- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThanks to vaccines, there’s been a renewed sense of hope that we’ll move past COVID-19. Businesses have reopened. And many of us are once again spending time with family and friends. In short, life seems to be returning to normal. But if you’ve watched the news lately, you know we’re not out of the woods just yet. A mutated form of the virus, known as the delta variant, is circulating worldwide. And it’s important we all know a little something about it. A Variant of Concern It’s not uncommon for viruses to mutate, or change, over time. In fact, officials have already identified several COVID-19 mutations or variants. Experts watch these variants carefully because the variants can behave differently than the original virus strain from 2019. Although there’s still a lot to learn about delta, there are several reasons the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) named it a “variant of concern,” including: The delta variant has been responsible for “breakthrough” infections in vaccinated people, primarily those with severe chronic diseases and weakened immune systems. Vaccination continues to prevent severe illness and hospitalization with the delta variant. It spreads quickly. Delta was first identified in India in late 2020 and wasn’t detected in the U.S. until March 2021. But by July 2021 it was responsible for more than 80% of U.S. COVID-19 cases. It’s also much more contagious than earlier strains of the virus. Young people are at risk. Younger people who contracted the original coronavirus generally fared well. However, without the vaccine, cases are now occurring primarily among young adults. Get Vaccinated, Get Protected We know the vaccines we have today are effective against COVID-19 and that they appear to work against the delta variant, as well. That’s good news if you’re fully vaccinated, but it could mean trouble if you aren’t. More than 95% of the people who end up in the hospital with COVID-19 now are unvaccinated. And among those who die from the virus, the percentage who didn’t get a vaccine is even higher. As the director of the CDC recently noted, “This is becoming the pandemic of the unvaccinated.” Currently, everyone 12 years and older is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. But as of late July, less than 60% of that population are considered fully protected. This means there are still many Americans at risk from the delta variant. To be fully protected, you must: Get both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. (The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one dose, but some evidence suggests it might be less protective against the delta variant.) Wait two weeks after your last dose for your vaccines to take full effect. If you’re not vaccinated — or not yet fully protected — it’s best to: Avoid large crowds Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces Cover coughs and sneezes Stay at least six feet away from others Wash your hands often Wear a mask in indoor public places Concerned About The Vaccines? Talk to Your Doctor The more people who get vaccinated, the less of a threat the delta variant poses. With higher vaccination rates, it also becomes less likely that other, potentially even more dangerous, variants will emerge. There are a lot of rumors going around about the vaccines. Don’t let them keep you from protecting yourself and the people you care about. Vaccines are safe, and they work. If you have questions or concerns, it’s best to talk to your doctor. No vaccine is 100% effective, but there’s no doubt they save lives. And while side effects are possible, serious complications are extremely rare. Know The Symptoms of COVID-19 COVID may present with a variety of symptoms, including: Cough Diarrhea Fatigue Fever Loss of sense of taste or smell Muscle or body aches Nausea or vomiting Shortness of breath People with the delta variant also frequently report: Headaches Runny nose Sore throat If you think you could have symptoms, the CDC offers a Coronavirus Self-Checker. It can guide your decisions about getting tested and seeking medical care. Remember, you have the power to help defeat COVID-19 by getting vaccinated. Protect yourself and help protect others. Authors Mary Clance, MD, is Epidemiologist for Luminis Health Jean Murray is system director of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology for Luminis Health0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNow that the World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a global health emergency, you may have questions and concerns about the virus and how it is spread. What is monkeypox? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a virus—part of the same family as smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder and rarely fatal. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, monkeypox had been reported in people in several Central and Western African countries. Previously, almost all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs. How does it spread? While many of those affected in the current global monkeypox outbreaks are gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox can get the illness. Monkeypox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through: Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs or body fluids Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, skin-to-skin contact or sex Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. Unlike other diseases and illnesses, asymptomatic individuals (those who do not have monkeypox symptoms) cannot spread the virus to others. At this time, it is not known if monkeypox can spread through semen or vaginal fluids. What are the common symptoms? Symptoms of monkeypox can include: Fever Headache Muscle aches and backache Swollen lymph nodes Chills Exhaustion A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash. How to avoid contracting monkeypox You can take a number of steps to prevent contracting monkeypox: Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels or clothing of a person with monkeypox Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer If you are sick with monkeypox: Isolate at home until all lesions have resolved, the scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with, when possible How is it treated? There are no treatments specifically for monkeypox virus infections but because monkeypox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat monkeypox virus infections. Antivirals, are sometimes recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems. If you have symptoms of monkeypox, you should talk to your healthcare provider. According to the CDC and Maryland Department of Health, vaccination for monkeypox is not currently recommend for the general public. Vaccine resources are being reserved for individuals who have had known close contact with someone infected with monkeypox and for those who are in the highest risk population. This article was originally published in the Enquirer Gazette. Authors Jean Murray, RN, MSN, CIC, is the System Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Luminis Health. Her 29-year career as a registered nurse includes over 26 years of experience in infection control, outbreak surveillance and epidemiology. Jean is certified in Infection Control (CIC) and is an active member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the Greater Baltimore Chapter.0
- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn the medical field, ironically, it is easy to adopt an unhealthy diet by eating lunches brought to the office from local restaurants, snacking at desks or ducking into a doctor’s lounge to score a bagel or doughnut. Each meal or snack seemed harmless enough but I surely wasn’t burning off nearly the amount of calories I was consuming. After a while, I stopped checking my weight. I already knew what the scale would tell me. I knew at that point that I had to rediscover healthy habits, which meant paying more attention to my diet. Many of my patients know I like to address the subject of weight management and body mass index (BMI) at office visits. The consequences of being overweight or obese are real and prevalent. Obesity is directly related to hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and the development of diabetes. Indirectly, excess weight is related to heart disease. This underscores the importance of controlling your weight. But that’s not to say that weight loss and weight maintenance aren’t challenging. READ MORE: Heart smart: All about fats Habits, both good and bad, are easy to fall into. When I took a new position several years ago, my focus was on my career and the challenges of a new work environment. Like many people, I used food to help manage my stress. This had predictable results. I was aware of what was happening but work and family took priority before my health. I made all the usual excuses but eventually realized that I needed to practice what I preached. My goal: lose 20 pounds. It was an arbitrary goal but it would get me back to my pre-wedding weight and bring my BMI under 25 and out of the overweight range. So, how’d I do it? My first big change was to break the habit of snacking on high-calorie foods. I brought bags of carrots, celery and snap peas to work for those times when my hunger was distracting. I kept the size of my meals in check as well. If I ate until I was full, I would often feel stuffed and tired 30 minutes later. Overall, I tried to limit my daily caloric intake to 1,500 calories or less. I won’t lie, I was frequently hungry. But there is nothing wrong with feeling hungry. That’s what fat burning feels like (thank you, Oprah!). This was not a deprivation diet. I did not skip meals. Occasionally, I had chocolate, bacon, chicken wings and ice cream. But I ate them in moderation and not regularly. I did not adhere to any particular diet nor did I pay attention to the glycemic index, though I mostly avoided concentrated sweets. As a result, I lost 10 pounds in one month. I was halfway to my goal. I added exercise to accelerate my weight loss and maintain muscle tone. Initially, I ran and occasionally I added weights. Usually my workouts lasted 30 minutes but never longer than 45 minutes, and I never worked out more than four days each week. I dropped roughly 13 percent of my body weight in several months. I wanted to regain a certain level of fitness, and set an example for my kids and patients. My weight loss required consistency and dedication. I worked out, downloaded apps (check out My Fitness Pal), weighed myself regularly and drank a lot of water. My family’s encouragement kept me motivated. A healthy diet is a major factor in reducing your risk for illnesses, one of them being heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle are your best weapons to fight cardiovascular disease. Take small steps, like I did. Start working towards prioritizing your health and remember that it’s your choices that ultimately count. It’s not only good for you, it’s good for your heart. You can do this! Author Salvatore Lauria, MD, is a cardiologist with Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Cardiology Specialists. To schedule an appointment, call 443-481-6700. Originally published Feb. 25, 2019. Last updated Aug. 13, 2025.0
- Men's Health, Orthopedics, Women's Health, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhether you are a marathon runner or just on your feet a lot, a good pair of shoes is your greatest asset. Just ask David J. Keblish, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center. During a deployment in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the retired Navy Captain says his best piece of gear was his trail-running shoes. “They were very durable and stiff, and held up well in that environment,” says Dr. Keblish. In the world of shoes and orthotics, Dr. Keblish says there are three types of feet: high-arched, flat-footed and neutral. If you are one of the extremes—high-arched or flat-footed—finding the right pair of running shoes is especially important. Types of Feet High-arched Those with high arches should look for shoes with extra cushioning, because these feet do not absorb shock as well. Flat-footed People with flat feet, or fallen arches, should look for shoes with motion control or stability. Lower arches mean the bones and tissues in the foot endure more stress, and the stiff soles of these types of shoes help support them. Neutral Dr. Keblish says most people fall into the neutral category and have fewer specific needs, but can still benefit from buying a pair of shoes that is both stiff and supportive. People with flat feet, or fallen arches, should look for shoes with motion control or stability. Lower arches mean the bones and tissues in the foot endure more stress, and the stiff soles of these types of shoes help support them. Those with high arches should look for shoes with extra cushioning, because these feet do not absorb shock as well. “The shoe should not be ‘zero-drop,’ meaning the heel should be raised a little to put tendons in a better position,” says Dr. Keblish. “You should also have padding for your whole foot.” If you already have a pair of running shoes you cannot bear to part with, over-the-counter orthotic insoles can be helpful. But, Dr. Keblish adds, only people with extreme foot conditions, such as chronic heel spurs or arthritis, need to consider custom orthotics. If you are not sure what type of foot you have, Dr. Keblish recommends going to a running shoe store where salespeople can evaluate your feet. Or, he says, there are plenty of websites that can help you evaluate your feet on your own. Barefoot Running: An Ill-advised Trend Read more about how barefoot running might hinder your performance. Contributor David J. Keblish, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon with AAMG Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists. He can be reached at 410-268-8862.0
- Endocrinology, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNovember is Diabetes Awareness Month, highlighting a crucial health issue that affects more than 38 million Americans. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90 to 95% of those with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, a chronic metabolic condition where the body doesn’t use insulin effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Each year, 1.9 million new cases are diagnosed, yet more than 8 million Americans remain undiagnosed. If current trends persist, one in every three people born in the year 2000 will develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. In Prince George’s County, adult diabetes diagnoses exceed the state average, with higher rates of diabetes-related deaths and hospitalizations further underscoring the seriousness of this issue locally. Type 2 diabetes symptoms often develop gradually, causing some people to misattribute them to other factors or remain unaware of the signs. This lack of awareness can delay diagnosis and the opportunity to learn to manage the condition effectively. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes Left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to several complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, loss of vision, neuropathy, reduced circulation, loss of limbs, and more. That’s why you should see a physician as quickly as possible if you see any of the signs of type 2 diabetes. Here are some of the critical signs of type 2 diabetes: Frequent urination. Type 2 diabetes can increase your need to urinate, particularly at night. Your kidneys are working to filter out excess glucose from your bloodstream, leading to frequent urination. Increased thirst. When your kidneys filter excess glucose from your blood, it can cause dehydration and make you feel thirsty. If you drink more fluids than usual and still feel thirsty, it could be a sign of type 2 diabetes. Unexplained weight loss. Sudden unintentional weight loss is another sign of possible type 2 diabetes. When your body can't use glucose efficiently due to insulin resistance, it may break down body fat and muscle for energy, leading to weight loss. Fatigue. Persistent fatigue, particularly after meals, is a common symptom of type 2 diabetes. Your body can’t use insulin effectively for energy, so you may feel tired and sluggish. This fatigue can affect your daily activities. Blurred vision. High glucose levels can lead to changes in your body's fluid levels. Those changes can cause the lenses of your eyes to swell, resulting in blurred vision. Vision changes may come and go, or you may have persistent blurry vision. Slow-healing wounds. Type 2 diabetes can influence your body's ability to heal wounds. That’s because high blood sugar can affect blood flow and cause nerve damage, making it more difficult for your body to heal. Frequent Infections. Type 2 diabetes can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections of the skin, gums, urinary tract, or other common infections. If you notice you are getting more infections than in the past, it could be a sign of type 2 diabetes. When to see a doctor You should see a physician if you have one or more of these symptoms. Early detection and treatment of type 2 diabetes can help you maintain a good quality of life and avoid serious complications. You can learn to manage type 2 diabetes by making lifestyle changes, monitoring blood sugar levels, and taking medication, if necessary. Doctors test for type 2 diabetes primarily through blood tests that measure blood glucose levels. The most common tests include the A1C test, which shows average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months, and the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, which measures blood sugar after an overnight fast. If these levels are elevated, a diagnosis of diabetes may be confirmed. Recognizing the signs of type 2 diabetes is the first step in managing the disease so you can lead a healthy and fulfilling life. The diabetes program at Luminis Health can provide everything you need to manage type 2 diabetes and any complications, including education, monitoring, and treatments. Pedram Javanmard is an endocrinologist at Luminis Health with expertise in a wide range of endocrine-related diseases.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?