- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, routine screening can reduce the number of people who die from colorectal cancer by at least sixty percent—and that’s just one type of screening. Whether it’s blood sugar for diabetes, mammograms for breast cancer or even monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol for heart disease, screenings are tests that look for diseases before you have symptoms. We refresh and renew our homes like clockwork when spring arrives, but what if we spring clean our health in the same way? A checkup with your primary care provider can help you learn what screenings and tests you might need and when you need them. Screenings help spot problems early, when treatment may be easier and more effective. So, which screenings are for you? Depending on your age, family history, health and risk factors, women may benefit from routine screening for: Cholesterol. Healthy adults should have their cholesterol tested at least every four to six years since high cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Blood pressure. This should be checked at least once every two years since high blood pressure increases risks of heart and kidney disease and stroke. Breast and cervical cancers. Your age and health history determine how often women need tests, like mammograms and PAP tests, that screen for breast and cervical cancers. Sexually transmitted infections. If you’re sexually active and have risk factors, it is important to be screened for sexually transmitted infections. Diabetes. If you have high blood pressure or are on blood pressure medication, you should get screened for diabetes. Colorectal cancer. Most adults should have their first exam at age 50. Your provider can guide you as to which of several available tests is right for you. Osteoporosis. Women should have a bone density scan at least once beginning at age 65. There’s a lot of varying information out there that really does depend on your family history and risk factors. It’s usually best—and you’ll likely feel more comfortable—if you develop an honest, open relationship with your primary care provider as your health partner, so you know what tests are needed and which are not. Remember, it’s a great time for spring cleaning AND spring screenings. Author Schedule your appointment with a primary care provider today and take the first step toward better health.
- Surgery, Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogRobotic surgery allows surgeons to see and perform better. It can lead to less pain and faster recovery. Nicholas C. Lambrou, MD, chief of gynecologic oncology at Luminis Health, is widely recognized as an expert and instructor in robotic gynecologic surgery. He answers a few common questions below. Is robotic surgery new? Robotic surgery has been in use since 2006, so it is not new. I’ve used robotic surgery in more than 4,500 cases. It can perform a hysterectomy, and it can replace the majority of open surgeries for gynecologic oncology. What are the benefits of robotic surgery? Robotic surgery minimizes pain and discomfort. It leads to a shorter recovery period. Patients don’t need an overnight hospital stay, and they recover in two weeks instead of four to six weeks. Many hospitals that use robotic surgery also follow ERAS (enhanced recovery after surgery) protocols. These protocols help reduce stress before and after surgery and help with recovery. What are the risks? The risks for robotic surgery under an experienced surgeon are the same as with conventional surgery, such as anesthesia complications, bleeding and infections. Ask your doctor about the specific risks you should consider. What are the advantages? The advantages of robotic surgery include improved sight and a more specific technique. It’s important to understand that the robot is not performing the surgery. It’s essentially an upgrade on surgical tools that allows the surgeon to see and operate better. How will I know if robotic surgery is right for me? You can ask your doctor if robotic surgery is an alternative option for you. Robotic surgery is not new or unusual, and it can help surgeons achieve the best results. If you have surgery coming up, talk to your doctor about the options available to you. Authors Nicholas C. Lambrou, MD, FACOG, FACS, is the chief of gynecologic oncology at Luminis Health. Dr. Lambrou’s areas of interest include the treatment of women with gynecologic cancer, cancer prevention strategies and advanced gynecologic surgery.
- Digestive CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYour gut can tell you a lot about your overall well-being since it plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity and even mental health. But does that mean you need supplements or vitamins designed to improve gut health? That depends on factors like your diet and lifestyle, and whether you’re facing digestive issues that feel disruptive to your everyday activities. Let’s explore how your gut works, why it matters, and what you can do to keep it healthy. Understanding Gut Health Your gastrointestinal (GI) tract includes your esophagus, stomach and intestines. When you eat, these organs work together to digest food, absorb essential nutrients and eliminate waste. Trillions of microorganisms—including bacteria, fungi and even parasites—live in your gut and play a key role in these processes. The composition of your gut microbiome is affected by many factors, including your diet, medications, genetics and age. Signs of a Healthy Gut A well-balanced gut microbiome often leads to: Clear skin Regular and comfortable bowel movements Steady energy levels However, frequent digestive issues like bloating, cramps, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn or nausea, may signal an imbalance. Other symptoms linked to poor gut health include: Acid reflux and heartburn Allergies and skin rashes Autoimmune issues Chronic bloating or constipation Unexplained fatigue Unexplained weight changes Natural Ways to Improve Gut Health Your daily habits can significantly impact your gut health. Try these natural strategies to keep your digestive system in top shape: Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables Eat slowly to support digestion Exercise regularly Manage stress Prioritize quality sleep Reduce ultra-processed foods Stay hydrated Use antibiotics only when necessary Can Prebiotics and Probiotics Help? Ongoing research suggests that prebiotics and probiotics, which can either be found naturally in certain foods or added to your routine with dietary supplements, can benefit gut health in some cases. However, because not everyone needs supplements—and because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate them—it’s best to consult your primary care doctor before adding prebiotics or probiotics to your routine. A doctor can help you navigate the existing research and keep a pulse on new findings, as well help you decide if any of these gut health remedies are right for you. How Do Prebiotics Work? Prebiotics serve as food for probiotics. They occur naturally in many high-fiber foods, such as: Bananas Beans Berries Garlic Oats Onions But while prebiotic supplements like inulin can enhance gut health, they can also be costly. How Do Probiotics Work? Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that support digestive health. When you consume probiotics through food or supplements, you’re reinforcing your gut’s natural microbiome. Foods rich in probiotics include: Certain cheeses Fermented foods like kimchi, miso, and pickles Sourdough bread Yogurt (with live active cultures) Look for labels that mention “live active cultures” to ensure you’re getting beneficial bacteria. Strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are among the most effective, according to current research, and probiotics with added B12 can further boost your metabolism, energy, and digestion. With so many choices though, finding the right probiotic can be overwhelming. Your doctor can help determine whether a probiotic is right for you, and which best meets your needs. Here When You Need Us If you believe your gut health needs improvement, your next primary care visit is a great time to discuss your concerns with your doctor. Together, you can decide your next steps, including any dietary, lifestyle or supplement changes, and monitor your progress over time. If you don’t have an established relationship with a primary care physician, find a Luminis Health doctor who’s ready to help. Visit Luminis.Health/PrimaryCare to book an appointment. Authors Dr. Ijeoma Nwogu is a primary care physician at Luminis Health who sees patients in Greenbelt, Bowie and Lanham, Maryland.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThis is no ordinary ‘A.’ With patient safety always a top priority, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) is proud to announce it has earned its 13th consecutive ‘A’ Grade from the Leapfrog Safety Grade. This national distinction reflects more than 120 years of trusted high-quality healthcare in the Annapolis region and across the Eastern Shore. According to Leapfrog, LHAAMC has earned ‘Straight A’s’ for every grading period since 2018, making it the only hospital in Maryland to achieve this prestigious honor, and one of 95 hospitals nationwide. “This consistent recognition for patient safety is no easy feat and reflects the dedication and expertise of our entire team of caregivers, all of whom are committed to patient-centered care,” said Sherry Perkins, president of LHAAMC. “As we prepare to celebrate Nurses Week and Healthcare Week, I encourage our community to join me in thanking our physicians, residents, nurses, advance practice providers, technicians, therapists, support staff, and volunteers for always prioritizing the care of our patients.”Luminis Health is dedicated to upholding best practices that prioritize quality, safety, and accountability across all operational areas. Our commitment is demonstrated through safe staffing, safety huddles, multi-disciplinary communication, a focus on well-being and retention of the health care team, workplace safety, community partnerships, and collaboration with patient family advisors. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent, free to the public, and is updated twice a year, in the fall and spring. LHAAMC’s ‘A’ Grade for this grading period places it among the top 32 percent of hospitals nationwide. This achievement builds on the hospital’s recent accolades, including being honored with Healthgrades’ Patient Safety Excellence Award for the third consecutive year, recognized as one of Newsweek’s Best Hospitals in the United States, and named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Hospitals in Maryland, particularly for maternity care. Additionally, the hospital received Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians.
- PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnother school year is here, and parents may ask, “Does my child need immunizations this year?” Immunizations are important because they keep our children safe, protecting them from certain infections and their complications by limiting the spread of illness. Kids usually receive immunizations when they see their pediatrician for an annual back-to-school wellness check-up. It’s a great time for your doctor to check your child’s progress and development and detect any potential problems. A child receives their very first vaccination at birth, an initial dose to protect against hepatitis B. For a complete guide on what ages children should receive vaccines, the CDC’s 2022 update of the “Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for Ages 18 Years or Younger,” is an excellent resource. Keep in mind that teenagers need immunizations, too. Each state decides which vaccines are required for your child’s enrollment and attendance at a childcare facility or school in that state. Polio Returns to the United States In July, the CDC reported a case of polio in an unvaccinated person in Rockland County, New York—the first case in nearly a decade in the United States—and the virus has been detected in that county’s wastewater. Polio is very contagious and can cause paralysis and even death. The CDC recommends children get four doses of polio vaccine, starting at two months. Keep track of your children’s vaccine record since the school where your child enrolls may require proof of vaccination. You can do this through your pediatrician’s office. Most electronic health records (EHRs) feature a patient portal to easily access or download this information. At Luminis Health, that portal is called MyChart. COVID-19 Is Here to Stay The recent appearance of polio in the U.S. has not reduced the importance of the COVID-19 vaccination for children. More than 1 million Americans have died from the virus, and almost 93 million cases have been reported. “We know that COVID-19 is here to stay,” a CDC epidemiologist said at a mid-August news briefing. The CDC recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone six months or older, and boosters for everyone years and older, if eligible. COVID-19 vaccinations for children are safe. The known risks of COVID-19 and possible severe complications outweigh the potential risks of having a rare, harmful reaction to the vaccination. “The vaccines meet the Food and Drug Administration’s rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality,” says the CDC. They also undergo the most intense safety monitoring efforts in our country’s history. Children 6 months to 4 years need a three-dose primary series—initial doses—of Pfizer-BioNTech, or two doses of Moderna. For kids 5 – 17 years, it’s two doses of both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. The CDC says moderately or severely immunocompromised children ages five through 17 years will need a third dose to complete their primary series, then boosters if they’re eligible. Children and teens with a weakened immune system should get one booster for ages five through 11 years and two boosters for ages 12 years and older. Remember that the COVID-19 vaccine can cause short-term side effects such as headache, low fever, or flu-like symptoms.
How can we help?
Common Searches
Common Searches
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?
Your Account
View your Dashboard
Messages
Find Care
Schedule Appointment
My Care Team
My Record
Appointments
Medications
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?