or baked goods Make a shake using milk or water Use it in a smoothie You should spread your protein intake throughout the day. If you’re having a protein shake to support your workout recovery, it’s best to drink that shake shortly after your workout. Can protein powder make you gain weight? Depending on the protein powder you choose and how you use it, protein powder may make you gain weight. Not all protein powders are the same, and those that are high in calories or added sugar can lead to unintended weight gain. Look for a powder that helps you stay under the American Heart Association’s added sugar recommendations: 24 grams per day (women) 26 grams per day (men) Can kids have protein powder? While protein powder is generally safe for children, most kids don’t need it. Children may need supplements if they are: Experiencing growth delays or another medical condition On a restrictive diet or have significant food sensitivities or allergies Underweight Speak with your child’s pediatrician to learn if you want to use a child-safe protein powder. The Next Step for Your Nutrition Plan Every person’s protein and nutrition needs are different. Start the conversation with a registered dietitian at Luminis Health who can help you create a personalized plan to support your energy, muscle health and long-term wellness. Authors Colleen Kiley, MS, RD, is a Lead Diabetes Educator for Luminis Health.0
- SpecialtyRegular contact with a primary care provider may help you live a longer, healthier life. We provide care for mental and physical health conditions, plus preventative care, to help you become your best self.0
- Why Choose Luminis Health Imaging for Screening Mammography?At Luminis Health Imaging, we know how important mammography is for your health. We also know that you have a lot going on. That's why we offer:An easy-to-use online system for booking or rebooking your mammography exam.Reminders when it's that time of year to book your mammography.Convenient hours, including weekend and evening appointments.Experts who take the time to respond to your questions or concerns.3D mammography at all our locations: Our diagnostic imaging center offers 3D mammography to all our patients. What's so special about 3D mammography? In short, it gives a better picture of the breast tissue. This means fewer "false positives." For you, this means you're less likely to have to deal with the anxiety and hassle of having to book extra breast imaging tests.Trusted expertise: Our radiologists are fellowship-trained in mammography. This means they've achieved the highest level of training in their field. And we bring this expertise to you. You can feel confident your radiology team will pick up on any concerning breast tissue changes. We read tens of thousands of mammography images a year, giving us the experience you need.ScreeningConditions/Services/Treatments PageLet's be real: Mammograms can be uncomfortable. But at Luminis Health Imaging, we make the process as smooth and painless as possible. That's because we want you to keep up with your routine mammograms. It's an important test. It lets us find breast cancer early, so we can stop it in its tracks.If you're aged 40 or older, we recommend a mammogram every year. Once you're 55, you can switch to mammograms every other year. This is because menopause causes changes in breast tissue that makes breast cancer easier to find with imaging.A family history of breast cancer is one reason why you may want to start breast cancer screening earlier. Talk with your doctor about what is best for you.What is Mammography?Mammography is a breast imaging test. Mammography uses low-dose x-rays to take pictures of your breast tissue. This allows radiologists to see lumps or abnormal tissue.You may think, "Can't I just feel my breasts for lumps?" Self-exams are important, but you still need a mammogram. Your mammogram can find lumps that are too small to feel through the skin.If the radiology team sees something in the mammography images that doesn't quite look right, we'll recommend more tests. These can include other breast imaging tests or a biopsy. It's natural to worry if your mammogram comes back abnormal. But keep in mind that an abnormal mammogram finding often ends up being no big deal, like a cyst.Sometimes a screening mammography finds cancer. Routine mammograms let us find cancer earlier, when treatments have a higher rate of success. And when we catch cancers early, we have the best chance to use medications with fewer side effects.0
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe C-word no one wants to hear is cancer. Thankfully, cervical cancer is highly preventable thanks to the HPV vaccine. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, there has been a significant drop in the number of young people receiving the HPV vaccine. January is cervical cancer awareness month, and it’s a good opportunity to learn about screenings and vaccinations. What is Cervical Cancer? It is cancer that starts in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. We know that the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes changes in cells that lead to this type of cancer. Many women do not experience symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer, which is why screening is so important. Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer include: Pain in the abdomen, pelvis, or back Pelvic pressure Difficult urination Difficult bowel movements Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including in between periods Common treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. What Are Your Options? The HPV vaccine protects people from the types of HPV that usually cause cancer. But the key is to get the vaccine before there’s a chance of being exposed to HPV. Children can get the HPV vaccine as early as age 9, but most providers recommend it for preteens ages 11–12. We suggest that people younger than 26 get the vaccine if they haven’t had it already. Your provider can help you know if and when the vaccine is right for you. Providers have safely administered the HPV vaccine to young women for more than a decade. Schedule Regular Cervical Cancer Screenings Even after receiving the HPV vaccine, women should plan on screenings. There are two main screening tests—the more well-known Pap test and the HPV test. The Pap test looks for cells on the cervix that may become cancer. The HPV test looks for signs of HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer. If you have a cervix, we recommend getting your first Pap test at age 21. Consult with your gynecologist regarding specific screening recommendations that are right for you. You may need screenings more often if the test results are abnormal or you’re at a higher risk of cancer. When cervical cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 92%. With it being Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, make it a priority to get a routine screening, and if you haven’t already, make sure your children receive the HPV vaccine. It can save their life. Author Nicholas C. Lambrou, MD, FACOG, FACS, is the chief of gynecologic oncology at Luminis Health. Dr. Lambrou’s areas of interest include the treatment of women with gynecologic cancer, cancer prevention strategies and advanced gynecologic surgery.0
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