- Men's Health, Women's Health, Heart Care, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogChuck Raines and his wife Trang have run six marathons together since 2011. They don’t smoke, avoid junk food and stay active with their kids. A heart attack was the last thing on the healthy 53-year-old’s mind. But he found out that it can happen to anybody. After an easy run on a Sunday afternoon in August, Chuck noticed chest pain. “I sat down and took a break, and then I didn’t think much of it,” he says. The next morning, the chest pain returned. This time it was worse. The retired Army master sergeant was no stranger to pushing through pain. “Being the person I am, I said, ‘It’s just going to go away.’” Instead, the pain began radiating down his arm and into his jaw. He began sweating and feeling nauseated. He called Trang and said, “I think I need to go to the doctor when you get home.” But she insisted on dialing 911. “Never in a million years did I think a heart attack would happen to me,” says Chuck. “I was in so much denial when it happened, even though the symptoms were right there in my face.” A Critical Process When Trang called 911, she set in motion a chain of events that were critical to saving Chuck’s life. An ambulance equipped with an electrocardiogram (EKG) monitor rushed to Chuck’s home in Owings. On the way to Anne Arundel Medical Center, technicians sent real-time EKG results to the emergency room (ER). Chuck Raines enjoys a run. “We have a digital network that transmits from the ambulance to a central station in the emergency room,” says Jonathan Altschuler, MD, medical director of AAMC’s cardiac catheterization lab. “A doctor looks at it, and a decision is made to activate the cardiac catheterization team. Often our team gets there before the patient does.” When Chuck arrived at the ER, Elizabeth Reineck, MD, an interventional cardiologist, met him at the door and whisked him to the cardiac catheterization lab. “The artery supplying blood to the back of the heart was completely blocked,” says Dr. Reineck. “We opened the artery with a balloon and then stabilized it with a stent.” The team completed the procedure 65 minutes after Chuck arrived at the ER. This period of time, called “door-to-balloon time,” is a critical measure of cardiac care. AAMC’s average door-to-balloon time is well below the national standard of 90 minutes. “In our business, time is heart muscle,” says Dr. Reineck. “By opening the artery quickly, we minimize heart damage.” AAMC's Door-to-Balloon Time Door-to-balloon time is critical in successfully treating heart attack patients. Read more about how important reducing door-to-balloon time is at AAMC. An Innovative Approach Dr. Reineck used a new approach to cardiac catheterization, reaching Chuck’s heart through the radial artery in his wrist. Nationally, radial access is used in about 25 percent of stenting procedures and in fewer than 10 percent of patients with emergency heart attacks. “Radial catheterization has fewer vascular complications and less bleeding,” says Dr. Reineck. “For the patient, this means an easier recovery than the traditional route through the femoral artery in the groin.” “When Chuck left the hospital, his heart function was normal,” says Dr. Reineck. “This was the best case scenario. Chuck acted fast in seeking medical attention, emergency medical technicians sent information from the field and our cath lab team quickly re-opened the culprit artery. By working together, we prevented damage to Chuck’s heart, giving him the best possible outcome.” Chuck returned home after a week in the hospital. He enjoys swimming with his kids again. He’s back to work as an analyst for the federal government. And his doctors recently gave him the okay to resume running. Chuck and Trang are registered for the Big Sur Marathon in California this spring. “I’m a firm believer that I’m going to be out there running in April,” he says. When he does, it will be lucky number seven. Web Exclusive: Life After a Heart Attack Chuck, like many patients, experienced feelings of depression as he recovered from his heart attack. Read more about how he overcame these feelings and got his life back on track. Are you at risk? Learn your heart age and risk for heart disease with our free online heart health profiler. Contributors Jonathan Altschuler, MD, is an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Elizabeth Reineck, MD, is an interventional cardiologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- Why Choose Luminis Health OrthopedicsEach member of our joint replacement team is an expert at what they do. We stand out because of our:Reputation for excellence. Our joint replacement program is one of the largest in the state. People travel from across the country for our expertise. It's also what brings doctors here from around the world to learn from us. We're leaders in high-quality orthopedics research, which ensures you receive the most advanced care. Plus, our record of outstanding care and results earned us regional and national awards.Continuous care. We're right beside you from the time you decide on surgery until you've recovered. You learn what to expect at our pre-op class. Our physical therapy team helps you get your body ready for surgery. After your operation, they'll guide you through exercises to gradually make your new joint stronger and more flexible.Shorter hospital stays. Three-out-of-four of our first-time patients go home either the same day or one day after surgery. But that doesn't mean you're on your own. Our team stays in contact with you once you're home. This means you're less likely to need emergency care or readmission to the hospital. Plus, if you're eligible for PT360, our physical therapists come right to your home.Dedicated nurse navigators. Having surgery shouldn't be scary or confusing. Our dedicated nurse navigators answer your questions and let you know what's going to happen next. Our nurse navigators ease your mind. They'll also coordinate your care and connect you with any resources you need. This gives you and your family the peace of mind you need as you prepare for and recover from surgery.TreatmentConditions/Services/Treatments PageOur expert team uses the latest advances in joint replacement surgery to treat osteoarthritis or trauma in the hips, knees, shoulders, elbows or ankles.What Does Joint Replacement Involve?Have you tried non-surgical treatments without success? Or do these treatments no longer ease your pain and stiffness? You don't have to give up your active lifestyle. Joint replacement surgery can give you long-lasting relief.Joint replacement surgery involves removing a damaged joint and replacing it with a prosthetic. If you have a total joint replacement your surgeon replaces the entire joint. A partial joint replacement involves removing and replacing only the damaged part of the joint.Hip and knee replacements are the most common joint replacements. And we offer two different approaches for hip replacement surgery:Anterior hip replacement, where the surgeon enters through the front of the hip.Posterior hip replacement, where the surgeon enters through the back of the hip.Our expert orthopedic surgeons also offer:Ankle replacement.Elbow replacement.Shoulder replacement.You'll need to do physical therapy and exercises in the hospital and when you return home. This helps strengthen the muscles around your new joint. Physical therapy also helps to stretch scar tissue so your new joint can move as normally as possible. Soon you'll be back to doing the things you love, without the pain.0
- News & Press Releases, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) and Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) have opened their doors to limited patient visitation. The guidelines allow one to two visitors, based on patient situation, to be present during visitor hours throughout the patient’s stay. Visitor hours for LHAAMC are 12 pm to 8 pm. Visitor hours for LHDCMC are 8 am to 8 pm. Clergy of any denomination may visit a patient at any time and does not count in visitation totals. “Caring for and protecting our patients, families, employees, and the community during this pandemic has been our top priority,” said Victoria Bayless, chief executive officer for Luminis Health. “We recognize this past year has been difficult for patients and their loved ones. The new procedures will bring much needed support to our patients, while keeping everyone safe. We thank everyone for their patience and ask them to remain vigilant.” Visitors will be screened upon entry to the hospital and expected to follow these guidelines: They will be required to wear an appropriate mask at all times while in the hospital (even if vaccinated); Must maintain social distancing from all others; And wash or sanitize their hands throughout their visit. As a patient and family-centered organization, Luminis Health will continue to review and update our visitation guidelines and practices as the situation changes. View the latest guidelines for LHAAMC here and LHDCMC here.0
- Weight LossGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThis may be the year you make changes in your life. Losing weight and keeping it off isn’t easy, no matter how hard you try. If you’re considering weight loss surgery, chances are you’ve tried changing your diet and exercise routines many times without seeing lasting results. In fact, if you have a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 35, the chances of reaching a normal body weight for a lasting period of time is less than one percent, according to research by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Weight loss surgery could be the answer. If you’ve been wondering if you might be a candidate, we’re here to help you sort through some important considerations. You can start by finding answers to these questions: Do you meet the medical guidelines? Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, isn’t the right choice for everyone trying to lose weight. In fact, the National Institutes of Health has developed guidelines to help you decide. It’s worth looking into if: You have a BMI of 40 or more (you can calculate your BMI here). You have a BMI of at least 35 and a related health problem such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or sleep apnea. You have a BMI of at least 35, and type 2 diabetes that’s difficult to control. Do you know the benefits and risks? Surgical weight loss changes how your digestive system works, reducing the amount of food your stomach can hold and calories your body can absorb. It also affects how some hormones work, which assists in weight loss. You should work with a multi-disciplinary team to choose the type of surgery that fits your needs, such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy or a new option called SADI-S (single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve), which combines the restrictive power of a sleeve gastrectomy with the malabsorptive power of the gastric bypass. The results can be life changing. Weight loss surgery helps people lose as much as 77% of their excess weight 12 months later. It also helps people live longer healthier lives and can prevent or improve more than 40 obesity-related health issues, including: Heart disease High blood pressure Joint pain Sleep problems Type 2 diabetes Obesity related cancers What’s more, many people who’ve had weight loss surgery say they feel more energized, can move around more easily, and enjoy a better quality of life. For most people, these benefits far exceed the risks. But before signing up, you should talk to a surgeon to make sure you fully understand your risks. Are you ready to commit to a long-term change? It’s important to remember that the life-long benefits of surgery come along with a long-term commitment. You will need to meet program requirements, including nutrition classes, to be approved for your procedure. A bariatric optimization program, which includes physical therapy and nutritional guidance, can help. After your surgery, you will have to follow specific plans to best utilize the changes in your body and optimize for success. You’ll also need to carefully stick to a nutrition plan and attend follow-up appointments to keep your progress on track. Have you researched the specifics? Some insurance plans cover the costs of weight loss surgery, including Medicare and some Medicaid programs. As part of this coverage, be prepared with certain records to show why you need the procedure. Your medical team will help you understand your options for paying for your surgery and tell you about other information you need to know ahead of time. Some healthcare systems offer educational sessions, such as the free weight loss seminar hosted by Luminis Health, to help you get the process started and understand these details before you move forward. Luminis Health is hosting virtual seminars throughout January and February. Have you considered all you have to gain? If you’re interested in weight loss surgery, it’s worth taking the next step. Remember, it’s not about what you have to lose, it’s what you could gain with a strong team by your side: better health, a more active lifestyle and greater self-confidence. If you’re ready to take the next step, please call (443) 481-6699 or click here to sign up for a free webinar. Authors Dr. Alejandro Gandsas, Dr. Courtney Doyle, and Dr. Jilian Nicholas are bariatric surgeons at Luminis Health.0
- Men's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s true that men are less likely than women to visit a doctor. They’re also more likely to skip routine health screenings. But getting through the door of a doctor’s office – even for a short visit like a checkup or screening – can be so important for a man’s overall health and longevity. If you’ve been avoiding the doctor, or you love someone who has, here are three tips from Luminis Health physicians. Three tips to turbocharge your health Know when to schedule checkups It’s always a good idea to schedule a checkup when something isn’t feeling right. If you’ve had a sudden change in weight, problems sleeping or are experiencing sexual dysfunction, for example, it’s time to get an appointment on the calendar. And get in the habit of annual visits, if you’re not already doing that. While yearly checkups are helpful for men of all ages, they’re especially important for those over age 50. During your appointment, your doctor will do routine checks, such as: Blood pressure Blood sugar Cholesterol Physical exam Keeping an eye on your stats can help you prevent or manage minor problems before they turn into significant health issues such as heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for men. While at your appointment, you can also talk about any mental health issues you’re facing or discuss any changes in your mood. Mental health is closely tied to physical health, and your physician is a good resource to connect you with help when you need it. Understand the importance of cancer screenings Your cancer risk over your lifetime depends on a variety of personal factors. When you reach the age of 40, or earlier if you have a family history of cancer, it’s crucial to talk to your doctor about which cancer screenings are right for you. Early intervention routinely saves lives – for example, the number of people diagnosed with and who die from colorectal cancer is dropping, due in part to more people getting screened and improved treatments. Colorectal cancer While many men wouldn’t list “getting a colonoscopy” at the top of a list of things they’re excited about this year, think of it this way: even for advanced colorectal cancers, a 95% cure rate is possible, so screening is important. By the time you’re 45 (or earlier if you have a family history), talk to your provider to learn when you should get your first screening. You can also talk about alternative screening methods that may be an option for you, such as those that use a stool sample. Learn more about preventing colorectal cancer. Prostate cancer Advice on prostate cancer screening isn’t as straightforward. Current screening methods haven’t been shown to lower the risk of dying from this cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, and could potentially lead to overdiagnosis or overtreatment. Talk to your doctor when you’re 50 about the benefits and risks of screening and treatment, including getting the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test. Start the conversation earlier if you have increased risk factors, including if you are African American or have a family history. Learn more about prostate cancer screening. Take charge with preventive measures When you want to start practicing some healthier habits, think about your daily lifestyle choices. It’s never too late to kickstart a new routine that helps you get stronger and take better care of your body. Get moving. Aim for at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, according to the American Heart Association. It’s even better if you can spread out your exercise over the week and add in strength training on at least two days. Make healthy food choices. Eat a variety of nutritious, wholesome foods. If you’re having trouble getting started, ask your doctor to connect you with a nutritionist. Quit unhealthy habits. If you smoke, now’s the time to stop. Avoid drinking excess alcohol. And if you’ve been skipping sleep, remember that the effects of poor sleep can affect other areas of your life. Aim for at least seven hours or more a night. All these small choices can add up to a lifestyle that helps you prevent serious health issues as you get older. Bottom line: your health is too important to put on the back burner this year. This post was originally published for the Enquirer-Gazette. Learn more and schedule your appointment at: https://www.luminishealth.org/en/services/primary-care?language_content….0
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