- Men's Health, Women's Health, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMost of us are comfortable sharing with family and friends our woes of back, neck or leg pain. But what about when you have pain in a place where—ahem—no one really talks about? Enter Karen Dobbs. A physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, Karen helps men and women suffering from muscle and nerve pain associated with sex, going to the bathroom, wearing underwear, and even sitting or standing. “Because of the sensitive nature of my patients’ problems, during the first session, my goal is to make them feel comfortable and gain their trust,” says Karen, who lives in West River, Md. “We sit in a private room and have a confidential, personal conversation about what’s going on.” Karen is one of four practitioners at Anne Arundel Medical Center who focuses on pelvic health issues. She says it is an emerging field with few professionals trained to do this kind of work. Every person is different, says Karen. “Each condition I treat is very specific and the treatment is customized to the patient’s needs.” The goal of pelvic floor physical therapy is either muscle strengthening—often associated with urinary or fecal incontinence, or muscle relaxation, which is frequently associated with sexual pain; for example, pudendal neuralgia, a nerve condition that leads to pain in the clitoris/penis, vulva/scrotum, perineum, and rectum. Treatment also can involve the back and leg muscles because they are connected to the pelvic floor. “Often, patients cannot share their problem with friends, family or even their doctor,” says Karen. “Sometimes it takes a few sessions before they open up.” But once they begin to have pain relief as a result of the therapy, they become more comfortable and willing to try different treatment options. Karen talks to her patients about anatomy, how muscles work, and how you can relax or strengthen them. Patients are usually given a home program to follow, which is very important. They only progress at the rate the patient is comfortable.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen Marvin Page reached to ring the bell after eight weeks of radiation treatment, it was more than a casual gesture. It was a milestone along his 12-month journey as a cancer patient. While the emotion of that delicate moment was partially hidden behind the mask he wore, Page decided to pen a letter to his three radiation therapists about the quality of his care. In his letter, he called them brave. He called them soldiers. “I never saw you waver one time,” Page wrote. “You never spoke fear, doubt or uncertainty and for that I am forever grateful. You are a soldier on the front lines helping people in spite of this pandemic. Thank you for taking care of me.” Between February and April, Page received treatment for prostate cancer at Anne Arundel Medical Center’s DeCesaris Cancer Institute. Weekly he traveled from his Odenton, Maryland, home in the midst of climbing coronavirus (COVID-19) cases across the country, armed with a facemask he stored in a brown paper bag. Page said his treatment team – Angel “Ted” Torano, MD, a radiation oncologist at AAMC, and radiation therapists Lydia Capel, Kayla Welsh and Laura Zywicki-Payne – was consistent in its care for him. “They never gave me the appearance that something would be missed or that my treatment would be interrupted,” Page said. “I compared them to soldiers on the front lines because that’s what they were. When you are a soldier on the front line, you have a task to do and you do it – you execute it. That’s what they did.” Safe Care Dr. Torano said Page’s letter describing his experience is a validation of the effort, dedication and care that AAMC strives to deliver on a daily basis to all patients. “Receiving radiation treatment can be a uniquely new and stressful experience,” Dr. Torano said. “Our mission is to deliver high-quality care in a personalized manner. Accomplishing this can be especially challenging during the COVID-19 health care crisis. Despite the strict protocols put in place to minimize the risk of exposure to our staff and patients, such as social distancing and PPE, it is most gratifying to hear we are able to achieve our goal of delivering care in such a supportive manner.” Page, who works as a network printer technician, said he was initially nervous because he didn’t know what safety precautions the hospital planned to take to protect him and other patients during the pandemic. With each visit, he said the medical staff assured him that they were ready to care for him safely. AAMC patient Marvin Page “They were proactive in how they waited on the patients,” Page said. “We all had to wait in our cars before coming in to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The waiting in the car measure helped to ease my anxiety.” Page said he and other patients were asked to wait in their cars briefly as a way to stagger the flow of patients, and as an extra precaution in addition to other safety measures. “We try to make our patients feel safe in these uncertain times,” Zywicki-Payne said. “Our entire department works together to make sure that the patients come first, that there are always smiles and plenty of laughter. We take care of each other so that we can take care of the patients.” The “A Team” Page referred to Dr. Torano and the three radiation therapists as the “A Team,” in reference to Mr. T’s 1980s TV series. As he was writing the letter, Page said he noticed that each of the therapists’ first names ended in an “A” and Dr. Torano’s name starts with a “T.” He said they served as his “A Team” during his radiation journey. “During his treatment we got to know Mr. Page very well,” said Capel, who became a radiation therapist after witnessing her father’s radiation treatment care nearly 10 years ago at AAMC. “We are lucky that we get to see our patients every day, and that we get to build a relationship with them. We get to see him from a hesitant day one where treatment is scary and unknown, to his last day laughing and ringing the bell at the end of his treatment.” Welsh said her time with Page was very memorable. “I like to develop strong bonds with my patients,” Welsh said. “I believe it is very important so that my patients feel a form of trust. I want to be their security blanket during this life-changing time.” As Page’s recent bell ringing represents a milestone in his cancer journey, he wants others to know that they can depend on the team at AAMC to provide quality care during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. “No one wants to have cancer, but trust the people who are a part of the process and a part of your care,” Page said. “Trust that they are doing everything possible to help you get better.”0
- Wellness, Men's Health, Heart Care, OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSure, it’s a wintertime chore, but did you know shoveling snow can cause major health issues? “Shoveling snow is the equivalent of running a marathon when it comes to the strain it puts on your heart,” says Baran Kilical, MD, cardiologist and electrophysiologist. “If you do not exercise regularly or have a history of heart disease, you should think twice about shoveling. It would be better to ask a family member, friend or neighbor for help.” The cold weather can tighten your blood vessels, making it harder for blood to pass. Couple that with the sudden increase in blood pressure and heart rate from the physical exertion of shoveling, and a heart attack could be triggered. Who is at most risk? People who have had a prior heart attack, have heart disease, smoke, are overweight or lead a sedentary lifestyle. How can you make snow shoveling safer for your heart? According to the American Heart Association, you should: Take regular breaks. Frequently rest during shoveling so you don’t overstress your heart. Listen to your body and how it feels during those breaks. Skip the heavy meal prior to or soon after shoveling. Large meals can put excess strain on your heart. Push snow, instead of lift it. If you must lift the snow, do it in smaller amounts. It’s less stress on your heart to lift smaller amounts in more frequency, than to lift fewer, but heavier, loads. Skip the alcoholic beverages before or immediately after shoveling. Alcohol may lead you to underestimate the extra strain your body is under. Know the warning signs of a heart attack Also, it’s important to know the warning signs of a heart attack. Not all heart attacks look alike, but most show some or all of these signs: Chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, jaw or stomach Shortness of breath A sudden cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness Call 911 immediately if you begin to experience any of these symptoms. Getting to the hospital at the earliest sign of a heart attack is key to a successful outcome. Protecting Your Muscles and Bones While Shoveling Shoveling not only puts stress on your heart, but also can damage your muscles and bones. Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Chad Patton, MD suggests treating shoveling as a workout. Take time to warm up and stretch before you begin. “Bend with your legs, don’t bend at your waist,” says Dr. Patton. “Try to avoid tossing the snow over your shoulder. Maintain good posture and really use your legs to do a lot of the work.” Authors Chad Patton, MD, is an orthopedic spine surgeon at Luminis Health Orthopedics. To reach him, call 410-268-8862. Originally published Jan. 22, 2016. Last updated Jan. 23, 2026.0
- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWith the popularity of wearable smart devices today, it’s likely you and your loved ones use one of these gadgets. These devices connect us to our families, friends and colleagues, assist in managing our calendars and grocery lists, and even aid in navigation. But can they effectively help us maintain our health? Heart Rate Fitbits and most smartwatches use specialized sensors to track your heart rate both at rest and during exercise. Monitoring your heart rate with a smart device is preferable to not monitoring it at all, although there can be some margin of error. The most accurate heart readings are obtained in a doctor’s office. While these devices might alert you to potentially concerning heart rate changes, they are not substitutes for medical equipment. Blood Pressure Blood pressure readings present an even greater variability with smart devices. Fitbits, for example, estimate blood pressure using heart rate data, activity levels, and other factors. However, it’s important to note the term “estimate.” The gold standard for accurate blood pressure monitoring is the old fashioned way of a trained healthcare provider using a stethoscope and upper arm cuff. The accuracy of smart device readings can be affected by several factors, including body size, skin pigmentation, and even lighting. However, one way it could be helpful is if it indicates a sudden rise or dip in blood pressure, which could signal a potentially dangerous health condition. Irregular Rhythm Several smartwatches collect heart rhythm and motion data to check for signs of atrial fibrillation, or AFib, a condition that affects more than two million people in the U.S. AFib is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke and other complications. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting AFib by smart devices is greater than 90 percent, making them comparable to medical-grade devices. However, the results are most accurate among those who are older, while young and healthy people sometimes get false positives leading to unnecessary health care visits. Overall, this feature is promising and in time, better sensors and algorithms will enhance accuracy. Fitness Fitbits, smartwatches and similar devices are best known for tracking activity levels, including daily step counts. You’ve probably heard you must get 10,000 steps a day. A recent study published in the Journal of American Cardiology (which was a combination of 12 other studies) revealed health benefits start at 2,500 to 2,700 steps per day. The study recommends 7,000 daily steps for strong cardiovascular defense and suggests that aiming for 9,000 steps can promote longevity. You don’t have to reach 10,000 steps daily to gain health benefits. Here are a few tips on how to best use a Fitbit or similar device to set goals and stay motivated: Set Realistic Goals: Start by setting achievable goals for yourself, such as a certain number of steps per day, active minutes, or calories burned. Fitbit allows you to set personalized goals based on your fitness level and objectives. Wear it Consistently: Wear your Fitbit device throughout the day for precise activity monitoring. Track Your Activity: Use your Fitbit to track steps, distance calories burned, active minutes, and floors climbed. Check your progress regularly to ensure you’re meeting your goals. Utilize Workouts and Challenges: Smart devices provide features and challenges to keep you engaged and motivated. Try different workout modes like running, biking, or swimming, and join challenges with friends or online communities. Stay Active Throughout the Day: Use your Fitbit to remind you to move throughout the day, especially if you have a sedentary job. Set up hourly reminders to take a short walk or stretch break to keep your body moving and avoid prolonged sitting. Tracking Helps You Stay on Track Whether you’re counting steps or monitoring other health metrics, smart devices can be a useful tool. Just don’t rely solely on them and neglect professional medical advice. The biggest advantage of wearing a Fitbit or similar device is that it keeps you consistently mindful of your health, leading to better choices. If you have heart health concerns, please schedule an appointment with Luminis Health Cardiology by calling (443) 481-6700. Authors Salvatore Lauria, MD, is a cardiologist with Luminis Health Cardiology.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogVoting is one of the most important rights you have as a U.S. citizen. But this year, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has raised safety concerns we haven’t faced in previous elections. Maybe you have already voted by mail. Or maybe you have decided to vote in person, either by voting early or going to the polls on Election Day. If you’re going in person, remember these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Make a Plan Be prepared. Make sure your voter registration information is correct before you go. Have all of the documentation and forms you need, and make sure they are already filled out. Look at a sample ballot at home so you aren’t surprised and you can make your choices quickly. Plan your trip. Avoid crowds as best you can. Mid-morning may be less crowded than early morning or evening. You could also watch the lines from outside the building and wait until they get shorter to join. When You Go Bring your own pen (with black ink) to the polls. If your polling location has touchscreen voting, bring a stylus or a similar object. But check with election workers before you use it. Bring hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol with you and use it often. Especially after touching high-contact areas. That includes door handles and voting equipment. Wash your hands before you go inside your polling location and again after you leave. Wear a mask. If you have trouble breathing, talk to your doctor first. Even if you’re wearing a mask, keep at least six feet apart from others who aren’t part of your household. Don’t disinfect or wipe down voting equipment yourself – you might damage it. Wait until after you use it to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. Use hand sanitizer again after you exit. Wear your voter sticker proudly! We’re in this together. Let’s take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while exercising our right to vote. Author Jean Murray is the director of Infection Control at Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
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