- Why Put Your Pelvic Health in Our Hands?We'll work with your cancer surgeon, OB-GYN, radiation oncologist or other referring doctor to deliver the best possible care. Other reasons to trust us to provide pelvic physical therapy include:We're well-versed in multiple treatment methods. Our therapists use many treatment tools. These include different exercises, hands-on-techniques, pain science principles, biofeedback, modalities, stimulating muscles with small amounts of electricity, bladder retraining, counseling and education based on your unique history, goals and lifestyle.We have specialized experience. You don't want to see just any physical therapist for pelvic health issues. Our pelvic physical therapists have advanced, specialized training in treating complex problems involving the bladder, bowels, sexual health and pelvic mobility. That's why our therapists concentrate solely on treating problems such as incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Your pelvic therapist works with you to create a treatment plan that suits your individual goals and needs.We'll protect your privacy and dignity. We know it may feel embarrassing to talk about topics like incontinence and sex. That's why our clinics feature private treatment rooms. Plus, our therapists approach discussions with sensitivity and trauma awareness, making your consultation and treatment sessions as comfortable as possible.We have multiple locations close to you. Carving out time for weekly follow-up visits can be tricky. Being able to choose the clinic closest to you makes that a little easier.TreatmentConditions/Services/Treatments PageWe treat all kinds of problems in the pelvis related to prostate cancer treatment, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and other causes. This includes pain, bladder control, bowel problems, and incontinence (leakage of urine or stool) and its side effects.0
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLife can be tough. There are the daily stresses, unexpected events and relentless responsibilities that can all be challenging. At times, we can feel overwhelmed and may need a little extra support. It may surprise you to hear one in five experience a diagnosed mental health condition each year. How can you help a loved one, friend, co-worker or family member who may be going through a hard time? Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s give you a mental health first-aid kit of sorts. Recognizing the Signs One way to provide support is to acknowledge when someone is going through a difficult time. Here are some common signs of mental health challenges: Excessive worrying or fear Feeling extremely sad or low Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning Severe mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” Persistent or strong feelings of irritability or anger Avoiding friends and social activities Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite Overuse of alcohol or drugs Vague and ongoing “aches and pains” without an obvious cause Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress How to Approach Difficult Conversations If you suspect that a friend or loved one might be going through a rough patch, trust your gut. Speak to them one-on-one. Start by saying how much you care, followed by your observations. You might say, “I care about you, and I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately. You seem more frustrated than you’ve been in a while and I’m wondering how you’re doing.” Tell the person you understand and it’s normal to ask for help. If it’s a child or teenager, ask them who you should talk to because you should never handle someone else’s mental health crisis on your own. If granted permission, enlist help from someone they trust, such as a parent, caregivers, older siblings, other relatives or a teacher, even a coach. Is Your Loved One in Danger? Some behaviors may indicate that a person is at immediate risk for suicide. Here are some warning signs: Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or getting a gun Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live If someone you care about shows these behaviors, you should call or text 988 right away or call a mental health professional. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support for anyone who is thinking about suicide, concerned about a loved one or needing emotional support. Helpful Resources The National Alliance of Mental Illness is a nationwide grassroots organization that offers support for those with mental illness and for their friends and loved ones. They have a number of helpful support groups, including some in Prince George’s County. Maryland Coalition of Families supports families who have loved ones with behavioral health conditions. In addition, Luminis Health offers Pathways Family Wellness Workshop, a program that brings together family members (such as parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, or anyone else who is considered family) for an educational session, group therapy and personal growth. The program equips family members with communication skills, relapse prevention strategies and coping mechanisms for ongoing recovery. To register for an upcoming workshop, call 443-481-5449. Take Care of Yourself, Too If someone you are close to is working through mental health challenges, both you and the person in crisis are not alone. Reach out for support for yourself if you need it. Remember that it’s important to maintain boundaries between someone else’s experience and your own. You can empathize with what someone else is going through without owning responsibility for their experience.0
- PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen school is out for the summer, your whole family may be on a more relaxed schedule. That may include kids’ bed times. But with the new school year beginning, it’s time to get your children back on track so they are getting enough sleep to focus on their school work. A lack of sleep can lead to an array of problems for children and teenagers. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) says lack of sleep is linked to behavior and learning problems, and an increased risk of accidents and injuries. Some evidence also suggests a lack of sleep could lead to conditions including diabetes, obesity, hypertension and depression. Yet a 2016 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than two-thirds of high school students are sleeping less than eight hours every night. This could be because there is a shift in the body’s circadian clock during puberty, causing teens to naturally prefer a later bed time. Are you confused about how much shut-eye your children should be getting each night? It varies depending on how old they are, but the AASM says babies, children and teens need much more sleep than adults. Here are its sleep recommendations: 4-12 months: 12-16 hours 1-2 years: 11-14 hours 3-5 years: 10-13 hours 6-12 years: 9-12 hours 13-18 years: 8-10 hours It can be hard to tell when young children are tired. While adults slow down when they’re exhausted, children speed up, the National Sleep Foundation says. For that reason, it can be easy to confuse signs of sleepiness with signs of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Back-to-school sleep tips The National Sleep Foundation offers the following tips for helping your child develop good back-to-school sleep habits: Two weeks before school starts, start to help your child get on a school sleep schedule gradually. Every night, set a slightly earlier bedtime, and every morning, a slightly earlier wake-up time. Don’t use the weekend to catch up on sleep. Before bedtime, start a relaxing routine, such as bath and story time for younger children or reading time for older children. Limit screens, including TV and electronic devices, before bed time. Avoid big meals close to bed time, and caffeine six hours before bed time. A dark room, comfortable bed, and room temperature that is not too hot or cold make for the best sleeping environment for your child. Most importantly, follow these rules yourself so you can set a good example for your children. If you suspect your child isn’t sleeping enough, talk to your pediatrician. Author Rebecca Duncan, MD, is a primary care physician with AAMG Kent Island Primary Care. To reach her practice, call 410-604-6560. Originally published Aug. 22, 2017. Last updated Aug. 16, 2019.0
- Orthopedics, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAfter nearly 20 years managing pain for my patients as an orthopedic surgeon, I recently found myself on the other side of the medical system. I was the patient in need of a major surgical procedure. It was an eye-opening experience to say the least, and I gained a new appreciation for how vulnerable a patient feels when it comes to pain management. Opioids, such as Percocet and hydrocodone, are strong medications that play an important role in managing pain before and after surgery. Over the past 15 years, many factors have led to a dramatic increase in opiate prescriptions. Orthopedic surgeons rank third after pain specialists and primary care doctors in the number of opioid prescriptions they issue. The increase in prescriptions has led to more patients who become dependent or addicted to these drugs. This crisis has affected every social and economic class. Nearly one out of every three people in Maryland knows someone who is, or was, addicted. The rate of opioid-related deaths due to accidental overdose has more than doubled. These drugs cause more deaths than motor vehicle crashes or suicide. They’re also responsible for more patient deaths than cocaine and heroin overdose combined. The United States uses more than 92 percent of the world’s opiates, and we consume 99 percent of the hydrocodone manufactured. Yet, studies haven’t shown any increase in patient-reported pain to warrant this use. We should address the societal acceptance for these medications. Unfortunately, there’s not an easy solution to this problem. Doctors must do a better job of teaching patients about the risks of using opiates. Patients trust and rely on their doctors to guide them in managing their pain. Most patients do not willingly start abusing or misusing their pain medications. Many believe they are only following their doctor’s instructions. Opioid alternatives For most conditions that don’t involve surgery, doctors can manage patients’ pain without opiates. Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), certain anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs, like Motrin, Advil or Aleve), and Tramadol (Ultram) are all alternatives to opiate medications. Doctors can help manage pain before and after surgery by carefully using opiates. However, more opiates don’t always lead to better pain control. In some cases, they can lead to opiate-induced hyperalgesia. This means the more opiate the body’s pain receptors see, the more they want. For chronic conditions, a pain specialist is the best person to help manage pain. Role of patients and families Patients and family members also play an important role in preventing misuse or abuse of opiates. It can be difficult to identify people at risk of addiction, but those with opioid dependency tend to have psychological distress and poor coping skills. Behaviors like losing prescriptions or getting early refills are clear indicators. If a doctor expresses concern about possible addiction to a patient, the patient may be more open to their doctor’s concerns if family members also voice concern. At this point, it may be helpful to get the assistance of a pain management specialist or even going to a drug rehabilitation program. During my recent surgery, I realized that if it was difficult for me to navigate the system of pain management, it must be terrifying for non-medical professionals. Fortunately, I came through with a great result and a new focus on making sure my patients are well informed about their pain management plan. While the opioid epidemic is a complex problem, it’s important for patients and doctors to have open conversations about pain management to help stop opioid addiction. Author Alessandro Speciale, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon at The Spine Center at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach his practice, call 410-268-8862.0
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogProactive, regularly scheduled screenings are your best defense against cancer. By checking for cancer before you have symptoms, you can catch it early — when it’s most treatable and gives you the best chance for a successful outcome. Dr. Feras Abdul-Khalek, medical oncologist for the Luminis Health Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, suggests talking with your doctor about the types of cancer screening that are right for you and when you should have them. Know your risk factors The timing and type of cancer screenings you need depends on your risk factors. And each type of cancer has its own set of risk factors; some you can control and some you cannot. If you’re concerned about a specific type of cancer, ask your doctor which risk factors may make you more likely to get cancer. Common risk factors include: Age Alcohol use Certain gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 for breast cancer Dense breast tissue Diet Family history First pregnancy after age 30 Gender Physical activity Sun exposure Tobacco use Ultraviolet radiation exposure (such as tanning beds) Weight Understand screening types When it comes to cancer screening, remember you’re your first line of defense. Know your body and tell your doctor about any changes or symptoms as soon as you find them. Healthcare professionals are specially trained to listen to — and follow up on — your concerns. They will also likely recommend some routine cancer screenings based on your unique needs: Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer. Several types of screening can help detect colorectal cancer, including a colonoscopy. Men and women at average risk for colorectal cancer should have screening between 45 and 75. CT Scan for lung cancer. A low-dose CT scan, which combines x-ray imaging with computer processing, can reduce lung cancer deaths in heavy smokers. Adults age 50-80 who either currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years may be eligible for annual screening. Exams for skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. and typically affects exposed skin like your face, hands and arms. Schedule a skin cancer screening or talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in your skin, like a new mole or changes to a mole you already have. HPV and Pap tests for cervical cancer. The human papillomavirus test (HPV) and Pap test, alone or in combination, are the standard screening tests for cervical cancer. Women age 21 should begin screening for cervical cancer (Pap test alone); age 30-65 Pap test every 3 years or Pap test and/or HPV test every 5 years. Remember – the HPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancers. Mammograms for breast cancer. Mammography uses a low-level x-ray to take images of the breast tissue and check for any masses. Women age 40 and older should get a mammogram every year. PSA test for prostate cancer. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures a protein produced by prostate cells. Men aged 55 and older are at a higher risk for prostate cancer and should regularly have screenings. Trust Luminis Health with your health Cancer specialists at Luminis Health offer advanced cancer screening and diagnostic tests. Talk to your doctor to help determine if you need a specific type of cancer screening. Authors Dr. Feras Abdul-Khalek is a medical oncologist for the Luminis Health Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Dr. Abdul-Khalek is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology. To make an appointment with him, please call 443-481-4884.0
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