- OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn one way, a bone fracture is similar to a heart attack — they are both a sign that something is wrong. Just like a heart attack triggers evaluation of cardiac risk factors like cholesterol and blood pressure, a fracture should trigger a workup of risk factors for osteoporosis. Although you don’t feel it, your bones are constantly repairing and replacing old bone with new bone. But by the time you reach your mid-30s, you begin to lose bone faster than you replace it. For women, menopause speeds up this process. Over time, this leads to thinner, weaker bones and the potential for developing osteoporosis. READ MORE: No bones about it: Preventing osteoporosis with these diet and exercise habits Osteoporosis is a disease that happens when your body loses too much bone, makes too little bone or both, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. This leads to weaker bones that can easily break from a fall. And in severe cases, bones can break from sneezing or small bumps. Osteoporosis is a painless disease until a bone breaks. Bone breaks related to this disease are most likely to happen in the hip, spine or wrist, but other bones can break too. Loss of height can be a sign of a vertebra, or spine, fracture, which can also lead to a stooped or hunched posture. One in two women over the age of 50 has an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime. It’s important that you get a bone density scan (DEXA scan) to measure bone density and incorporate lifestyle habits that can slow down the weakening of bones. This helps reduce your risk of fractures. A DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan can diagnose osteoporosis. It uses very little radiation and produces detailed information about your bone density. Information is collected and compared to a reference group to determine your “T score.” A “T score” equal to or lower than -2.5 is considered osteoporosis. There’s also a Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®) for evaluating fracture risk. Using the results of the DEXA scan, a FRAX score estimates the risk of a fracture within 10 years. Unfortunately, many women don’t get screened. Even if they have a fragility fracture, many don’t realize that’s a sign they may have osteoporosis. Bones shouldn’t break with low-energy falls such as from standing height or less. When they do, your doctor may want to run blood and bone density tests to determine if you have osteoporosis. If diagnosed, you should learn about weight-bearing exercise, fall prevention, nutrition and medication options for healthy bones. Here are some tips to improve your bone health and reduce your risk of fragility fracture: Pay attention to your calcium intake. Calcium is essential to building strong, dense bones. In fact, over 90 percent of the calcium in our bodies is deposited in our bones and teeth. Try to get 1,200 mg of calcium a day, preferably from food. If you don’t get enough from food, add a 500-600 mg calcium pill. Get enough vitamin D. Like calcium, Vitamin D supports the maintenance of healthy bones at all ages. Many people benefit from a supplement of 800-1,000 iu per day. Incorporate weight-bearing exercise into your lifestyle. Try walking 30 minutes a day. Plus, lift weights two or three days per week when cleared by your doctor. Or, if you want to have a little fun, you can play tennis, dance or go for a hike. Evaluate your home. Throw rugs, slippery surfaces and poorly lit hallways can lead to falls and then fractures. Make sure you make your surroundings safe and make any changes that are necessary. Get your eyes checked. If your sight is impaired, your chance of falling is higher. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible. Eliminate vices. Alcohol and tobacco are two common vices that are detrimental to your bone health. Educate yourself. There are many good resources on the web, including the National Osteoporosis Foundation: www.nof.org. Although osteoporosis is common, it is still a serious, painful and costly disease that can sneak up on you and change your life completely. By talking to your doctor, getting screened and making small changes for your health, you could reduce the risk of developing weak bones. Be good to your bones and they will treat you right! Author Christina Morganti, MD, is a former orthopedic surgeon and medical director of the Osteoporosis Program at Anne Arundel Medical Center Orthopedics. She can be reached at 410-268-8862. Originally published May 28, 2018. Last updated Apr 16, 2026.0
- Lung Care, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAt Luminis Health, your health matters to us every season of the year. In the fall and winter, staying vigilant about your health becomes paramount during the peak of respiratory illness season. During this period, the convergence of various respiratory infections, such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV, underscores the importance of getting vaccinated. If you want to increase your chances of staying healthy this winter, getting vaccinated is an easy step to take. Getting vaccinated will not only help keep you healthy but can help reduce the spread of illness to others, being admitted to the hospital or experiencing complications associated with these infections. Who is at risk? Flu, RSV and COVID-19 disease are all viruses. High-risk groups for all three viruses include, but are not limited to, adults over 65, very young children, and those with chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease, neurologic issues, weakened immune systems, and obesity. Women who are pregnant may also be at risk. About vaccines Flu vaccines are available now, so get yours sooner rather than later. It takes two weeks for antibodies to be effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months and older receive a flu vaccine and an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine each year, with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important during pregnancy and for those at higher risk of serious complications. The flu can also cause pneumonia and complications that can lead to hospitalization and death. You should receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine, even if you had the original series. Data from last season shows that those who received the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine had better protection against illness and hospitalization compared to those who did not get vaccinated. You can get this at the same time as your flu shot. Last year, the FDA approved the first RSV vaccines for everyone ages 75 and older, adults ages 60-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease, and pregnant women 32 through 36 weeks’ gestation. The CDC recommends protecting infants younger than 8 months against severe RSV by either vaccination of a pregnant person or by the baby getting the antibody shot (nirsevimab), at birth or just before the RSV season. RSV, which typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, can inflame the small airways of the lungs or cause pneumonia—which is a lung infection—in children younger than one year. The CDC says that each year in the United States, an estimated 58,000 children younger than five years old are hospitalized due to RSV infection. Many people don’t realize that, in addition, approximately 177,000 older adults are hospitalized annually with RSV and 14,000 of them die — which highlights the importance of prevention. When to get vaccinated Flu: It’s best to get vaccinated in the fall, as the respiratory virus season typically begins in October and peaks between December and March. Schedule your flu shot with Luminis Health today. COVID-19: The new 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is available now. RSV: The RSV vaccine can be received at any time, but the CDC recommends getting it in late summer or early fall. Pregnant individuals should receive the RSV vaccine between weeks 32 and 36 of pregnancy, ideally between September and January. For infants, administration of antibodies is recommended from October through March. What you can do You’ve heard this before, but truthfully, these are the best ways to protect yourself from serious illness this fall: Wash your hands often. Keep your hands off your face. Avoid close contact with sick people. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Clean and disinfect surfaces. Stay home when you are sick. In addition, experts agree that getting vaccinated will help keep you from being hospitalized for severe illness and will make more hospital beds available for those who really need them. And if you do get sick, Luminis Health is here for you. You can connect with a Luminis Health medical provider on your mobile device from anywhere in the state — even the comfort of your home — with Luminis Health CareConnectNow. Visit LuminisHealth.org/careconnectnow to schedule an appointment. Illness Who is Eligible? When Should I get it? Flu Everyone six months and older September/October COVID Everyone six months and older Now RSV Adults age 75 or older and adult ages 60-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV Late Summer/Early Fall RSV (pregnancy) Pregnant people during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy September through January RSV antibodies (Infants) Infants younger than 8 months October through March0
- News & Press Releases, Physical TherapyGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG), a multi-specialty physician group that is part of Anne Arundel Medical Center, announced today the opening of its physical therapy location at Jennifer Square. AAMG Physical Therapy – Jennifer Square offers a comprehensive range of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language services for adults and children, including blood-flow restriction training and driving rehabilitation. This location also features a dedicated sports performance zone, combining traditional physical therapy and sports performance ideal for athletes. The new clinic is located at 161 A Jennifer Road, Annapolis. Morning and evening appointments are available — from 6:30 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday, 6:30 am to 5 pm Friday, and 8 am to 12 pm Saturday — with convenient free parking. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 443-481-1140. To see a complete list of services and to find an AAMG Physical Therapy location near you, visit luminis.health/physicaltherapy.0
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogProtein is popular. Grocery store shelves are packed with protein bars and high-protein cereals, fast-food chains are pushing protein-heavy menu items, and even coffee shops are blending protein powder into lattes. Keep in mind, you only need 0.54 grams of protein per pound of body weight. That means an average 150-pound adult needs about 81 grams of protein every day. If you’re struggling to hit your daily protein goal, you may consider protein powder. Do you need protein powder? Your first source of protein should be healthy, whole foods such as lean meat, eggs, nuts and lentils. Protein plays an important role in building and repairing muscles, supporting immune function and helping you feel full longer after meals. It also helps maintain healthy skin, hair and nails and provides energy for your body throughout the day. Most people meet or exceed their recommended daily protein intake with their normal diet. However, if you’re falling short of your daily protein needs, supplements like protein powder can help. What is protein powder made of? Powdered protein comes from different sources, including: Casein (the main protein found in cow’s milk) Hemp seeds (considered a high-protein food) Peas (high in protein, fiber, iron and other nutrients) Soy bean (considered a complete protein) Whey (a byproduct of cheese making) How much protein powder should you have per day and when? Most people do not need more than 1–2 servings of protein powder per day. Simple ways to take your protein powder can include: Bake it into pancakes, waffles or baked goods Make a shake using milk or water Use it in a smoothie You should spread your protein intake throughout the day. If you’re having a protein shake to support your workout recovery, it’s best to drink that shake shortly after your workout. Can protein powder make you gain weight? Depending on the protein powder you choose and how you use it, protein powder may make you gain weight. Not all protein powders are the same, and those that are high in calories or added sugar can lead to unintended weight gain. Look for a powder that helps you stay under the American Heart Association’s added sugar recommendations: 24 grams per day (women) 26 grams per day (men) Can kids have protein powder? While protein powder is generally safe for children, most kids don’t need it. Children may need supplements if they are: Experiencing growth delays or another medical condition On a restrictive diet or have significant food sensitivities or allergies Underweight Speak with your child’s pediatrician to learn if you want to use a child-safe protein powder. The Next Step for Your Nutrition Plan Every person’s protein and nutrition needs are different. Start the conversation with a registered dietitian at Luminis Health who can help you create a personalized plan to support your energy, muscle health and long-term wellness. Authors Colleen Kiley, MS, RD, is a Lead Diabetes Educator for Luminis Health.0
- TreatmentConditions/Services/Treatments PageAcessa®: A Modern Approach to Fibroid Treatment We know that the thought of surgery can be daunting, but Acessa® offers a less invasive alternative to traditional methods like hysterectomy or myomectomy. This innovative, uterine-sparing procedure allows you to treat fibroids effectively while maintaining your quality of life. What to Expect with Acessa®: Targeted Treatment: Our specially trained surgeons use controlled heat to precisely target and shrink fibroids, which are then gradually absorbed by your body, similar to how your body deals with any dead tissue. Minimally Invasive: Acessa® involves just three small incisions, reducing the physical impact on your body and leading to a quicker recovery with less scarring compared to traditional surgical methods. Precision and Care: Utilizing advanced ultrasound technology, Acessa® allows your doctor to locate and treat fibroids more effectively, including those that might be missed by standard imaging techniques. Quick Recovery: Since Acessa® is an outpatient procedure, you’ll be able to go home the same day. Most women return to their regular activities within four to five days, making it a convenient option for those with busy lives. Preservation of Uterine Health: Unlike some other treatments, Acessa® focuses solely on the fibroids, leaving your uterus intact and preserving healthy tissue. This can be especially important for women who are considering future fertility. It’s important to note that Acessa® may not be suitable for women planning future pregnancies. We encourage you to have an open discussion with your doctor about all your options to determine the best course of action for your health and lifestyle.0
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