- Blood Donation, Community, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogJeanette Brown never imagined that a simple act to get out of class in high school would lead to a lifetime of giving blood. Nearly 26 years ago, Jeanette donated her first unit of blood while in high school. Even though she did not know much about it at the time, the idea of missing class and getting some cookies and juice sounded appealing to the teenager. After college, Jeanette began working for a blood donor center and she learned first-hand a few important things: the shelf life of blood is very short and that the amount of blood used by someone in need is enormous. Thus began a lifetime of regular blood donation. For the past 16 years, Jeanette has been donating every eight weeks at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (LHAAMC) Blood Donor Center in Annapolis, Md. Sometimes Jeanette donates whole blood, plasma and platelets or just red blood cells [see sidebar]. But it doesn’t matter to Jeanette which part of her blood she donates. “I want to give because I know the blood donation will help the woman with sickle cell disease who is reliant on blood transfusions weekly for a lifetime, for the accident victim, children and adults with acute burns and those with catastrophic diseases, such as cancer or blood clotting disorders,” says Jeanette. Jeanette says a bonus of giving blood at LHAAMC is that the blood stays in the community. She knows many need her gift of blood now more than ever. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood and this need is exacerbated by the U.S. experiencing the worst blood shortage in a decade. The dangerously low blood supply levels affect how some hospitals across the country make decisions regarding surgery, including organ transplants. Blood donor centers are feeling the squeeze: blood drives hosted by companies, schools, places of worship and civic organizations supply roughly half of all blood donations across the U.S. With the pandemic, many of these places have closed with remote work and school resulting in a significant drop in blood donations. While donating blood is different in today’s world, it is still possible. “Many people don’t know that donating blood today is much easier,” adds Jeanette. “Many of the policies regarding certain donor eligibility criteria have been modified due to the pandemic.” Generally, to donate blood, you must be 17 years old (16 years old with parental permission), weigh 110 lbs., and be in good health. When asked why she donates blood, Jeanette says, “We are lucky that we have a blood donor center in town, which is easy to get to, has free parking and is easy to access. But even more, it is really easy to give back without spending much time and it cost me nothing—but it means life in the world for someone else. Blood is something that we are all born with, so why not give it to someone who needs it? You can’t plan an accident and you don’t know that you might literally be helping your neighbor by donating at the hospital.” For an appointment to donate call the LHAAMC Blood Donor Center at 443-481-4215. To have a blood mobile drive at your next function (i.e., community or church function), call 443-481-4272. Learn about hosting a mobile blood drive. Different Types of Blood Donation There are different types of blood donation, based on blood type and needs. The process for giving whole blood is under an hour and can be given every eight weeks/up to six times per year. Jeanette’s platelet donation, which helps with the clotting portion of blood, must be transfused within five days of donation. Nearly half of all platelet donations are given to patients undergoing cancer treatment. Platelet donations take about two hours. Red blood cell donations, also known as “double red donations,” are the most frequently used blood component and are needed by almost every type of patient requiring transfusion. If donors meet certain criteria, double red allows them to safely donate two units of red cells during one appointment. It is as safe as whole blood donation. Plasma donations help treat people in emergency situations to help stop bleeding. It can be given every 28 days/up to 13 times a year. Source: Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies0
- Blood DonationGeneral Page Tier 3BlogOriginally printed as a Letter to the Editor in the January 29, 2022 Capital Gazette: Thank You to All Who Have Donated Blood Thank you for the front-page article pointing out the current national blood crisis. We would like to make your readers aware that Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center is one of the few hospitals in the state of Maryland with its own blood donor center. While this donor center has a historical record of keeping LHAAMC nearly self-sufficient when it comes to supplying blood and blood products to our patients, we are not immune from the same crisis that is hitting the national blood supply. Our concerns regarding diminishing blood inventory came to a crisis level on Jan. 28 after the Martin Luther King Day holiday weekend. While our goal is to keep 100 units of group O-positive packed red blood cells in our inventory, we began the day with 20 units and hit an all-time low of 15 units by midday. The Red Cross was out of blood. Fortunately, we were able to borrow a few units from neighboring hospitals and when the urgent call for blood donors went out, our LHAAMC employees and community donors came to the rescue. The donor center phones rang off the hook with requests for donation appointments and by the next day we had 56 O-positive units on the shelf. We are continuing to struggle with maintaining adequate inventory to support surgical and medical blood transfusion requirements but are hanging in there with an inventory that is about 50% of our daily target but sufficient to meet daily needs. The only reason we are able to meet demand is the generous donation of blood, the gift of life, from our wonderful community of blood donors. Thanks to all of you from the patients and staff of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. For those of you who have not given blood, now is a great time to do so. The blood you donate will remain in the community to serve the needs of our patients. The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies task force statement reminds the public that: “Individuals are not at risk of contracting COVID-19 through the donation process or via a blood transfusion since respiratory viruses are generally not known to be transmitted by donation or transfusion.” Additionally, we’d like to help make it clear that people who have had COVID and are fully recovered can donate blood. Per the Food and Drug Administration guidelines, individuals are eligible to donate blood 10 days after complete resolution of symptoms. Our mission is to enhance the health of the people and communities we serve and we ask for help in this endeavor. Our Blood Donor Center is located on the LHAAMC Campus located at 2003 Medical Pkwy., Wayson Pavilion, Suite 450, Annapolis, 21401. Call 443-481-4215 to schedule your next donation! We also have a blood mobile drive that can come to your next function, community, or church. Call 443-481-4215 to set up a mobile drive. Authors Sanford H. Robbins III, M.D., chief of pathology, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Megan Frisk, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Blood Bank manager0
- Community, Primary Care, Pediatrics, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe lessons children learn stick with them throughout their lives. That’s why it’s crucial to make good health a habit early on. From helping kids learn social skills to teaching them to be more independent and creative, developing a healthy lifestyle now will set them up for success in the future. Not sure where to start? We’ve gathered some ideas. Be brave — experiment Kids love things that seem unexplainable: That’s why science projects are such a big hit. Help your children feel a sense of satisfaction by helping them: • Build a volcano and make it erupt with baking soda• Construct a homemade lava lamp• Create their very own art pieces• Tend to a garden These activities will help your kids see tangible results from their efforts, learn responsibility and maybe even develop a healthy passion for nature and science. Cook together Children who are actively involved in meal preparation are more likely to understand the values of nutritious meals. Not only does the internet have a treasure trove of free, healthy recipes for your kids to browse and choose from, today’s grocery stores give them access to healthier foods. Just remember to feed your family before you go since grocery shopping on a full stomach makes you less likely to impulsively purchase unhealthy items. From food prep and cooking to setting the table, preparing dinner can also be a great team activity. Divide and conquer as a family and be sure to rotate roles often so each kid benefits from learning all it takes to put a healthy meal on the table. We’d also encourage you to eat as a family. Taking this time together allows space for much-needed interaction and conversation. It also helps us slow down while we’re eating, giving our brains a chance to recognize when we’ve consumed all we need, helping us to learn to avoid overeating. Encourage kiddos to use their imagination Your children’s mental and emotional health are just as important to development as their physical health. Instead of spending hours playing with smartphones and tablets, encourage them to: • Explore their creativity by reading together• Express their thoughts through writing or drawing• Perform skits at home• Play with toys like Lincoln Logs and Legos Creative outlets that challenge the boundaries of imagination set kids up to be problem solvers, wonderers and empathizers. Get physical Finding ways to keep your kids physically active will help them burn off built-up energy in a healthy way. Exercise also stimulates nerve cells that help children focus and retain what they’ve learned in school. And most importantly, active children are more likely to avoid developing serious diseases like obesity and Type-2 diabetes. Dedicate at least 60 minutes every day to physical activity by: • Getting outdoors. Most communities have recreational areas that are free for anyone to use. Explore your town’s walking trails, sign up for an hour to play tennis at the local court or find a park where you can play catch. A round of miniature golf or a few swings at the batting cages are also fun, safe and affordable. • Making household chores active (and fun). Kids enjoy a little competition, so why not encourage it? Have your kids compete to see who can rake the most leaves, take more walks with the dog or shovel the most snow. By giving your kids a chance to show their capabilities, you’ll have more rounded children and a more functional home. • Training as a family. You can benefit from physical exercise, no matter your age. First, be sure to set a good example by going to the gym regularly. Then, consider teaming up with your kids to turn your backyard into an obstacle course or train for a walk or 5K that benefits a cause the whole family supports. Your kids will grow up understanding that physical fitness should be part of their routine. And when they get old enough, they can even help spot you and encourage your progress. Play games Friendly competition among family members helps children learn to strategize, develop partnerships and understand the importance of losing with grace at an early age. You can keep your activities sedentary with jigsaw puzzles, board games and card games. Or you can get your family up and moving with charades or a scavenger hunt. Need more ideas? We’re here to help. Your child’s pediatrician or your family medicine physician can be a great resource when it comes to healthy living: Make them a part of the conversation. Find a provider near you.0
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn April 2021, Patty Moyher of Bowie, Maryland was diagnosed with breast cancer. Patty, who has worked as a customer service representative for Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) since 2008, met with Lorraine Tafra, MD, a former breast surgeon at LHAAMC, to talk about her options. “She gave me the confidence that I was going to be okay,” Patty says of Dr. Tafra. Patty decided to get a bilateral mastectomy. This is the surgical removal of both breasts. She also had her lymph nodes removed. After surgery, she did not need chemotherapy or radiation. Instead, she decided to get lymphedema therapy. Lymphedema therapy addresses the swollen tissue in the arms and chest. This often occurs after the removal of lymph nodes. “As lymphedema specialists, we are tasked to treat the whole patient,” says Rhonda Fowler, PT, the oncology rehab program coordinator. “After completing a comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment plan, we usually focus on the main tenets of care: manual lymph drainage, multi-layer compression bandaging, skin care and therapeutic exercise.” Patty receives lymphedema therapy twice a week. “I get a massage to help with the fluid build up, and afterwards I feel relaxed and relieved. It helps with daily functions. I can go to the gym and not feel so tight,” Patty says. LHAAMC offers rehabilitation services to all cancer patients to improve the quality of life. If you would like to learn more, please click here.0
- TreatmentConditions/Services/Treatments PageMaternal and Fetal Medicine at Luminis HealthOur maternal and fetal medicine specialists are at your service, whenever you need more testing or support during your pregnancy. Whether you're concerned about an ultrasound result or managing diabetes, you can feel confident with our expertise and close watch.Our maternal and fetal medicine specialists work together with your OB-GYN to make sure you have the best information and care. You might need our maternal and fetal medicine team for a one-time test or for monitoring throughout your pregnancy. Regardless, you'll be glad to know this team of advanced experts is there for you.0
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