- Blood DonationGeneral Page Tier 3BlogOriginally printed as a Letter to the Editor in the January 29, 2022 Capital Gazette: Thank you to all who have donated blood Thank you for the front-page article pointing out the current national blood crisis. We would like to make your readers aware that Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center is one of the few hospitals in the state of Maryland with its own blood donor center. While this donor center has a historical record of keeping LHAAMC nearly self-sufficient when it comes to supplying blood and blood products to our patients, we are not immune from the same crisis that is hitting the national blood supply. Our concerns regarding diminishing blood inventory came to a crisis level on Jan. 28 after the Martin Luther King Day holiday weekend. While our goal is to keep 100 units of group O-positive packed red blood cells in our inventory, we began the day with 20 units and hit an all-time low of 15 units by midday. The Red Cross was out of blood. Fortunately, we were able to borrow a few units from neighboring hospitals and when the urgent call for blood donors went out, our LHAAMC employees and community donors came to the rescue. The donor center phones rang off the hook with requests for donation appointments and by the next day we had 56 O-positive units on the shelf. We are continuing to struggle with maintaining adequate inventory to support surgical and medical blood transfusion requirements but are hanging in there with an inventory that is about 50% of our daily target but sufficient to meet daily needs. The only reason we are able to meet demand is the generous donation of blood, the gift of life, from our wonderful community of blood donors. Thanks to all of you from the patients and staff of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. For those of you who have not given blood, now is a great time to do so. The blood you donate will remain in the community to serve the needs of our patients. The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies task force statement reminds the public that: “Individuals are not at risk of contracting COVID-19 through the donation process or via a blood transfusion since respiratory viruses are generally not known to be transmitted by donation or transfusion.” Additionally, we’d like to help make it clear that people who have had COVID and are fully recovered can donate blood. Per the Food and Drug Administration guidelines, individuals are eligible to donate blood 10 days after complete resolution of symptoms. Our mission is to enhance the health of the people and communities we serve and we ask for help in this endeavor. Our Blood Donor Center is located on the LHAAMC Campus located at 2003 Medical Pkwy., Wayson Pavilion, Suite 450, Annapolis, 21401. Call 443-481-4215 to schedule your next donation! We also have a blood mobile drive that can come to your next function, community, or church. Call 443-481-4215 to set up a mobile drive. Authors Sanford H. Robbins III, M.D., chief of pathology, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Megan Frisk, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Blood Bank manager
- Community, Primary Care, Pediatrics, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe lessons children learn stick with them throughout their lives. That’s why it’s crucial to make good health a habit early on. From helping kids learn social skills to teaching them to be more independent and creative, developing a healthy lifestyle now will set them up for success in the future. Not sure where to start? We’ve gathered some ideas. Be brave — experiment Kids love things that seem unexplainable: That’s why science projects are such a big hit. Help your children feel a sense of satisfaction by helping them: • Build a volcano and make it erupt with baking soda• Construct a homemade lava lamp• Create their very own art pieces• Tend to a garden These activities will help your kids see tangible results from their efforts, learn responsibility and maybe even develop a healthy passion for nature and science. Cook together Children who are actively involved in meal preparation are more likely to understand the values of nutritious meals. Not only does the internet have a treasure trove of free, healthy recipes for your kids to browse and choose from, today’s grocery stores give them access to healthier foods. Just remember to feed your family before you go since grocery shopping on a full stomach makes you less likely to impulsively purchase unhealthy items. From food prep and cooking to setting the table, preparing dinner can also be a great team activity. Divide and conquer as a family and be sure to rotate roles often so each kid benefits from learning all it takes to put a healthy meal on the table. We’d also encourage you to eat as a family. Taking this time together allows space for much-needed interaction and conversation. It also helps us slow down while we’re eating, giving our brains a chance to recognize when we’ve consumed all we need, helping us to learn to avoid overeating. Encourage kiddos to use their imagination Your children’s mental and emotional health are just as important to development as their physical health. Instead of spending hours playing with smartphones and tablets, encourage them to: • Explore their creativity by reading together• Express their thoughts through writing or drawing• Perform skits at home• Play with toys like Lincoln Logs and Legos Creative outlets that challenge the boundaries of imagination set kids up to be problem solvers, wonderers and empathizers. Get physical Finding ways to keep your kids physically active will help them burn off built-up energy in a healthy way. Exercise also stimulates nerve cells that help children focus and retain what they’ve learned in school. And most importantly, active children are more likely to avoid developing serious diseases like obesity and Type-2 diabetes. Dedicate at least 60 minutes every day to physical activity by: • Getting outdoors. Most communities have recreational areas that are free for anyone to use. Explore your town’s walking trails, sign up for an hour to play tennis at the local court or find a park where you can play catch. A round of miniature golf or a few swings at the batting cages are also fun, safe and affordable. • Making household chores active (and fun). Kids enjoy a little competition, so why not encourage it? Have your kids compete to see who can rake the most leaves, take more walks with the dog or shovel the most snow. By giving your kids a chance to show their capabilities, you’ll have more rounded children and a more functional home. • Training as a family. You can benefit from physical exercise, no matter your age. First, be sure to set a good example by going to the gym regularly. Then, consider teaming up with your kids to turn your backyard into an obstacle course or train for a walk or 5K that benefits a cause the whole family supports. Your kids will grow up understanding that physical fitness should be part of their routine. And when they get old enough, they can even help spot you and encourage your progress. Play games Friendly competition among family members helps children learn to strategize, develop partnerships and understand the importance of losing with grace at an early age. You can keep your activities sedentary with jigsaw puzzles, board games and card games. Or you can get your family up and moving with charades or a scavenger hunt. Need more ideas? We’re here to help. Your child’s pediatrician or your family medicine physician can be a great resource when it comes to healthy living: Make them a part of the conversation. Find a provider near you.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn April 2021, Patty Moyher of Bowie, Maryland was diagnosed with breast cancer. Patty, who has worked as a customer service representative for Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) since 2008, met with Lorraine Tafra, MD, a former breast surgeon at LHAAMC, to talk about her options. “She gave me the confidence that I was going to be okay,” Patty says of Dr. Tafra. Patty decided to get a bilateral mastectomy. This is the surgical removal of both breasts. She also had her lymph nodes removed. After surgery, she did not need chemotherapy or radiation. Instead, she decided to get lymphedema therapy. Lymphedema therapy addresses the swollen tissue in the arms and chest. This often occurs after the removal of lymph nodes. “As lymphedema specialists, we are tasked to treat the whole patient,” says Rhonda Fowler, PT, the oncology rehab program coordinator. “After completing a comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment plan, we usually focus on the main tenets of care: manual lymph drainage, multi-layer compression bandaging, skin care and therapeutic exercise.” Patty receives lymphedema therapy twice a week. “I get a massage to help with the fluid build up, and afterwards I feel relaxed and relieved. It helps with daily functions. I can go to the gym and not feel so tight,” Patty says. LHAAMC offers rehabilitation services to all cancer patients to improve the quality of life. If you would like to learn more, please click here.
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnswers to some commonly asked questions Updated on January 10, 2022 Many of us miss the days when a sore throat was just a sore throat. In the current environment, a sore throat or other symptoms can lead to several questions. Should you take a test, or call a provider? Barry Meisenberg, MD, chair of the Department of Medicine and Chief Academic Officer at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, answers several frequently asked questions below regarding symptoms, testing, and what to do if you feel sick. What are the symptoms of the new Omicron variant? Although symptoms vary by person, the most common are fever, fatigue, sore throat, cough, headache, and body aches. You may experience loss of smell or taste, but this does not occur as often, compared to previous variants of the virus. Should I go to the emergency room (ER) for a COVID test? No, the emergency room is not a testing site. Only go to the ER if you have severe pain, severe illness or life-threatening conditions. ERs are experiencing high volumes and delays can be expected. Better alternatives for urgent medical care (COVID-19-related or not), include your physician’s patient portal or urgent care sites for any condition that is not life-threatening or severe. Should I contact my doctor if I feel sick or test positive for COVID-19? You should contact your primary care provider if your symptoms become severe, you have difficulty breathing, you have other complicating medical conditions, you are experiencing high or low blood sugars as a diabetic, or you have a significantly or sustained high fever. Visit the Maryland Department of Health website for COVID-19 testing information. What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19? If you have mild to moderate symptoms, recover at home (with at least five days of quarantine and until you are symptom-free for 24 hours). Take acetaminophen (generic brand, Tylenol) for fever and aches, drink plenty of fluids, and get plenty of rest. If your symptoms are severe or you are considered high-risk due to other medical conditions, or you are immunocompromised, call your primary care provider for more personalized care guidance. What should I do if I have been exposed (without a mask for more than 15 minutes) to someone who has tested positive, but I feel fine and have no symptoms? If you can find a home test, take a test to confirm if you are positive or negative. Testing too early may give a false negative. Since tests are in short supply, wait at least three days if you are still symptom-free before taking a test. If you cannot find a home test and have no symptoms, wear a mask at all times outside of your home. Limit yourself to only essential contacts and interactions for five days. What should I do if I have been exposed (without a mask for more than 15 minutes) to someone who has tested positive, and I do have symptoms? Get tested at a county, retail or physician location. Isolate for at least five days and until you are symptom-free for at least 24 hours. Learn more about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations here. I have received COVID-19 antibodies either from monoclonal antibody treatment or previous COVID-19 infection – aren’t I already protected? No, you are not. Monoclonal antibody treatment is currently on pause because the antibodies are not effective in guarding against the Omicron variant. The Omicron variant is now the prevailing variant infecting our state. What about the new COVID-19 pills? Can I take those and where can I get them? Currently, two COVID-19 pills (Merck drug, Molnupiravir for patients 18 and older, and Pfizer drug, Paxlovid authorized for patients 12 and older) have received Emergency Use Authorization, although they are in very short supply. You can find them at some retail stores and healthcare locations. These treatments require a physician’s order, and they are only used for high-risk patients with complicating or underlying medical conditions. They must be taken within five days of a symptom onset. If you have questions regarding availability and use of COVID-19 oral antiviral medications, click here. If I have tested positive for COVID-19, do I need a re-test to return to work or other activities? The guidance on this has changed as more information has become available and test availability has decreased. The RT-PCR (RNA test) can stay positive in your nose for up to three months as a remnant. It does not indicate contagiousness or persistent infection. A follow up PCR therefore reveals nothing about your status, so do not re-test with PCR. The rapid antigen test has previously been recommended to determine “viral clearance,” but new science indicates that the quarantine period can be limited to five days from onset of symptoms (followed by five days of rigorous mask wearing) without the necessity for a repeat test for most people. If you are immunocompromised, you should consult with your primary care provider. What treatments are available for mild to moderate COVID-19? Monoclonal antibodies can make some patients feel better faster and prevent hospital admissions. Unfortunately, the Omicron variant is resistant to the most commonly used antibodies and as of now, they are not being used. One antibody remains in use but it is in very short supply, so referring physicians and infusion centers are being asked to reserve it for the highest-risk patients. Two new oral drugs requiring a prescription are now available, Molnupiravir and Paxlovid. They are available through a narrow network of retail pharmacies, and more information on availability can be found here. Because they are in short supply, physicians are being asked to reserve prescription for those at highest risk of a hospitalization. The National Institute of Health has a guideline on high- risk status here. What else do I need to know? Get vaccinated and boosted. It remains the BEST option for preventing and/or reducing the severity of COVID-19 variants. Where can I find the latest information from Luminis Health? Please visit the Luminis Health Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages for the most up-to-date information. Authors Barry Meisenberg, MD, is the chair of the Department of Medicine and Chief Academic Officer at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center.
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center is partnering with the Maryland Department of Health, the Maryland National Guard, and the Washington Education Zone to provide a free COVID-19 testing site at 6511 Princess Garden Parkway in Lanham, Md. The site opened Monday, Jan. 10, at 9 am. “As the rate of COVID-19 continues to escalate, our community is in need of more access to testing,” said Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. “We are proud to be partnering to offer this location to our community.” The testing site will run seven days per week, from 9 am until 1 pm, until further notice. Due to high demand, lines at testing sites may be closed early to allow everyone waiting to be tested by the scheduled closing time. Please be prepared for the possibility of extended wait times. The no-cost testing site is located at on the grounds of the Washington Education Zone in Lanham, Md. The site will be drive-up only, with no scheduling, appointments or physician order required. The site will use PCR lab tests. Community members seeking COVID-19 testing at this location should enter the site off Princess Garden Parkway. “Having this testing site nearby will help people who have mistakenly sought tests from our emergency room, which does not provide general COVID-19 testing,” said Dr. Sunil Madan, chief medical officer at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. “While we are always here for serious illness and injuries, we are asking the community to avoid the Emergency Room for non-life-threatening issues as we are operating at crisis level.”
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