- Men's Health, Women's Health, Heart Care, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogChuck Raines and his wife Trang have run six marathons together since 2011. They don’t smoke, avoid junk food and stay active with their kids. A heart attack was the last thing on the healthy 53-year-old’s mind. But he found out that it can happen to anybody. After an easy run on a Sunday afternoon in August, Chuck noticed chest pain. “I sat down and took a break, and then I didn’t think much of it,” he says. The next morning, the chest pain returned. This time it was worse. The retired Army master sergeant was no stranger to pushing through pain. “Being the person I am, I said, ‘It’s just going to go away.’” Instead, the pain began radiating down his arm and into his jaw. He began sweating and feeling nauseated. He called Trang and said, “I think I need to go to the doctor when you get home.” But she insisted on dialing 911. “Never in a million years did I think a heart attack would happen to me,” says Chuck. “I was in so much denial when it happened, even though the symptoms were right there in my face.” A Critical Process When Trang called 911, she set in motion a chain of events that were critical to saving Chuck’s life. An ambulance equipped with an electrocardiogram (EKG) monitor rushed to Chuck’s home in Owings. On the way to Anne Arundel Medical Center, technicians sent real-time EKG results to the emergency room (ER). Chuck Raines enjoys a run. “We have a digital network that transmits from the ambulance to a central station in the emergency room,” says Jonathan Altschuler, MD, medical director of AAMC’s cardiac catheterization lab. “A doctor looks at it, and a decision is made to activate the cardiac catheterization team. Often our team gets there before the patient does.” When Chuck arrived at the ER, Elizabeth Reineck, MD, an interventional cardiologist, met him at the door and whisked him to the cardiac catheterization lab. “The artery supplying blood to the back of the heart was completely blocked,” says Dr. Reineck. “We opened the artery with a balloon and then stabilized it with a stent.” The team completed the procedure 65 minutes after Chuck arrived at the ER. This period of time, called “door-to-balloon time,” is a critical measure of cardiac care. AAMC’s average door-to-balloon time is well below the national standard of 90 minutes. “In our business, time is heart muscle,” says Dr. Reineck. “By opening the artery quickly, we minimize heart damage.” AAMC's Door-to-Balloon Time Door-to-balloon time is critical in successfully treating heart attack patients. Read more about how important reducing door-to-balloon time is at AAMC. An Innovative Approach Dr. Reineck used a new approach to cardiac catheterization, reaching Chuck’s heart through the radial artery in his wrist. Nationally, radial access is used in about 25 percent of stenting procedures and in fewer than 10 percent of patients with emergency heart attacks. “Radial catheterization has fewer vascular complications and less bleeding,” says Dr. Reineck. “For the patient, this means an easier recovery than the traditional route through the femoral artery in the groin.” “When Chuck left the hospital, his heart function was normal,” says Dr. Reineck. “This was the best case scenario. Chuck acted fast in seeking medical attention, emergency medical technicians sent information from the field and our cath lab team quickly re-opened the culprit artery. By working together, we prevented damage to Chuck’s heart, giving him the best possible outcome.” Chuck returned home after a week in the hospital. He enjoys swimming with his kids again. He’s back to work as an analyst for the federal government. And his doctors recently gave him the okay to resume running. Chuck and Trang are registered for the Big Sur Marathon in California this spring. “I’m a firm believer that I’m going to be out there running in April,” he says. When he does, it will be lucky number seven. Web Exclusive: Life After a Heart Attack Chuck, like many patients, experienced feelings of depression as he recovered from his heart attack. Read more about how he overcame these feelings and got his life back on track. Are you at risk? Learn your heart age and risk for heart disease with our free online heart health profiler. Contributors Jonathan Altschuler, MD, is an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Elizabeth Reineck, MD, is an interventional cardiologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhere care extends beyond treatment Navigating cancer treatment is about so much more than showing up for appointments. Your cancer journey can affect every aspect of your life — keeping you from work, from your favorite activities and sometimes even from your loved ones. And while it’s sometimes hard to admit you need help, help is always close by. In fact, the Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute has built programs around all of your needs — physical, mental, financial, spiritual or emotional. Because we profoundly believe these programs will light the way to better outcomes. Learn more about our cancer support services and how they can help you. Genetic testing to help you find answers Your genes hold many secrets to your health. And we’re now better able to understand those secrets, thanks to genetic testing. Genetic testing and counseling services can help you and your family better understand cancer risks, allowing you to make informed and empowered healthcare decisions. You can count on us to help you decide if genetic testing is right for you and your loved ones. And our support won’t end after you get your test results. Together, we’ll review your options and give you the time, space and confidence you need to make the best decision for you. Financial counseling to help ease your worries Your most important job during cancer treatment is to get better. That can be hard when you’re worried about the financial impact of your care. Our financial counselors are here to lighten that burden. We’ll connect you and your family to financial assistance (if you qualify), explain confusing insurance requirements and benefits, and make a plan so you can stay focused on what really matters – getting back to all the people and activities you enjoy. Specialized care to help keep your body strong We’ll be at your side for every twist and turn — before, during and after treatment. Our physical, occupational and speech therapists will recommend safe and easy exercise and stretching routines to keep your muscles strong during treatment. And we’ll be here with proven rehabilitation programs to help you overcome any side effects after treatment, like lymphedema, swallowing trouble, pain and much more. What you eat and drink can also have a big impact on how you feel, but you may experience changes in your appetite and tastes that make it difficult to get the nutrition you need. Our registered dietitians and nutritionists are specially trained to help you overcome the unique obstacles that come with cancer treatment. Working closely with you, we’ll create a personalized eating plan that ensures you get all the nutrients your body needs. Social services to help support your unique needs Everyone copes with cancer a little differently. That means every patient needs different support. Our social services — which include financial assistance; connections to community resources or professional guidance for any of the physical, mental and emotional challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis — are far reaching and wide ranging, so you can find the help you need. Nurse navigators to help you keep it all straight Constantly navigating appointments, treatment plans and recommendations from your care team can become overwhelming. That’s why we’ll make sure you’re assigned a nurse navigator that can help you keep it all straight. Our team of nurse navigators will streamline your care and – just as importantly – offer up a comforting, consistent presence during a stressful time. We’ll take care of the details, while you focus on healing. Spiritual care to help your heart heal Spiritual health is so much more than religion. It’s about finding an inner peace that can help you and your loved ones achieve life balance. For you, that may include sitting in a chapel and praying. Or, it could mean meditation, volunteering, forgiveness or optimism. No matter your beliefs, our spiritual care team is here to help you and your family find that sense of calm. And we’ll start by listening to you and your needs. Palliative care to help you manage painful symptoms Sometimes, the hardest part of dealing with cancer is managing painful symptoms. And palliative care may be the answer. This important medical service helps relieve suffering and improve your quality of life during treatment. At the DeCesaris Cancer Institute, our palliative care team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers and chaplains who share the same goal: Helping you and your loved ones. That support can look very different depending on where you on your path to healing. We’ll work hard to help you: Find ways to ease your pain and discomfort from treatment Create realistic goals for your care Communicate openly and honestly with your entire care team and family Bring family members together for productive conversations Coordinate care among treatment teams Bring peace and comfort during end-of-life situations Survivorship and caregiver support to help lift your spirit Your care doesn’t end when your treatments do. Because, believe it or not, sometimes ending treatment can be a little jarring. After all, you and your loved one have grown accustomed to regular appointments, meeting with doctors and having a nurse just a phone call away. Take heart in knowing you’ll continue to work closely with your primary oncology provider and primary care provider to ensure you stay healthy, well and strong. Cancer is a journey, and everyone’s path is different. Sharing your story, whether it’s as a cancer survivor or caregiver, can also go a long way in helping you (and others in your group) heal. Here, as a part of our survivorship or caregiver support program, you can connect with people in similar situations; who understand the challenges you face and can give you the safe space you need to process your emotions. We offer many different types of support groups, including groups for patients, survivors, family members. We also have support groups for specific cancers, including head and neck, lung, prostate and breast. We’re here to meet you where you are Sometimes, asking for help is the hardest part. And during a challenging time like a cancer diagnosis, it can be hard to even know what you need. We’ve built our support services for patients just like you. If you’re not even sure where to begin, let your nurse navigator, doctor or any member of your care team know what’s on your mind. We’ll take it from there, help you find the solutions and support you need. Call us anytime at 443-481-5800.0
- General Page - Tier 2Community Health Needs Assessment Every three years, we "take the pulse" of our community's health through what's called a Community Health Needs Assessment . Similar to checking your own pulse and other vital signs, this process allows us to see how well our systems are working and make adjustments as needed. We collect as much data as possible from a variety of sources. We use that information to determine our community's highest-priority health needs and develop an action plan to address them., Community Benefits Report Our annual community benefits reports give you a better understanding of our community activities and partnerships. You'll find several stories about people we help and learn more about how we break barriers and promote health. Check out our latest community benefit reports from the communities we serve.Whether it's through our mobile health clinics or through talks, seminars and trainings, we bring care right to your neighborhood.This work helps us reduce barriers to health care. Once we meet people where they are, we can help connect them to the health services they need.Mobile Clinics: Driving Better Health in Our CommunitiesOur mobile clinic rolls out weekly to bring health care to people who face challenges in accessing services. We work with low-income senior housing, as well as faith-based and community organizations to spread the word and make sure our clinics have the biggest impact.Our mobile clinics offer:Diabetes screenings.Cholesterol screenings.Blood pressure screenings.Health education.The staff at our clinic on wheels represent the diversity of our communities.Our mobile clinic helps us identify those at risk of developing chronic conditions, like heart disease and diabetes. This way, we can prevent problems before they start. We offer health education classes and connect patients to a primary care doctor or specialist near them. We even offer diabetes education classes in both English and Spanish.When we're out in the community, we also take the opportunity to teach about vaccines, annual check-ups and cancer screenings. Our mobile clinic staff connects those who are eligible for cancer screenings to this free service in their community.0
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSometimes life gets you down. You may, for example, have trouble at work, paying bills, meeting social obligations or maintaining relationships with friends and family. While experiencing life’s twists and turns, we can all feel blue from time to time. However, if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed for a longer stretch of time, it’s important to find support. Left untreated, depression can negatively impact your health. However, learning more about mental health disorders — including understanding how to recognize their risk factors and symptoms — can go a long way toward helping you find proper care and getting back to living your best life. Body, Mind and Spirit Work Together to Help You Feel Your Best The Greeks were right: A sound mind is a sound body. Mental and physical health are inseparable and equally important to your overall health. When it comes to your mental health, there’s a lot involved, including how your body functions (your biology), how you think (your psychology) and what you do (your habits). Stress can affect everything from how your white blood cells respond to viral infections and cancer to how your wounds will heal. Long-term depression can increase your risk for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and stroke, weaken your immune system, interfere with your sleep and even wreck your diet. Only when your body, mind and spirit are working at their best, can you truly enjoy life. Understanding Mental Disorders Mental disorders are serious conditions that make it even more challenging to cope with the stresses of daily living; affecting your thinking, feelings, moods and behaviors, relationships with others and your ability to function from day to day. Know the Types There are many types of behavioral health disorders, including: Mood disorders Eating disorders Panic Anxiety disorders Stress disorders Psychotic disorders Substance use disorders Recognize the Risk Factors Although there’s no single cause for behavioral health disorders, risk factors include: Chronic stress Traumatic experiences Chemical imbalances in the brain Family history Feelings of loneliness or isolation Alcohol or drug use Know When You Need Help About one in four people have mental health issues that affect their everyday activities. Unfortunately, about 75 percent of them don’t get the help they need. Changes in your behavior or outlook can signal that it’s time to get help from others. If you have trouble managing your symptoms, or they won’t go away, it may be time to talk to a professional. In addition to feeling overwhelmed, withdrawn or disconnected, symptoms may include: Chronic anxiety Constant sadness Excessive anger Extreme mood swings Inability to manage problems or daily activities Nervousness New or increased substance use Thoughts of suicide or harming others You should never feel embarrassed about needing help to feel your best. Just like for any other healthcare concern, you need a healthcare professional to address your mental health. Getting the help you need, sooner rather than later, can help you to get on the path to recovery. How to Find Mental Health Help Your primary care doctor can help you find mental health services. You can also get help, including a mental health evaluation, therapy and medication management, from Luminis Health. Before you meet with a mental health professional, it can help to write down a list of questions to ask. Here are a few examples to get you started: Do you have experience caring for others in my situation? How do you treat my condition? How long can I expect treatment to last? What do you charge? Do you take insurance? You may also want to write down a list of the results you want from treatment. Sharing these with your behavioral health specialist can steer you both in the right direction toward meeting your mental health goals. Call 988 for Immediate Help If you (or a loved one) are in crisis or thinking about hurting yourself, the National Suicide and Crisis Prevention Lifeline offers immediate help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. This is a national network of local crisis centers providing free, confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Make Your Mental Health Your Priority Getting help for behavioral health disorders starts with you. Self-help can be an important first step to your improvement or recovery, and it begins with self-awareness. Once you take the first steps to identify that you’re having trouble in your daily life, you’re on your way to better overall health.0
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhat do pop star Lady Gaga, NBA legend Magic Johnson and British royal family member Prince Harry all have in common? Besides being famous, they’ve all been speaking up recently on an issue that didn’t use to get much attention—mental health. Our Luminis Health experts say the conversation is coming not a moment too soon. We’re now seeing the value of mental health By sharing their experiences, many celebrities, athletes and other public figures are putting in bold headlines what many people have struggled with quietly for years. Previous generations might have swept mental health problems under the rug for fear of being thought of as “weak,” but we now know that silence can do more harm than good. Developing your emotional, psychological and social wellbeing is a sure sign of strength. It helps you get along well with the people around you and make good choices throughout your day. And working to maintain positive mental health can pay off throughout your life. For example, strong mental health helps us all: Cope with stress Contribute to our communities Feel happy and safe Reach our full potential Work productively When celebrities talk about their mental health challenges, it helps spread the word that it’s OK to speak up when you’re not feeling quite right. And it’s OK to ask for help when you need it. Our minds are just as important to take care of as the rest of our bodies, and just as important to our overall health. We’re learning from the pandemic We’re also talking more about our mental health lately because COVID-19, of course, delivered it such a big blow. So many of us experienced stress, worry, fear and anger and the heavy toll those all can take on our lives and health. In the summer of 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted a major increase in the number of people reporting behavioral health symptoms. In one survey, one in three people said they were feeling symptoms of anxiety and depression, and one in 10 said they were having serious thoughts of suicide. Those rates are nearly double what the CDC would have expected before the pandemic. Awareness also continues to grow around children’s mental health issues. Pediatric emergency rooms have seen an increase in mental health visits during COVID. The mental health needs of kids and adults will continue, and it’s important to keep talking about how to make sure we address them. We’re talking more about how to cope Thankfully, it has become more common to talk about the everyday ways you can support your mental health. We now know some healthy strategies that can help us all cope in hard times. For example: Finding time to connect with others Getting enough sleep Staying physically active Helping others Trying to stay positive When that isn’t enough, there’s another key step—finding help. New resources are being set up in our communities, schools and workplaces to connect more people to professional mental health resources where and when it’s needed. Luminis Health, for example, recently broke ground on a new mental health facility in Prince George’s County and is taking other steps to meet community needs. Join the conversation Celebrities might have started the mental health conversation trending, but you don’t have to be famous to join in. Check in with your friends and loved ones to make sure they’re truly doing OK and offer your support. And if you’ve been feeling “off” yourself lately and think you might need help, talk to your primary care provider. They can quickly connect you to the right resources to help you start feeling more like yourself again. Together, we can get past old stigmas and shine a new light on how we can help each other. Our mental health is too important to ignore. Authors Eshe Montague is the director of our behavioral health program at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. To learn more about the services coming to Prince George’s County this summer, visit Luminis.Health/BehavioralHealth.0
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