- 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 Okay 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 3BlogWearing a mask is becoming optional for students in many parts of the country. Recently, Maryland lifted its statewide mask mandate for schools. This comes on the heels of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) easing mask recommendations under a new protocol to monitor COVID-19 and parents may be looking for ways to talk to their child or teen to help manage masking expectations. The new guidelines classify the country into low, medium and high levels of disease to provide individuals with an understanding of what precautions they should consider based on the level of disease in their community, their underlying risk, and their own risk tolerance. With most children ages 5 and older now able to get COVID vaccines, students have more protection from the virus than they had when the school year began. And because new COVID-19 cases and virus-related hospitalizations have fallen significantly following the Omicron surge, school districts are providing new guidance for masking that may leave some kids and teenagers uncomfortable, while others may be jumping for joy. Still, the risks COVID poses haven’t been eliminated. And for some people those risks are higher than others. When it comes to masking, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your family based on your circumstances. Help your children understand the reasons behind your decision and emphasize the importance of respecting each family’s decision. It’s an important conversation — and that’s why we are weighing in with some helpful tips. When You Want Your Child or Teen to Continue Masking Up In general, COVID-19 is milder in children and teens than adults. However, certain medical issues, including diabetes, obesity and cancer may put kids at risk for more severe COVID disease. If your child has any of these conditions — or if someone in your household is at risk and your child could bring COVID home to them — you may, understandably, want your child to continue to wear a mask. Some parents have expressed concerns about how their children may be treated if they continue masking when most students go mask-free. And let’s be honest: Children can be cruel. It’s not unusual for kids to bully those who make different choices. And many times, kids feel pressured to conform. It’s important to remember that the COVID pandemic has been traumatic to everyone, and kindness is necessary for all of our healing. A heartfelt conversation with your child or teen may make things easier. Here are some tips: In an age-appropriate way, explain why wearing a mask is important and how it can help protect them and others. But try not to cause them to worry. Just help them understand why masking up is the right thing to do. Invite your child or teen to talk with you about their concerns or fears about continuing to wear a mask. Try to be understanding and to offer guidance on how to respond if your kids feel peer pressure. Make it clear that you’re trying to do what’s best for everyone in your family, just as other parents are trying to do what’s best for theirs — even if their choices are different. Remind your child or teen to tell someone if they feel bullied. And don’t hesitate to take concerns about bullying to school officials. It’s their goal to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and safe. Set a good example. Wear your own mask when you’re in public or around other people. When you’re with your child or teen, avoid being critical of others who go without masks. When You Allow Your Child to Go Mask-Free If you decide it’s OK for your child or high schooler to attend school without a mask, all the same principles should apply to the conversation, including: Advising your child to be respectful of others who continue to wear masks. Explain that while you may feel it’s best for your child to go mask-free, other children have good reasons for masking — and no one should make them feel bad about it. Encouraging your child to stand up for kids if others are bullying them. Tell your child they can help by alerting a trusted adult. Remind your child that no one should judge another person because they’re different. Keep COVID Safety In Mind Of course, it’s also important to remember that while masks are now optional, COVID isn’t over. Everyone must continue to be cautious. Along with following CDC guidelines concerning vaccinating your child, it’s important to: Avoid letting your child be around others who are sick. Be on the lookout for COVID symptoms for at least 10 days if your child has close contact with someone who has COVID-19. If they’re up to date on their vaccine, there’s no need for them to quarantine. But if they’re not, they should stay home for at least five days. They should get tested for COVID at least five days after their contact even if they don’t have symptoms. Keep your child home from school and away from others if they develop COVID symptoms. Try to get them tested right way. And make sure they wear a mask around others in your home. Make sure to follow CDC guidelines for caring for someone with COVID if your child is diagnosed with the disease. By taking precautions, you’ll help keep your child and others safe. Authors Betina Franceschini, MD, is a pediatric hospitalist at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Pediatric Emergency Department.
- Plastic Surgery & Skin Care, Wound CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogOne concern that many patients have when they undergo surgery is “what will the scar look like?” All surgeries result in scars, and sometimes scars can become unsightly or painful for certain patients. This article discusses a bit more about what a scar is and different treatments for scars. What is a Scar? A scar is the body’s natural way of healing itself after injury. Scars are formed from a protein in your body called collagen. A scar can take up to a full 2 years to heal. Scars often start out as red and raised and will gradually flatten over time. Some patients have keloid scarring, which is characterized by round, irregular, and thick scars that grow beyond the edges of a wound. Keloid scars are most common in darker-skinned people and can occur anywhere on the body. In comparison, a hypertrophic scar is one that is thick, red, and raised, however, it has not grown beyond the edges of a wound. How do you treat a scar? For most patients, time and patience will heal all scars. It can be difficult to wait and watch you scar, but one of the most important factors for overall scar health is allowing the body to heal naturally. Some patients like to modulate the scarring process by introducing scar creams, such as ones that contain silicone and sunscreen. Silicone helps a scar heal by providing moisture and reducing collagen production, meaning it helps a scar become softer and flatter. Sunscreen is essential for all scars, as they are very susceptible to sun exposure and burning. Most patients respond well to topical scar creams, however, some patients need additional therapy. For patients who have hypertrophic or keloid scars, a steroid injection will help to flatten and lighten the area. Other patients respond well to laser therapies where the top layer of the scar can be removed and lightened. If all the non-invasive scar treatments do not work, the most definitive way to treat a scar is to perform surgery to remove the old scar and create a new one. Surgeons often use different material during a secondary procedure that produces less inflammation and lessens the chances of a reactive scar. Takeaway All patients, and all scars, are different. No two patients will have the same outcome and every treatment is unique. If you have a scar that you wish was different, please contact the plastic surgery team at Luminis Health to discuss different options. Authors Tripp Holton, MD, is a plastic surgeon and the director of microvascular surgery at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. He has extensive expertise in reconstructive microsurgery, including reconstruction of the head and neck, breast, and extremities.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health has named Stephen S. Campbell, MHA, vice president of marketing and communications. Campbell has more than 25 years’ experience in healthcare, and most recently served in a similar role with University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. He will serve as chief marketing and communications officer for Luminis Health and will be based in Annapolis. “I am enthusiastic about having someone with Steve’s breadth and depth of experience join our team,” said Tori Bayless, chief executive officer of Luminis Health. “As a leading health system in Maryland, Luminis Health ’s mission is to enhance the health of the people we serve. Steve and his team will be instrumental in helping us achieve our Vision 2030 goals.” “I am looking forward to joining the Luminis Health team at this exciting time,” said Campbell. “Vision 2030 is inspiring for me, and I believe it will make a real difference in the health of the communities served. I can’t think of a better place to be.”
- Blood Donation, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFor Debra Taylor, blood donations are critical to keeping her alive. Taylor was recently diagnosed with a rare condition called severe aplastic anemia, and since her bone marrow doesn’t make enough red blood cells, she needs regular blood transfusions. We spoke with Taylor, an occupational therapist, about what it’s like to need blood transfusions and how blood donations truly save lives. How Often do You Receive Blood Transfusions? I’ve been receiving either one or two units of blood, or one unit of platelets, every single week since September 2020. Each week, I get my blood drawn to determine where my red blood cell levels are and whether I need a transfusion. There’s never been a week where I didn’t need something. Some days, I even need two units of blood because my levels are so low. Why do You Need Blood Transfusions? I need transfusions to stay alive. With blood platelets, having between 150,000 and 400,000 platelets per microliter of blood is considered normal. Today, I was at 33,000 platelets. Two days ago, I was at 7,000. If my platelet levels go below 10,000, I get a platelet transfusion. I get a blood transfusion depending on my hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. If I don’t get a transfusion, I could die or bleed out with something as simple as a minor injury. What Message do You Have for People Thinking About Donating Blood? Without blood, I’ll die. And others like me will die. My message is simple: Please donate. Because millions of people need it. What Gives You Hope? A: People in my situation can get very depressed. Since I’m severely immunocompromised, I can’t go anywhere, especially with the risk of COVID-19. But I feel hope in the promise that I may be able to get a bone marrow transplant soon that will help me, or that someday, I will be healthy enough to even donate blood myself again. For now, the thing that’s kept joy, happiness and love in my life is my grandson. He just turned 6 months old. His face gives me a reason to keep going. I want to watch him go to kindergarten and high school and so on. I also try to treat my transfusions like a day at the spa. The transfusion center provides me with a heated chair that reclines. I have my own TV. Hot chocolate. They always ask if I need anything. It’s scary how low my levels get, but the transfusions keep me alive. Ways You Can Help Taylor and Others Like Taylor, many patients rely on life-saving blood donations. Our Blood Donor Center helps patients heal and recover from conditions, including fractures, pregnancy, lung disease and more. If you can’t give blood, there are other ways to help, including hosting a blood drive or spreading the word about the need for donations. To Donate Blood For an appointment to donate call the LHAAMC Blood Donor Center at 443-481-4215. To have a blood mobile drive at your next function (i.e., community or church function), call 443-481-4272.
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