- Pregnancy & BirthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you’ve just found out you’re pregnant, congratulations! This is such an exciting time. We hope you’re savoring every precious moment… without stressing too much. But first, a reality check. According to Prince George’s County health data, only about 6 in 10 mothers receive early prenatal care, and the maternal mortality rate is twice the national average. Luminis Health is committed to improving maternal health by expanding services, advancing health equity, and eliminating disparities. We’re here to help you with expert advice to help you maintain a healthy pregnancy and safeguard your baby before and after delivery. Here are some dos and don’ts: Pregnancy Do's Since every pregnancy is unique, your doctor will always have the best answers for you. But generally, it’s important to remember to: Eat well. A healthy, well-balanced diet will fuel your baby’s growth. Make sure to add seafood, especially fish high in omega-3 fatty acids. Exercise regularly. You don’t need a gym to stay active, there are plenty of ways to move your body at home. Try gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility or follow an online prenatal yoga video to ease stress and promote relaxation. Even simple activities like walking around your home, doing light bodyweight exercises, or practicing deep breathing techniques can help keep you active and feeling your best during pregnancy. Get plenty of sleep. It’s common to feel tired when you’re pregnant, and it can be hard to get comfortable with your growing bump. But sleep is essential for mother and baby (7-9 hours each night is best). Get your flu shot and other recommended vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control recommend certain vaccinations during pregnancy to help mothers develop antibodies that can be passed on to their babies, providing protection during the first few months of life. For example, the flu shot is safe and will protect you and your baby. The RSV vaccine is now recommended between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, particularly during RSV season (September thru January). Go to all your prenatal appointments. Pregnancy care is key to keeping your baby healthy. Consider joining CenteringPregnancy,® a new program offered at Luminis Health Ob-Gyn Greenbelt. With group sessions for expectant mothers and personalized consultations with trusted OB-GYNs and midwives, this nationally recognized program has been shown to improve birth outcomes, breastfeeding rates and patient satisfaction for new moms. Limit stress and maintain your mental well-being. When you’re pregnant, your body goes through a lot of changes, all of which can affect your mental health. Any steps you can take to feel connected, grounded and centered will go a long way toward ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Take a prenatal vitamin. Ask for doctor recommendations and look for a vitamin that includes folic acid and iron if needed. Travel safely. Your doctor will help you make informed decisions about traveling, including telling you when it’s best to stop traveling (usually by 36 weeks). Pregnancy Don'ts To protect your health and your growing baby, there are a few things you should avoid during pregnancy, including: Dangerous chemicals, including some household cleaners, and refrain from cleaning cat litter boxes Foods that increase the risk of foodborne illness, including deli meats, raw or processed meats, and unpasteurized milk and cheese Excess caffeine (one cup of coffee a day is usually safe) Hot tubs and saunas Radiation exposure, including X-rays, unless absolutely necessary Alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs Taking these steps can help you lower your risk of complications and prepare for a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery. Authors Dr. Jonelle Samuel, a Luminis Health Ob-Gyn, is a Prince George’s County native and practices in Greenbelt.0
- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNew health studies can be confusing, especially when it comes to certain foods and drinks that affect your health. A piece of chocolate or a glass of wine are common treats, and there’s lots of conflicting information about their health benefits. Some types of chocolate and wine offer more heart-healthy benefits than others, but that’s still not a green light to overindulge. Dark Chocolate Dark chocolate has gained a reputation as being a heart-healthy treat because cocoa beans are rich in flavonoids—a nutrient that protects plants from toxins and helps repair damage. The term ‘antioxidant’ is a reference to those benefits. Studies have shown when we eat foods rich in flavonoids, we also benefit from these antioxidant powers. Flavanols are the main type of flavonoid found in cocoa. In addition to their antioxidant qualities, research has shown other potential health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure. But not all dark chocolate is created equal. The more processed chocolate is, the more flavanols are lost along the way. And flavanols are not a nutrient reported on food labels. For the most health benefits, choose a dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70 percent or higher. And remember, chocolate is not a ‘health’ food. Enjoy dark chocolate as part of a well-balanced, heart-healthy diet. Think of it as a treat rather than a regular part of your diet. Red Wine Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart healthy. Those who drink moderate amounts of red wine seem to have a lower risk of heart disease. An antioxidant called resveratrol is the substance in red wine that has received a lot of attention. The ingredient may help prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol’) and prevent blood clots. While those benefits might sound great if you enjoy a five-ounce glass of red wine with your evening meal, I would never encourage anyone to start drinking alcohol on the premise that it’s heart healthy. Too much alcohol has harmful effects on your health, such as raising your risk of high blood pressure, liver damage, obesity and certain types of cancer. Drinking too much regularly can actually weaken your heart muscle. If you truly want the health benefits of antioxidants, you should think outside of the wine and chocolate box. Stock your kitchen with antioxidant ‘super foods’ such as blueberries, strawberries, purple grapes, raw nuts, dark green veggies, salmon and green tea. Author Barbara Hutchinson, MD is a cardiologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published Feb. 16, 2016. Last updated Sept. 16, 2025.0
- GivingGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhile some may have historically perceived Anne Arundel Medical Center as focused on serving Anne Arundel County, the reality is AAMC is a regional health system that serves a larger community. In 2008, the hospital opened the AAMC Pavilion on Kent Island to provide easier access for its large patient population on the Eastern Shore. More than 10,600 AAMC patients live on the Eastern Shore, including Queen Anne’s, Kent and Talbot counties. Kent Island residents Sara and Tim Adelman volunteer on AAMC Foundation’s Building Traditions Society (BTS) Board, and have always viewed AAMC as their community hospital. Sara and Tim joined the Building Traditions Society at its inception in 2011 because they understood the importance of supporting AAMC and the wide variety of care services provided to our community. In 2016, the Building Traditions Society provided critically needed funding in support of a bilingual therapist for AAMC’s Community Health Clinic on Forest Drive. The Building Traditions Society also provided funding for a licensed clinical social worker who is devoted to providing pediatric emergency mental health evaluations within AAMC’s Pediatric Emergency Department. The Adelmans know the value of having access to the highest quality healthcare in your backyard. “I come from a family of healthcare people. You’re either a healthcare lawyer or a healthcare provider – doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, we have them all. While our professions are healthcare oriented, our philanthropic efforts are as well,” says Tim. “I grew up watching my parents give back to their community, including the hospital. My mother, Cathy Adelman, has been extremely active with AAMC’s Foundation for many years and is the incoming Foundation board chair. It was a natural fit for me to get involved with AAMC’s Building Traditions Society.” Sara, a nurse practitioner at Annapolis Internal Medicine, feels strongly that mental health services are a critical need in our community. “The demand is much higher than the community’s current capacity, and there are many patients that will benefit from expanded services,” she says. “We have been very successful in raising money for Pediatrics, which is near and dear to most BTS families. Now we are excited to put our efforts into this much needed Mental Health initiative.” BTS has raised more than $410,000 to support pediatric and NICU services, community clinic services, and behavioral health services. BTS helps engage the younger generation in a meaningful manner. “While raising funds to support AAMC is at the core of BTS, we do it in a fun way. BTS brings together families from across the region in a social manner that supports a good cause. We have met so many great friends through BTS and look forward to another exciting year of events, including events on the Eastern Shore,” says Tim. “AAMC provides an array of medical services on the Shore, and our goal is to get more Eastern Shore families and local businesses involved in supporting their hospital,” says Tim.0
- Sleep, Heart Care, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs you get older, you may find that many of the things you resented as a child, like enforced nap and bedtimes, you actually long for now. And for good reason: recent research suggests it’s good for your overall health. When compared to people who hit the hay between 10-11 pm, researchers found the following associations between bedtimes and heart disease: · 12% increased risk of heart disease when falling asleep between 11-11:59 pm · 25% increased risk of heart disease when falling asleep at midnight or later · 24% increased risk of heart disease when falling asleep before 10 pm Scientists still aren’t exactly sure what’s causing the differences in risk. But one theory is that going to bed too early or too late disrupts your body’s natural clock and throws off your systems, like your heart. A sleep routine tailored to you It can get a little overwhelming to decipher all the latest studies about what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to sleep. But the bottom line is that you shouldn’t worry if you have a late night or two – or just need to hit the sack earlier than usual. Sometimes, that’s your body’s way of telling you it needs a little extra rest. What’s most important is establishing a healthy sleep routine – one that works well for you. And that means one that works with your schedule and makes you feel best prepared to take on tomorrow. Here are some of our favorite tips to help you get the Zzzs your body needs: Be consistent. Sure, you can shoot for bedtime between 10-11 pm, but if your lifestyle or work schedule doesn’t allow for that, the most important thing you can do is go to bed around the same time every night. Find ways to unwind. Before climbing into bed, work some relaxation techniques into your routine. Maybe that’s gentle stretching, listening to gentle music or a short meditation. You can also try taking a warm bath to help calm your mind and body. Give your body regular clues. Beyond bedtime, try to do the same things in the same order every night. Whether it’s a specific order to washing your face, pulling on PJs or cracking open up a book, these can serve as a subtle cue to your body that it’s time to wind down. Set up a sleep haven. Get your bedroom ready for a good night’s sleep. That means no distractions, a comfy mattress and pillows, soft sheets and a comfortable-to-you temperature. Turn off screens an hour before bed. The blue light from screens (TVs, tablets and phones) has been shown to disrupt your body’s natural rhythm when it comes to falling and staying asleep. Have a question about sleep? A good night’s sleep has a host of benefits for your physical, mental and emotional health. If you’re struggling to get the rest you need, let us know. Your doctor can help you find the best approach to bedtime or address any underlying issues, like anxiety or depression, that may be interfering with your sleep schedule. Call your provider today to schedule your appointment or use our search tool to find a provider near you. Author To make an appointment with Dr. Dakheel, please call 301-850-6333.0
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMenopause is one of the most common medical conditions in the world, and one of the least understood. Hot flashes, sleepless nights, and mood swings can all be signs of this major hormonal shift. But symptoms differ from woman to woman, and may be severe or mild. Here’s what you need to know about the signs of menopause — and what options are available to treat them. What Is Menopause? Menopause occurs when you stop having periods. Officially, it begins 12 months after your last period. Menopause occurs because your body makes less of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, and your ovaries stop releasing eggs. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, the average age of menopause in the United States is 52. But you might have irregular periods and menopausal symptoms for years before that, during the transition time known as perimenopause. Perimenopause usually lasts about four years, and typically starts in your mid-40s — although the time frame can vary. Symptoms like hot flashes can persist for more than a decade after menopause. Signs of Menopause Every woman’s experience is unique, and yours may be different from your friends or relatives. The intensity of symptoms can also vary greatly. Generally speaking, these are the most common symptoms of menopause: Hot flashes — a feeling of warmth that suddenly spreads over your whole body, sometimes followed by a chill. Hot flashes usually start in your upper body, especially around your face and neck. The sensation might be as short as 30 seconds or last up to 10 minutes. The frequency varies — hot flashes can happen rarely, once or twice a day, or several times an hour. Mood swings — your shifting hormones may cause you to feel irritable, moody, forgetful, or depressed. Difficulty sleeping — you may have trouble falling asleep, or may wake up in the middle of the night with night sweats. Many women have trouble falling back to sleep once awake. Vaginal dryness — during the menopausal transition, vaginal tissue becomes thinner and drier, which can make sex painful. Loss of interest in sex — your libido may diminish as your hormones change. Body changes — as hormone levels decline, you may lose muscle mass and gain fat around your waist. Your hair may thin out and your skin could become drier. Aches and pains — many women experience headaches, joint pain, or muscle pain during menopause. How to Ease Symptoms of Menopause It’s important to talk to your doctor about your menopause symptoms. If you’re suffering, there is hope by taking the following steps: Hormone therapy Your doctor may recommend hormone therapy for relieving hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, and mood swings. Hormone therapy may also help prevent bone fractures from osteoporosis, decrease your chances of developing heart disease, and lower your risk of dementia. The two types of hormone therapy are: Estrogen therapy — your doctor may recommend estrogen therapy if you had a hysterectomy (removal of your uterus). It comes in patch, pill, cream, gel, spray, or vaginal ring form. Combination therapy — uses both estrogen and progesterone in pill or patch form. It is for women who still have a uterus. Progesterone is used in various birth control methods, but can also help treat symptoms of menopause. Lifestyle changes There are many things you can do at home to help ease menopause symptoms. Consider trying the following: Eat a healthy diet. Eating fried, high-calorie, or fatty foods and drinking sugary soda can make menopausal symptoms worse. Prioritize sleep. Shortchanging rest can aggravate menopausal symptoms. Try to avoid hot flash triggers like caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, hot weather, and stress. Use vaginal lubricants to make sex more comfortable. Exercise to relieve stress and improve your overall health. If you smoke, make a plan to quit. Smoking can trigger hot flashes and even lead to earlier menopause. To Get Help for Symptoms of Menopause There’s no need to suffer with menopausal symptoms. Make an appointment with a Luminis Health OB-GYN. Ifeyinwa Stitt, MD is an obstetrician gynecologist at Luminis Health.0
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