- OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn one way, a bone fracture is similar to a heart attack — they are both a sign that something is wrong. Just like a heart attack triggers evaluation of cardiac risk factors like cholesterol and blood pressure, a fracture should trigger a workup of risk factors for osteoporosis. Although you don’t feel it, your bones are constantly repairing and replacing old bone with new bone. But by the time you reach your mid-30s, you begin to lose bone faster than you replace it. For women, menopause speeds up this process. Over time, this leads to thinner, weaker bones and the potential for developing osteoporosis. READ MORE: No bones about it: Preventing osteoporosis with these diet and exercise habits Osteoporosis is a disease that happens when your body loses too much bone, makes too little bone or both, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. This leads to weaker bones that can easily break from a fall. And in severe cases, bones can break from sneezing or small bumps. Osteoporosis is a painless disease until a bone breaks. Bone breaks related to this disease are most likely to happen in the hip, spine or wrist, but other bones can break too. Loss of height can be a sign of a vertebra, or spine, fracture, which can also lead to a stooped or hunched posture. One in two women over the age of 50 has an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime. It’s important that you get a bone density scan (DEXA scan) to measure bone density and incorporate lifestyle habits that can slow down the weakening of bones. This helps reduce your risk of fractures. A DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan can diagnose osteoporosis. It uses very little radiation and produces detailed information about your bone density. Information is collected and compared to a reference group to determine your “T score.” A “T score” equal to or lower than -2.5 is considered osteoporosis. There’s also a Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®) for evaluating fracture risk. Using the results of the DEXA scan, a FRAX score estimates the risk of a fracture within 10 years. Unfortunately, many women don’t get screened. Even if they have a fragility fracture, many don’t realize that’s a sign they may have osteoporosis. Bones shouldn’t break with low-energy falls such as from standing height or less. When they do, your doctor may want to run blood and bone density tests to determine if you have osteoporosis. If diagnosed, you should learn about weight-bearing exercise, fall prevention, nutrition and medication options for healthy bones. Here are some tips to improve your bone health and reduce your risk of fragility fracture: Pay attention to your calcium intake. Calcium is essential to building strong, dense bones. In fact, over 90 percent of the calcium in our bodies is deposited in our bones and teeth. Try to get 1,200 mg of calcium a day, preferably from food. If you don’t get enough from food, add a 500-600 mg calcium pill. Get enough vitamin D. Like calcium, Vitamin D supports the maintenance of healthy bones at all ages. Many people benefit from a supplement of 800-1,000 iu per day. Incorporate weight-bearing exercise into your lifestyle. Try walking 30 minutes a day. Plus, lift weights two or three days per week when cleared by your doctor. Or, if you want to have a little fun, you can play tennis, dance or go for a hike. Evaluate your home. Throw rugs, slippery surfaces and poorly lit hallways can lead to falls and then fractures. Make sure you make your surroundings safe and make any changes that are necessary. Get your eyes checked. If your sight is impaired, your chance of falling is higher. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible. Eliminate vices. Alcohol and tobacco are two common vices that are detrimental to your bone health. Educate yourself. There are many good resources on the web, including the National Osteoporosis Foundation: www.nof.org. Although osteoporosis is common, it is still a serious, painful and costly disease that can sneak up on you and change your life completely. By talking to your doctor, getting screened and making small changes for your health, you could reduce the risk of developing weak bones. Be good to your bones and they will treat you right! Author Christina Morganti, MD, is a former orthopedic surgeon and medical director of the Osteoporosis Program at Anne Arundel Medical Center Orthopedics. She can be reached at 410-268-8862. Originally published May 28, 2018. Last updated Apr 16, 2026.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogToday Luminis Health, the non-profit health system formed in 2019 by Anne Arundel Medical Center and Doctors Community Medical Center (formerly Doctors Community Hospital), unveiled its new brand. A new logo, color scheme and social media pages signify the coming together of the two organizations under the Luminis Health masterbrand. The symbol element of the logo represents a beacon conveying the health system’s commitment to being a force of hope and healing for the region, while igniting new possibilities for how and where health care is delivered. The primary colors, green and yellow, denote the science and humanity at the health system’s core. “Anne Arundel Medical Center and Doctors Community Medical Center have come together to remove barriers to health,” says Victoria Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “One way we are doing this is by unifying everything we do under a single system brand. Our brand is about making health care easier, more personal and built specifically for the communities that we —and our patients— call home.” “Our brand defines who we are and what we stand for,” says Loren Farquhar, vice president of Marketing and Communications. “It guides how we express ourselves and reflects our dedication to our patients, fellow employees and the broader community. The geometric facets of the beacon speak to our expertise. The light illuminating from the center is symbolic of our optimism. In addition to our primary colors, the soft forms of our logotype help bring forth our sense of humanity.” This year, Luminis Health also sets course on Vision 2030, the health system’s ten-year strategic plan that will guide it into the future. Among the first actions on the agenda is expanding obstetric services in Prince George’s County and improving access to behavioral health care. “We are building an agile system of care, delivering high quality care in an optimal way by expanding our footprint, mobilizing our services, sparking justice and creativity, and enhancing health in our communities,” Bayless continued. In addition to Anne Arundel Medical Center and Doctors Community Medical Center, Luminis Health is comprised of the J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center, one of the only free-standing mental health hospitals in Maryland, as well as multi-specialty ambulatory sites and clinics, physician practices and clinical service lines that constitute Luminis Health Clinical Enterprise. With 635 licensed beds and more than 80 sites of care in the region, Luminis Health has 6,400 employees, 1,800 medical staff, 1,300 volunteers and serves residents of Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County and the Eastern Shore.0
- Complete Care for Joint PainAt Luminis Health, many kinds of experts come together to treat arthritis and joint pain in different ways. Working together, we can get you back on the move, so you can return to doing what's important to you. The tools we use are:Braces and assistive devices. These devices take stress off of your joint by providing extra support. They can also stop your joint from moving in ways that cause pain.Injection therapy. This can deliver a dose of pain-relieving or numbing medication right where you need it. Or it may involve injecting a fluid that helps the joint move more smoothly.Low Dose Radiation Therapy. This can reduce pain and stiffness caused by inflammatory and degenerative conditions of the tendons, joints and other soft tissues. Learn more!Medication. We might recommend an over-the-counter medication or write you a prescription. These medicines are only one piece of the puzzle, though. Exercise and physical therapy are far more effective at helping you move better and reduce your discomfort long term. Medications can make it easier for you to take part in these treatments.Physical therapy. Our physical therapists can prescribe low-impact exercises to strengthen your muscles, which eases stress on your joint. Other exercises can reduce stiffness so you can move the joint more freely. If you don't stay active, your joint pain can get worse. What's more, weak muscles make it harder for you to move.Weight management programs. Extra weight puts more stress on your knees and hips. In fact, losing just five pounds takes 15 pounds of pressure off each knee every time you take a step. We can help you create eating and exercise plans that fit into your life.Joint replacement surgery. Once non-surgical options no longer provide the relief you need, your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery. Total joint replacement has a strong, proven track record for safety and success.Ready for surgery?Once non-surgical options no longer provide the relief you need, your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery. Total joint replacement has a strong, proven track record for safety and success. Luminis Health Orthopedics delivers nationally recognized joint care, right here in Maryland. Our experts guide you from preparation to recovery, helping you move confidently and live pain-free. Our surgeons offer:Hip replacement Knee replacementAnkle replacementElbow replacementShoulder replacementWhat Is Osteoarthritis?When you have osteoarthritis, the cartilage "cushion" between the bones in one of your joints is wearing away. Normal aging or an earlier injury, like a torn knee ligament, can cause it. Stress from excess body weight also speeds up this loss. Your genes play a role, too, as "weak" cartilage runs in some families. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 32.5 million U.S. adults are living with osteoarthritis.As the cartilage breaks down, the body releases substances that cause pain, stiffness and swelling. In fact, the name arthritis comes from a Greek word that means "disease of the joint." Severe cartilage loss causes pain in another way, too. Without enough of it to keep bones in the joint from gliding against each other smoothly, bone grinds against bone.At Luminis Health, we offer a full range of non-surgical treatments to help you manage arthritis and joint pain. We can also recommend ways to keep the damage from getting worse.ConditionConditions/Services/Treatments PageArthritis and Joint Pain Don’t let joint pain keep you from the life you love. Luminis Health Orthopedics is ready when you are with expert care to help you move comfortably and confidently again.We offer a full range of treatments for arthritis and joint pain. Whether you have mild discomfort or severe pain, we can help.0
- General Page - Tier 2What is a Caregiver? A caregiver is simply someone who gives care to others. Caregiving might involve anything from helping an elderly parent organize their medications to providing round-the-clock care for a disabled child. A caregiver might be the mother of an adult with special needs, a husband or wife caring for a spouse with a chronic illness, or an older adult looking after a sibling with dementia. A caregiver does not need to be a family member. They may be a friend or companion of the person. They may give care 24/7, a few days a week, or on a part-time basis. The Unique Challenges of Caregiving Often, a caregiver doesn't have medical training, though may be expected to: Take on a new role that you feel completely unprepared for. You may never have pictured yourself in this situation, and you're not sure how to handle it. Be available round-the-clock. Be an advocate. Devote large amounts of time, energy, and resources towards managing complex medical care. Caregivers often feel overwhelmed, especially as a loved one's health gets worse. The demands of providing care can feel all-consuming, especially if you're still working, under a financial strain, or have other family obligations. Caregivers may experience stress, anxiety, depression, and physical health problems., At Luminis Health, we encourage caregivers to take care of their own needs as well as those of your care recipient. We address these needs as the “4Ms" — and here are some tips for managing them., Tips for Avoiding Caregiver Burnout Caregiving can take its toll on you emotionally and physically. To be able to take care of others you need to take care of yourself. Identify your support system. Make a list of key people in your life and those of your loved one. These people could be family, friends, neighbors, or members of your place of worship. Keep a visible calendar. It should be large and hung in a place where every visitor can see it. You can track appointments, needs, and visitors. You may want to highlight items or tasks that still need to be covered. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Most people genuinely want to lend a hand, but they don't know what you need. When someone says, “Let me know what I can do to help," give them a specific task (or choice of tasks). If you leave it vague, they won't know how to help — or they may assume you have all the help you need. Make a list of specific activities for helpers. That could include housework, shopping, laundry, delivering meals, visits, driving them to their doctor's appointments or other outings, or simply providing you with a few hours of respite. Schedule daily and weekly breaks. Sometimes just getting out for a couple hours — whether you have coffee with a friend, take in a movie, or go for a walk — can refresh and energize you. Create a Caregiver Healthcare Organizer , using a 3-ring notebook to collect all pertinent documents, history, calendars, medication lists, etc. for the person you care for. Then bring the organizer and all current medications to all medical appointments as a resource. View suggested content for your organizer here. Resources for Caregivers Fortunately, there are places to turn to help when it comes to caring for caregivers. Discuss caregiving with medical providers and nursing staff. They can walk you through what you might need to do as a caregiver and can offer access to support groups. For those who are hospitalized, the Luminis Health Expanded Guide for Caregivers and Care Partners discusses the invaluable role of Caregivers as they collaborate with the Healthcare Team, and questions to address prior to transitions home from the hospital. The Maryland Department of Aging and the Alzheimer's Association offer a wide range of support programs for caregivers, as well as legal and financial resources. Connecting with other people in your situation can be invaluable. There are many valuable articles and resources available at AARP caregiving page AARP.org/caregiving , including an excellent overview on Lessons AARP caregiving lessons page Every Family Caregiver Needs to Learn . Other resources include: Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities Prince George's County Aging and Disabilities Services National Caregiver Support Program United Hospital Fund Next Step in Care The Conversation Project Prince George's County Council Senior Resources Alzheimer's and dementia caregiving Alzheimer's patient and caregiver app Dementia Friendly America Video resources for caregivers: Age Friendly Care Defined Age Friendly Care Defined Older Adults & Medication Older Adults & Medication Dementia vs. Normal Memory Loss Dementia vs. Normal Memory Loss Mobility & Preventing Falls Mobility & Preventing FallsIf you have ever been a caregiver, you understand the unique rewards — and challenges — of looking after a loved one. You want to give them the best possible care from day to day, but being a caregiver can often feel overwhelming, lonely, and stressful. At Luminis Health, our goal is to provide support, educational tools, and comfort to caregivers of all ages. Here are some important things to know about being a caregiver.0
- Behavioral Health, CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAbout four in ten adults (or 42 percent of Americans) report that there is a gun in their household. Recent data shows that more people died from firearm injuries in the United States last year than in any other year since 1968, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Gun-related injury and death remains one of the most seriously, and largely unaddressed, challenges facing the country. As the number of firearm homicides and suicides rise, the medical community is taking notice and action to treat the issue as a public health concern. Well over 100 professional organizations, including the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, and the American Public Health Association, have identified gun violence as a threat to the health of the nation and have issued calls to action around gun safety. At Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC), leaders in ethics and medicine are working together to lay the groundwork for a policy on how clinicians can counsel patients on gun safety. “The perfect storm is brewing for us to no longer turn our back,” says David Moller, Ph.D., chief of clinical and organizational ethics at AAMC, in reference to gun safety. “It’s always about the people and, as medical professionals, we have a moral obligation to keep our communities healthy and safe.” READ MORE: Tips for talking to kids after traumatic events What does gun safety look like from a physician perspective? “My responsibility as a physician is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients,” says Vincent DeCicco, DO, family physician at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Annapolis Primary Care. “To me, it’s like talking to patients about their risk for heart disease. My moral obligation is to ask patients about their behaviors and help them get on a healthier track. ” Dr. DeCicco says conversations about gun safety with patients start by encouraging healthy behaviors, which means owning a firearm in a responsible and safe manner. “Public health comes down to encouraging healthy behaviors,” adds Dr. DeCicco. “I won’t take your weapon away as a physician, but I do have a moral obligation to talk to you about the responsibility that comes with it.” Andrew McGlone, MD, physician at AAMG Annapolis Primary Care, concurs that gun safety is a public health issue. “The medical community is positioned to play a significant role in the reduction of injury and death from firearms,” he says. “We can start by promoting gun safety to decrease unauthorized access for children, adolescents, and patients at risk for suicide. Approximately 40 percent of gun deaths in Maryland are from suicide. Research estimates that 45 percent of suicide victims in the United States were in contact with a primary care provider within one month of suicide. Empowering health providers, patients and their families to have honest and stigma-free conversations about mental health, suicide risk and gun safety is imperative.” How can a public health approach help with gun safety? Like other major health threats, Moller says the medical community can help reduce avoidable gun-related injuries and deaths using a public health approach. Using domestic violence as an example, he says medical professionals needed to think bigger and broader about how to solve the problem to achieve substantive change. “As cases of domestic violence increased, medical professionals began to develop the idea that we needed a different approach, says Moller. “We began to reframe the problem of domestic violence away from the individual encounter and began looking at it as a community and public health problem.” As a result, health providers today often screen their patients for signs of abuse and many hospitals are providing coordinated services to domestic violence victims. Similarly, Moller says starting a conversation together about reasonable, sensible solutions and recommendations on gun safety, storage, accessibility, and health is pivotal. “This conversation is not aimed at taking away the legitimate right of people to own and use guns, but at minimizing the violence and the mortality that is associated with the role of guns in American society,” he adds. “It has to start with a conversation, and that conversation has to be reasonable, sensible and civil. For us in the medical profession, this transcends politics. Harm reduction is not the same as gun control. This is not political advocacy, it’s patient advocacy.” Originally published in What’s Up Magazine. Authors David Moller, Ph.D., is chief of clinical and organizational ethics at AAMC. Vincent DeCicco, DO, is a family physician at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Annapolis Primary Care. To reach him, call 443-270-8600. Andrew McGlone, MD, is a physician at AAMG Annapolis Primary Care. To reach him, call 443-481-1150.0
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