- UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWith so many television commercials talking about different health issues, it’s no wonder folks are confused about digestive tract concerns. There are several health conditions that affect the digestive tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine. One disease I often hear about is a group of chronic intestinal diseases called inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). IBD is a group of conditions that cause the body’s own immune system to attack all or part of its digestive tract. Immune cells normally protect the body from infection, but in someone with IBD the immune system mistakes harmless substances for foreign substances and attacks them. This creates inflammation or infection. About 1.6 million Americans have IBD, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). Doctors diagnose 70,000 new cases of IBD in the United States each year. Although anyone can have IBD, most people with the disease are between 15 and 35 years old. The two most common IBDs are ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease. UC affects the large intestine (the colon) and Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. It’s common to confuse Crohn’s disease and UC with other conditions because they share common symptoms. These symptoms may include significant and persistent diarrhea, stomach pain and cramps, bloody stools (more typical with UC), fatigue, reduced appetite and unintended weight loss. There’s not one specific trigger for IBD, and flare-ups are often unpredictable. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, the first step is talking openly with your primary care doctor. Your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for Crohn’s disease and the only cure for UC is removing the large intestine. A gastroenterologist can help pinpoint the best and latest treatment based on your individual needs. Treatment options include changes in diet and nutrition, surgery, alternative therapies and prescribed medicines. Know that self-medication is never a solution. Over-the-counter medications may mask the diarrhea and pain, but they don’t stop intestinal damage. A gastroenterologist can help control your symptoms and help prevent long-term damage. In addition to medication, it’s important to eat healthy, get enough sleep, exercise regularly and manage your stress. With proper care and plenty of patience, many IBD patients achieve long-term remission. Author Dr. Mark Flasar is a gastroenterologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- Nutrition, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWho doesn’t love a turkey sandwich with freshly baked bread for lunch? Or who would ever say no to cheesy lasagna for dinner? Besides tasting good, what both of these foods have in common is gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains, wheat, barley and rye. Foods like bread, baked goods, crackers, pasta and cereals contain gluten. This protein gives dough its elasticity and acts like a glue, which gives foods like bread its chewy, soft texture we all love. The term “gluten-free” has evolved from diet trend to big business. To put it into perspective, market trends suggest that gluten-free products could be worth as much as $7.5 billion by 2020. Some surveys have found over 25 percent of people stating that they are looking to cut gluten out of their diet for health reasons. READ MORE: Why does nutrition advice change? However, there is a nutritional downside to going gluten-free. If you unnecessarily cut out gluten, you may be risking nutrient deficiencies. Gluten-free products are lower in fiber and contain white rice flour or various starches. They also have more fat and sugar to make them bind together and taste better. And even if junk food is labeled as gluten-free, it’s still junk food, so keep this in mind if weight loss or eating a healthier diet is your goal. When diets and trends hit the mainstream, it creates an atmosphere ripe for myths and misinterpretation. The good news is that if you decide to go gluten-free, you have more options. Once you have made the decision to go gluten-free due to a gluten intolerance or celiac disease (an inflammatory response), consider the following: If the product doesn’t have a gluten-free label, carefully read the ingredient list and allergen warning. Check the allergen warning found underneath the ingredient list for wheat. If the warning lists wheat, then it is not safe for consumption. Barley and rye are not included in allergen labeling, but if found in the ingredient list, the product is still not safe for consumption. Only consume a product containing oats if it is labeled gluten-free. Oat products must be labeled gluten-free to be safe. Most commercial oats are contaminated with gluten from cross contact with wheat, barley or rye during harvesting and processing. Consider avoiding ingredients that contain gluten. Some common ones include malt, brewer’s yeast, wheat, barley, rye and wheat starch. Know which ingredients you can still consume. Some common gluten-free ingredients you do not need to avoid include caramel color, maltodextrin, glucose syrup and distilled vinegar. Read the manufacturer’s warning if the product is not labeled gluten-free. Avoid grain-based products (rice, corn and other cereal grains) that are labeled “may contain” or “made on shared equipment” with wheat/gluten. Prevent cross contact with gluten-containing foods while cooking and prepping food. The smallest amount of gluten, even one-eighth of a teaspoon, can cause intestinal damage in people with celiac disease. Individuals who do not have celiac disease may be able to tolerate gluten in these small amounts without allergic reactions. You should always sanitize cutting boards, toasters, strainers and knives to avoid contamination. Other considerations to keep in mind is assuring medications or supplements do not have gluten additives. Distilled alcohol, wine, gluten-free beer and ciders are safe for consumption. Try to stay away from all malted products, such as hard lemonade, mixed drinks and beer. Take some time to read labels and understand which ingredients you can or cannot consume if you’re trying to follow a gluten-free lifestyle. Start by becoming familiar with the most common foods with gluten and do some research on alternatives. Don’t forget that planning and preparation are important when trying to maintain a gluten-free lifestyle. But when in doubt, go without. Happy eating! Authors Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford are nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555.0
- News & Press Releases, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogToday, Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) received approval from the Maryland Health Care Commission to add inpatient obstetrics services to our comprehensive women’s health programs. This approval is a monumental stride forward in addressing critical health disparities in Prince George’s County, where 8 out of 10 women leave the county to deliver their babies due to a lack of obstetrical and other healthcare services. In 2024, LHDCMC will embark on a transformative journey of expansion that will unfold over the next several years. At the heart of this growth is the construction of a new patient care pavilion, designed to elevate the standard of healthcare in our community. A Family-Centered Approach Within the new pavilion will be a dedicated family birth center. This center will offer the new inpatient obstetrics services, covering everything from labor and delivery to postpartum care. We understand the importance of providing essential care close to home, giving women the option to welcome their babies right here in their own community. The family birth center is expected to open in 2028, and once fully operational, 2,000 babies are expected to be delivered each year. It will feature: Private rooms for labor and delivery and post-delivery suites Dedicated C-Section operating rooms A Level II Special Care Nursery Access to family planning, lactation, mental health and other maternal care support Comprehensive Surgical Care The new pavilion will also house state-of-the-art operating rooms for surgical procedures including gynecologic surgery, breast surgery, bariatric surgery and complex general surgery. Our commitment to comprehensive healthcare means that we’ll be able to provide advanced services right here in Prince George’s County. Campus Enhancements for a Better Experience In addition, the expansion will provide improved campus access, additional parking, and enhanced safety and security. There will also be a redesigned front entrance and lobby, new pharmacy, cafeteria and additional visitor facing services. As we approach the 50th anniversary of LHDCMC, these initiatives mark a significant leap forward in realizing our mission of enriching the health of the people and communities we serve. Since the inception of Luminis Health, we have pledged to elevate the standard of healthcare in Prince George’s County, and with your ongoing support, we are making these improvements possible. Stay tuned for more updates as we progress on this journey toward a brighter future.0
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLet’s face it, urinary incontinence—the loss of bladder control—is not a sexy subject. But it’s a common problem that women of all ages often find too embarrassing to even talk about. For women affected by this, everyday life things—like going to the gym, sitting in a meeting or a night out with friends—can be extremely difficult, not to mention downright depressing. Think this is an “old person” issue? Not so. Surprisingly, one in four women under the age of 40 experience some form of incontinence. Women tend to suffer two types of incontinence: urge incontinence, the sudden and strong desire to urinate with only a few moments’ warning, OR stress incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine during physical exertion—such as lifting heavy objects and exercise, or even coughing, laughing and sneezing—that puts pressure on the bladder. Carrying and having a baby is not always the cause of urinary incontinence. Sometimes there are anatomical problems in the pelvis or in the back that can contribute. Also, certain medications, medical conditions and lifestyle habits can cause leakage issues. There is a bright side to this; while urinary incontinence isn’t always preventable, you can decrease your risk: Maintain a healthy weight Practice pelvic floor exercises, especially during pregnancy Avoid bladder irritants, such as caffeine and acidic foods Eat more fiber, which can prevent constipation, a cause of urinary incontinence So when do you need to see a doctor? When the leaks become problematic and impact normal everyday living. Make sure to bring up incontinence problems with your primary care doctor or gynecologist so they can refer you to a specialist. To learn more about treating urinary incontinence, visit askAAMC.org/PelvicHealth. Author By Kay Hoskey, MD, urogynecologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Women’s Center for Pelvic Health. She can be reached at 443-481-1199.0
- Why Choose Luminis HealthWe use laparoscopic techniques, which means minimal scarring, less pain and shorter hospital stays.And, because this is a lifelong journey, we continue to offer support after your surgery is complete. We help set you up for success by teaching you about:Making healthy choices when away from home.Reading food labels.Staying hydrated.Identifying low-fat foods.Our Bariatric Optimization Program (BOP) is a personalized, medically supervised fitness program designed with your needs in mind. It ensures you're able to work exercise into your life in a safe, sustainable way.We also offer support groups so you can talk to other people who understand what you're going through.Plus, if you're dealing with any other medical concerns, we provide access to a wide range of specialists within Luminis Health to make sure you're getting holistic, comprehensive care. For instance, if you develop loose skin after weight loss, the Luminis Health Plastic Surgery team can talk with you about options for body contouring.TreatmentConditions/Services/Treatments PageToday, there are more weight loss surgery options than ever before. The most common in the U.S. is laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, also known as a sleeve gastrectomy.Wondering if sleeve gastrectomy or another bariatric surgery might be right for you? Attend one of our many free weight loss surgery seminars to learn more.The Benefits of Sleeve GastrectomySleeve gastrectomy patients lose an average of 66% of their excess weight within three years.In addition to helping with weight loss, sleeve gastrectomy can reduce chronic conditions that often accompany obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and obstructive sleep apnea. As a result, in the years after the procedure, you may save money on prescription drugs, doctor visits and hospital stays.How Sleeve Gastrectomy WorksA sleeve gastrectomy is a permanent weight loss surgery that has grown in popularity in recent years.Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy removes about 80% of the stomach. Your surgeon creates a thin, vertical stomach pouch that is roughly the size of a banana.Like other weight loss surgeries, sleeve surgery reduces the amount of food that your stomach can hold. The surgery may also impact hormones in the gut that trigger hunger, fullness and blood sugar control.After surgery, your body still digests food naturally. Food passes through the entire digestive track and is absorbed into the body.This surgery cannot be reversed. Once a large portion of the stomach is removed, the procedure can't be undone.0
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