- Community, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFor nearly 120 years, we’ve been providing high-quality and personalized care for you and your loved ones. Our commitment expanded two years ago when we formed Luminis Health. In this month’s What’s Up Magazine, our CEO Tori Bayless, shares how the name came to be, and our approach to better health care. Here is the article: Anyone who has ever picked out a name—whether for a newborn baby, an adopted pet, or even a boat—knows that names help shape an identity. For Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC), the name Luminis Health reflects our identity. To understand the origins of the name, it’s important to take a look at the history behind AAMC. In 1902, Annapolis Emergency Hospital was founded in Maryland’s capital city, housed in a farmhouse off Duke of Gloucester Street. Over the next 119 years, that hospital would grow and evolve in many ways, and with each evolution, the hospital’s name would change to reflect its expanded service to our community. With the growth of Anne Arundel County after WWII, the hospital expanded to meet the needs of a booming population in greater Annapolis. With an increasing number of births, a growing orthopedics specialty, and the beginning advancements of modern medicine, Annapolis Emergency Hospital changed its name to Anne Arundel General Hospital to reflect its expanded services and geography. When the hospital’s Board of Trustees voted to purchase 104 acres on Jennifer Road in 1984, the next evolution was signaled, as hospital and community leaders began to envision a new, comprehensive system of health care for family, friends, and neighbors. In 1988, the Board of Trustees voted to change the formal name to Anne Arundel General Health Care System for the “parent organization,” with the hospital name being changed to Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) in 1989. Within three years, Anne Arundel General Health Care System would include not only AAMC, but also a new addiction treatment facility called Pathways. As pressures on health care providers increased at the turn of the 21st century, AAMC leaders recognized that growth was vital to its mission for several important reasons. First and foremost, access to quality care for all who needed it inspired AAMC to build pavilions across the region, from Easton, Centreville, and Kent Island on the Eastern Shore, to Bowie, to Pasadena in North County, and Odenton farther west. The goal was simple—bring high-quality care closer to where people live and work. The second reason was, perhaps, more complicated but equally important. As large systems absorbed smaller hospitals throughout the state, AAMC’s leadership was committed to maintaining its independence to ensure it could continue to deliver its own brand of patient- and family-centered care. In order to maintain its independence, continued growth and scale would be imperative. When Doctors Community Hospital (now Doctors Community Medical Center or DCMC for short) recognized that they needed to be a part of a larger organization to ensure they could continue to serve the Prince George’s County community, they sought to become a part of Anne Arundel Health System. In 2019, our Board of Trustees approved AAMC and DCMC coming together to form a new health system: Luminis Health. The result is easier access to more locations—from the Eastern Shore, through Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties, and well into Southern Maryland—enhanced quality, and improved health outcomes. “Luminis” supports our commitment to being a beacon of hope and healing for our communities. “Health” shares our commitment to sick care and well care, education, and healthy living. Luminis Health brings together a century-plus legacy of compassionate service to patients and families, a commitment to lighting the way to the highest quality, personalized health care for all who need it. Now, as Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, our Annapolis campus continues to be home to Maryland’s busiest emergency department, largest joint replacement and bariatrics/weight loss programs, second busiest birthing center, and world-class cancer program. The new name of Luminis Health is yet another landmark for a hospital and health system that has been an integral part of this community for nearly 120 years. Thanks to you, our community, for your support throughout the years and for making Luminis Health a part of your lifestyle.0
- News & Press Releases, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogPeer-reviewed publication in New England Journal of Medicine validates findings first announced in December The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) has published final results of a nationwide multicenter study led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health that show plasma from patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and whose blood contains antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the causative virus, is an effective and safe option as an early outpatient treatment for the disease. Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center was one of twenty-two academic medical centers nationwide that participated in the study. The research showed that antibody-rich COVID-19 convalescent plasma —collected from recovered patients and administered to COVID-19 outpatients within nine days after testing positive — reduced the need for hospitalization by more than half. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently authorizes this plasma as a treatment option for inpatients and outpatients with immunocompromised status. “Based on our findings and conclusions — which are now validated through the peer-review process — we encourage health care professionals to keep SARS-CoV-2 antibody-rich blood plasma available in their blood banks as part of the treatment arsenal against early-stage COVID-19,” says study co-lead author David Sullivan, M.D., professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with a joint appointment in infectious diseases at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “We believe that the best role for convalescent plasma is extending its use to early outpatient treatment when other therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies or drugs, are either not readily available — as in low- and middle-income countries — or ineffective, as with SARS-CoV-2 variants that are resistant to certain monoclonal antibodies,” Sullivan adds. “The research team at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) honors the patients involved in this study who are among the more than 400 patients at LHAAMC who have participated in research studies for COVID-19,” said Barry Meisenberg, M.D., chair of the department of medicine at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center and local principal investigator for the study. “Their voluntary participation has led the search for lifesaving therapies, not just for themselves, but for future patients all around the world.” In the outpatient early-treatment study conducted between June 2020 and October 2021, the researchers provided 1,181 randomized patients with one dose each of either high antibody containing convalescent plasma (containing a concentrated mixture of antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2) or placebo control plasma (with no SARS-CoV-2 antibodies). The patients were 18 and older, and had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within eight days prior to transfusion. The study found that 17 patients out of 592 (2.9%) who received the convalescent plasma required hospitalization within 28 days of their transfusion, compared with 37 out of 589 (6.3%) who received placebo control plasma. This translated to a relative risk reduction for hospitalization of 54%. Patients treated within 5 days of the positive test appeared to have an even better outcome: reduction of 80% in the risk of hospitalization, similar to other authorized therapies. The next step, the researchers say, is to make convalescent more accessible to those who might need it. As part of that effort, they have provided clinicians with a guide for implementing a plasma transfusion center for outpatients with COVID-19, including logistical, staffing and blood banking requirements. The team also continues to seek more understanding of how convalescent plasma works. A soon-to-be published study will look at the ability of plasma to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants, including delta and omicron, despite no previous donor exposure to those viruses. You can read the pre-print manuscript here.0
- Behavioral Health, Digestive CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and anxiety may not seem like they’d have anything to do with each other. After all, one affects the gut while the other influences the mind. But new research has found that not only is there a connection, it’s written in our genes. What is the relationship between IBS and anxiety? Researchers have long known that the brain sends signals to the gut. Until recently, though, most scientists flat-out rejected the possibility that it could be a two-way street. Studies in the past decade, however, have shed new light on evidence that the communication does go both ways. And interest in the brain-gut connection is now gaining ground. A study published in late 2021 by the journal Nature Genetics sought to identify genetic risk factors for IBS. What researchers found was proof that IBS and anxiety share certain genetic pathways. That means that the genetic changes that put someone at an increased risk for IBS also put them at an increased risk for certain mental health conditions, like depression, insomnia and anxiety. The findings don’t just highlight the close ties between IBS and anxiety. They also set the stage for the development of new treatments. Taking a closer look at IBS and anxiety IBS is a common condition that affects one in 10 people worldwide. It causes symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating and bowel issues. Factors like diet, stress and behavior can increase a person’s risk. So can difficult early-life events, like physical or sexual abuse and certain mental health disorders. Anxiety may be a normal reaction to stress. It can also develop into a disorder when feelings of dread and unease don’t go away and worsen over time. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. Symptoms can include a pounding heartbeat, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms can interfere with a person’s daily life. What this news means for you The newfound genetic link between IBS and anxiety shows that anxiety aggravates IBS symptoms. And IBS, in turn, aggravates anxiety symptoms. But one disorder doesn’t cause the other. They simply share a common origin: the same mutated genes that lead to brain or nerve cell changes and symptoms in both the brain and gut. It’s already common practice for doctors to treat a person’s anxiety when working to manage their IBS symptoms. They’ve found success through treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medical hypnotherapy and progressive muscle relaxation, as well as antidepressants. CBT, for example, helps raise awareness of negative thinking so people can respond to challenging situations in a more effective way. In the future, scientists may be able to tailor treatments for IBS and anxiety based on these shared genetic differences. As with everything, though, therapies should be personalized to the individual. If you have IBS, talk to your doctor to see if mental health therapies might help you better manage your symptoms. Authors Showkat Bashir, MD, specializes in gastroenterology at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.0
- OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLacrosse is an exciting and fast-paced game that is one of the most rapidly growing team sports in the country. But, the combination of quick changes of direction, contact and a hard ball traveling at high speeds provides the perfect environment for injuries. There are many differences between girls’ and boys’ lacrosse. High school female lacrosse players are only required to wear protective eyewear and mouth guards, with headgear and gloves optional. The rules prohibit body contact and limit stick checking. Boys’ lacrosse is a full contact sport with mandatory use of helmets, mouth guards and other protective gear. Body and stick checking is allowed. These differences can explain the number and kinds of injuries sustained in male versus female high school lacrosse players. While boys have a higher overall injury rate than girls, here are a few common injuries in both male and female players: Lower extremity sprains and strains are the most common injury sustained by both male and female lacrosse players. These are usually the result of a noncontact injury while running and cutting. Anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, tears are the most common reason for loss of playing time, with girls having higher rates of knee injuries than boys. Concussions are the second most common injury. They occur equally among male and female lacrosse players. Male concussions are usually due to direct body contact, while female concussions are usually due to accidental stick or ball-to-head contact. Because girls are not required to wear helmets, they have a much higher rate of head and facial trauma. Hand and wrist fractures are common for both boys and girls from direct contact and stick checks. Females have slightly higher fracture rates due to their lack of padding. Gloves are optional and, if worn, are only lightly padded. Lacrosse Injury Prevention Injury prevention starts with strict rule enforcement, but here are a few things players can do to protect themselves: Limit head-to-head contact to decrease the risk of concussion. Players, coaches and parents need to learn the symptoms of a concussion. If a player shows signs of a concussion, it’s critical they are removed from the game and evaluated by a certified athletic trainer or medical provider. Wear well-fitting protective equipment. Girls should consider wearing helmets to reduce the risk of head and facial trauma. Girls should also consider wearing gloves to reduce the risk of hand and wrist trauma. Be proactive in preseason conditioning. This is important for all athletes. You need to warm up and stretch properly and drink appropriate amounts of water, especially during summer months. Athletes should also get plenty of rest after practice and games. If you experience a lacrosse-related injury, a sports medicine specialist helps speed your recovery and get you back on the lacrosse field as quickly and safely as possible. Author Daniel Redziniak, MD is a board-certified sports medicine orthopedic surgeon with AAMC Orthopedics. He specializes in arthroscopic surgery of the knees and shoulders. He is the team physician for several high school, college and professional teams, including the Chesapeake Bayhawks lacrosse team. Originally published Feb. 11, 2018. Last updated April 5, 2019.0
- Men's Health, Senior Care, Women's Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s almost that time of year again. And with it comes cold and flu season. Colds, sinus infections, strep throat and the flu account for an increase in sick days and hospital visits during the winter months. In fact, the Maryland Department of Health already announced that there have been 11 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu identified since Sept. 1. According to health officials, last year there were 3,274 influenza-associated hospitalizations and 82 influenza-associated deaths reported to the MDH, including four deaths of individuals under 18. It’s important that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and those around you. Here’s your quick guide to the season’s most common illnesses and different ways on how to treat them. Colds The common cold usually starts with a sore throat, along with some mild achiness and maybe a low fever. Gradually, you may begin to have a dry or mild cough with congestion. You may also have a runny nose and some sneezing. If you have a cold, you generally feel more tired, but are able to get through your day. Your symptoms may last anywhere from seven to 14 days, depending on the virus and your overall health. The best treatment is adequate rest, saline nasal spray, warm salt-water gargles, medicine for decongestion (if you don’t have high blood pressure) and a cough suppressant at bedtime so you can rest. Sinus infection Sometimes colds can progress to sinusitis or a sinus infection. Doctors usually diagnose a sinus infection after 10 to 14 days of symptoms, including worsening sinus pain or pressure in the forehead, cheeks and/or between the eyes, and a thick yellow/green nasal discharge throughout the day. You may also develop a fever. Saline nasal rinse can help improve symptoms, and in certain cases, antibiotics may be prescribed. Strep throat Strep throat is most common in children and young adults. It starts with a severe sore throat, fever, achiness, swollen neck lymph nodes and white patches on the back of the tonsils. You look and feel more ill than when you have the common cold. There is no associated congestion, sneezing, runny nose or cough. Contagious bacteria cause strep throat, and you need antibiotics for treatment. Flu The flu occurs very suddenly. One minute you’re feeling fine, and the next you feel as if a truck hit you. It is more severe than the common cold. Symptoms may include achiness, fever, dry cough and headache. Because the flu is viral, antibiotics are not helpful. In some cases, if started early, antiviral medications may lessen the duration and severity of symptoms. Fluids, rest, and over-the-counter pain medications for fever and achiness can also alleviate symptoms. Stay home if you have the flu to avoid passing it to others. Getting a yearly flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your risk of getting and spreading the flu. The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. Some people, however, may experience mild muscle aches, headache and a low fever for a few days. It’s not too late to get your flu shot. While the best time to get it is mid-October through November, getting it later is better than not getting it at all. Regardless of what type of illness you have, washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze will go a long way in helping to prevent the spread of germs. Author Michael Remoll, MD, is the medical director of the Emergency Department at Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
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