- Men's Health, News & Press Releases, Women's Health, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAt Anne Arundel Medical Center, we’re fortunate to have a team of medical experts dedicated to sharing important tips on how you can live your healthiest life! In honor of National Doctors’ Day, we’re revisiting our top five most popular stories of the past year written by our physicians. The heart truth about dark chocolate and red wine. Is dark chocolate really a heart-healthy treat? Can red wine be good for your health? Cardiologist Barbara Hutchinson, MD, answers these questions and more in this story breaking down the benefits of these popular treats. Love, health and relationships: The surprising benefits of being in love. Baran Kilical, MD, cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist with AAMG Cardiology Specialists, discusses how being in love has tangible health benefits for both your body and your mind. Your go-to guide for signs and symptoms of a pelvic floor disorder. One in four women over 20 suffer from a pelvic floor disorder (PFD). Kay Hoskey, MD, urogynecologist with AAMC Women’s Center for Pelvic Health, describes the signs of a PFD and your treatment options. As a heart doctor, I have to practice what I preach. “When I took a new position several years ago, my focus was on my career and the challenges of a new work environment,” writes Salvatore Lauria, MD, cardiologist with AAMG Cardiology Specialists. “Like many people, I used food to help manage my stress. I made all the usual excuses but eventually realized that I needed to practice what I preached.” He shares his tips on how he lost 13 percent of his body weight in just a few months. The 6 most important things you can do for your health. Your health habits and behaviors are what determines 40 percent of your health, says Scott Eden, MD, primary care doctor with AAMG Chesapeake Family Medicine. Read more about what he says are the top six most important things you should be doing for good health. We wish all of our doctors a happy Doctors’ Day! Thank you for all you to do to care for our community. Looking for a provider? Search our Find A Doc directory and find one who is right for you and your family.0
- EndocrinologyGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAccording to the Maryland Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 10.5 percent of Maryland adults have diabetes, with obesity or being overweight the most significant contributing factors (65.2 percent) to diabetes risk. Thirty-four percent, or approximately 1.6 million, of Maryland adults have prediabetes according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2019, the prevalence of diabetes in the state of Maryland led the state to deploy its own action plan to combat diabetes and support diabetes risk awareness. Following the state’s lead, Luminis Health placed diabetes on its list of top metrics that are being regularly tracked for quality and performance. Recognizing Risk Factors Diabetes risk factors include: Being overweight or obese Age (risk increases as age increases) Sex (males are more likely to develop diabetes) Race/Ethnicity (African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, and Pacific Islanders have a higher prevalence of diabetes than non-minority individuals) Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity Tobacco use Prediabetes and gestational diabetes Social determinants such as the lack of access to resources, income and higher-level education Diabetes is more common among people who are members of some ethnic minority groups and groups with lower socioeconomic status. This exemplifies why Luminis Health created its HEART Force. This group of trustees, leaders and staff, clinicians, community stakeholders and public health partners worked together to develop a plan for building a more equitable and just health system. Working to Provide Health Equity The HEART Force’s recommendations for Luminis Health fall into three major categories: Lead as an inclusive organization; confront and eradicate inequities in health care. Enhance culturally informed communications and community collaboration. Measure and integrate accountability. What does this work look like to reduce health disparities related to diabetes? Our team hosts education and exercise series in our communities. These programs are funded by a Maryland Community Health Resources Commission grant. We also work closely with impacted and at-risk patients to directly support the development and management of healthy blood sugar levels. As part of this initiative we provide patients with individual glucose monitors and equipped them with weekly plans for healthier lifestyles. Seeing Real Results Luminis Health’s collaboration with community health programs for diabetes support and prevention is yielding tangible results. One of our community health equity goals is for 75 percent of our diabetic patients over the age of 18 to have an A1C test result of less than 8 percent, which is a healthy goal for most people with diabetes. From October to December, 74 percent of our diabetic patients fit this criteria. The A1C test—also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test—is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. It’s one of the commonly used tests to diagnose prediabetes and is also the main test to help diabetics and their healthcare team manage the disease. Higher A1C levels are linked to diabetes complications, so reaching and maintaining your individual A1C goal is important for diabetics. Managing Your Diabetes with Luminis Health Our Luminis Health Primary Care team strives to work with patients to help them achieve the best control of diabetes. In-office A1C testing and regularly scheduled visits allows medical providers to make meaningful changes to diabetes management. By focusing on patients’ specific needs we can customize a diabetic management plan and help them access the resources they need to better manage their care. Knowing the ABCs to diabetes and your personal goals is the key to success. A1C: You and your provider should have an agreed upon goal A1C target. You should have monthly office visits until you achieve that goal. In each visit you can discuss what is working, where help is needed, and any barriers to care. Blood pressure: If you have diabetes it is critical to have your blood pressure under control. Based on your medical conditions, providers will give you a specific Blood Pressure goal. Getting blood pressure to goal may require lifestyle changes and medications. Cholesterol: It is also critical for patients with diabetes to have good control of their LDL (low-density lipoprotein) Cholesterol (often called “bad” cholesterol). Diet, exercise, and medication can help you achieve your LDL goal. Diet: Understanding which foods increase your blood sugar is critical to gaining control of your diabetes. Working with your health care providers and dieticians/diabetic educators is key in understanding the challenges of managing diabetes and controlling this condition. Exercise: Working with your healthcare providers to design an exercise plan specific to your needs is crucial to manage diabetes. Healthy exercise habits will lead to better control of your diabetes. Follow-up: Regular follow up with your health care team is critical to yourThe Luminis Health diabetes team includes doctors, nurses, diabetes educators, registered dietitians, physical therapists, speech and language therapists, behavioral health specialists, and occupational therapists. We provide the full range of diabetes care for children and adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as well as any diabetes complications. Luminis Health is here to: Educate you on how to live a healthy and full life with diabetes. Monitor your condition so we can catch and treat any complications at an early stage. Provide all the treatments you need, including medications, technology supports, physical therapy, nutrition counseling and more. Reducing health disparities and any instance where the health outcomes of our patients are less than the best possible is part of the reason Luminis Health continues a journey dedicated to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Learn more about our JEDI journey here. Learn more about Luminis Health’s comprehensive diabetes resources here. Authors Tamiko Stanley, vice president and chief JEDI officer Dr. Andrew McGlone, executive medical director – primary care and population health0
- General Page Tier 3BlogWe wait for it all year, that wonderful time when we eat things that we don’t usually consume, and sometimes we eat too much of it. The holidays are all about food, and it is possible to enjoy what you love and not feel guilty about it later. The key is to focus on eating nutrient-dense foods—those that have a high level of nutrients but are relatively low in calorie count. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy treats but be mindful about portions and indulge just a little bit. Remind yourself that the first bite or two tastes the best, so slow down and savor the flavors and textures of the delicacies you look forward to all year! Party the Smart Way Holiday parties can be a challenging minefield of delicious foods with low nutritional density, so don’t go to a party on an empty stomach. Try to drink plenty of water and eat a small, healthy snack before the event. Take a good look at all the food choices on the buffet before you select to ensure your calories count. Balance your plate with 50% fruits and vegetables, just like any other day. Don’t waste your calories on foods you can enjoy any time of the year, like a dinner roll, potato chips or cubes of cheese—look for something you wouldn’t normally eat. When you’re invited to a party, offer to bring a dish that fits your normal meal plan. Hosts love when guests bring a fresh fruit platter or veggie platter with a fun and healthy dip. Focus on the people and good conversation and move away from the food table. Did you know that anything you put on a cracker can be enjoyed on a cucumber? Again, fruits and vegetables make nutritious fill-ups without extra calories. Lean protein options including shrimp, smoked salmon, lean meats or beans and hummus can help satisfy hunger. Limit Alcohol but Not Exercise Alcoholic beverages mean holiday cheer for many of us—eggnogs, mixed drinks, and hot ciders. When we have a cocktail or two, our inhibitions around food choices take a dive. We start out selecting fruits and vegetables, but after a drink or two, the higher calorie options call to us. With so many delicious, flavored soda waters and seltzers available these days, enjoy a cocktail but keep a glass of seltzer water in your hand—good for sipping during cocktail hour. Stick with your regular exercise routine and try to work out before or after holiday events. Regular exercise can help temper holiday stress and might help regulate your appetite. Plan an event without food as its focus. Join family and friends to do a tree lighting, go ice skating or enjoy a holiday concert. Get outside and take a brisk walk to enjoy holiday decorations or create a new family tradition—it’s what the holidays are all about. It’s important to remind yourself that with a little planning and a positive attitude, the holidays can be fun and healthy. Relax and enjoy the day of the celebration, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah. Just don’t let one day turn into a week or month of holiday eating. This article was originally posted on the Enquirer-Gazette. Authors Ann Caldwell is a nutritionist and registered dietician at Luminis Health’s Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHeart disease is the number one killer in the U.S., and it doesn’t discriminate. While it tends to affect men earlier, it affects both genders. The good news is many cases of stroke and heart attacks are preventable through lifestyle changes. Research suggests following a Mediterranean diet has many benefits. It can aid weight loss, blood sugar control, help with depression and reduce levels of inflammation, which is a risk factor for heart attack, stroke and Alzheimer’s. A Mediterranean meal pattern is packed with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and olive oil. It highlights fish and poultry over red meat which is high in saturated fats. And red wine is consumed regularly but in moderation. Here are a few top Mediterranean heart-healthy foods and tips Replace butter and margarine with olive oil. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats along with canola and walnut oil, also high in omega 3 fatty acids. Try mixing with flavored vinegars for salad dressings, or marinades. Switch up your protein. Swap out red meat with fish, poultry, turkey, beans, nuts, soy and other plant-based proteins. Try one new recipe a week. ‘Tis the season for dusting off the crockpot. Enjoy fruit for dessert. A good source of fiber and antioxidants, fruit is a healthy way to indulge your sweet tooth. Try a new exotic fruit every week. Put fruits in recipes and keep it at the forefront in the kitchen and refrigerator. Set aside time to savor every bite. A Mediterranean diet is as much about lifestyle as it is diet. Instead of gobbling up your food in front of the TV or other media, sit down at a table and enjoy the food and the company. Eating slowly allows you to be more mindful on feelings of hunger and fullness. Dip it! Try vegetables with Mediterranean-inspired spreads such as hummus, tzatziki (creamy cucumber yogurt dip) or baba ghanoush (made from eggplant and sesame). A sample meal plan may look like this Breakfast: oatmeal with shaved almonds and an apple Lunch: whole grain sandwich with vegetables. Dinner: 3oz Broiled salmon, 1/3 c rice and 2 cups of cooked vegetables. A good first step to eat Mediterranean is to incorporate at least one new plant-based recipe per week. Keep in mind that exercise, stress reduction and keeping socially connected are all part of the Mediterranean lifestyle for good health and happiness. Recipe: Babaganoush (Baba Ganoush) Ingredients: 1 large eggplant 1 clove garlic, crushed 2 Tbls. lemon juice 2 Tbls. tahini (sesame paste) ¼ c. parsley, chopped (may use basil or cilantro for different flavor) Optional ¼ tsp. salt Directions: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with foil. Prick eggplant with fork and place on cookie sheet. Bake eggplant until soft – about 20-25 minutes. Let the eggplant cool – cut lengthwise, drain off liquid and scoop out pulp into food processor. Process until smooth and transfer to bowl. Stir in crushed garlic, lemon juice, tahini and parsley. Season with salt to taste. Serve with fresh vegetables and enjoy! Authors By Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford, nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555.0
- Heart Care, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogI vividly remember the day Kathy Brown, my mother in-law and a dedicated teacher, was diagnosed with amyloidosis. It’s a rare disease that causes proteins usually produced in your bone marrow to build up in your organs. At the time, I was a cardiology fellow at the University of Maryland. I understood the severity of the diagnosis. Less than a month later, the disease had taken over Kathy’s heart and she was in heart failure. Her advanced heart failure team breathed hope into a hopeless situation. Doctors put Kathy on the transplant list and she received a new heart within two months. I was in awe that a team of doctors, my mentors and teachers, could give someone a second chance at life. The doctors were instrumental in my training. But Kathy, true to her calling, also taught me important lessons. The doctors showed me how to treat heart failure. Kathy taught me how to care for heart failure patients. It was then that I chose to further my training in advanced heart failure. Heart failure occurs when your heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as well as it should, leaving your heart too weak or too stiff to pump efficiently. Nationally, it’s the number one reason people are admitted to the hospital. It’s also the number one reason why people return to the hospital within 30 days of leaving. Symptoms of Heart Failure Shortness of breath Swelling in your legs, ankles, feet or stomach Fatigue Rapid or irregular heartbeat Sudden weight gain from fluid retention You can help prevent heart failure by managing the conditions that cause it. These include high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea and obesity. But not all conditions, like the one Kathy suffered from, can be prevented. Medical treatments and lifestyle changes can improve the symptoms of heart failure and increase quality of life. If you’re living with heart failure, your doctor may recommend a plan that includes: Losing weight Reducing and monitoring salt in your diet Exercising regularly Managing stress Limiting your daily fluid intake to 2 liters per day What is most important for patients with heart failure is a close relationship with your cardiologist. These patients require frequent office visits and medication adjustments in order to avoid hospitalization. Kathy’s experience taught me the importance of easy access to care. Kathy had to drive more than one hour every other week to see her heart failure specialist, which was difficult. Having a heart failure doctor close to her home in Annapolis would have made her life much easier. It was then that my professional vision became clear. I wanted to be the heart failure specialist in Annapolis. Doctors are constantly thinking about how we can improve the lives of heart failure patients. Although Kathy passed away due to complications from her disease, I carry with me the lessons I learned from her to improve the lives of patients with heart failure in this community. Author Jennifer Brown, MD, is a cardiologist and heart failure expert with Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published March 1, 2016. Last updated Feb. 24, 2020.0
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