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Wellness, Heart Care
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What’s Your Reason for Staying Heart Healthy?
What’s Your Reason for Staying Heart Healthy?
What’s Your Reason for Staying Heart Healthy?
Blog
February is Heart Month. And we want to know – what is your reason for staying heart healthy? Here’s the deal: Heart disease continues to be the number one killer of men and women in the U.S. Not to mention 90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease. With our “What’s Your Reason?” campaign, we’re empowering you with resources — like our heart health risk assessment — to take control of your heart health. Fill out your heart health risk assessment to learn your risk for heart disease and be better informed on what will help you live your best life. What’s more? When you complete your heart health risk assessment you’ll be automatically entered to win a Peloton bike! (We’re hearing delivery times for Peloton are getting pretty good.) When it comes to your health and wellness, we’re here for you. Which is why this Heart Month, we’re proud to mark an historic milestone for our patients and community with the launch of our cardiac surgery program at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC). For years, cardiac surgery has been the missing link to a full spectrum of heart care services at LHAAMC. Now, with our state-of-the-art cardiac surgery program, we’re providing a seamless experience for patients and their families, with less disruption and the best possible outcomes. We can’t thank our community members enough for their ongoing support. Questions? Our heart team is here to help. Call us at 443-481-1358. More Heart Month resources: How to Stay Heart Healthy During Lockdown 7 Ways to Manage Your Blood Pressure
News & Press Releases
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Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Receives National Award for Respiratory Care
Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Receives National Award for Respiratory Care
Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Receives National Award for Respiratory Care
Blog
Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) has once again received the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) Apex Recognition Award for demonstrating continued best practices in respiratory care. LHAAMC promotes patient safety by providing access to respiratory therapists to deliver high quality care. “This is truly an honor to be part of an elite group of respiratory care teams around the country to receive this prestigious award,” said Simon Haile, manager of Pulmonary and Neurodiagnostic Services at LHAAMC. LHAAMC is among only 15 acute care hospitals to receive this award. “Respiratory care departments everywhere are coming off a hard year. Their skills and stamina have been tested like never before. As a vital component to a patient’s care team, respiratory therapists work hard each day to deliver quality patient care,” said Sheri Tooley, BSRT, RRT, RRT-NPS, AE-C, CPFT, FAARC, AARC President. “These teams reach high standards and bring specialized skills, unique to respiratory care departments. We are thrilled to honor these organizations as Apex Recognition Award recipients.” The AARC Apex Recognition Award was established in 2017 as a way for the AARC Board to recognize respiratory care departments that demonstrate high quality care. The award program distinguishes organizations for their commitment to excellence in professional development, evidence-based care, patient safety, patient satisfaction and quality improvement. The Apex Recognition Award includes five categories for recognition: acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, home medical equipment (HME) companies, entry-level educational programs, and dedicated transport teams.
Infectious Disease
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Spread the Love and Slow the Spread of COVID-19 This Valentine’s Day
Spread the Love and Slow the Spread of COVID-19 This Valentine’s Day
Spread the Love and Slow the Spread of COVID-19 This Valentine’s Day
Blog
Just because Valentine’s Day hugs may have to take a backseat this year, love doesn’t have to. Keep your loved ones safe this Valentine’s Day by keeping their health and wellbeing in mind. Encourage Vaccination: Motivate family and friends to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it’s their turn. Vaccination is our best shot at stopping this pandemic. If they are eligible, they can pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine through our vaccine interest form. Spread the Facts: Make sure your loved ones know the best ways to protect themselves from COVID-19 and have the facts on vaccination. Be a Good Neighbor: Take the time to connect with your neighbors. If they have unreliable transportation, help them find a way to get to their vaccination appointment. Assist with online registration. If they don’t have email, call the Luminis Health COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 443-481-6852. Remember the 3Ws: In addition to vaccination, the best ways to slow the spread of COVID-19 are by wearing a mask, washing your hands and watching your distance. Send a Card: Not a talented poet like Amanda Gorman? Use one of our V-Day printables to send a note to someone special. Your note will show them you care and remind them how they can protect themselves and others from COVID-19.
Community, Wellness, Heart Care
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7 Ways to Manage Your Blood Pressure
7 Ways to Manage Your Blood Pressure
7 Ways to Manage Your Blood Pressure
Blog
When it comes to knowing your risk for heart disease – the number one killer in the U.S. – understanding your blood pressure numbers is the best place to start. Numbers higher than 120/80 are a warning sign that hypertension may be at work damaging your blood vessels and making your heart work harder than it should. In many cases, lifestyle changes can help bring your blood pressure under control and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. Even better, making these changes will also reduce your risk of developing other conditions and improve your overall health. 1. Stop smoking Quitting smoking is the most powerful thing you can do on your own to lower blood pressure and improve your overall health since every cigarette you smoke causes a temporary increase in your blood pressure and heart rate. In fact, did you know that just 20 minutes after you smoke your last cigarette, your health starts improving? Anyone who’s tried to quit knows it’s hard. But having the right support can help. At Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC), we’re here to help you quit smoking or using other tobacco products. You can contact the LHAAMC smoking cessation program (443-481-5366 or 443-481-5367) for more resources. 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or SmokingStopsHere.com, also provides a free service by phone or online that offers counseling and free smoking cessation medications mailed to your home. 2. Find the right approach to eating The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet as the best way to control blood pressure. It’s a clean, whole food eating approach based on reducing certain types of foods and increasing others. The DASH diet recommends loading up on: Foods high in potassium and magnesium, such as beans and leafy greens Fruits and vegetables Lean proteins Low-fat, low-sugar dairy Whole grains It also recommends cutting back on: Added sugars, often hiding with names ending in “ose” (fructose, sucrose, maltose, dextrose), or as syrup (corn syrup, rice syrup) Alcohol Processed and packaged foods such as deli meats and bacon, canned soup, frozen meals, chips, snacks and cookies Saturated fats 3. Get to and maintain a healthy weight Being overweight strains the heart and increases your risk for high blood pressure. Extra pounds can also cause sleep apnea, which can also play a role in elevating your blood pressure. Weight loss is one of the most effective ways to lower your blood pressure: Losing even 10 pounds can make a difference, and reduce your risk for other health problems, too. 4. Keep moving Regular exercise strengthens your heart, helping it pump with less effort and lowering your blood pressure. But don’t assume you have to run a marathon to earn the benefits of exercise. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes a week: That’s just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, five times a week. Walking, cycling, jogging, dancing and swimming are all great examples of moderate physical activities that can get your heart pumping harder. Strength training and flexibility exercises can lower blood pressure and improve your overall health, too. And don’t forget simple, everyday activities either, such as: Completing household chores Doing yard work Parking at the far end of the parking lot Taking the stairs, whenever possible If you haven’t been exercising, ease into it and talk with your doctor if you have medical conditions that might limit the amount and type of exercise you do. 5. Limit your sodium intake Sodium (salt) is one of the biggest offenders when it comes to raising blood pressure. While it doesn’t impact everyone, if you’re trying to lower your blood pressure without medication, reducing the amount of salt in your diet may help. Like sugars, sodium can be surprisingly high in many foods — and processed, packaged and restaurant foods are well-known culprits. Read labels and focus on eating whole, less processed foods. Classic examples of high sodium food would include chips, processed meats and almost all foods from Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Indian and fast food restaurants. Try to minimize your exposure to these as much as possible. The American Heart Association recommends adults with hypertension limit sodium intake to 1500 mg or less a day. 6. Reduce stress Researchers aren’t sure how stress affects blood pressure long term. But they do know that too often, people turn to unhealthy food, smoking or alcohol to deal with stress, which can contribute to high blood pressure. Commit to finding a healthier way to cope with stress that works for you. Here are a few, stress-busting examples: Listen to music Meditate Practice and express gratitude Relax with an activity you enjoy Try Yoga 7. Work with your doctor If you find out you have or are at risk for developing high blood pressure, work with your doctor to develop a plan to manage it. Partnering with your doctor is key to getting and keeping blood pressure under control. Do your part by: Educating yourself about high blood pressure Learning how to monitor your blood pressure at home Taking ownership of your treatment Lifestyle changes are often enough to get and keep blood pressure under control. But some people need medication along with lifestyle changes. It’s important to take medication exactly as your doctor prescribes – no missed doses or days. Authors Waseem Hussain, MD, is a physician with Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. Jennifer Brady, MD, is a cardiologist with Anne Arundel Medical Group Cardiology Specialists.
Infectious Disease, Heart Care
General Page Tier 3
How to Stay Heart Healthy During Lockdown
How to Stay Heart Healthy During Lockdown
How to Stay Heart Healthy During Lockdown
Blog
The promise of a vaccine is our light of hope during this lockdown period. But there’s no denying a certain level of anxiety we still feel every day or that most of us are weary. As we continue to weather this disruption to our normal routines, it’s only natural to gravitate to the couch, our TV friends and comfort foods. And while those behaviors may make us feel warm and fuzzy in the moment, if you’re at increased risk for heart disease, your lifestyle has to be a high priority. Fortunately, with a few key lifestyle changes, it’s possible to stay heart-healthy while spending more time at home than ever before. Eat Healthier, Especially Takeout In recent months, you may have stocked up on huge frozen pizzas or ordered quite a bit of takeout from local favorites. We understand — after all, we’re all in the same boat. It’s quite common to try to quiet all the stress we’re experiencing with each bite. But the start of a new year is a perfect time to hit the reset button, make more careful food choices and get back on track with safeguarding your heart. Here are a few ideas: Ask questions: Restaurant workers are trained to explain ingredients, describe preparations and suggest substitutions. Choose wisely: Small tweaks to your meal, like selecting baked or grilled versus fried or adding more vegetables and whole foods, can go a long way. Also consider asking for dressings, sauces and condiments on the side. Dessert: Try fresh fruits instead of desserts packed with fat and sugar to satisfy your sweet tooth. Look for cues on menus: The American Heart Association’s “heart icon” and other symbols are used by restaurants to indicate heart healthy options. Nutritional information may also be posted online. Choose lowest sodium, saturated fat, trans fat and added sugars. Save some for later: Cutting big portions in half, and enjoying the leftovers later is a great way to ensure you’re eating healthier portions. Shop mindfully In 2020, we’ve all been forced to cook more than ever before. Even if it isn’t usually your thing, a simple shift in your thinking can make it fun. Use this time to teach yourself to cook and to try new things. When shopping for your heart healthy groceries, consider buying mostly fresh produce. Experts recommend filling the majority of your shopping cart with fresh fruits, vegetables and whole foods. Go for healthy basics, especially low-sodium choices. read nutrition labels carefully. Keep sugary treats under control. De-Stress with Exercise The pandemic has made us all face an uncomfortable level of uncertainty and living in lockdown has presented us with many new challenges — and anxiety, depression and anger are all normal emotional responses to stressors like job loss, financial burden, fear of the virus, separation from our friends and loved ones and managing children without schooling or childcare help. A little physical activity every day will help you cope and stay positive. Exercise with the TV: Walking is just fine, even if you’re walking in place during TV time. Steps are steps, and they relieve tension. If you’ve got a bike, get out there. Find what works for you and do it regularly — just a little every day. You can even lift weights, do push-ups or jog in place. Don’t forget your core: Try a few glute squeezes, pelvic floor exercises and abdominal contractions. Get the family out after dinner: Take a walk, get a sport going or play a game together after your meals. Don’t just head for the TV room. Get your garden going: All home projects — including yard work and gardening which give the added benefit of providing your family some much-needed vitamin D and fresh air — include healthy physical activity. Transform a piece of your yard, try container gardening or join a local community garden. Keep your kids active: It allows them to burn off pent-up energy and is good for your mental wellbeing. Active toys like balls, skateboards, jump ropes and hula hoops are timeless. Play with pets: With just a ball, stick or piece of string, you can satisfy almost any pet. Pamper Yourself To lighten your stress, it helps to indulge in a little self-care. You deserve to enjoy your life, even with basics like sleep. Your heart health will benefit from the positive slant, as will your mental health. It’s important to make sure you: Connect with your friends and family: Even if it can only be on the phone or laptop, those closest to you understand it’s a tough time and know how to best support you. Dance: Put on some music and take a dance break. Your kids will love it — and it will lift your spirits and ensure you keep your body moving throughout the day. Distract yourself: Take up a hobby, like learning the ukulele, or practice a new skill. You’ll feel good about it and will likely have stories to tell your friends. Kick bad habits: Use this time to cut back on your alcohol, caffeine or tobacco intake. It will be good for you physically and emotionally. Laugh a little: Find humor where you can. You’ll feel better, even if you’re alone, laughing out loud. Let yourself snooze: If you’re under stress, you need the rest. Don’t feel guilty getting seven to nine hours at night. If you need help with insomnia, remember that exercise can help. Organize your ‘to-do” list: Don’t get overwhelmed by big projects. Make “one step at a time” your motto. Slow down and plan: Allow yourself time to process your responsibilities and figure out what to do. Remember, Light is Everywhere At Luminis Health, our goal is to ensure every aspect of your health. If you feel stressed or alone in this, remember help is always nearby. Friends and family can lend a hand and are open to everything from simply listening to your concerns to caring for your kids when you need a break. And when it comes to your physical and mental wellbeing, we’ve also got your back. We’re happy to answer any questions and to provide medical guidance. Just let us know exactly how we can help. Call 443-481-1358 to talk with a member of our caring team who can guide you to the doctors, nurses and other medical professionals who can best meet your needs. If you believe you are having a heart attack, go to your emergency room immediately. Don’t be concerned about COVID-19; you will be kept safe from infection. It’s critical that you don’t ignore symptoms like chest pain. Authors Juan Cordero, MD, is a physician with Luminis Health Clinical Enterprise.