- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogStarting in January 2021, Kaiser Permanente members can receive comprehensive maternity services at Anne Arundel Medical Center, in Annapolis, MD. The hospital has been a premier hospital partner to Kaiser Permanente, a health system with more than 770,000 members in the mid-Atlantic region, since 2015. “Our award-winning Permanente physicians look forward to delivering babies at Anne Arundel Medical Center. The hospital’s commitment to medical excellence matches ours,” said Richard McCarthy, MD, medical director for Kaiser Permanente. “Our Permanente physicians are able to provide exceptional inpatient care at Anne Arundel Medical Center, so we are thrilled to expand the hospital-based services we offer there.” For Kaiser Permanente members in Annapolis and surrounding areas, the Kaiser Permanente Annapolis Medical Center offers a full range of comprehensive outpatient services, including primary care, orthopedics, cardiology, podiatry, dermatology, radiology, laboratory and pharmacy. With Anne Arundel Medical Center nearby, Kaiser Permanente members have a convenient option when inpatient or other hospital-based services are needed. The addition of maternity services in January further expands the comprehensive hospital care available to Kaiser Permanente members at the facility. As part of Luminis Health, Anne Arundel Medical Center welcomes more than 5,000 babies into the world each year — the second most in the state of Maryland. It is also home to a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, which provides care to critically ill babies. “As the second busiest delivery site in the state, our ability to provide high quality, low cost, patient- and family-centered care has positioned us to deliver on the promise of high value maternal and neonatal services. We are excited to advance our partnership with Kaiser Permanente in this exciting new direction and proud to be recognized as a top-rated hospital,” said Monica Jones, MD, MSc, FACOG, FACS, system chair, Luminis Health Women’s and Children’s Services. Among its many accolades for quality care, Anne Arundel Medical Center has centers of excellence in cancer, heart, joint spine and women’s and children’s services. In 2020, AAMC was recognized by US News and World Report as a top five hospital in Maryland and in 2019 the American Hospital Association awarded AAMC the Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award. “Bringing a baby into the world is a special and sometimes stressful time for parents,” said Amy Banulis, MD, obstetrician and medical director for Women’s and Children’s Services at Kaiser Permanente. “Kaiser Permanente’s members can rest assured that our maternity teams and hospital partners are committed to helping to ensure a safe and comforting arrival for their bundles of joy. And, it is exciting to now offer this exceptional care at Anne Arundel Medical Center.” Kaiser Permanente currently has 12 premier hospital partners across the mid-Atlantic region. To qualify as a premier hospital, each hospital has been carefully evaluated—and is regularly reassessed—for the quality of care, comfort, and services it provides. Kaiser Permanente is rated No. 1 in the region for several clinical quality measures, including childhood immunizations and timeliness of prenatal and postpartum care for women by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. The health system currently has 33 medical centers offering a range of convenient, comprehensive services in the mid-Atlantic region, and partners with hospitals for inpatient care.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogJohnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine is the third vaccine to receive emergency use authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And, many consider it to be the gamechanger the country needs to streamline its mass vaccination efforts. Here are important things to know about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine: It protects against severe disease and death Research shows the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prevents 85% of severe disease. The vaccine prevented severe illness even in areas of the world where concerning variants circulate. Plus, the vaccine was 100% effective in clinical trials at preventing deaths. It’s natural to want to compare the effectiveness of Johnson & Johnson to the other COVID-19 vaccines. But it’s not that easy. Testing happened during a more complicated phase of the pandemic, after more variants emerged. And, it was tested in different areas of the world for effectiveness. Preventing severe disease, hospitalizations and death are what we most need in a vaccine. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine provides this protection. Side effects and exclusions are similar to other vaccines Common side effects include pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and nausea that last a day or two after vaccination. The vaccine is recommended for those 18 and over. It’s not recommended if you’ve had a severe or immediate allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine. Essentially, the guidance is similar to other COVID-19 vaccines. It shows promise for protecting against asymptomatic spread According to the FDA, there’s evidence the vaccine may protect against asymptomatic infections. This means it can reduce the risk of a vaccinated person unknowingly passing along the virus to others. This has been a key question about vaccines throughout the pandemic. It was developed by Jannsen Jannsen is the pharmaceutical arm of Johnson and Johnson. Even though the media refers to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you may see references in other places to the Jannsen vaccine. For instance, your vaccination card may say Jannsen instead of Johnson & Johnson. It’s easier to use and store The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires a single dose instead of two. And, it’s stored in a regular refrigerator instead of extreme temperatures. It’s a much-needed tool in our immunization toolbox because of its ease of use. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine should help our country, and the world, more easily vaccinate the most vulnerable in our population. These are the places where specialized refrigeration and the ability to follow up for a second dose are not practical. And, it should help streamline our mass vaccination efforts. Remember, it will take time to vaccinate everyone against COVID-19. We must keep adhering to tried and tested measures that keep each and all of us safe. This means we must continue to follow the 3Ws – Wear your mask, Wash your hands and Watch your distance.0
- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhile traveling for work several years ago, Bruce Ingram of Nottingham, Maryland, noticed that he had an irregular heartbeat. His partner, Kimberly, is a nurse with many years of experience treating cardiac conditions, and she suggested they go to the emergency room. At the ER, doctors determined that he was in atrial fibrillation (Afib) but had a very slow heart rate. They recommended he receive a permanent pacemaker, a surgically implanted device that sends electrical impulses to the heart to maintain a normal beating rate. Nearly a decade later, Ingram remained active by running and swimming, but he still experienced fatigue and loss of energy, common symptoms of Afib. An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) also showed his heart was weakening. Kimberly recommended that they seek a permanent solution under the care of her former colleague, Dr. Murtaza Dawood, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Luminis Health. Dr. Dawood proposed a hybrid surgical ablation. “Mr. Ingram’s atrial fibrillation is not only contributing to his symptoms, but is most likely causing his weakened heart function. We can treat his atrial fibrillation by surgical ablation to create scarring in the heart muscle. These scars can prevent the normal heart electrical activity from persisting as atrial fibrillation,” he explained. “By restoring a normal heart rhythm, we can improve his symptoms, and with time, his overall heart function.” The hybrid approach combines minimally invasive surgical ablation with a catheter-based ablation to be done three months later. “The Convergent+ procedure combines two minimally invasive procedures to maximize the benefit to the patient” says Dr. Dawood. “Additionally, to further minimize Mr. Ingram’s risk of stroke, I placed a closure device on his left atrial appendage, also done minimally invasively. That’s the ‘plus’ part of the procedure.” Approximately 90% of strokes associated with Afib originate from the left atrial appendage. In January 2022, Dr. Dawood performed the surgical ablation stage on Ingram, with the catheter ablation done 12 weeks later. More than two years later, Ingram reports a complete change since the surgery. He can run, swim, and travel for work without any issues from Afib. This past summer, he and Kimberly visited Yellowstone National Park and enjoyed several hikes around the park. If you are seeking care for Afib, please visit Luminis.Health/HeartSurgery or call (443) 481-1358 to learn about surgical options for treatment.0
- PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn an increasingly fast-paced, technology-driven world, teen stress, depression and anxiety are on the rise. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that younger Americans report the highest level of stress among all age groups. In addition to peer, academic, social and family pressures, the holiday season can bring seasonal stressors. Less daylight. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a common cause of the blues in the winter months due to a decrease in sunlight. Changes in schedules and routines. Teens are already overscheduled these days. Holiday festivities and family get-togethers can make for an even tighter schedule. Financial worries. Adults aren’t the only ones stressing over finances. Not only do teens pick up on our worries and react to them, they often have the same worries, like how to pay for college or what to do after graduation. And during the holiday season, there is the added financial strain of gift giving. Changes in diet and sleep routines. The holiday season comes with extra sweets and indulgences. In moderation that’s not usually a problem. But too much sugar can have a negative impact on blood sugar and mood. Increased grief about divorce, death, or other family changes. The holidays are often a reminder of loved ones that are no longer with us. Some stress, sadness and anxiety are normal feelings around the holidays. But sometimes seasonal stress can be enough to cause clinical signs of depression and anxiety. It can be hard to distinguish normal teenage angst from signs of something more serious. Here are some signs to look out for: General health complaints, especially frequent headaches and stomach aches. An increase in irritability or moodiness. Declining grades at school. Losing interest in things they used to enjoy. Changes in eating and hygiene habits. Behavioral changes such as acting out or isolating themselves. Good self-care can help combat stress and prevent it from becoming a more serious problem. Here are some things you and your teen can do: Get active. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. Something as simple as taking a walk helps. Rest. Teens need between eight to 10 hours of sleep a night but rarely get it. Creating a nightly routine is a good way to start better sleep habits. Eat well. The holidays can wreak havoc on a healthy diet. Remember to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and drink lots of water. A healthy diet can help regulate your mood. Meditation, breathing techniques and yoga are great stress relievers. Giving back can foster gratitude and help your teen gain perspective. Slow Down. Take time to slow down and enjoy the season. Stress isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it can motivate us to work harder and be more efficient. However, prolonged stress can have a negative impact on our physical and emotional wellbeing. If you notice yourself or your teen continuing to feel overwhelmed with stress, sadness or anxiety beyond the holiday season, it is important to see a mental health professional. Originally published Dec. 28, 2017. Last updated Dec. 16, 2019.0
- Men's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogDo you know a man who is reluctant to go to the doctor for a routine checkup? Maybe you are that man who avoids seeking medical treatment unless it’s an emergency. Many studies show that men are less likely than women to seek help for medical problems – including physical and emotional health issues. It could be because they are afraid to seem weak, or because they want to stay independent and in control. But this means men may be missing opportunities to deal with minor health issues before they become major problems. Routine checkups and screenings are necessary for staying healthy. The U.S. Preventive Service Task Force encourages men to have the following regular health screenings. High cholesterol. Beginning at age 35, men should get their cholesterol checked at a minimum of every five years. Men younger than age 35 could benefit from cholesterol testing if they smoke, have high blood pressure or diabetes, or have a family history of heart disease. High blood pressure. All men should get their blood pressure checked at least every two years, or more often if recommended by a healthcare provider. Both high cholesterol and high blood pressure are silent diseases, meaning symptoms may not always be obvious. Diabetes. Men should schedule a blood glucose test for diabetes if they have raised cholesterol or high blood pressure. They should also have this test if they notice signs of diabetes, such as frequent thirst and urination, extreme tiredness and blurred vision. Healthy men should get screened every three years starting at age 45. Colorectal cancer. Screenings should begin at age 50, or earlier if there is a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or a family history of colorectal cancer. Cancer screenings READ MORE: Cancer Care and Coronavirus: Taking Care of Our Patients Now and Into the Future The American Cancer Society also recommends the following screenings for men: Prostate cancer. Starting at age 50, men should talk to their doctor about prostate cancer testing. Men at high risk, including African-American men and those with a family history of the disease, should talk to their doctor at age 40 or 45. Lung cancer. Men ages 55 to 74 who are or were heavy smokers should talk to a doctor about whether a low-dose CT scan to screen for lung cancer is right for them. Skin cancer. Men should keep an eye on all moles and spots on their skin, and report changes to a doctor immediately. You should speak with your healthcare provider about the right method of screening for you. Author By Tim Romanoski, MD, a physician at AAMG Centreville Family Medicine. To reach him, call 410-758-3303. Originally published June 13, 2017. Last updated June 16, 2020.0
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