- Wellness, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogDo you have high cholesterol? You’re not alone — millions of adults in the United States face this common but serious issue. High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and other chronic health conditions. In Prince George’s County, heart disease is the leading cause of death, underscoring the urgency of managing cholesterol levels. But how can you take control? At Luminis Health, we understand it’s not always easy. That’s why we’re here to explore the difference between “good,” “bad” and even “stealthy” cholesterol, review lifestyle changes that can help, and weigh the pros and cons of statin medications. Good vs. bad cholesterol Believe it or not, cholesterol isn’t all bad. Cholesterol helps build cells, create hormones and vitamin D, and aid in digestion. Problems can develop, however, when you have too much bad cholesterol or not enough good cholesterol in your bloodstream. In your body, cholesterol and triglycerides (fats from food, such as butter) combine with proteins to form lipoproteins, which travel to cells through your bloodstream. It’s likely you’ve heard of these, although perhaps by nickname: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often referred to as “good cholesterol” because its job is to move the bad cholesterol out of your arteries and into your liver, where it breaks down. Good cholesterol can be found in foods like nuts, fruits and vegetables, avocados, olive oil, oatmeal, beans and whole grains. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as “bad cholesterol,” causes fat to build up in your arteries, either restricting or blocking blood flow. Bad cholesterol is common in foods like red meats, processed meats and fried foods. Stealthy cholesterol is the common name for lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a). It’s often called “stealthy cholesterol” because high Lp(a) levels usually don’t cause symptoms and diet, exercise and cholesterol medication don’t affect it. It’s a genetic condition detected by a special blood test. You can have high cholesterol if you have too much LDL, too little HDL or a combination of both. Stealthy cholesterol is also quite common. According to the American Heart Association, one in five people worldwide has high levels of Lp(a). Whether you have high or stealthy cholesterol, you’re at an increased risk of experiencing heart pain (angina), a heart attack or a stroke. How to combat high cholesterol Certain lifestyle changes can help you keep your cholesterol in check, including: Eating a healthy diet that includes heart-healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy, and protein-rich foods such as fish and lean meats. Exercising regularly — aim for 150 minutes each week. Limiting your alcohol intake. Maintaining a healthy weight. Quitting smoking. If high cholesterol is an issue for you, your doctor may also prescribe medications to decrease your levels of bad cholesterol, increase your levels of good cholesterol and/or reduce your levels of triglycerides. One type of medication, called statins, can do all three. The pros and cons of statins Unfortunately, you can still have high cholesterol, even if you maintain a healthier lifestyle or have recently made some positive changes. Many of us now take a statin, which is a class of medication that helps lower cholesterol. Statins work by blocking a substance your body uses to produce cholesterol, helping to slow the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Statins are especially beneficial for people who have already had a heart attack or are at high risk due to conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. In addition to lowering cholesterol, statins may also have anti-inflammatory effects that further protect the heart and blood vessels. However, it’s important to be aware that statins can come with potential side effects, such as: Constipation Diarrhea Fatigue or sleep issues Headache Increased blood sugar Liver damage Muscle or stomach pain Nausea or vomiting Rash You’re more likely to experience side effects from statins if you’re female, take other cholesterol-lowering medications, drink excessive alcohol or have conditions like hypothyroidism, kidney disease or liver disease. Certain medications and even foods (such as grapefruit juice) can also interact with statins. Your doctor can help you weigh the risks and benefits to decide if statins are right for you. The support you need, close to home If you suspect you have high cholesterol or are experiencing concerning symptoms, it’s important to seek expert medical screening and treatment. The faster you get a diagnosis, the sooner we can take steps to help you lower your risk for serious health complications. Find a primary care provider at Luminis.Health/PrimaryCare or call 301-927-0088 to schedule an appointment at our Greenbelt location. The Luminis Health Community Health team also offers free community clinics with essential screenings, including A1C testing, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. For details about upcoming clinics, visit Luminis.Health/CommunityClinics. Authors Sufia Syed, MD is an internal medicine physician at Luminis Health.0
- News & Press Releases, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLast updated at 12:45 pm Friday, May 15, 2020. In order to provide our patients and community members with helpful information about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), we’ve created this post to share general information as well as details specific to those seeking care at a Luminis Health facility. For the safety of our patients, visitors and staff, the following visitor restrictions are in effect: To best protect our patients and team members, no visitors, with few exceptions, will be allowed until further notice. This is a proactive measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19. In the few cases where visitation is allowed, it is limited to one visitor per day. Exceptions include: Critical or end-of-life care situations Laboring mother support person Caregiver of a patient 21 years of age or under Surgical patient support person Outpatient test/procedure companion Person serving as surrogate decision maker Person performing official governmental function Person serving as support person for patients with disabilities To support this safety measure, all visitors will be screened upon arrival, and must pass a health screening to enter the facility. No visitors under the age of 18 unless they are parents of hospitalized children. This policy includes infants and siblings. AAMC NICU visitors are restricted to parents only, one at a time. People experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms should not visit. Patients coming to any Luminis Health facility with respiratory symptoms must request a mask upon arrival. Visitors returning from international travel may not visit until they have been in the United States, symptom free, for 14 days. We are suspending non-essential large (10 or more people) gatherings scheduled to take place on our campuses. If you have questions about an event you are scheduled to attend, please check with your event coordinator. Because the situation is rapidly evolving, we often reference Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or Maryland State Department of Health websites below for the latest information. We encourage you to visit those sites for breaking information. If I am feeling sick, should I still keep my appointment? As you know, the world is experiencing notable person-to-person transmission of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Experts estimate that the majority of people who get this virus may have mild symptoms. But it can be quite severe for members of our community with underlying health conditions. For this reason, we ask that if you have any respiratory symptoms – such as a cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, or fever – that you please cancel or postpone your specialist appointment unless it is absolutely essential. We know that you may have waited or planned for this visit, so we will make it a priority to reschedule your appointment when you are feeling better. Staying home while sick is one of the most important things you can do to help during this time. All of us have to work together to reduce the chance of transmission of this (or other) respiratory viruses. If you have respiratory symptoms, please call your primary care provider’s office to be evaluated. If you have traveled recently to China, Italy, Japan, Iran or South Korea, or think you may have been exposed to someone who tested positive for the novel coronavirus, please call your county health department. We appreciate your patience and consideration. Thank you for helping us keep your family, friends and neighbors healthy. What is 2019 Novel Coronavirus/COVID-19 and what are the symptoms? COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person-to-person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 and has now been detected in more than 170 countries. COVID-19 has similar symptoms to the flu, which include coughing, fever, sore throat and difficulty breathing. This is an emerging and evolving situation. For the most updated guidance, symptoms and information, visit the CDC website. How is COVID-19 spread? COVID-19 spreads between people who are in close contact with each other (within six feet) through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes. According to the CDC, there have not been documented cases of transmission of COVID-19 from surfaces contaminated with the virus. However, the CDC recommends cleaning visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection to help prevent COVID-19 and other viruses in homes and community settings. Are symptoms of COVID-19 different in children than in adults? The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults, though children who have tested positive have generally exhibited milder symptoms. The CDC says it’s unknown whether children with underlying medical conditions and special health care needs might be at higher risk, however. What are the policies for visiting family and friends in the hospital who are being treated for COVID-19? To further minimize community spread of COVID-19, we are not permitting visitors for patients who have tested positive for COVID-19. For those patients, we can set up other means of communication for loved ones – FaceTime, phone calls, etc. I am scheduled for a surgery or procedure at a Luminis Health hospital – should I reschedule my appointment? As of March 18, 2020, we started limiting surgeries and procedures to emergencies or urgent cases only. This measure is now in effect until further notice. We are contacting patients directly. I have an appointment scheduled with my primary care provider or specialist – should I reschedule my appointment? In line with other measures taken to protect our staff and patients, and limit the transmission of COVID-19, starting March 24, 2020 until further notice, we will limit all outpatient in-office appointments to urgent patients requiring a physical exam only. We’ll shift all other routine visits to telemedicine visits or we’ll reschedule. Offices will remain open to staff, but not the public. This way we can continue to receive calls, triage the needs of patients and providers, and answer all requests and messages from patient portals. Our staff is already hard at work putting these measures in place. Is my Energize fitness class still scheduled? For the health and safety of all of our fitness fanatics, we are cancelling our Energize fitness classes for now. We encourage safe, outdoor exercise as the weather gets warmer. For our moms-to-be, check out our guide to safe exercise during pregnancy. I am currently in the cardiac rehabilitation program – should I still go in? For the health and safety of our patients, staff, and community, AAMC’s Outpatient Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation program will be cancelled for the time being. For updates, please call 443-481-1929. What if I think I have symptoms of COVID-19 and want testing? If you have symptoms of COVID-19 – with or without recent travel to China, South Korea, Japan, Italy or Iran – please call your health care provider to see if further screening is necessary before you arrive at one of our locations. By calling in advance, your provider can take your health history over the phone and, if needed, work with the appropriate state officials to determine if you require testing. In most cases, outpatient management with self-isolation at home is the best way to manage COVID-19 symptoms. When should I go to the Emergency Department? Only patients with fever, cough or shortness of breath and symptoms such as rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, high or very low temperatures, confusion, trouble breathing or severe dehydration should seek medical care in the ED. Call ahead to tell the ED that you are coming so we can be prepared for your arrival. If I am a high-risk individual, how should I protect myself? In order to reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19, we recommend taking several precautions. You can learn more here. How does COVID-19 impact your pregnancy and baby? As with many other things, your immune system changes during pregnancy. This is normal, but it can increase your risk for contracting viruses and developing complications. Unfortunately, little is known about COVID-19’s effect on pregnant women and infants. Based on experiences from other coronaviruses, pregnant women may be at higher risk of severe respiratory illness, morbidity, or death as compared with the general population. It is important to understand that, so far, COVID-19 has not been detected in either amniotic fluid or breast milk. However, it is too early to determine long-term effects on infants born to women who had COVID-19 during their pregnancy. Is it safe for me to deliver my baby at Anne Arundel Medical Center? Yes, our visitor restrictions are in place for the safety of patients, visitors and staff, including parents-to-be. We continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC and the Department of Health. Check out these frequently asked questions about giving birth during this pandemic, and our answers. Can COVID-19 be passed from a pregnant woman to the fetus or newborn? It is unknown if a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus to her baby through pregnancy and delivery. According to the CDC, no infants born to mothers with COVID-19 have tested positive for the virus. How is Luminis Health prepared for COVID-19 in our community? We are prepared and ready to care for patients with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19. Our clinical teams have been trained on how to identify, isolate and care for patients with this and other contagious illnesses. We have protocols and systems in place to keep patients, visitors and health care workers safe, and we work closely with the CDC and local and state departments of health to implement their guidance into our established protocols. Are there any people with COVID-19 in our community? Yes, there are confirmed COVID-19 cases in Maryland. Please check with the Maryland State Department of Health and your local department of health for the latest information and alerts. How do I keep myself and my family safe? The CDC released a step-by-step guide about how households should handle a potential outbreak of coronavirus in their community. The CDC also recommends the below everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including: Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Note: These tips were adapted from CDC prevention tips. Learn more about how and when to use medical masks from the Journal of the American Medical Association:0
- Primary Care, Weight Loss, Wellness, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogEvery year, there’s no shortage of stories exploring all the ways you can get healthier. Exercise and weight loss generally top the list of resolutions people set for themselves as the calendar year turns over, but research shows that around 80% of them are dropped by February. Here are five things you can do to increase your chances of setting an attainable health goal this year — and sticking with it. 1. Determine your “why” You may never have heard of a “why” statement, but you’ve probably heard of company mission statements. (Consider JetBlue’s widely cited credo: “To inspire humanity — both in the air and on the ground.”) A personal “why” statement is essentially the same thing. It simply answers the question of why you’re doing whatever it is you’re doing. To make something a habit, you first have to understand why you’re doing it. Why does a certain goal mean something to you? It can’t be something you’re doing just because someone else is doing it or because you think you should. For instance, if a doctor tells you to eat better and lose weight because it’s good for your health, will that compel you to work toward that goal? How about if you know that by eating better and losing weight you’ll be able to run around and play with your grandchildren? Now that’s a great “why.” For every goal you want to accomplish in 2022, make sure you first establish your reason. It’s what inspires you to take action. 2. Be specific When you’re planning healthy changes, it can be hard not to reach for the moon. But generic goals, like “I’m going to exercise more this year” or “I’m going to eat better,” rarely work because they lack focus. Instead, set small, measurable milestones to chart your progress to a larger goal. For instance, you could plan to cook one more meal at home a week than you currently do. That small change could help you eat healthier overall. Not to mention save you money on takeout. If you want to exercise more and think getting into running could be a good way to do it, you could sign up for a 5K race that’s six months away. Suddenly, you have a large goal to reach, but plenty of time to reach it. To get started, you could set small goals to reach the larger goal. First, focus on running a mile, then increase your distance to two miles and, finally, to three. By breaking down a lofty goal into smaller, more manageable chunks, you’re able to see improvement and celebrate accomplishments along the way. 3. Focus on the journey Health is about the journey, not the destination. Just as you shouldn’t focus on vague or overly ambitious goals, you should celebrate small wins. Maybe you went to bed 15 minutes earlier every night this week as a small step toward a long-term goal of getting more sleep. That’s an accomplishment. Health is a lifestyle. It’s not something you achieve and then leave behind. If you’re working toward regularly cutting a certain number of calories from your diet, for example, you wouldn’t abruptly wipe your hands of it the first time you reached your goal. Health is something you continually have to work at to make it a lifestyle. 4. Make movement count Sure, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, but remember, some activity is always better than no activity. Just start with a five-minute walk if you don’t have much time. But look for ways to add movement to your days. Maybe you take the steps instead of the elevator. Maybe you park on the far side of the parking lot when you go to the grocery store. Maybe you skip that after-dinner glass of wine and take the dog for a 20-minute walk instead. If you’re mindful of getting in movement, it will become intentional. Plus, the health benefits of movement are numerous. Physical activity can help: Boost your mood and improve your sleep Lower your risk of heart disease and certain cancers Help manage diabetes and high blood pressure 5. Practice gratitude Be grateful for what you have instead of jealous of what you don’t. Gratitude helps reduce stress, which can lead to chronic inflammation and an increased risk of certain conditions like heart disease and diabetes when long-lasting. Being able to cope with stress to reduce these ill effects is why self-care is so important. Prioritize time for yourself. Take a walk to clear your head or add a lavender-scented candle to your desk. Filling your bucket so you’re mentally and physically strong enough to tackle all those goals you’ve set for yourself is crucial. But be kind to yourself if you fall short of achieving a goal. There aren’t any hard-and-fast deadlines for healthy habits. Be grateful for the opportunity to try, try again. Authors Stefanie Osterloh, CRNP, is a family nurse practitioner with Luminis Health Primary Care in Crofton, Md.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWe understand that this time has brought a new set of challenges to breastfeeding moms. Bringing a baby into the world is a time full of emotions, but now you might be wondering, ‘What if I get COVID-19?’ Here’s what you should know about breastfeeding during COVID-19 – what you should do if you are infected and what you can do to prevent the spread to your baby while still breastfeeding. Can I Breastfeed if I have COVID-19? The answer is simple – yes! If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, it is safe to breastfeed. Breastfeeding helps keep babies healthy by providing immune-boosting properties unique to mom and baby. Breastfeeding moms also produce the hormone oxytocin, which reduces anxiety and promotes rest. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly supports breastfeeding during a COVID-19 infection if safety measures are being taken. What Safety Measures Should be Taken if I have COVID-19? Moms with a COVID-19 infection should keep a reasonable distance from their babies when possible. They should also use a mask and proper hand hygiene when caring for baby until they: Have been fever-free for 24 hours without use of fever medications (acetaminophen or ibuprofen); Are at least 10 days past when symptoms first appeared (or, in the case of asymptomatic women identified only by screening tests, at least 10 days have passed since the positive test result), and symptoms have improved. This means that breastfeeding moms should wear a mask when caring for their babies and pumping or handling breast milk until the above safety measures are met. If I test Positive for COVID-19 in the Hospital, Will I be Separated from My Baby? At AAMC, no. You will not be separated from your baby. The early postpartum period is crucial for establishing breastfeeding. Studies have shown that if moms are able to practice skin–to–skin and feed their babies often, they are more likely to meet their breastfeeding goals. Can Breast Milk Protect My Baby from COVID-19? We are learning more about COVID-19 every day, but what we do know is that when a mom’s immune system is triggered by a virus, it will start producing antibodies that the baby needs through breast milk. Keep in mind that breast milk constantly changes depending on the needs of that particular baby. And as always, if you have questions about breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to reach out to your lactation consultant or provider for help. Learn more about prenatal care and giving birth at AAMC during COVID-190
- PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAny way you choose to feed your baby is a loving act. If you decide breastfeeding is the right choice for you and your baby, connecting with other moms, friends and experts who have first-hand experience with breastfeeding can be key to your own success– and often sanity! Breastfeeding is a new skill– some moms will get the hang of it on the first day, and for others it may take more time. Think about the last time you tried something new. It probably took some time to feel confident. Remember, your baby is learning too. AAMC asked local moms to offer words of wisdom from their own breastfeeding experience. Many moms shared similar thoughts such as: It can be awkward or difficult at first, but it gets easier. Use knowledgeable resources. Talk to other moms for advice and support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Believe in yourself! Here’s more encouragement for moms, from moms: Breastfeeding is hard work and commitment, but completely worth it! Stick to it and you’ll be surprised at just how far you and your little one will come. Things start clicking around six weeks and you’ll be glad you pushed through. – Amy, Pasadena Just try it. It is not for everyone, but from someone who was about as anti-breastfeeding as they come prior to having my baby, my advice is to just try it– you might just surprise yourself. I did. – Casey, Severna Park Enjoy it, because it goes by really fast. You think you’ll have a baby tied to the boob forever, but suddenly your toddler doesn’t have time for you anymore. Breastfeeding became a really big part of my life. It’s a cool club to be in and I’ve met some amazing, supportive women along the way. – Marisa, Annapolis It may not be beautiful bonding instantly. It takes time for you and baby to get the hang of it. I remember about two months in finally having the moment where I was like, ‘ohhh I love this!’ Also, even when you’re doing everything right, your body is adjusting and it can be uncomfortable. But it gets better! – Jemma, Gambrills There is a lot of advice out there– how often the baby should eat, how many ounces, how many minutes, what mom should and shouldn’t eat– it’s enough to drive a new mother crazy. Every baby is different. Relax, follow your instincts and best judgment, and don’t expect perfection from yourself or anyone else. – Whitney, Severna Park It’s overwhelming until you get the hang of it, but it’s all worth it. Breastfeeding is so special and rewarding. I’m glad I stuck it out. The support of friends and my pediatrician was so important, especially in the first few weeks! – Alexandra, Annapolis Nursing doesn’t work out for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still provide your baby with the benefits of breast milk. Exclusively pumping is an option you should read about and consider. – Katie, Davidsonville After an emergency c-section, my body was under so much stress it took longer for my milk to come in. I put pressure on myself, thinking the harder I tried, the faster my milk would come in. The pressure I put on myself ended up working against me. I wish I’d known it can take time for your milk supply to regulate to your baby’s needs. Redefining my vision of success to focus on the things that mattered– my baby was healthy and gaining weight and we were bonding– is what ultimately drove me to stick with breastfeeding, and I’m so happy I did. – Bridget, Annapolis Breastfeeding is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. When it feels like you can’t do it anymore set a small goal, like a day, and then another day. Use small goals as long as you can to help you reach your bigger goals. – Katy, Pasadena I worried about others judging me if I chose to breastfeed in public, so I refrained for a while. I wish I knew the vast majority of people I have encountered are supportive, or at the very least don’t give any indication that they’re bothered by it. You will hear advice from everyone. Go with what works best for you and your family. – Jen, Centreville If you have to supplement with formula, it isn’t the end of the world. Any amount of breast milk you can give your baby for as long as you can is better than none at all! – Brooke, Crofton For something so “natural,” it may not feel that way at first. You and your baby have the instincts to build a nursing bond but it takes work and patience. Stick to it, it gets so much easier and then becomes amazing! – Diana, Crofton (pictured with baby Josephine above) Take a class with your support person. My husband was my biggest help! When we first got home from the hospital I was so tired I couldn’t remember anything from the class. He remembered so many tips and tricks. He set up a nursing station for me with drinks, snacks, blankets and a remote so I could be as comfortable as possible. I was ready to quit at the two week mark, and he asked me to check out the AAMC support group first. Attending the support group that day changed everything for us. I ended up nursing my first son for 11 months! We never set a goal of how long to breastfeed but just told ourselves we would do it until we were ready to stop. – Heather, Annapolis If you’d like more encouragement, advice or have questions for other moms, join AAMC Smart Parents on Facebook. Breastfeeding Resources Originally published April 13, 2016. Last updated Sept. 16, 2025.0
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