- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhat are healthy foods for your heart? The choices you make in your diet can have a powerful impact on your heart. Certain foods and beverages have nutrients and natural compounds that can lower cholesterol, maintain healthy blood vessels and protect your heart. Here are the top picks for heart-smart foods to eat often. Adding these foods to your diet can keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Leafy green vegetables All vegetables are nutritious, but dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and collard greens are especially rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that promote healthy blood clotting, lower blood pressure, and protect your heart and blood vessels. Eat leafy green vegetables daily by adding them to salads, sautéeing them as a side dish, adding them to soups or stews, or blending them into a smoothie. Avocados This creamy, satisfying fruit is full of heart-healthy, unsaturated fats. Replacing foods like butter, margarine, cheese, or processed meat with avocado can reduce your risk of heart disease. Skip the tortilla chips, though. For healthier ways to eat avocado, add it to your salad or sandwich or dip fresh vegetables into your guacamole. Fresh or frozen berries Colorful blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries contain polyphenols, antioxidants that reduce inflammation, protect blood vessels and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Fresh or frozen berries can be added to overnight oats, yogurt and salads, or enjoyed on their own for dessert. Oats and barley These whole grains are full of soluble fiber, which helps reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. Soluble fiber also slows digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer, which can promote weight loss. Add these grains to your weekly meal plan by eating oats for breakfast and trying barley as a side dish, in soups, or as a base for salads. Beans (legumes) Chickpeas, lentils, black, pinto, kidney, white beans, and all other dried beans or legumes are heart-smart superfoods. They’re full of plant protein, cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber, and many other nutrients that support your heart, blood vessels, and blood pressure. A 2023 analysis of studies published in Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases found that eating about 3 cups of beans each week can reduce your risk of heart disease. To meet that goal, add beans to soups, stews, chili, tacos, and salads, and blend them with herbs to make dips and sandwich spreads. Fatty fish Oily fish, such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and rainbow trout, are excellent sources of omega-3 fats (fish oil). These essential fatty acids can help reduce blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Research links a higher fish intake to a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. As such, the American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings (a total of eight ounces) of fatty fish each week. If you don’t like oily fish, lean fish or seafood like tilapia, cod, or shrimp still provides some omega-3 fats. Any type of fish is better than none. Nuts and seeds All nuts and seeds are excellent sources of unsaturated, heart-healthy fats which can improve your cholesterol. They also contain significant antioxidants to reduce inflammation and protect your heart and blood vessels from oxidative damage. To get the most benefits from nuts and seeds, vary them in your diet: Snack on almonds, peanuts, and pistachios. Sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, pumpkin, or sunflower seeds on salads and roasted vegetables. Add a spoonful of chia or ground flaxseeds to a smoothie. Olive oil Olive oil is an essential ingredient in the Mediterranean diet, and extensive research supports its benefits for heart health. A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found about 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil each day is enough to reap the benefits. Use it to make salad dressings, in place of butter or other oil for baking, and when roasting fish, chicken, or vegetables. Tea According to a 2021 study published in the Annals of Medicine, drinking two cups of unsweetened brewed green or black tea each day can reduce the risk and progression of cardiovascular disease. Researchers believe antioxidant compounds in tea called flavonoids account for its benefits. If you prefer herbal tea without caffeine, try hibiscus tea. A 2022 review and analysis of 17 studies published in Nutrition Reviews determined it can reduce risk by lowering blood pressure and LDL cholesterol. The bottom line When it comes to heart health, food is medicine, so try to incorporate as many of these foods as possible into your regular diet. If you are taking blood thinners or other medications, talk to your physician before making substantial changes to your diet as some foods can change the effectiveness of those medications. Make sure you stay on top of your heart and overall health by getting regular wellness checks and notifying your doctor about any heart-related symptoms. Author Author: Luminis Health Chief of Cardiac Surgery, David J. Caparrelli, MD. Dr. Caparrelli has more than 20 years of experience in both cardiac and vascular surgery. To make an appointment with Dr. Caparrelli, please call 443-481-1358.0
- Wellness, Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe saying “you are what you eat” is more than just a catchphrase, it holds the key to potentially lowering your risk of cancer. According to the World Health Organization, adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes maintaining an ideal body weight and eating a nourishing diet, can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing cancer. But how can you achieve this? Here are things to include in your diet and what to avoid. Foods to add to your diet 1. Beans Beans and other legumes can give you fiber, which helps your gut and immune health—and can help prevent colorectal cancer. While all beans are beneficial, lentils offer the best protection. 2. Berries Berries like strawberries, blueberries and cranberries are full of antioxidants like vitamin C, and compounds called cyanidins, which protect your cells from stress and inflammation that could lead to cancer. 3. Broccoli Broccoli and other cruciferous foods like cauliflower, cabbage and kale have special plant compounds that help cells remove toxins and protect themselves. Studies show that eating these vegetables four or five times a week can reduce your risk of colorectal, prostate, bladder and breast cancer. 4. Nuts Studies have shown that tree nuts can help you prevent cancers in the digestive system. Common tree nuts, such as pecans, walnuts and almonds, have high levels of plant compounds called ellagitannins that can help gut bacteria stop cancer from growing. It’s best to choose unsalted and unsweetened nuts. If you don’t like them raw, mix the nuts into steamed vegetables, stir-fry, or salads. 5. Tomatoes Tomatoes are full of an antioxidant called lycopene, which may fight prostate cancer, according to many studies over the years. Other studies say that tomatoes (and tomato products such as tomato sauce) can lower your risk for breast, lung and colorectal cancer. Foods to avoid 1. Alcohol Alcohol, including beer, wine and spirits, causes tissue damage which can lead to changes in cells and increase your risk for cancer. If you don’t want to avoid alcohol entirely, try limiting yourself to one drink per day if you’re a woman, and two drinks per day if you’re a man. 2. Food and drinks with added sugar Candy, cookies and soda can lead to obesity, which in turn can increase your risk for cancer. Experts suggest you limit the amount of food and drinks in your diet that have added sugar. While diet sodas have no sugar and fewer calories, they lack essential nutrients found in water. 3. Fried foods When starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures (such as during the process of frying), they form a compound called acrylamide. Some studies have shown that acrylamide can damage cells, leading to a higher risk of cancer. Fried foods can also lead to obesity, which increases your risk for cancer. Air frying is a healthier alternative to than frying in traditional oil. It reduces calories by as much as 80% and significantly decreases fat content. 4. Processed meats This category includes most of the meats behind the deli counter, as well as hot dogs, ham, sausage, and anything sold in a pre-packaged container. These meats are often preserved using nitrates and nitrates, which increase your risk for colorectal and stomach cancers. 5. Red meats Researchers have found that consuming red meats such as beef, pork and lamb can increase your risk for colorectal cancer. Dietitians recommend eating less than 18 ounces of red meat each week. Balance is Key When it comes to healthy eating, it’s important to remember that finding a balance is essential to your overall success. Adding these cancer-fighting foods — and avoiding cancer-causing ones — as often as you’re able, can help you manage your risks. But making big, sweeping changes to your diet can sometimes be counterproductive. Be sure to start with small changes you know you can maintain. Finally, ongoing conversations with your primary care provider can help you better understand your personal cancer risk, and help you navigate any needed changes. To manage your overall wellness as well as cancer risks, schedule a visit with a primary care provider at Luminis Health Primary Care.0
- General Page - Tier 2At Luminis Health, we are committed to providing comprehensive care through our extensive range of specialties and highly skilled medical professionals. We understand the importance of a trusted partnership in patient care, and we're here to support you at every step.We also offer numerous educational and collaborative opportunities for our referring providers to stay at the forefront of medical advancements and best practices. At Luminis Health, we work together to enhance health outcomes and transform lives within our community. Refer a Patient to our Orthopedics ProvidersOur orthopedic team is committed to delivering expert, patient-centered care for a full range of musculoskeletal conditions. From sports injuries and joint replacements to complex fracture care, our team uses advanced technology and evidence-based practices to deliver results that support faster recovery and long-term mobility.We know strong provider relationships are key to better care. That’s why we’re committed to close communication and coordination at every step—from initial evaluation to surgical care to rehabilitation. Together, we’re helping patients return to the activities they love and improving quality of life across our community.To refer a patient to Luminis Health Orthopedics, call 410-268-8862 Schedule careOur services0
- Research2019-11-09Crownsville, MDDAR Meeting Hall0
- OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogBetween the backyard, soccer field and gym; your kids are active, and nothing slows them down. But no matter how invincible they seem, children are prone to injuries, especially during sports seasons. Even under the calmest of circumstances, it can be hard to figure out exactly what’s wrong. Especially when they’re writhing in pain. So, how do you know if it’s a sprain, strain or fracture? We’re here to help you tell the difference — and get your athlete back up and running.Learn to recognize the signsPrepare for your child’s sports season by knowing the most common injures, how they happen, and the signs and symptoms that can help you distinguish between them. It’s also important to pass along this knowledge to the young athletes in your family, so they can relay details to help you make good care decisions. Common sports injuries among student athletes include strains, sprains and breaks.StrainsA strain is a muscle injury and is most commonly a partial tear. One way to pinpoint a strain is recognizing that your child’s pain is in a muscle that does heavy lifting, like back muscles, a hamstring or a quad. The resulting symptoms, include muscle pain, weakness, spasms, cramps and swelling. Your child may have difficulty moving the affected muscle.SprainsSprains are an injury to ligaments and are found around joints. A sprain is a tear of a ligament. Common joints that are sprained include the ankle, knee, shoulder and fingers. Another tell-tale sign of a sprain is hearing a pop or tear when the injury happens. Your child may also experience pain around the affected area, with bruising and swelling.FracturesA fracture is just another term for a broken bone. Most breaks happen when kids fall awkwardly, like with outstretched arms. Of all these injuries, fractures are usually the easiest to spot. In more severe cases, the break will be visible, with the bone either appearing to be placed at an awkward angle or breaking through the skin. Milder fractures, on the other hand, may not be visible to the naked eye, but there could be bruising and swelling around the site.With any fracture, your child will likely also feel throbbing pain, tenderness around the site, numbness or tingling. It may also be difficult — or impossible — to put weight on the broken bone.Know when to get treatmentBehind every goal, touchdown and home run is rest — and lots of it. And that goes double when your student athlete is injured. Doctors recommend the “RICE” method (Rest; Ice, Compress and Elevate), as the best remedy for strains and sprains.When a broken bone is suspected, however, it’s time to see a doctor for an X-Ray and a cast or other type of brace. No matter the type of injury, an accident means no sports for a few weeks or months. And while it can be hard for your young athlete to allow the time they need to recover, it’s important to remind them the goal is total healing — and that they won’t be on the sidelines forever. Your one-stop shop for youth sports injuriesWhen pain takes your athlete out of the game, you may need help making the next move. Luminis Health experts diagnose and treat children in our same-day and next-day clinics, with appointments available seven days a week, including evenings. We also offer imaging and second opinions to give you peace of mind. Sudden injuries deserve immediate care, and to us, it’s about more than just treating injuries—it’s about getting your athlete back to scoring goals, hitting home runs, and, most importantly, being a kid. And that’s a win for everyone. Book an appointment today. Daniel Redziniak, MD is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine.0
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