- 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
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMost people who fall ill from COVID-19 don’t need advanced medical attention. Some benefit from a caretaker, a person committed to help manage recovery. Caring for someone else is a big responsibility. You want to fully understand how to properly care for your loved one, and for yourself, when dealing with a contagious illness like COVID-19. We can help you prepare. What makes a good caretaker COVID-19 caretakers put themselves in potentially harmful situations. Caretakers should be compassionate, flexible and in good health. Those who are fully vaccinated are much less likely to contract COVID-19 than those who are not vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discourages caregiving for those who have a compromised immune system or a chronic condition like heart disease or diabetes. Caretaker duties Many people who contract COVID-19 become physically unable to keep up with their daily activities. They may need help with basic needs, like shopping for groceries and caring for pets. As a caretaker, you may need to coordinate visits to the doctor that could be in-person or virtual. Your loved one will probably be asked to stay home. Picking up their medication and helping them follow their doctor’s orders, like resting and drinking fluids, are essential duties. Cleaning Maintaining cleanliness and personal hygiene stops COVID-19 from spreading. Identify frequently touched objects and surface areas and clean them often, in some cases, after each use. Household soap and detergent kill virus particles that collect on doorknobs, tables, light switches, canes, walkers and countertops. Wearing a mask Masks keep droplets from passing to others. You and your loved one should wear a mask any time you are in the same area. Your loved one should mask any time they are around others, even outdoors. Masks are most effective when worn properly, covering the nose and mouth. Keeping contact minimal Limiting contact is hard, but it’s the most effective way to avoid spreading the virus. Keep personal items separated, like utensils, plates and towels. Stay in separate rooms, including bedrooms and bathrooms. If you’re unable to maintain physical distance, make sure your surroundings have good air circulation. You can open windows or run fans. Keeping your loved one socially active Isolation is taxing. Make sure your loved one can still communicate with others throughout their recovery. Your loved one can stay connected, even at a distance, by greeting the mailperson from the window or receiving mail from family. Video calls through smartphones and laptops bring friends, family members and care team members right to your loved one without risking anyone’s safety. Knowing your signs As a caretaker, you can observe and monitor your loved one’s condition. COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. If these symptoms begin to worsen, you may want to consider taking your loved one to the emergency room. Emergency warning signs include: Chest pain or pressure Confusion Labored breathing Skin that has turned pale, gray or blue Unconsciousness Preparing for the unexpected If your loved one’s condition worsens, seek emergency care immediately. Prepare a medical “go bag” ahead of time. In case of emergency, you can grab the bag in a hurry. You won’t waste critical time pulling items together, and you’ll reduce the likelihood that you’ll forget to bring something important to the hospital. Also, make sure you have a plan in case you, the caretaker, get sick. Designate an emergency contact with your loved one who can fulfill your duties if you are not able. Make sure your loved one has plenty of food, water, medication and other essentials. Many businesses offer delivery now. You may want to research the options ahead of time to help avoid panic. Helpful items for a caretaker Eye protection (face shield or goggles) Dish soap, hand soap and laundry soap Hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol Medical masks Over the counter medication to reduce fever (ibuprofen, acetaminophen) A thermometer Tissues and disposable paper towels Caring for yourself Caregiving can take its toll. Don’t feel discouraged if you face challenges. Watch for symptoms of burnout, like poor eating habits, difficulty sleeping and feeling of hopelessness. You need to meet your needs to be able to help your loved one. You can help care for yourself through: Breaking a big task into small, achievable steps Eating a healthy diet Limiting news intake Exercising regularly Taking a break from caregiving to recharge Author Stefanie Osterloh, CRNP, is a family nurse practitioner with Luminis Health Primary Care in Crofton, Md.0
- Primary Care, Pediatrics, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogPrevent the spread of COVID-19 with these helpful tips There’s something magical this time of year, with little ghosts and goblins eager to fill their candy buckets. But sadly, in 2020, many sat out of the beloved childhood rite of passage as COVID-19 spread through our communities. This year, parents and kids alike have awaited guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hopeful for the “all-clear” to trick or treat this Halloween. Luckily, we don’t have to wait any more: The CDC has given the green light (just with a few safety recommendations). Trick-or-Treating: What’s Safe, What to Avoid The CDC recommends that families follow the same precautions this Halloween as they have throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. What does that mean? Well, you might need that creative candy chute again. Here’s what the CDC says: Avoid crowds (even outside). Skip events you know will be crowded or cause kids to bunch up in groups, like trunk-or-treating, haunted houses or Halloween parties. Get a flu shot. It won’t protect you or your kids from COVID-19, but it can cut down on the flu. And experts predict this season will be a doozy. Keep your distance. Try to stay six feet away from other Halloween revelers. That may mean another candy chute or sitting out bagged treats for kids to take themselves. Stay outside. The fresh air helps scatter the virus – making it more difficult to spread among trick-or-treaters and adults. Stick to your household. It’s best to trick-or-treat with just the family members. If COVID-19 numbers aren’t high in your neighborhood, you may be able to head out with a few friends that live nearby. Wash your hands. Before diving into the night’s haul, make sure your little ghouls wash or sanitize their hands. Wear a mask. And we’re not talking about Halloween masks. Make sure your child wears the face coverings they wear at school or out in public, and don’t layer it under a costume mask that could make it hard to breathe. Halloween Advice for Kids-at-Heart Children aren’t the only ones who enjoy Halloween – many adults look forward to annual costume parties. (What better way to feel like a kid again?) You can still celebrate this year, but you may want to take a few precautions: Get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. If you’re not yet vaccinated, roll up those sleeves and get your shot. (And while you’re there, get a flu shot, too!) If you’re sick – stay home. It’s tough to miss out on the fun, but if you’re experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, protect yourself and others by staying at home. Keep it small. Limit your guest list to vaccinated people you’re typically around. Move it outdoors. Nothing says Halloween like a bonfire party. Help limit the spread of COVID-19 by keeping the party outdoors or popping open a few windows. Set expectations. If you’re hosting, let your guests know the ground rules. That might include wearing a mask if someone’s not vaccinated or limiting the number of people you invite. Wear a mask. The science is clear: A face covering (not a costume mask) helps reduce the spread of COVID-19. Still confused? We’re here to help. You can always call your doctor’s office for information or send a message through MyChart. And you can be confident we’ll keep you up to date with the latest COVID news and advice from the experts in the field. Author Heather Newhard, MSN, CRNP-F, is a family nurse practitioner with Luminis Health Primary Care in Crofton, Md.0
- Pediatrics, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogQ: How can I manage my asthma during the winter months? The most important aspect of asthma management is identifying the triggers. These tips can help you avoid winter asthma flare-ups: Avoid breathing cold, dry air. Cold air can irritate the small tubes of the lungs and trigger coughing or wheezing. Stay indoors as much as possible. Use your inhaler 15 to 20 minutes before going outside to prevent airway tightening. Know and avoid your indoor triggers. Avoid the hot, dry air of a fireplace. Sometimes molds, dust, animal dander, cockroaches or old carpets trigger asthma. Try to identify and remove these irritants from your home. Protect yourself from colds and flu. Colds and flu can worsen asthma symptoms. Wash your hands regularly, and get your flu shot. Asthma can be worse in children. Children with asthma should carry a rescue inhaler if there is concern about coming into contact with triggers. Also, talk with your doctor about taking a maintenance steroid inhaler. Originally published Feb. 15, 2017. Last updated Dec. 9, 2019.0
How can we help?
Common Searches
Common Searches
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?
Your Account
Go to MyChart
Messages
Billing Summary
Find Care
Schedule Appointment
My Care Team
My Record
Appointments
Medications
Insurance Summary
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?