- Men's Health, Weight Loss, Women's Health, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMore than 29 million Americans have diabetes, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 8 million of those people do not yet know they have it. While these statistics are staggering, Barbara Mensah Onumah, MD, medical director of Luminis Health Diabetes & Endocrinology Annapolis, is even more concerned about another alarming fact: 86 million American adults—more than one out of three—have prediabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. And, nine out of 10 people with prediabetes don’t know they have it. People with prediabetes have higher-than-normal blood-sugar levels but do not yet meet the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis. “Without lifestyle changes to reverse risk factors, 15 to 30 percent of those with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years. If you take action, studies tell us that you can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, return blood glucose levels to within the normal range,” Dr. Onumah stresses. Luminis Health Diabetes & Endocrinology Annapolis offers comprehensive management, treatment and education for patients with diabetes. The program was created to complement care given by patients’ primary care providers and other specialists. Luminis Health’s diabetes care resources include: group education classes and access to support groups highly individualized counseling one-on-one nutrition counseling instruction on insulin pump usage and continuous glucose monitoring The program can be reached at 443-481-4600. Because so many Americans do not know they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, Dr. Onumah says that education coupled with physician-recommended screening tests are essential. Education begins with learning the risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The two most significant risk factors, both modifiable, are obesity and inactivity. Non-modifiable risks include a family history of type 2 diabetes; African-American, Latino or Native American heritage; age of 45 or older; and for women, a diagnosis of gestational diabetes when pregnant. Knowing and discussing your risk factors with your physician helps pinpoint the right diabetes screening schedule for you. “A groundbreaking study showed us that education alone is not enough,” Dr. Onumah cautions. “There must also be motivational counseling.” The study she cites placed 3,234 overweight participants—all with increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes—into three distinct groups and followed them for three years. Compared to the placebo (those who did not receive individualized counseling or medication), those who received individualized counseling and were able to lose about 7 percent of their body weight through diet and exercise reduced their risk of developing diabetes by approximately 60 percent. The group that received medication alone reduced their risk of diabetes by about 30 percent. “It’s essential we understand the importance of increased risk of diabetes,” Dr. Onumah says. “Lifestyle interventions, addressed quickly and consistently, can change lives.” Author Barbara Mensah Onumah, MD, is medical director of Luminis Health Diabetes & Endocrinology Annapolis and can be reached at 443-481-4600. Originally published Nov. 17, 2015. Last updated Aug. 28, 2023.0
- Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe holidays are here and so are all the get-togethers, parties and delicious meals. If you suffer from heartburn, then you know indulging in holiday fatty foods and alcohol can be a trigger, even if you take over-the-counter medications for temporary relief. However, if you notice that you are experiencing indigestion-like symptoms more than twice a week, you might have something more serious. Heartburn is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. GERD is a digestive disorder that affects up to one in five U.S. adults. It happens when the muscle in the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens or relaxes too often or for too long. This causes stomach contents to back up into the food pipe, causing heartburn and acid indigestion. Other symptoms of GERD include shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, chronic cough, sore throat, hoarseness and bad breath. Although there isn’t a specific cure for the disease, you can make some lifestyle and diet changes to help you manage your symptoms: Maintain a healthy weight. The risk and severity of GERD tend to intensify for those who have higher body weights. Losing a few pounds could make you feel better. Avoid tight-fitting clothing. Tight clothes could exert pressure on the stomach, causing stomach acid to move up towards the esophagus and resulting in acid reflux. Try wearing looser clothes that don’t compress the stomach area. Avoid trigger foods and drinks. These include fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, garlic, onion and caffeine. Eat smaller meals and slow down. Smaller meals can help you reduce pressure in your stomach while eating slowly can help you identify when you’re full more quickly. By slowing down, you’re also less likely to irritate your esophagus. Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed. Staying up a few hours before going to bed will reduce your risk of reflux. Elevate the head of your bed. This will reduce the contact of the lining of the food tube with acidic contents and help you get a good night’s sleep. Quit smoking. Do not smoke or chew tobacco. Choose water over soda. Carbonation bubbles can expand in the stomach, causing increased pressure that contributes to reflux. Avoid creamed or cheesy foods and soups. All high-fat foods can cause reflux, so skipping the dairy items can help. If untreated, GERD can lead to more serious health problems over time, including esophageal cancer. It’s important that you talk to your primary care doctor about your symptoms and find a solution that works best for you. There is not yet a cure for the disease but with lifestyle modifications and/or medications, you can manage your symptoms to improve your quality of life. If lifestyle changes and medication don’t help manage your GERD symptoms, your doctor may refer you to a surgeon. Surgery may also be a reasonable alternative to a lifetime of drugs and discomfort. Author Adrian Park, MD, is chair of Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Department of Surgery and an internationally recognized specialist in minimally invasive surgery. To schedule an appointment with him, call 443-481-6699. Originally published Nov. 26, 2018. Last updated Nov. 14, 2019.0
- PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYour child’s sinuses are not fully developed until late in the teen years, but the child can still develop a sinus infection. Although small, the maxillary (behind the cheek) and ethmoid (between the eyes) sinuses are present at birth. Childhood sinus problems may be difficult to diagnose, because symptoms may be caused by other problems, such as a viral illness or allergy. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, these symptoms may indicate a sinus infection: Cold-like symptoms lasting more than 14 days, sometimes with a low-grade fever. Thick nasal drainage, which may be yellow or green. Post-nasal drip, sometimes leading to a sore throat, cough, bad breath, nausea or upset stomach. Headache, usually in children 6 years or older. Irritability or exhaustion. Inflammation near the eyes. Which children are at risk for sinus infection? A sinus infection sometimes happens after an upper respiratory infection or common cold. The cold causes swelling that can block the opening of the sinuses. This can cause a sinus infection. Allergies can also lead to sinusitis because of swelling and increased mucus. Other possible conditions that can lead to sinusitis include: Abnormal shape of the nose. Infection from a tooth. Nose injury. Foreign object in the nose. Birth defect with abnormality of the roof of the mouth (cleft palate). Problem with stomach acids (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD). What can I do to prevent sinusitis in my child? There are things that can help your child avoid sinusitis. They include: Have your child use saline sprays, washes, or both. Use these often to keep the nose as moist as possible. Use a humidifier in dry indoor environments. Keep your child away from cigarette and cigar smoke. Keep your child away from things that cause allergy symptoms. Don’t force water into the sinuses. For example, your child should not jump into water. Limit time in chlorinated pools. The chlorine can irritate the nose and sinuses. Practice good hand hygiene. Keep you and your child up to date with immunizations. Avoid close contact with people who have colds or others upper respiratory infections. Are you looking for a primary care doctor? Search our Find A Doc directory. Originally published Jan. 29, 2018. Last updated Nov. 14, 2019.0
- Plastic Surgery & Skin CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWinter is right around the corner. That means it’s time to pack away your shorts and t-shirts for sweaters and scarfs. And just like you would protect your body from the cold temperatures, it’s important that you remember to protect your skin too. The truth of the matter is our skin is our largest organ system and our first layer of defense from the outside world. It’s easy to forget that the skin is constantly resurfacing itself and it’s important to take care of it because it’s interacting with the environment at all times. Let’s debunk some of the misconceptions when it comes to taking care of your skin during the colder months of the year: Myth: I need to apply moisturizer, lots of it. Yes, you should moisturize. However, you should be cautious with some moisturizers that have a high percentage of alcohol as this could further dry your skin. Try using moisturizers with hyaluronic acids or natural oils, like avocado oil, as these can really help hydrate your skin. Myth: I don’t need sunscreen. Even when it’s cloudy, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV radiation reaches the earth. Clouds will not protect you and snow reflects light and, over time, this can contribute to sunburn, wrinkles and even skin cancer. You should be using at least SPF30 sunscreen every day, even if you work inside an office. Don’t forget to protect your ears and lips because skin cancers can develop on these areas too. Myth: I should exfoliate my dry, flaky skin. A lot of people like to exfoliate in the winter to address dry, flaky skin, but that can irritate and dry out your skin even more. Before exfoliating, try using a good moisturizer first. Winter skincare doesn’t need to be intimidating. It is best to just continue your regular skincare routine and make small adjustments as needed along the way. For people with sensitive, dry skin, small changes – like keeping your showers short, showering in warm (not hot) water or using gentle soaps – can help prevent over drying your skin during the cold winter months. If you’re exploring new skincare products, consider consulting with a professional. There are medical offices, like Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Plastic Surgery, who offer a variety of services and products, including skincare, to help you look and feel your best. Skincare is really an investment into your future and the time to prevent wrinkles and skin cancer is when you’re young. However, it’s never too late and never too early to start taking care of your skin. READ MORE: What’s the best way to have younger-looking skin? Luminis Health Plastic Surgery offers nonsurgical and surgical cosmetic procedures to women and men. Choosing cosmetic plastic surgery is a deeply personal choice. To learn more about what’s the best fit for you, check out www.luminishealth.org/en/services/plastic-surgery.0
- Men's Health, Senior Care, Women's Health, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe American Lung Association reports chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) claims nearly 135,000 American lives annually, making it the third deadliest disease after heart disease and cancer. COPD, characterized by shortness of breath, chronic cough, and chronic mucus production, is not curable, nor can you reverse lung damage linked to COPD. You can, however, treat and maintain the disease with these proactive steps. Medication Adherence “In the short term, medications help decrease COPD exacerbations. But there are long-term benefits, too,” explains Keith Goulet, DO, a critical care medicine and pulmonary disease specialist at Anne Arundel Medical Center. “Exacerbations increase lung damage. So every flare-up you prevent today slows down future disease progression.” Consult a Pulmonologist Typically, your primary care physician is the first doctor to assess symptoms associated with COPD. The next step is to consult a pulmonologist, a physician with advanced knowledge and skill in the diagnosis and treatment of lung conditions and diseases. “You need to make sure your COPD diagnosis is accurate and you’re on the right medications,” says Dr. Goulet. “Ask your doctor questions if you have them. COPD can be a scary disease because it’s not curable. But it is treatable. Learning everything you can about the disease often calms those fears, and ultimately improves your quality of life.” Be Your Own Advocate Anne Arundel Medical Center offers free classes and support groups to help people with COPD better understand disease symptoms, drug administration, lifestyle adjustments, and coping strategies. COPD 101 is a 90-minute class held monthly in the fall, winter and spring. The Better Breathers Club, a support group held every other month, emphasizes lifestyle changes, such as how to travel with COPD and how nutrition plays into COPD management. Visit AAMCevents.org or call 443-481-5555 for more information or to register. Quit Smoking Smoking is not the sole cause of COPD, but it is estimated that 80 percent of those diagnosed with COPD are either current or past smokers. Specific to COPD, cigarette smoke contains toxins that irritate the lungs and trigger symptoms. Take our pledge to love your lungs, and be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card! Stay Active For COPD patients, every breath taxes the breathing muscles. To keep these muscles in good shape, it’s essential that you stay active to the best of your ability and always follow your doctor’s recommendations. Author By Keith Goulet, DO, a critical care medicine and pulmonary disease specialist at Anne Arundel Medical Center. He can be reached at 410-266-1644. Originally published Sept. 24, 2015. Last updated Nov. 11, 2019.0
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