- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHeart disease affects lots of people and can be fatal. In fact, it is for over 600,000 people in the U.S. every year. That’s a scary number, made scarier still when you consider that many people who are at risk for acquired heart disease don’t know it. Here is what you should know: What causes it? There are many kinds of heart disease, from arrhythmias that affect your heartbeat to heart infections and more. But when it comes to acquired heart disease, the most common culprit is plaque (a substance that can build up in arteries.) If enough plaque sticks to the sides of your arteries, the passages for blood through your arteries can narrow, causing blood to reach your heart less easily. Plaque buildup is the leading cause of coronary artery disease (CAD) and of heart attack. Who is at risk? Heart disease can affect anyone at any age. You likely already know that having other chronic health issues, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, can increase your risk of developing heart disease — and that your age, gender and family history are also contributing factors. However, you may be surprised to learn that lifestyle choices, such as unhealthy eating and lack of physical activity, are the leading cause. What are the symptoms? Heart disease is sometimes referred to as a “silent” disease. That’s because heart disease and the conditions that lead to it, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol, often have no symptoms. And that means that, sometimes, the first sign of heart disease is a heart attack. Signs of a heart attack may include: Cold sweats Discomfort or pain in the chest, jaw, neck or back Feeling dizzy, weak or lightheaded Feeling sick to your stomach Shortness of breath If you think that you or someone else is having a heart attack, don’t wait — call 9-1-1 right away. Is it diagnosable? Sometimes acquired heart disease can be diagnosed by a doctor through a series of chest x-rays, exercise stress tests and other diagnostic tools. If you’re concerned about heart disease, talk with your doctor about what tests might be right for you. Is it preventable? Making healthy lifestyle choices can lower your chances of acquiring heart disease. Quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular physical activity (150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week) are a great place to start. If you have another condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, make sure to talk to your doctor about the best way to manage your health. Your doctor may be able to recommend lifestyle changes you can make right away to start living healthier. They can also recommend medication to treat heart disease or its cause, if necessary. This post originally ran in the Enquirer-Gazette. Authors Leighton Forrester, MD, is a cardiologist at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.
- UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you’ve celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in the U.S., you know all about green eggs and beer. In fact, according to a Nielson survey from 2019, bars and restaurants make more sales on St. Patrick’s Day than any other day of the year. So, what do you do if you don’t drink alcohol? Luckily, there are plenty of ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while maintaining your sobriety – even during a pandemic. Attend a St. Patrick’s Day parade, festival or run Most cities and towns host an annual St. Patrick’s Day parade or festival. A few popular ones include this parade in Annapolis and the Shamrock Fest in Washington, D.C. There also are several marathons and 5Ks for St. Patrick’s Day if you’re looking to be more active. And even if COVID-19 keeps you from attending a parade in person, you can usually watch them virtually from home. Make a non-alcoholic green drink Who says you have to put alcohol in a green beverage? There are tons of fun recipes for mocktails, green lemonade and punch. It’s also the season for Shamrock shakes. For healthier options, make a green smoothie, green juice or even green tea. Cook an Irish dish There are a lot of options for making tasty Irish dishes, including shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage and Irish stew. Many recipes are meat and potatoes-based, so remember to add a vegetable like carrots or parsnips. There are plenty of kid-friendly options too, including green eggs, green Jell-O and even sweet treats made with Lucky Charms cereal. Learn about Irish heritage Look for a culture club or Irish Heritage Center near you (for example, the Emerald Isle Club in Towson). These centers often have events or other online resources to help you learn more about Ireland. You also can celebrate Irish heritage by listening to Irish music or watching Irish movies. There’s more traditional Irish music, with the fiddle, pipes, flute and harp. But there’s also rock – U2, Flogging Molly, the Dubliners, the Cranberries and many others. For movies, streaming services, like Netflix, have an Irish section. Pick a movie at random to watch. You can also rent movies from the library. There are old and new films, including Oscar-nominated “Belfast,” “Brooklyn,” “Song of the Sea” and many more. Practice Irish step dance Learn a traditional Irish step dance, such as Irish Ceili (“kay-lee”), which involves keeping your upper body still as you move your feet in different patterns. Find a video online and give it a try with your family. Wishing you a healthy and happy St. Patrick’s Day St. Patrick’s Day began as a Catholic holiday that marked the end of Catholic parishioners fasting for Lent. But today, at least in the U.S., it’s become a widespread holiday for all — and alcohol usually plays a role in the celebration. But it doesn’t have to. If you’re planning to drink or host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, we encourage you to put a plan in place to keep everyone safe. And if you, or someone you know, needs help with alcohol addiction, our team is here to help. Authors Daniel Watkins is the Sr. Director, Mental Health Operations and Nursing at Luminis Health.
- Behavioral Health, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFrom the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we knew to be concerned about our physical health. But what we didn’t think as much about — especially since we couldn’t have foreseen the true impact it would have on our lives or the length of time it would last — is how it could affect our mental health. And today, we’re still learning. In general, we know the disruption we’ve all faced — from fear of the virus and drastic changes to our daily routines to complete isolation — isn’t good for us. And while some effects were already known, others reveal themselves every day. For example, we’re just now beginning to understand the connections between the pandemic and mental health issues that often plague teenagers, including eating disorders. Check out these recent observations: According to the National Eating Disorders Association, calls, texts and online chats to their helpline increased 58% from March 2020 to October 2021. A recent study shows a 25% jump in eating disorder-related hospitalizations for 12-18-year-olds overall. Girls 12-18 years old were hospitalized for eating disorders 30% more during the pandemic. The numbers are clear. And that means parents have a reason to be concerned. Learn more, so you can be ready if your teen needs help. What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are serious but treatable illness that affects people mentally and physically — and there are many types. People are most familiar with anorexia nervosa (self-starvation by severely reducing calories to lose weight) and bulimia (purging after eating an excessive amount of food). But other eating disorders can involve binge eating, obsessing over healthy eating, abusing laxatives and compulsive exercising. What’s behind the jump in eating disorders in teenagers? The pandemic pummeled teens’ daily routine and structure: Schools closed their doors and extracurricular activities, including beloved sports, came to a halt. But what hit them the hardest? Hanging with friends — a teen’s lifeblood — wasn’t an option (or was limited at best). Eating disorders are often related to control, so it makes sense that the uncertainty and stress of the pandemic could be a powerful trigger. When life feels turned upside down, someone with a tendency toward disordered eating could easily turn to controlling food — how much, what or when they eat — to feel like they’re in control of something. For example, stuck at home with less structure and more access to food, teens may binge-eat to deal with anxiety and stress. Then, if weight gain hits, they may go to the other extreme, restricting food and becoming overly focused on exercise. It’s no surprise: Social media fuels the fire. With school and activities limited, teens turned to their phones to feel connected to someone. They spent more time than ever scrolling through sites such as Instagram and TikTok. And although teens may feel less alone when they’re online, excess screen time exposes them to negative messages. What are signs of an eating disorder? Even today, with most schools and activities up and running again, stress and uncertainty still linger. Teens, like everyone else, are trying to live with the reality that COVID-19 is here to stay. Unfortunately, eating disorders continue to be how many teens try to cope. Changes in your teen’s regular eating and exercise habits are signs your teen may be struggling. Keep an eye out for these signs and take action if you notice: Defensiveness about food Obsessive workouts Preoccupation with counting calories Refusal to eat specific categories of food Skipped meals Sudden weight loss Also pay attention to what your teen’s saying. For example, comments about food — feeling guilt or anxiety about what they’re eating or not eating — or unhappiness about their body are red flags of a brewing eating disorder. Know how to help your teen Talking with teens can be tricky, but it’s the place to start if you suspect they’re using food or eating in an unhealthy way. Be direct and ask what’s going on without launching into a lecture. They’ll be more receptive to discussions in small doses. Focus on your concerns for their health, not body shape or size. Stumped for what those conversations should cover? Start with: Emotional eating. Help your teen understand how food can be a way people deal with emotions. Explain how talking through problems with friends, family or a counselor is a more effective (and healthy) way to cope with a problem. Healthy eating habits. Talk about eating when hungry and how to fuel their body to be healthy and strong. Make regular meals together a habit. Media messages. Help your teen understand that social media, television shows and movies portray unrealistic (and often “doctored”) body types as normal. Positive body image. Ask your teen how they feel about how they look, and explain how healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes. Remember, as a parent, you’re setting an example. Practice the attitudes about food, eating and body image you want them to have. Reaching for ice cream for comfort after a tough day at work or bashing your “thunder thighs” every time you put on shorts is a message you’re sending that eventually sticks. You may think your teen isn’t listening or watching, but they are. Finally, don’t assume eating issues are “just a phase” your teen will grow out of. Research shows dealing with concerns about an eating disorder early and getting professional help are key to successfully treating it. Start by scheduling an appointment with your teen’s primary care provider. Sometimes it takes hearing something from someone other than mom and dad for a message to get through. But it may take more. If so, your doctor can offer the appropriate support or referral your teen needs. This article originally ran in the Enquirer Gazette. Authors Lauren Fitzpatrick, MD, medical director, Luminis Health Pediatric Emergency Department.
- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHeart surgery is a major event, and the journey doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. Your diet plays an important role in helping you recover. Arianne Kirby, a dietitian and certified diabetes educator at Luminis Health, answers a few questions about post-surgery nutrition. Do I need to follow a special diet after heart surgery? Ask your cardiologist about dietary choices that are best for you. In general, it’s important to follow a heart-healthy diet to keep your arteries open and promote longevity. If I feel nauseous or don’t feel hungry after surgery, can I just skip meals? You need calories and protein to help your body recover. If you skip meals, you could delay your healing. You also need to drink enough fluids, ideally water, to prevent dehydration. Talk to your surgeon about fluid or other dietary restrictions you should follow. In general, eat a heart-healthy diet of light meals that are low in saturated fat. Should I have a glass of red wine every day? A 5 oz glass of red wine can be beneficial as long as you follow a heart-healthy diet. That means reducing or avoiding sugar and processed foods. A glass of red wine is not a “green light” to eat foods that aren’t otherwise recommended. Do I need to reduce my sodium intake? Everyone needs sodium from food, especially on hot days or after a work-out when you lose a lot of sodium from sweat. The recommended daily amount for most adults is 2300 mg, but talk to your cardiologist about what’s right for you. Is it OK to eat red meat? It’s OK to eat red meat in moderation. Serving size, frequency, type of red meat and the degree of health risk are all under debate within the dietary community. Although red meat is a source of protein, iron, vitamin B12, and zinc, it is also high in cholesterol and saturated fat. If you choose to eat red meat, you should limit or avoid other food sources that are high in cholesterol and saturated fat (foods like cheeses, whole-fat dairy, bacon, sausage, cream, etc.). One suggestion is to keep red meat to a 3-ounce cooked serving, 1-2 times a week and to trim away all visible fat. The rest of the week, replace red meat with chicken, turkey, fish, beans, legumes. If I am cutting out sugar, I can drink diet soda, right? Just because something is sugar-free doesn’t mean it is a healthy food. Artificial sweeteners can cause insulin spikes, which over time can raise blood sugar levels. These drinks also do not contribute any nutritional value to your diet. Learn more about our heart surgery program at Luminis Health.
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogCostumes, candy, spooky stories – whether you are young, or just young at heart, Halloween is a holiday many of us love to celebrate every year. But the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed everything these last few months. Including our favorite holiday traditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines that recommend against trick-or-treating this year, along with other high-risk activities, such as attending Halloween parties inside someone’s house, visiting indoor haunted houses or attending other large, crowded events. We may not be bobbing for apples together. But there are still things you can do to celebrate safely at home with your immediate family. Here are some ideas, courtesy of the CDC. Carve pumpkins with your family. Gather everyone who lives in your home together and have fun carving your spookiest jack-o-lanterns. Take pictures and share them on social media. You could even host an online photo contest and see which ones gets the most likes. Or, you and your neighbors could have a socially distant carving party and carve pumpkins on your front porches. Organize a virtual costume party. Thanks to Zoom and other technology platforms, you can still get together with your friends from the safety of your own home. Log onto your computer, dress up in your best Halloween costume, and let the celebration begin. Hold a Halloween scavenger hunt. Buy some Halloween treats and toys and hide them all around your home or yard for your kids to find. Have a movie night. Halloween is the best time to binge watch scary movies. Cuddle up on the couch and put on your favorite flick. You could even host a group virtual watch party. You could use Zoom and share your screen with your friends. Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime also have remote streaming capabilities. Outside is safer than inside Outdoor activities are safer than indoor ones, as long as you are following COVID-19 safety guidelines. That includes wearing masks, washing hands often and staying at least six feet apart from those who aren’t in your household. The CDC classifies several Halloween activities as moderate risk, such as going to a pumpkin patch or an apple orchard, visiting an open-air haunted forest or having a costume party outside. If you are going to be screaming, stay more than six feet apart. Setting up a table with individually wrapped treats at the end of your driveway or yard for children to take is also a less risky way to participate in Halloween. Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after you put together any goodie bags. Remember that a Halloween mask isn’t the same as wearing a cloth mask. Your mask should have two or more layers of breathable fabric, and cover your mouth and nose. It should not leave gaps around your face. Do not wear a costume mask over your cloth mask, as it may make it difficult to breathe and is a safety hazard. Most importantly, if anyone in your family is sick with COVID-19 symptoms—stay home. From all of us at Luminis Health, we wish you a healthy and safe Halloween with more treats than tricks. Author Jean Murray is the director of Infection Control at Anne Arundel Medical Center.
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