- The Region's Leading Heart CenterAlthough we win awards for our emergency heart attack care, we hope you'll never need it. Our goal is to prevent and manage coronary artery disease and keep you healthy. We do this with:A dedicated heart center. Our Zazulia Heart and Vascular Center has an inpatient unit just for heart patients. It features cardiac catheterization labs, a critical care unit and a cardiac rehabilitation center.Nationally recognized care. The American College of Cardiology recognizes our commitment to hospital care for heart patients. We're one of 212 hospitals in the nation to receive the Platinum Performance Achievement Award for chest pain and heart attack care. And we appear on the 2022 U.S. News & World Report list of “Best Hospitals."Heart treatments recognized by the American Heart Association. The American Heart Association identifies us as one of only 25% of U.S. hospitals qualified to perform emergency cardiac catheterization.The latest technology for minimally invasive procedures. With advanced imaging, we can detect coronary artery disease early — and are often able to treat it with minimally invasive procedures. That means small incisions, less pain and a quicker recovery for you.ConditionConditions/Services/Treatments PageCoronary artery disease can start when you're young. Over time, your coronary arteries may become blocked, leading to a heart attack.It's the leading cause of death in the U.S., but with proper care it's often preventable.What Is Coronary Artery Disease?Coronary artery disease (also called coronary heart disease) is the most common form of heart disease. It happens when your heart's main arteries become blocked with fatty, waxy deposits called plaque. The plaque prevents adequate blood and oxygen from reaching your heart.We offer unparalleled heart care thanks to a team of dedicated specialists and the most advanced technology for diagnosing and treating coronary artery disease.0
- Cancer Care, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogColon cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the United States. It is also the second deadliest cancer that affects both men and women. However, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if everyone age 50 or older had regular screenings, up to 60 percent of colon cancer deaths could be prevented. In fact, many cases of colon cancer can be completely prevented through a simple screening exam called colonoscopy. “Colon cancer is preventable through the removal of intestinal polyps, which have the potential to become cancerous,” says Surgical Oncologist Naeem Newman, MD. “This can be done during colonoscopy.” If you’re 50+ this year, pledge to have your colonoscopy. Learn more at askAAMC.org/Milestone50. Risky Business Factors that raise colon cancer risk Inflammatory bowel disease Family history Diet high in red meat or fat Smoking Obesity Factors that lower colon cancer risk Diet high in fiber Diet high in fruits and vegetables Taking aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Regular exercise Hormone replacement therapy in women Some studies have shown that people who include folate (the synthetic form is folic acid) in their diet have lower rates of colon cancer. Some foods that are rich in folate are fortified cereals, black-eyed peas, kidney beans and spinach. Many people avoid colonoscopy due to their fears about the procedure or feelings of embarrassment, but it’s relatively simple and pain free. The day before the colonoscopy, you prepare your intestine by taking a prescribed laxative. The day of the procedure, you are sedated and the doctor inserts a thin flexible tube into the rectum. The tube contains a camera and a light that allows the doctor to examine the inner walls of the colon—all five feet of it—for polyps and other abnormal growths. If anything out of the ordinary is found, the doctor can remove the polyps, which are tested for cancer. Illustration of a polyp removal. While 50 is the recommended age for a first colonoscopy, anyone with a first-degree family member (i.e., parent or sibling) who has had colon cancer should be checked sooner. “There’s no valid reason for not getting a colonoscopy,” says Dr. Newman. If there are no concerning findings with your colonoscopy, you may not need another one for up to 10 years. Colon cancer is preventable. Don’t wait if you are over 50. Call your doctor to set up a colonoscopy screening. If you need a physician referral, visit FindaDoc or call 443-481-5555. Author Naeem Newman, MD, is a surgical oncologist at AAMC Surgical Oncology. Originally published Feb. 19, 2016. Last updated Feb. 26, 2019.0
- Cancer Care, Weight LossGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWeight loss surgery has many health benefits for the obese, including lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. But many don’t realize lowering cancer risk is another reason to consider the procedure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity is linked to 40 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the U.S., including: Breast (in women past menopause) Colorectal Endometrial (lining of the uterus) Esophageal Gallbladder Kidney Liver Meningioma Multiple myeloma Ovarian Pancreatic Stomach Thyroid Uterine An important distinction the National Cancer Institute (NCI) makes is that obese people who have weight loss surgery appear to have lower risks of obesity-related cancers than obese people who don’t have the operation. NCI bases this off of a 2013 study on weight loss surgery, but more research continues to emerge. The Annals of Surgery published a study on bariatric surgery and cancer risk. Researchers followed 89,000 severely obese patients, including about 22,000 who had weight loss surgery, for an average follow-up of three and a half years. The patients who had weight loss surgery were 33 percent less likely to develop any cancer during the study, which ran from 2005 through 2014. When they looked specifically at obesity-related cancers, the numbers increased. Patients who had weight loss surgery were 41 percent less likely to develop obesity-related cancers, and 40 percent less likely to be diagnosed with tumors linked to obesity. There are a few types of weight loss surgery. The majority of the patients in this study had gastric bypass surgery in which a small stomach pouch is created and the small intestines are rerouted. Twenty-seven percent of people in the study had sleeve gastrectomy in which a portion of your stomach is removed. In this particular study, more than 80 percent of the participants were women. It’s important to note that researchers found a link between bariatric surgery and cancer risk in women, not men. Since many cancers take years to develop, the researchers noted it’s possible their research underestimates the impact of weight loss surgery on cancer risk. Research will continue, and we’ll get a better understanding of the link between obesity, weight loss and cancer risk. Until then, the reality is that there are nearly 15 million adults in the U.S. who are severely obese. Cancer prevention is just one of the many reasons to consider bariatric surgery. To learn more about weight loss surgery, attend a free seminar at AAMC. To learn more or register, visit luminishealth.org/weight-loss-surgery. Author Alex Gandsas, MD, is a bariatric surgeon at the LHAAMC Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery Program. To reach his practice, call 443-481-6699. Originally published Jan. 22, 2018. Last updated July 5, 2023.0
- Women's Health, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs a woman and mother, I understand how easy it is to put everyone’s needs above your own. But as a doctor and cardiologist, I also know how important it is to care for my health – especially my heart. More than one in three women are living with heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. And although heart disease death rates among men have declined over the last 25 years, rates among women have fallen at a slower rate. The first step in prevention is education. Some risk factors, such as a family history of heart disease and your age, can’t be changed. For women, your risk for heart disease rises significantly after menopause. In fact, the rate of heart attacks in women dramatically increases about 10 years after menopause starts. The good news is there are many key risk factors you can do something about. Cholesterol Your body needs small amounts of cholesterol to stay healthy, but too much can cause a problem. The extra amounts of cholesterol clog your arteries, putting you at risk for heart disease and heart attack. Work with your doctor to know your numbers and come up with a plan to keep them in a healthy range. High blood pressure High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the leading cause of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease. It’s called the “silent killer” because it often has no warning signs or symptoms, so many people don’t know they have it. To lower your risk of heart disease, you should maintain a healthy blood pressure. Your doctor will help you decide what your goal blood pressure is how to achieve it through lifestyle changes or medication. Weight Carrying excess weight can raise your blood pressure and strain your heart. Being overweight also raises your chances of developing diabetes and high cholesterol. The best way to take control of your weight is to get moving and eat a healthy diet. In our fast-paced world this is easier said than done. Start by making small changes, such as walking for 30 minutes a few times a week, cutting out beverages with empty calories, or pledging to add fruits and vegetables into every meal. Smoking Smoking significantly raises your risk for heart disease, as well as a host of other diseases and cancers. If you need help quitting, you can find classes to help at askAAMC.org/events or call 443-481-5366. Now that you have the power to take control of certain risk factors for heart disease, you should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Heart attacks in women can present themselves differently than in men. Everyone can experience chest pain, but women tend to experience more atypical symptoms: Shortness of breath Nausea Jaw pain Weakness Back pain Don’t ignore or make excuses for these warning signs. Call your doctor or 911 so a heart attack can be ruled out or identified early. Author Jennifer Brady, MD, cardiologist with Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Cardiology Specialists. Originally published March 2, 2017. Last updated Feb. 21, 2019.0
- Employee SpotlightGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThere’s no better way to understand and connect with others than to experience what they’re going through yourself. For Tyra Neal, what once overwhelmed her to the point she almost walked away was just a blessing in disguise that would prepare her for what was coming her way. Today, when she looks back, all she can express is gratitude for how things worked out. “I’m just so thankful to have gotten my feet in the door and so thankful for the second chance I was given because this hospital is the best place I’ve ever worked at,” she says. Tyra works closely with patients and their families as a clinical escort assistant at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC). She also holds another part-time job and takes care of her 17-year-old daughter and 20-year-old son. Her day-to-day consists of giving food to patients and spending time with them, to having tough conversations with family members who have just lost a loved one. And although it’s not always easy to have those conversations, Tyra always knew this path was meant for her. “I’ve been a certified nursing assistant for 20 years,” she says. “I’ve always cared for my grandmother, who’s 96, and she means a lot to me. A lot of my passion to care for others comes from my time spent with her and from my aunt, whom I also cared for after she was diagnosed with cancer. I worked at Heritage Harbour for eight years where I started in the kitchen as a prep cook and later became a tech after becoming a certified geriatric nursing assistant. I would take trays to patients’ rooms. If they needed help, I wouldn’t bother the nurse, I would just do it myself.” Tyra saw the opening available with AAMC and quickly applied for it. For her, this was an opportunity to push herself beyond her comfort zone and allow her to grow while still doing what she loved. “I was so nervous,” she recalls. “The hospital is so big and I wasn’t sure that I was going to understand everything.” Tyra was supposed to train for two weeks but started second-guessing herself after the first one. “There were so many different people training me, it was overwhelming,” she says. “That weekend I went home and emailed Jenny, my supervisor, to share my concern.” But things wouldn’t end there for Tyra. Jenny was very understanding and encouraged Tyra to come back, telling her they would be happy to work at her pace and accommodate her needs. “I called my mom and she told me opportunities like these don’t appear all the time,” Tyra says. “She reminded me of how hard I worked to get here and told me to not quit now, to follow my heart.” And she did. Tyra came back for her second week of training and never looked back. “Everybody was so kind, so nice,” Tyra says. “Jenny made sure I got the perfect trainer to make me feel comfortable during my second week. Today, I’m the one who trains new hires and I love what I do. I love trying to explain things in a way that’s not confusing, and I try to make people feel comfortable because I know what it feels like. I don’t look for anything in return. As long as I can help somebody else, I know that I’m going to be OK.” Currently, Tyra is training three new employees and her priority is to make them feel like they can do this. “I always tell them that if in two weeks they don’t feel like they’re comfortable or can’t take this on, to please come talk to me so I can train them another week until they do,” she says. Tyra’s remarkable and approachable personality is not only evident to her colleagues. Her patients, too, quickly develop a connection with her. “There’s a lady that comes in here every week to bring me a flower,” Tyra says. “Her mother passed away here and she always tells me that I took good care of her family during a really difficult time. It’s the little things like these that make me love what I do. I get easily attached to my patients. Or when a patient passes, it touches me so much because I’ve talked to them and built a connection with them. I love when people remember me because I know I don’t ever forget a face.” PRO TIP: “When you get to AAMC, be thankful for getting here. There are many opportunities available, like going to school, if you wanted to. It doesn’t matter if you start in the kitchen or in a lab, if you get your foot in the door then you will find opportunities to grow. This hospital is a good place to work with people who care and are here to help you. I’m thankful I was given the opportunity to push through my doubts and for being here today.” *Tyra Neal received an AAMC Champion award for the month of August. If you know a great individual or a fantastic team going above and beyond to make a difference, make sure to let us know! Looking for a career in health care? We invite you to join a diverse and collaborative team of professionals working together to innovate the future of health care for our entire region. Check out our career opportunities.0
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