- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMelanoma Monday: The Importance of Screenings Millions of people are currently being treated for skin cancers in the United States. And some types — such as melanoma — are serious and can even be life-threatening. It’s a smart idea to keep an eye out for suspicious spots on your body that could be symptoms of melanoma since finding it early can give you a better chance of starting treatment before it spreads. What is Melanoma? Anyone can get skin cancer, and skin cancers don’t all look the same. The three most common types are: Basal cell carcinoma Melanoma Squamous cell carcinoma Most basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are highly curable, although they may be expensive to treat or leave behind scars. Melanoma, on the other hand, is more likely to spread into other parts of your body. Screening for Suspicious Moles and Spots The best way to help prevent skin cancer is to avoid getting too much sun exposure, including from indoor sun lamps. But it’s also worthwhile to keep a watchful eye on your skin. The most common sign of skin cancer is a change in your skin, with unusual moles or new growths often serving as an early warning sign that something is developing. Researchers are looking into whether everyone should have a doctor regularly check over their skin to look for signs of skin cancer. At this point, regular screenings are recommended to people who previously have had skin cancer or who have suspicious moles or spots. Some people might have a greater risk of getting skin cancer, such as those with lighter skin or who burn easily. But everyone can and should check their own skin regularly. Take the time to get to know the moles and spots on your skin that are already there. Almost all of them are harmless, but it’s important to tell your doctor if any of them change in: Color Shape Size Texture Also show your doctor any new, unusual spots that appear, sores that don’t heal, or any areas that don’t look normal for your skin. They will evaluate the area and tell you if further tests are needed. Taking Care of Your Skin Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It does a good job protecting your body, but you also need to show it some care. Wear sunscreen every day and try to stay out of the strong, midday sun. Don’t forget to check your skin regularly. And if you’ve been too laid-back about sun exposure or skincare in the past, consider today a good day to commit to healthy practices. Authors Yin Wu, MD , is a hematologist medical oncologist with Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. Dr. Wu specializes in breast cancer, thoracic malignancies and gastrointestinal cancers, with an emphasis on care coordination. Dr. Wu believes in a personalized and compassionate approach for the care of cancer patients.0
- Men's Health, Women's Health, Wellness, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogExercise is crucial to maintaining heart health, but with summer heat hitting its peak, it’s important to factor in outdoor temperatures when you’re planning your activities for the day. If you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease, or are on medication to control certain risk factors, always check with your doctor before starting an exercise routine. Certain heart medications can exaggerate the body’s response to heat. In addition, when you exercise the heart is bringing blood and oxygen to your muscles and needs to pump harder to keep up with the fluid you lose due to sweating. Here are some things to keep in mind to help you stay heart healthy: Adapt Don’t let the heat be your excuse to NOT exercise—instead, adapt! If you’re planning to exercise outdoors, try to schedule your workout for early morning or late evening hours when the sun is less intense and the temperatures tend to be cooler. Don’t forget to take regular breaks. Find a cool place to stop for a few minutes, hydrate yourself, and then continue with your workout. Hydrate Staying properly hydrated is critical. Most guidelines recommend about eight glasses of water per day, and if you’re exercising or having a very active day you should add one or two glasses to replace fluids lost due to sweating. If you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease, please talk to your doctor about the appropriate guidelines for your specific needs. A lot of people are curious about sports drinks as well—when do you need them, when do you not? Remember, sports drinks are laden with sugar and other ingredients making them a far less healthy option compared to water. However, if you’re doing vigorous physical activity that lasts over an hour, especially when temperatures are hot, you need to replace fluids and electrolytes. You’ll also want to avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as they can dehydrate you quickly. Certain foods can be powerful hydrators, too. Foods like watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes have high water content and they’re part of a heart healthy diet. Dress for Success If you’re staying outside, dress for the heat by choosing lightweight, light-colored clothing and breathable fabrics or fabrics that wick away moisture from the skin. A hat or sunglasses and sunscreen with SPF 30+ are also a must. According to the American Heart Association, people who are physically active and at a healthy weight live about seven years longer than those who are not active and obese. It’s important to stay motivated during the summer months, and by thinking ahead it’s easy to continue with your heart healthy habits in a safe way. Looking for a recipe to make your own sports drinks or fruit-infused water? Check here. Author Jerome Segal, MD, interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Heart Institute at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. He can be reached at 443-481-6700. Originally published June 23, 2015. Last updated July, 2023.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) has achieved “Straight A” recognition in the Spring 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, the nation’s most prestigious honor for patient safety. Since 2018, we have received “Straight A’s” for every grading cycle. “To be among the top hospitals in the country to achieve the highest ranking year after year reaffirms our passion and commitment to the health and safety of our patients,” said Sherry Perkins, president of LHAAMC. “Our communities expect and deserve high-quality care. During this pandemic, every member of our team has gone above-and-beyond to keep staff, patients, and visitors safe. I want to express my appreciation to our entire team and volunteers for their hard-work and dedication.” “It’s clear Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center is on a never-ending quest to keep patients safe through thick and thin,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “This likely saved lives through the pandemic and prepared for future health emergencies. I thank Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center for leadership and inspiration in these trying times.” The Safety Grade assigns letter grades of “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” and “F” to hospitals across the country based on their performance in preventing medical errors, infections, and other harms. Developed under the guidance of a national Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 27 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,700 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Leapfrog Group’s grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent, and free to the public. “Our patients can rest assured they will receive the best possible care,” said Dr. Stephen Cattaeno, president of the medical staff at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “These grades are a gold standard measure that represent a hospital’s overall performance in keeping patients safe from preventable harm and medical errors. I am proud to be a part of a health care team that recognizes the importance of caring for our patients and improving their well-being.” To see more details on Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s performance and to access consumer-friendly tips for patients, visit www.hospitalsafetygrade.org.0
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs you set off on the road, trail or treadmill to train for your first 5K (or your next one), it’s worth giving some extra thought to what you’re putting in your body for fuel. Eat Well: Get the Energy You Need to Go the Extra Mile Luckily, the best nutrition plan for 5K training looks a lot like a healthy, well-balanced diet. While marathoners might need to “carb-load” for long training runs or take in specific extra nutrients, most runners training for 5K races can get what they need by eating wholesome meals with a variety of fresh foods. For maximum payoff, make sure you get a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats. These elements all play a role in making sure your body has enough energy to exercise, keeping your muscles healthy and promoting good recovery as you train. Tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture: Limit added sugars and saturated fats Make half your grains whole grains Make half your plate fruits and veggies Vary your protein routine. Over time, small changes add up. For instance, switching out an everyday breakfast of waffles with syrup to include high-quality options — such as oatmeal with berries, or scrambled eggs on a bagel with a side of fruit — can help keep you on the fast track. Hydrate: And Drink in Your Success You should drink approximately 64 ounces of water per day. If you stay well hydrated throughout the day, you won’t need to drink anything prior to your run. Carry a water bottle with you so you can sip from it regularly. Sports drinks with electrolytes are healthy for people who exercise for long periods of time, or sweat profusely. In general, we get more than adequate amounts of sodium and potassium and sugar in our food. We don’t need to drink those nutrients. Also, if you’ve been thinking about reducing your alcohol consumption, this is a good time to do it. Drinking alcohol can get in the way of a good workout in a number of ways, including dehydrating you, disturbing your sleep and affecting your blood sugar. Have a Great Race When it’s finally race day, your healthy nutrition choices will set you up for success. In the hours before the starting gun, stick to the meals your body is used to eating rather than reinventing the wheel or introducing new foods. For dinner the night before your 5K, good meal options might include brown rice with grilled chicken and veggies, or whole wheat pasta with meat sauce and a lightly dressed salad. It’s also best to avoid higher fat foods, since they take longer to digest. If your race is early in the morning, make sure to put something in your stomach first. A banana with a little peanut butter, wholegrain toast with jam or an energy bar might do the trick. Throughout your 5K prep, consider good nutrition part of your training. Making higher quality choices more often than not will support your running plans and help you feel your best on race day. On your mark, get set…go! Author Davis Maurer, MS, RDN, LDN, is a clinical nutrition manager at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.0
- Cancer Care, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSunny days are ahead. Whether you’re planning to kick back and relax or stay active outside, here are four good reasons to make sunscreen a part of your daily routine. Sun Damage Can Happen Quickly When the sun is shining, it doesn’t take long — think less than 15 minutes — before ultraviolet (UV) rays can hurt your skin. Sun damage can happen on days when it’s cloudy or cool, and even on days you don’t go outside. Sitting inside near a window is enough to expose you to harmful rays from the sun. That’s why it’s important to get into an everyday sunscreen habit, no matter the forecast or what’s on your agenda for the day. The best sunscreen to use is the one you’ll reach for regularly, so try out a few brands to see which one you like. Just make sure it is: Broad spectrum (meaning it protects you from UVA and UVB rays) SPF 30 or higher Water-resistant And if you’re planning a day in the sun, try to find shade when UV rays are at their strongest, usually from about 10 am to 4 pm. Not-So-Sunny Consequences Too much unprotected time in the sun can cause short-term issues like sunburn and premature aging or long-term health effects like skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., and some types can be life-threatening. The more time you spend in the sun, the greater the chance you’ll develop skin cancer in your lifetime. But you can reduce your risk with an ounce of prevention. To help your sunscreen work properly: Put it on 30 minutes before you leave home. Use at least a golf-ball sized amount. Don’t forget areas like around your ears, the back of your neck, or on the tops of your feet. Reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. Check the sunscreen expiration date. Sunscreen works best when combined with other protective measures, such as putting on a hat and wearing sun-shielding clothing. Chemical Free is a Safe Bet Whether you have sensitive skin or want to avoid certain chemicals, a natural sunscreen is a safe bet. Non-chemical, or clean, sunscreens use mineral, or physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to block the sun. Zinc and Titanium-based sunblock’s work by being a physical barrier against UV rays, but if you rub it in until it’s no longer white, it will no longer be effective. If you’re concerned about the white-coated appearance, seek out a mineral sunscreen instead. Damage Can Build Over Time Even if you aren’t sun tanning on purpose, the effects of exposure to the sun can add up over time. It’s important to start protecting yourself and your family early. If you have kids, convincing them to wear sunscreen every day can be a challenge. If your little ones don’t love how it feels or smells, work with them to find what kind they like best. The sooner you can make it part of your child’s routine, the easier it will be to make it a habit — and the more protection they’ll get over the years. The health and wellness benefits of time spent outside are undeniable. It’s worth taking a moment to prepare before you step out of your door. Authors Julie Oda, MD, is a hematologist medical oncologist with Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. Dr. Oda’s philosophy of care is to treat all patients as though they are family and to help them understand every aspect of the care they receive.0
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