- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMore than a year and a half after going into lockdown, we’re all anxious to put COVID-19 in our rearview mirror. But if you had coronavirus, and continue to experience its after-effects, you know first-hand that life is far from “back to normal.” With the goal of helping you manage lingering symptoms, the team at Luminis Health has created a COVID Recovery Service. Here, you’ll find a team approach to helping our community recover from COVID-19. When symptoms persist COVID-19 is a new illness. As a result, there’s a lot we’re still learning about it. One thing that we’ve learned is that not everyone gets over the virus in the same way. While some people seem to recover quickly, others continue to have problems weeks or months after they’re diagnosed. If you have had COVID-19 and are still suffering from any of the following symptoms, our providers can help. Dizziness on standing Shortness of breath Anxiety/depression Fatigue Swallowing issues Difficulty with memory Voice dysfunction Weakness These symptoms may be bothersome and frustrating. They can also make everyday living challenging. At Luminis Health, our COVID Recovery Service includes a team of providers from different specialties assisting patients in their recovery after a COVID-19 infection. Our team offers personalized care including: Telehealth visits with our providers, including a full medical evaluation. In-person visits with our lung specialists, including a physical and cognitive evaluation by a physical therapist. Referrals to additional specialties to allow for timely management of symptoms, including cardiology and neurology. Outpatient rehabilitation such as physical therapy and occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help if you’re having trouble with activities of daily living, like driving. It can also help with everyday tasks as some find their symptoms worsen after mental activity as well as physical activity. Our physical therapists will assess your strength, balance and physical abilities. We will design a program to help you get stronger and make it easier for you to do things you want and need to do. As we work with you, we track your blood oxygen levels and symptoms to make sure you stay safe. Speech therapy can help with voice changes, swallowing or memory issues that may occur. Our programs assists with organizing and processing your thoughts along with projecting your voice so you can communicate effectively with others. It’s okay to reach out for help If you’re struggling after a COVID diagnosis, we’re here for you. While Post-COVID symptoms aren’t uncommon, you don’t have to live with them. Contact the COVID Recovery Service team for more information or to schedule an appointment at 443-951-4286.0
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogButterflies in the stomach. Sweaty palms. A racing heartbeat. A shaky voice. These are just a few well-documented cases of how stress or anxiety (aka your mental health) can bring on real physical symptoms. After all, we’ve all experienced these kinds of nerves before a big presentation or an important date. But what happens to the body when these “nerves” turn into longer bouts of anxiety and depression? The short answer: It can have a serious impact on your health. And what if you struggle with a chronic illness, like diabetes, high blood pressure, or even cancer? That can impact your mental health. The good news — understanding this mind-body connection can help you take charge of your whole health — mental, physical and emotional. Even better, there are steps you can take to reduce your stress and improve your health. Let’s dive in. How Mental and Physical Health Influence Each Other Researchers have been studying the connection between mental and physical health for years. They’ve asked the big questions, like “How does our mental health affect our health?” and “Does a chronic condition put you at higher risk of a mental illness?” Here are just a Few Interesting Findings: Depression may cause a wide range of physical symptoms and health conditions, including memory trouble, an increased risk of heart attack and heart disease, and weight gain and loss. Anxiety can bring physical symptoms like dizziness and sweating and also lead to long-term health issues, such as gastrointestinal trouble, high blood pressure, eczema and other skin conditions. Mental health can also impact the immune system. Researchers found that individuals who express prolonged periods of stress may have a weaker immune system, ultimately making it easier to come down with illnesses like the common cold or strep throat. Individuals with chronic conditions are also at higher risk of developing depression or anxiety, according to research from the National Institute of Mental Health. Boost your Mental and Physical Health When it comes to staying mentally and physically strong, it comes down to the basics. Most of these tips won’t surprise you, but they are great ways to keep your body in tiptop shape and your mind (and emotions) feeling sharp. Get moving. Exercise has countless physical and mental health benefits. A quick 30-minute walk (or even less) around the neighborhood can help strengthen your heart, lungs and muscles; and boost your mood with a rush of “feel-good” chemicals like endorphins. Rest up. A good night’s sleep connects to a stronger immune system and reduced stress — among many other benefits. Adults should aim for seven or more hours of sleep. Focus on friendships. Your social health is an important part of your physical and mental health. Spending time with friends and loved ones can influence health behaviors and even mortality risk. What better excuse to call up a friend and meet them for a cup of coffee or (even better) a walk around a nearby park? Eat right. Sure, it can be tempting to reach for that delicious (but not-so-nutritious) snack of potato chips or candy bar. But, noshing on some fresh fruit and veggies will help your body and brain feel stronger than ever. Vitamins and minerals, like B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and probiotics, may help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety and support important body functions like the immune system, brain function and bone strength. Ask for Help When You Need it It can be hard to admit you’re struggling with your mental health. Just remember, you are not alone. The National Alliance on Mental Health Institute (NAMI) estimates that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness. Another organization (Mental Health America) found that more than of adults living with mental illness, including anxiety or depression, don’t seek treatment. There’s no shame in getting help to better manage your mood, emotions and mental health. There are proven approaches to help you cope with feelings of anxiety, depression and fear, including therapy, medication and more. If you’ve been struggling with your mental or physical health — or both — your primary care doctor or a mental health professional can help. Schedule an appointment and, together, find ways to improve your overall health and wellness so you can feel your best. Authors Eshe Montague is the director of our behavioral health program at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.0
- Orthopedics, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogI’m often asked for advice in choosing which shoes would be best for running fast, far and without injury. This is a difficult question to answer because so many variables are involved: your running goal, your history of injury, the type of running surface and other factors. These general guidelines are a great starting point for choosing the right running shoes: The shoes should feel comfortable in the store. Don’t expect you’ll be able to “break in” the shoes later. Your heel should not slip out of the shoes. Your toes should not hit the front of the shoes. The shoes should fit your arch type and foot mechanics. Ask for help, if needed. The shoes should be light and flexible, but also with a slight degree of stiffness for support and durability. Most running shoe stores organize the shoes in broad categories, including cushion, lightweight cushion, forefront cushion, motion control and neutral. In recent years another category—minimalist shoes—has developed. Here’s what you should know about each category of running shoes. Cushion Provides heel-to-toe comfort Best for heavier runners Tends to be heavier Good for runners with joint degeneration Lightweight cushion Has thick soles made of lighter weight material Newer technology, offers less “feel” for the road but more cushion without the weight Forefoot cushion Has less cushion in the heel relative to the forefoot, which is the opposite of traditional shoes Design encourages a foot strike pattern more on the midfoot than the heel Adapt to your new gait pattern carefully and gradually Motion control Specially designed with performance elements for stability Best for runners with excessive motion in the hind foot Neutral Good for runners without serious biomechanical issues or for use with orthotics Less expensive and lighter than other options Minimalist Lighter weight, less heel cushion Adapt to these shoes carefully and gradually to avoid injury I recommend trying on multiple pairs and going with what feels good after walking around the store. Many stores have a treadmill so you can try running in the shoes. Some even allow video analysis to check for stability. Even after giving shoe selection a lot of thought and research, there’s often an element of trial and error involved. These guidelines can get you running in the right direction to make your selection. Quick Running Tips Choosing a place: Avoid hard or rough road surfaces. An ideal running surface is flat, smooth, resilient and soft. Avoid crowded roads and run against traffic. Stay in well-lit areas, including schools and public streets. Choosing a time: Running during daylight is preferable. Avoid running if temperatures are above 90 degrees and humidity is high. Safety tips: Carry a cell phone with you. Avoid using headphones if you’re running on the street. Author Christina Morganti, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center and avid long-distance runner. Dr. Morganti ran cross country and track at Brown University, and continues to compete in road races herself and run around cheering on her kids in their races. She has run numerous marathons, including New York, Boston, and the Marine Corps Marathon. You can reach her practice, AAMC Orthopedics at 410-268-8862. Originally published June 15, 2016. Last updated May 31, 2019.0
- GivingGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen you make a donation to Anne Arundel Medical Center, your money goes directly to the programs you care most about and want to support. In 2016 alone, donations funded a campus-wide training program for nurses and technicians on the best ways to care for elderly patients, critical care training for the pediatric emergency department, and recovery chairs for joint replacement patients, just to name a few things. Donations also helped support more than $40 million in community benefits, including community health clinics, support groups, and more than 125 research studies to advance medical care in 15 different areas. “There are so many things that have contributed to AAMC’s growth and success, but our strong relationship with the community is one of which I am exceptionally proud,” says Jan Wood, president of the AAMC Foundation. “The community is not only our partner with regard to all the compassionate care provided within the hospital walls, but it’s also an example of the impact and power of philanthropy.” When you give to AAMC, you can direct your donation to support the area of care that matters most to you and your family. And it’s not just about large gifts – everyone and every dollar can make a difference. “Gifts ranging from $10 to $10 million have built our healthcare facilities, purchased equipment, funded education and training programs, hired leading caregivers, and so much more,” Jan says. “The generosity of our friends and neighbors — at every level — helps ensure the future of quality healthcare in our community.” If you’re looking to give back to AAMC this holiday season, here’s how. Ways to give to AAMC You can make a donation online, or mail your donation to the AAMC Foundation at 2000 Medical Parkway, Belcher Pavilion, Suite 604, Annapolis, Md., 21401. You also have the option of making monthly, quarterly or multi-year pledges. For more information, call the Foundation at 443-481-4747. The AAMC Foundation also accepts stock gifts, which might provide you a bigger tax benefit. Talk to your accountant or financial advisor to learn more. You can also give a planned gift. Examples include: Including AAMC in your will with a bequest. Establishing a charitable gift annuity to benefit you and/or a loved one. Naming AAMC as a beneficiary in your life insurance or retirement plan. Providing a gift of securities from your stock portfolio. The AAMC Foundation also has several societies for donors whose gifts reach a certain level. The Thomas I. and Peggy A. Baldwin Society is for individuals who make gifts of $10,000 or more each year to AAMC. For more information, call Briana Walsh at 443-481-4745. The Building Traditions Society is comprised of young donor members who give $1,000 per year. The society has raised more than $410,000 to support pediatric and NICU services, community clinic services, and behavioral health services. To join, call 443-481-4735. The Belcher Society is for those who make a planned gift of $100,000 or more to AAMC. For more information, call 443-481-4747. Corporate sponsorships AAMC partners with various organizations for programs and events every year. In 2016, AAMC received more than $700,000 in philanthropic support from community business partners across Maryland. To learn more about these partnership opportunities, contact Kelly Accinelli at [email protected]. Other ways to give this holiday season Donations don’t always have to be monetary. Another way to give back this year is by donating blood to AAMC’s Blood Donor Center. Every donation benefits patients at our hospital or in our community. Around 3,000 AAMC patients receive life-saving blood transfusions every year. If you’d like to donate, find an upcoming blood drive at www.facebook.com/AnneArundelMedicalCenter, or call the Blood Donor Center at 443-481-4215. You can also stay up to date on upcoming blood drives and events by joining the Blood Donor Center’s Facebook group. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/AAMCBloodDonorCenter and request to join the group. Originally published Nov. 27, 2017. Last updated Dec. 3, 2019.0
- OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNyme Manns was playing in Bowie State University’s first football game of the year in 2014 when he took a blow to his knee that sidelined him for the rest of the season. It was the fourth quarter of the game. Nyme, a Baltimore native who started playing football his senior year of high school, had already scored three touchdowns. Then he tore his left knee’s ACL, LCL, and posterolateral corner – three of the knee’s main ligaments. “My life just flashed before my eyes,” recalls Nyme, a wide receiver. Fortunately, there was someone on the field that day who helped him both physically and mentally. Daniel Redziniak, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Anne Arundel Medical Center Orthopedics, and team doctor for the Bowie State University Bulldogs, assured Nyme that everything would be okay. “He definitely eased my mind a little bit,” says Nyme, now 23 years old. “Of course, it was my first time ever having a tragic injury, he played a bigger role than just my doctor.” Dr. Redziniak says Nyme’s injury was a devastating knee injury that could permanently sideline an athlete’s career. Before performing extensive reconstructive surgery on Nyme’s knee, he spent hours with Nyme’s family helping them understand the seriousness of the injury. “It is important to keep the family involved,” he says. Nyme suffered an injury that usually requires a minimum of nine months to a year of recovery –often the hardest part of the injury, Dr. Redziniak says. Nyme was determined to return to the field, but he had a lot of work to do after his knee surgery. He relied on a strict regimen of physical therapy and workouts with his strength coach to get back into playing shape. “It was like starting all over,” he says. He says Dr. Redziniak was a source of comfort the entire time, sending him encouraging text messages and reminding him of his strength. And Nyme learned to trust the process. “Of course there were ups and downs. You’re coming from a reconstructive surgery,” he says. “I would definitely say just trust the process, trust in the doctors, and just pray.” When Nyme returned to the field the following season, he was anxious, wondering constantly if he would re-injure his knee. But he was also determined to play again, and kept urging his coach to put him back in the game. That year was his most successful year as a Bulldog, Nyme recalls. He was named the fifth-ranked receiver in the country, and landed on the Black College Football Hall of Fame’s watch list, after breaking every record in Bowie State football history. Dr. Redziniak praised Nyme’s determination. “He really was an amazing person to work with,” Dr. Redziniak says. “He was always outgoing and eager to show just how far ahead he was. He went above and beyond what was required of him.” After he graduated, Nyme entered the 2017 NFL draft. Though he was not selected, he continues to work with other aspiring athletes as a personal trainer. He has also started a career in the cybersecurity field. Three years after his injury, he’s grateful for the treatment he received from AAMC Orthopedics. “I feel like my injury made me a better athlete and a stronger person,” he says. Nyme is featured in commercials for AAMC Orthopedics for its Your Comeback Starts Here campaign. Contributor Daniel Redziniak, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon with AAMC Orthopedics. To reach his practice, call 410-268-8862.0
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?