- 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
- PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSleep-related deaths claim about 3,500 infants each year in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Locally, we have seen an increase. In 2016, eight infants died in Anne Arundel County as a result of unsafe sleeping practices. This is up from two deaths in 2015 and three in 2014, according to statistics from the Anne Arundel County Department of Health. Health department officials say all deaths were linked to unsafe sleeping practices, such as infants sharing a bed or sleeping under blankets. But you can take steps to prevent this type of tragedy by being mindful of how you put your baby to sleep, using the right sleep surface and avoiding bed sharing. Know your ABCs AAP urges all caregivers to follow the ABCs to make sure babies are sleeping safely. Always place your infant to sleep alone, on his or her back, and in a crib or bassinet with a firm surface. “If you don’t do anything else follow the ABCs,” says Debbie Wasem, supervisor of Women’s Education for AAMC. Wasem says experts used to tell parents to place babies to sleep on their stomachs, believing that if the infants were choking or throwing up, there would be less chance of suffocation. But that’s not true. “When you look at the anatomy of a newborn it makes sense to place babies on their backs,” she says. Source: The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Use a firm sleep surface You should place your baby to sleep on a firm sleep surface, covered by a fitted sheet, with no other bedding, pillows or toys, to reduce the risk of suffocation. Soft mattresses, including those made from memory foam, could increase the chance of rebreathing in carbon dioxide or suffocation if the infant rolls over. Use the right crib You should look for cribs with slat spacing less the 2 3/8 inches, snug fitting and firm mattresses, and no drop sides. You should not use a crib with missing hardware. Experts also caution against the use of bumper pads in cribs. Maryland banned the sale of these items in 2013. Be careful with swaddling If you swaddle your infant, you should always put the baby to sleep on his or her back. You should stop swaddling once the infant shows signs of trying to roll over. Big bulky blankets could also potentially cover an infant’s face leading to breathing problems, Wasem says. Consider using a pacifier Several studies indicate a pacifier may reduce the chances of a sleep-related death, though it’s unclear why. You should use a pacifier when putting the baby to sleep. Never hang a pacifier around an infant’s neck. You should also wait to use a pacifier until breastfeeding is well established. The National Institute of Child Health and Development broke down some of the studies here. Infants should sleep close to your bed — but not in it There is evidence that sleeping in the parents’ room – but on a separate surface – decreases the risk of sleep-related deaths by as much as 50 percent. “One of the big things mothers say is ‘when I breastfeed, it’s so much easier to have the baby right next to me,’” Wasem says. “We tell them have the crib or bassinet right beside your bed so you can easily reach the baby for feedings. That is safer than risking falling asleep with the baby in bed with you.” Learn more about how to care for the new addition to your life at AAMC’s Newborn Care class. Originally published April 5, 2017. Last updated June 13, 2019.0
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAfter having children, women experience a lot of changes (hello new sleep schedule and goodbye personal space). We also feel and see changes with our bodies. Things can start to feel different and work differently “down there.” Many of us hear, “Oh, that’s just part of having kids,” or “That’s what happens when you get older,” but in many cases, what seems common is really a pelvic health issue that needs care. According to the American Urogynecologic Society, one in four women over 20 suffer from a pelvic floor disorder (PFD). So what’s not OK and when should you call a doctor? Dr. Kay Hoskey, urogynecologist, walks us through some of the signs that your “mom bod” might actually be a PFD that can be treated. Sneezing and Coughing Comes With an Outfit Change The most common symptom of a PFD is stress incontinence, which is when you leak urine while you exercise, laugh, sneeze, cough or during any other movement that puts pressure on your bladder. This is also one of the most easily ignored symptoms because of just how universal it seems among women. As the pelvic floor weakens due to any number of factors, the bladder can shift and its function is compromised. READ MORE: Tips for treating urinary incontinence You Can’t Go — or Oops, You Just Went Number two on our list is actually well, just that. The pelvic floor supports your rectal organs the same way it supports your bladder, and the same problems can occur with leakage, flatulence and even constipation. Your exact symptoms all depend on exactly how the structure of your pelvic floor has changed. Because this can be a hugely embarrassing symptom, many women suffer in silence. You’re Running to The Bathroom — Literally Urge incontinence is when the need to urinate comes on very quickly giving you only a few seconds of warning, whether the bladder is full or not. This can also come with pelvic pressure or pain while urinating. Urge incontinence can be a challenge to your daily routine, family and social life with the feeling that you always have to be near a bathroom. Exercises, medication and surgery are all options for solving this issue. You Feel Bulging or Heaviness One of the more serious and painful symptoms of a PFD is pelvic organ prolapse in which pelvic organs —such as the uterus, bladder and rectum — drop or fall out of position. Many women actually feel a falling out sensation, which can be frightening and debilitating. Prolapse can also be felt in the lower back and abdomen so keep an eye out for recurring pain in those areas as well. READ MORE: It’s 3 am. Do you know where your pelvic floor is? Sex is Painful Do you cringe when you insert a tampon, get a gynecological exam or have sex? This is a sign of any number of pelvic floor disorders and you should discuss this with your health care provider. If you think of the pelvic area as a house, depending on if the floor, roof or walls fall and weaken; you could have varying issues and pain points. PFDs are NOT a normal part of aging that you just have to live with. They’re medical conditions and they’re treatable. Treatments include bladder control training, lifestyle changes, pelvic muscle strengthening, medication, support devices or surgery. Your doctor will work with you on a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs, which often includes a combination of things. Having children and getting older comes with a lot of change. Some of these changes are a proud reflection of the life you’ve lived. But when it comes to your pelvic health, no amount of pain, pressure, inconvenience and embarrassment is normal. Don’t let the unnecessary stigma of PFD symptoms prevent you from seeking effective treatment. You can hit reset on your pelvic health and find your way back to yourself. Contact AAMC’s Women’s Center for Pelvic Health at 443-481-1199 and speak to a specialist who will help guide you to the right solutions and a provider to best fit your current needs. Author Kay Hoskey, MD, a urogynecologist with AAMC’s Women’s Center for Pelvic Health. Originally published April 27, 2018. Last updated May 14, 2019.0
- 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
- Physical Therapy, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogEver heard of pelvic physical therapy? Probably not. And if you have, a single word likely comes to mind: Kegels. But pelvic therapy involves much more than repeatedly contracting and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles (the muscles that control the flow of urine). In fact, many pelvic floor physical therapists are baffled that pelvic floor care for new moms is often summed up in one incomplete, oversimplified and often ineffective piece of advice: “Do your Kegels.” “Most women have never been assessed to see if they are doing Kegels properly,” says Yong Zheng, MD, urogynecologist with Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Women’s Center for Pelvic Health. Pelvic physical therapists are experts of the musculoskeletal system. “We completely examine our patients’ abdominal and pelvic muscles, and we help with bowel, bladder and sexual functioning. We use biofeedback and electric stimulation to teach the muscles to work properly.” Moving Beyond Kegels Pelvic physical therapy helps treat problems like incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain, low libido, painful sex and constipation safely, and without medication or surgery. It can even help with that post-baby belly pooch called diastasis recti. So why isn’t it a standard treatment option for these postpartum issues? Well in some places, it is. In countries like France, Australia and the Netherlands, doctors actually prescribe pelvic physical therapy to new moms. Most women receive therapy sessions before they’re cleared to resume physically demanding activities (read: sex and exercise). “In Europe, new moms are taught, mainly by physical therapists and midwives, how to do Kegel exercises before they leave the hospital,” says Dr. Zheng. “After delivery, if a woman has a third or fourth degree tear, she’ll undergo physical therapy as a standard part of postpartum care.” But in the U.S., pelvic therapy still isn’t part of routine care for new moms. “In the United States many women, and even some doctors, are not familiar with pelvic physical therapy,” she says. Here’s why: At the six-week checkup after giving birth, doctors assess the uterus and cervix, but often ignore the pelvic floor muscles. And since most pelvic floor issues aren’t life-threatening, many women suffer in silence and wait for symptoms to go away. But symptoms don’t always go away and they can have lasting effects. “If these issues are not addressed, women can experience continued weakening of pelvic muscles, which leads to worsening of incontinence,” says Dr. Zheng. A Common Sense Solution Pelvic physical therapy after giving birth just makes sense. Think of it like this: Pushing a 5- to 9-pound child through a small canal in the body is arguably the most strenuous athletic event of a woman’s entire life. Just like triathletes and marathon runners ice, stretch and rest their legs after a big race, new moms should also heal their strained muscles. “While vaginal delivery is a natural process, it is truly very traumatic to the pelvic floor,” says Dr. Zheng. “It’s imperative to let the pelvic floor heal properly after delivery because those muscles can be your best friend but can also be your worst enemy.” Start The Conversation Until the U.S. catches up with Europe’s pelvic care standards, it’s up to women to talk to their doctor. “Talk to your health care provider about any symptoms that occur or are exacerbated after delivery,” says Dr. Zheng. “When in doubt, ask.” Asking your doctor for a referral for pelvic therapy could mean the difference between a full recovery and worsening pelvic floor issues. “Incontinence is common after birth, but not normal to extend past the six-week mark,” she says. “Although it is hard to manage a newborn, and a mother’s own needs are often put second, it is important to seek care as soon as possible.” Biofeedback: displays your pelvic muscle activity on a computer screen to better understand when you are squeezing or relaxing your pelvic muscles. This truly helps you know how to properly strengthen or relax your pelvic floor. Electric stimulation: also called e-stim. A physical therapist uses a device to deliver a weak electrical current to re-educate your muscles how to contract properly and improve sensation and awareness of the pelvic area “There is nothing better than helping a mom feel more like herself, get back to working out safely and feel more confident with her body,” says Dr. Zheng. Author Yong Zheng, MD, is a urogynecologist with AAMC’s Women’s Center for Pelvic Health. You can reach her office at 443-481-1199. Originally published Dec. 15, 2017. Last updated May 1, 2019.0
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
View your Dashboard
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?