- Stroke CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogStroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Nearly 87 percent of all strokes are ischemic. That means a clot within a blood vessel blocks the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Most ischemic strokes are caused by atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Some chronic health conditions, if not managed well, can speed up atherosclerosis. Keeping on top of these conditions can help reduce risk for ischemic stroke and other arterial diseases, says Mark Peeler, MD, a vascular surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Coronary heart disease, triggered by hardening of the arteries, more than doubles your risk of stroke. “When artery disease blocks blood flow to the heart muscle, there’s likely artery disease elsewhere in the body. It’s the artery disease that increases stroke risk, not the heart attack itself,” explains Dr. Peeler. “So we offer free ultrasound screenings for artery disease and then take proper steps, whether that means medical intervention or helping people start to make lifestyle changes.” The screenings are offered through a program called Dare to C.A.R.E. High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects nearly one in three adults in the U.S. When uncontrolled, it increases your risk for having a stroke by four to six times. But with medication and lifestyle changes, hypertension is highly controllable. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by your liver and found in many foods. Although certain amounts of cholesterol are normal, high levels of some lipids in the blood can contribute to plaque in arteries and lead to a stroke. Depending on your levels, your primary care doctor may prescribe a medication such as a statin while guiding you toward healthy lifestyle changes. Statins are a class of drug that reduce fat levels in the blood (for example, Lipitor). Obesity is a major health problem in America. The severity of obesity is measured by the body mass index, a calculation relating your weight to height. As your BMI increases, so does your risk for rising blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglycerides and blood sugar. Losing 5 to 10 percent of your weight can reduce these stroke risk factors. Diabetes, when not properly managed, causes sugar to build up in the blood, which increases your risk for stroke. Many people with diabetes also have high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and are overweight — conditions that further increase your risk for stroke. The Best Way to Reduce Stroke Risk Whether or not you have a chronic condition, Dr. Peeler stresses that not smoking is the single best way to reduce your risk of artery disease. “Cigarette smoking causes more deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke than from lung cancer,” he says. A simple screening using ultrasound can find a blockage in your arteries. If you are 60 or older, or in your 50s and at risk for vascular disease, you may be eligible for a free screening. Call 410-573-9483 to learn more. Author Mark Peeler, MD, is a vascular surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published Nov. 28, 2016. Last updated Aug 25, 2025.0
- Cancer Care, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLast year, I wrote about the popularity of the Juul device among middle school students, high school students and young adults. Juuls, which look like USB flash drives, are a type of e-cigarette used to inhale flavored “pods” that contain as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes. While nicotine itself does not cause cancer, it is highly addictive and harmful to the developing brain. This puts young people, whose brains continue to develop into their mid 20s, at higher risk of developing mood disorders, issues with memory and learning and poor impulse control. They are also more likely to develop an addiction to other substances later in life, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unfortunately, many of these devices are also used for substances like marijuana. Over the past year, awareness of the risks associated with juuling has grown, and public health officials have cracked down on e-cigarette manufacturers’ sales to youth. Here are some of the major developments. Take our pledge to love your lungs, and be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card! Nicotine Use on the Rise The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 27 percent of high school teens used tobacco products in 2018, an increase of 38 percent over the past year. More specifically, e-cigarette use, also known as vaping, increased 78 percent among high school students, from almost 12 percent in 2017 to 21 percent in 2018. The use of other tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigars did not really change. Therefore, we can reasonably attribute the increased nicotine use to e-cigarettes. READ MORE: Does your child Juul? Combatting Nicotine Use Thankfully, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), called teen vaping an epidemic and announced increasing restrictions for the industry. These measures include targeting retailers of Juuls through multiple undercover sting operations, taking action on flavored products that are appealing to youth, closing online sales to minors and curbing marketing of tobacco products to youth. The FDA also expanded its tobacco prevention campaign, “The Real Cost,” to educate teens on the dangers of e-cigarettes. Last September, the FDA conducted an unannounced inspection of Juul Labs’ headquarters in San Francisco, seizing over 1,000 pages of documents and ordering Juul to develop a youth prevention plan. In response, Juul improved its age verification system for purchases made on its website. Shoppers must now either provide the last four digits of their Social Security number or upload a valid government-issued ID for review. Juul also says it has increased its secret shopper program to verify that retailers are following the standards, while issuing fines for those that do not. Tobacco 21 Most recently, the Maryland General Assembly approved Tobacco 21, a bill that raises the age for purchasing tobacco products as well as e-cigarettes from 18 to 21. That law went into effect Oct. 1. Final Thoughts Learning more about the different types of e-cigarette products, including Juul, is an important first step in addressing youth vaping. It is also important to recognize the signs of e-cigarette use. The flavorings in the Juul and other tobacco products contain chemicals that may be safe to eat, but are not safe to inhale into the lungs. These chemicals can be irritating to the lungs and can cause coughing, wheezing and an increase in asthma symptoms. The secondhand vapor, much like secondhand smoke, contains chemicals and is not harmless water vapor. While I applaud the efforts of local and federal government to curb the use of e-cigarettes by our youth, parents and other influential adults must continue to talk to their children about the dangers of juuling. Author Stephen Cattaneo, MD, is a thoracic surgeon and medical director of Thoracic Oncology at Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- Physical TherapyGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe way we breathe can either induce stress or encourage healing and calmness. Inhaling and exhaling properly affects us mentally and physically. What’s in a breath? Breathing is not only taking in oxygen. It’s also about managing the levels of carbon dioxide, a gas released when exhaling, that contributes to our respiratory function. The longer you practice exhaling through your nose, the more relaxed your body will feel as it releases more carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a potentially toxic gas when it builds up in the body. What impacts my breathing? Seasonal allergies, along with irritants such as smoke, dust, pollen and fragrances effect the efficiency of breathing. These pollutants cause internal swelling, excessive mucous, coughing and a host of other health issues. What can I do to breathe better? Deep breathing lowers blood pressure and promotes the body’s balance. Diaphragmatic breathing is a form of deep breathing. Also known as “abdominal breathing or belly breathing,” it encourages full oxygen exchange as you inhale air into the deepest parts of the lungs while engaging your abdominal muscles. Practice deep breathing by lying on your back with a pillow under your head with your knees bent. Place one hand on your stomach and one hand on your chest. Inhale or breathe through your nose, allow your belly and chest to rise and then exhale out of your mouth. This technique is most effective when the stomach rises higher than the chest. How will intentional breathing and wearing a mask improve my health? Walking and taking deep breathes on a regular basis helps keep you healthy. The American Heart Association recommends 30 to 50 minutes of exercise daily to promote respiratory strength. Wearing a mask reduces the risk of transmitting COVID-19, the flu and other contagious diseases. Some ways to minimize the discomfort and anxiety of wearing a mask include: Using essential oils (placing a drop of lavender oil in your mask), chewing gum or wearing lip balm. Ultimately, wearing a mask is a form of self-care and shows respect for others. Luminis Health Physical Therapy is opening a new location in Upper Marlboro on Nov. 12. Authors Rhonda Fowler PT, MS, CLT, CWS, is a physical therapist at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. Clarissa M. Ocampo, MM MA CCC-SLP, CLSVT LOUD, is a speech language pathologist at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- Cancer Care, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogColon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the United States. It is also one of the leading causes of cancer deaths each year. The colon makes up most of your large intestine and is part of your digestive system. In the colon, salt and water get absorbed from food you eat in one of the final steps of digestion, before the remaining undigestible matter gets excreted from your body. Colon cancer usually begins with growths – called polyps – which form within the colon. These growths may become cancerous and, over time, can spread throughout the colon and into other areas of the body. Although there is no surefire way to prevent colon cancer, there are steps you can take to lower your risk: Get screened regularly. Regular screening for colon cancer is critical in order to find and remove polyps before they become cancerous. In general, it is recommended that all adults get screened annually, beginning at age 45. Speak with your doctor for more details on the type and frequency of screening that is right for you. Stay within a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for colon cancer, particularly if you carry excess weight around the midsection or belly. If you need to lose weight, keep these quick tips in mind: don’t drink your calories; eat slowly; and pay close attention to hunger cues. Eat only when you are truly hungry and stop when you feel full. Avoid red or processed meats. High intake of beef, pork and lamb is linked with increased rates of colon cancer. The same is true for processed meats, such as deli meat, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, ham and others. Keep these foods as occasional treats and choose poultry, seafood, legumes and nuts for your daily protein needs. Eat more fiber. The bacteria in your gut houses 80 percent of your immune system and, therefore, plays an important role in immune function, inflammation and metabolism. A healthy balance of gut bacteria has been linked with a decreased risk of colon and other cancers. Studies show that not only does eating a high-fiber diet lead to a favorable balance of “good” bacteria in your gut, but it is also associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. Aim for 25-30 grams of fiber per day by eating vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, legumes, nuts, whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, whole grain bread and other grains. Add color to your plate. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of colon cancer. Plus, the phytochemicals found in these foods not only give them their vibrant colors, but they also act as cancer-fighting antioxidants in the body. Lycopene—found in tomatoes, watermelon and mangoes—is a great example. Eat a rainbow of different colored fruits and vegetables every day to make sure you’re getting as many different antioxidants as possible. Move your body. Physical inactivity is another risk factor for colon cancer, so be sure to move your body as much as possible every day. Take the stairs, park further from your destination, go for a walk, find a fun fitness class, or throw a dance party with your kids or grandkids. Have fun and make daily movement a habit. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Both smoking and high alcohol intake are linked with an increased risk of colon cancer (and other diseases). It’s best to quit smoking altogether and limit your consumption of alcohol to no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks per day for men. All of these recommendations can help lower your risk factors for colon cancer. As an extra bonus, nearly all of them can also reduce your risk of other cancers and major diseases. That’s a win-win for your health! Authors Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford are nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555. Originally published March 4, 2019. Last updated March 2, 2020.0
- Men's Health, Senior Care, Women's Health, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFamily gatherings, celebrations, extravagant meals, and lavish desserts—the holiday season is full of indulgences that can be damaging to your heart health. We asked William C. Maxted, MD, cardiologist and director of the Heart and Vascular Unit at Anne Arundel Medical Center, to share tips for maintaining a healthy heart while still enjoying all the holiday season has to offer. Here are four of his recommendations: 1. Enjoy Without Overindulging The holidays and food go hand in hand. With food at the center of attention from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, it’s easy to overindulge at times. It’s okay to eat the foods you enjoy, but it’s important to still be mindful of what you’re eating. Eat more slowly and visit the buffet with a smaller plate to help you to keep portions in control. And, a diet- and fitness-tracking app helps you keep an eye on how many calories you are really consuming. It’s best to avoid food with a lot of salt, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure. Don’t overindulge on alcohol either, as it can affect your heart in many different ways, even causing heart rhythm disturbances. Moderate alcohol intake is best—ideally two drinks at most. Even if you don’t have a heart condition, excess alcohol should be avoided. 2. Remember to Relax Pressure from hosting family and friends, travel, holiday shopping, and attending multiple parties can raise stress and anxiety levels. A high level of stress is never good for your heart. Planning ahead and setting limits is the best way to enjoy the holidays while avoiding additional stress and anxiety. Be realistic about what you can fit into your schedule and prioritize. 3. Exercise When You Can It can be difficult to maintain an exercise routine during the hectic holiday season. Try incorporating exercise into your schedule of holiday activities. 4. Listen to Your Body There is an increase in cardiac deaths during the holidays, possibly because people ignore symptoms to avoid disrupting the merriment. When symptoms arise that could be cardiac related, seek medical care immediately. A delay can end in a worse result than stopping the holiday party, and it’s not worth the risk. Author William C. Maxted Jr., MD, is a cardiologist at Cardiology Associates in Annapolis and Bowie. He can be reached at (410) 573-6480.0
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