- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s time to show your heart some love, especially if you are a woman. When most of us think of someone having a heart attack, we picture a man clutching his chest and struggling to breathe. But did you know that, contrary to common belief, heart disease—which is commonly manifested in the form of heart attacks—is just as common in women as it is in men? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the most common cause of death in women in the United States. Approximately one in every five female deaths is attributed to heart disease. Heart attacks in women are common. What Is Heart Disease and How Does It Relate to Heart Attacks? The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease in the United States—and the main cause of heart attacks—is coronary artery disease, which is a buildup of plaque in the walls of arteries that supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body. The heart is a muscular pump that sends blood to the entire human body. As with any other muscle, the heart needs a steady supply of blood and oxygen to function properly. When blood flow to the heart is reduced or blocked, the heart muscle is deprived of necessary oxygen, resulting in a heart attack. Do Genetics Play a Role? Although there aren’t specific genes that have been identified as making some women more prone to heart attacks, there are trends that can occur in families. Family history of coronary artery disease, particularly at a younger age (30 to 50) is a strong predictor of increased potential for heart attack, as is race and other inheritable illnesses such as diabetes and high cholesterol. A heart attack can occur at any age, but the average age for women is 70. Heart Attack Symptoms Symptoms of a heart attack are most commonly described as an intense pressure/ache in the chest that may or may not extend to the arms, neck, jaw or stomach. Sometimes, particularly in women, pressure/ache is replaced with more vague symptoms such as: Nausea/vomiting Shortness of breath Pain in both arms Jaw pain Back pain Stomach pain Sweating Lightheadedness Extreme fatigue Risk Factors and Prevention Heart attack risk factors can be grouped into two main categories: modifiable and non-modifiable. Familial history, race and gender are non-modifiable. Modifiable risk factors include other medical diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and tobacco use. Heart attack prevention in women is the same as for men: Properly manage diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol with physician-prescribed medications Make heart-healthy food choices Maintain a normal body mass index Perform regular physical activity Quit smoking — Women who smoke are four times more likely to have heart disease than non-smokers Love Your Heart February is American Heart Month, a time when we can all focus on our cardiovascular health. It’s important because an estimated 80% of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is preventable. To raise and spread awareness, Luminis Health invites you to learn about heart health risks while entering for a chance to win a Lululemon studio mirror (so that you can bring the gym experience to your home). Visit Luminis.Health/MirrorGiveaway for details and to register for a chance to win. Now, that’s something we can all love. Authors Murtaza Dawood, MD, is a cardiothoracic surgeon at Luminis Health. He is recognized for performing operations for complex valve disease and atrial fibrillation. Prior to joining Luminis Health, he was the surgical director for the University of Maryland atrial fibrillation and structural heart programs. Jennifer Brady, MD, is a cardiologist at Luminis Health who is board certified in cardiovascular disease and electrophysiology. She has a special interest in adult echocardiography and heart failure.
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe C-word no one wants to hear is cancer. Thankfully, cervical cancer is highly preventable thanks to the HPV vaccine. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, there has been a significant drop in the number of young people receiving the HPV vaccine. January is cervical cancer awareness month, and it’s a good opportunity to learn about screenings and vaccinations. What is cervical cancer? It is cancer that starts in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. We know that the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes changes in cells that lead to this type of cancer. Many women do not experience symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer, which is why screening is so important. Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer include: Pain in the abdomen, pelvis, or back Pelvic pressure Difficult urination Difficult bowel movements Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including in between periods Common treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. What are your options? The HPV vaccine protects people from the types of HPV that usually cause cancer. But the key is to get the vaccine before there’s a chance of being exposed to HPV. Children can get the HPV vaccine as early as age 9, but most providers recommend it for preteens ages 11–12. We suggest that people younger than 26 get the vaccine if they haven’t had it already. Your provider can help you know if and when the vaccine is right for you. Providers have safely administered the HPV vaccine to young women for more than a decade. Schedule regular cervical cancer screenings Even after receiving the HPV vaccine, women should plan on screenings. There are two main screening tests—the more well-known Pap test and the HPV test. The Pap test looks for cells on the cervix that may become cancer. The HPV test looks for signs of HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer. If you have a cervix, we recommend getting your first Pap test at age 21. Consult with your gynecologist regarding specific screening recommendations that are right for you. You may need screenings more often if the test results are abnormal or you’re at a higher risk of cancer. When cervical cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 92%. With it being Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, make it a priority to get a routine screening, and if you haven’t already, make sure your children receive the HPV vaccine. It can save their life. Author Nicholas C. Lambrou, MD, FACOG, FACS, is the chief of gynecologic oncology at Luminis Health. Dr. Lambrou’s areas of interest include the treatment of women with gynecologic cancer, cancer prevention strategies and advanced gynecologic surgery.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health is honored to be designated as a CEO Connection 2023 Mid-Market Economic Justice Champion for its dedication to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). The award recognizes Mid-Market companies that are influencing change, innovation and standards for excellence, while making equal opportunity in their companies and communities a way of life not just a slogan. “This recognition reinforces Luminis Health’s commitment to lead as an anti-racist organization, eliminate health disparities and improve health outcomes for all people in the communities we serve,” said Tori Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “With our ten strategic recommendations from our Health Equity and Anti-Racism Task (HEART) Force, we are steadfast in confronting racism, addressing the impacts of systemic inequity and dismantling structural injustice.” The award-winning companies have been evaluated based on their results in the following areas: Board Diversity, C-Suite Diversity, Supply Chain Diversity, Workforce Diversity and Community Engagement. Based on their scores, the companies have been awarded the following levels of achievement: Economic Justice Champions, Economic Justice Advocates, Economic Justice Engaged. “When we embrace diversity and include those left out or marginalized, we not only set an example for all to see, we give hope to those who often have none. As business leaders, we have the opportunity to impact not only the businesses we lead but also the communities in which we live and work. The 2023 Mid-Market Economic Justice Award winners set an amazing example for others,” says Kenneth Beck, CEO of CEO Connection, “and they do it because it is the RIGHT thing to do, not just because it makes good business sense.” Luminis Health’s HEART Force, a multidisciplinary group made up of members of the board of trustees, senior leaders, medical staff, community partners and stakeholders, developed recommendations that are now embedded in the ten year strategic plan for Luminis Health. The HEART Force’s recommendations are structured by three major categories: Lead as an anti-racist organization, and confront racism and eradicate inequities in health care. Enhance culturally informed communications and community collaboration. Measure and integrate accountability. “Through the work and dedication of our HEART Force, JEDI Council, Inclusion Groups and overall JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) initiatives, Luminis Health is now a majority minority organization – with more than half the workforce represented by ethnically and racially diverse team members. In addition, 50 percent of our Luminis Health board of trustees and executive leadership are women and 42 percent are diverse,” said Tamiko Stanley, chief diversity equity and inclusion officer for Luminis Health. “While we are proud of our progress, and we do take brief pauses to appreciate the advancement of our journey, we are fully aware that there is more work to be done. We remain steadfast in our commitment to become a national model in our JEDI journey.” The complete list of the Economic Justice winners can be found here.
- Weight LossGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThis may be the year you make changes in your life. Losing weight and keeping it off isn’t easy, no matter how hard you try. If you’re considering weight loss surgery, chances are you’ve tried changing your diet and exercise routines many times without seeing lasting results. In fact, if you have a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 35, the chances of reaching a normal body weight for a lasting period of time is less than one percent, according to research by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Weight loss surgery could be the answer. If you’ve been wondering if you might be a candidate, we’re here to help you sort through some important considerations. You can start by finding answers to these questions: Do you meet the medical guidelines? Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, isn’t the right choice for everyone trying to lose weight. In fact, the National Institutes of Health has developed guidelines to help you decide. It’s worth looking into if: You have a BMI of 40 or more (you can calculate your BMI here). You have a BMI of at least 35 and a related health problem such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or sleep apnea. You have a BMI of at least 35, and type 2 diabetes that’s difficult to control. Do you know the benefits and risks? Surgical weight loss changes how your digestive system works, reducing the amount of food your stomach can hold and calories your body can absorb. It also affects how some hormones work, which assists in weight loss. You should work with a multi-disciplinary team to choose the type of surgery that fits your needs, such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy or a new option called SADI-S (single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve), which combines the restrictive power of a sleeve gastrectomy with the malabsorptive power of the gastric bypass. The results can be life changing. Weight loss surgery helps people lose as much as 77% of their excess weight 12 months later. It also helps people live longer healthier lives and can prevent or improve more than 40 obesity-related health issues, including: Heart disease High blood pressure Joint pain Sleep problems Type 2 diabetes Obesity related cancers What’s more, many people who’ve had weight loss surgery say they feel more energized, can move around more easily, and enjoy a better quality of life. For most people, these benefits far exceed the risks. But before signing up, you should talk to a surgeon to make sure you fully understand your risks. Are you ready to commit to a long-term change? It’s important to remember that the life-long benefits of surgery come along with a long-term commitment. You will need to meet program requirements, including nutrition classes, to be approved for your procedure. A bariatric optimization program, which includes physical therapy and nutritional guidance, can help. After your surgery, you will have to follow specific plans to best utilize the changes in your body and optimize for success. You’ll also need to carefully stick to a nutrition plan and attend follow-up appointments to keep your progress on track. Have you researched the specifics? Some insurance plans cover the costs of weight loss surgery, including Medicare and some Medicaid programs. As part of this coverage, be prepared with certain records to show why you need the procedure. Your medical team will help you understand your options for paying for your surgery and tell you about other information you need to know ahead of time. Some healthcare systems offer educational sessions, such as the free weight loss seminar hosted by Luminis Health, to help you get the process started and understand these details before you move forward. Luminis Health is hosting virtual seminars throughout January and February. Have you considered all you have to gain? If you’re interested in weight loss surgery, it’s worth taking the next step. Remember, it’s not about what you have to lose, it’s what you could gain with a strong team by your side: better health, a more active lifestyle and greater self-confidence. If you’re ready to take the next step, please call (443) 481-6699 or click here to sign up for a free webinar. Authors Dr. Alejandro Gandsas, Dr. Courtney Doyle, and Dr. Jilian Nicholas are bariatric surgeons at Luminis Health.
- NeurosurgeryGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen most people think of a “bleed,” they think of bleeding visibly from the body—a cut or abrasion, for example, where a wound is deep enough to release blood onto a person’s skin. A brain bleed, however, is different. It’s an intracranial hemorrhage—a severe bleed inside the skull—which is not observable externally. Intracranial hemorrhages require treatment by a neurologist or neurosurgeon; some strokes can be hemorrhagic. Are You at Risk? The most common risk factors for a brain bleed include: Head trauma Bleeding disorders (a group of conditions that occur when the blood cannot clot properly) Antiplatelet agents such as aspirin that prevent blood clots from developing Anticoagulants such as Coumadin, Xarelto, or Eliquis Uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes Smoking or drinking heavily, or using illegal drugs Atherosclerosis (fatty deposits in arteries) Vascular malformations (abnormalities in blood vessels or blood vessel walls) Aneurysm (a type of vascular malformation) Types of Brain Bleeds Bleeding can occur in the brain, or between the brain and the skull. Each type can have a variety of causes and treatments. Bleeds are named based on where they occur. For example, the following are four types of intracranial hemorrhages that are defined by location and cause: Intraparenchymal, or within the brain. This can be caused by a hemorrhagic stroke, when a weakened blood vessel within the brain ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding areas. It can also be caused trauma or injury, vascular malformation or a tumor. Subdural, which is inside the dura but outside the brain. The dura is comprised of two layers of tough tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. This bleed is usually caused by trauma. Epidural, which is inside the skull but outside the dura. This type of hemorrhage is also mostly the result of trauma. Subarachnoid, which is on the surface of the brain. This type of hemorrhage is cause by trauma or an aneurysm. Symptoms of a Brain Bleed A person experiencing a brain bleed will usually know that something is wrong. Symptoms include: Sudden and severe headache Seizure Loss of balance, coordination, and motor or movement skills—even loss of consciousness Extreme tiredness Weakness in a limb, often on just one side Loss of vision and light sensitivity Loss of normal taste sensations Nausea and vomiting Stiff neck Difficulty breathing Abnormal heart rate IMPORTANT: Persons experiencing the symptoms of a brain bleed should immediately go to an emergency room to maximize chances for survival and recovery. What Can Be Done for a Brain Bleed Depending upon the location, size, cause and severity of a brain bleed, surgery may be required to help reduce swelling and pressure, remove a blood clot or tumor, stop further bleeding or repair malformed blood vessels. Small brain bleeds may not require surgery; patients can work to prevent another occurrence by discussing how to mitigate risk factors with their physician. Swelling or tumors are usually controlled with intravenous steroids. Anti-epilepsy drugs may be prescribed to help prevent seizures. Other medications may be needed to control blood pressure or other risks factors. Those who have been prescribed blood-thinning medications may need to stop taking them during recovery. What to Expect While Recovering From a Brain Bleed A brain bleed is a serious medical event. There are many factors that contribute to a successful brain bleed recovery, and no two patients are the same. Age, genetic predisposition to certain conditions and general health can all affect the speed of recovery, which can be as short as a few days or as long as several months. Many patients will need rehabilitation, which may be lengthy; unfortunately, not all brain injuries can be reversed. Again, the speed with which a person seeks treatment is critical to recovery time. A patient’s recovery team may include not only a neurologist and neurosurgeon, but also rehabilitation specialists and physical, occupational or speech and language therapists. Those in recovery may feel very tired but also have trouble sleeping. Headaches, “odd” bodily sensations and changes in taste, smell or vision are other symptoms that can occur during recovery. There will be good days and bad during the recovery process. Perseverance and a positive mental outlook are two important components that can make the likelihood of a full recovery much more possible. Author Yu-Hung Kuo, MD, PhD, is the Luminis Health Chief of Neurosurgery. Dr. Kuo is an experienced neurosurgeon who specializes in trauma and the treatment of oncologic lesions affecting the nervous system, including tumors of the brain and pituitary gland.
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