- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s impossible to separate Thanksgiving from the turkey, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie. The big feast can be full of fats and calories, but celebrating the holidays doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite dishes. Some small tweaks can make a big difference. Let’s talk turkey The bird is the main dish so try these healthier tips: Choose a fresh bird rather than processed meat Roast the turkey in its own juices. Don’t deep fry Avoid butter; use cooking sprays instead Apply fresh herbs for seasoning to help reduce the amount of salt Eat white meat which is lower in calories and fat. Skip the dark meat in the thighs and legs Don’t eat the skin Fewer calories, more nutrients Since fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, fill half your plate with them. That can be easier said than done, so try for example, boosting the nutrition of your stuffing by adding celery, mushrooms, apples or cranberries. Mashed potatoes are another must-have on Thanksgiving, but typically have added butter and cream, increasing the amount of fat in an already starchy vegetable. Try using skim milk, light sour cream or Greek yogurt. Go a step further and mix some riced cauliflower with the mashed potatoes to lower the carbohydrate and sugar count. When making gravy, avoid the flour. Instead, make it with reduced-fat chicken broth or turkey stock. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and antioxidants. But on Thanksgiving, many of us spruce it up with butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows. For a simple substitute for sugar, try plant based zero calorie sweeteners such as Stevia or Truvia. Green bean casserole is another popular side dish that is often topped with fried onions and made with condensed cream of mushroom soup, both of which add fats, carbohydrates and sodium to the very nutritious green bean. This year, keep it simple and just roast or steam fresh green beans. Tasty treats Take a break before dessert. A short walk will do you a lot of good. When whipping up your favorite baked goods or pie, you can decrease the amount of sugar in any recipe by 25 percent without compromising flavor. You can also use unsweetened applesauce in place of sugar in baking recipes. Replace the sugar with applesauce in a one-to-one ratio: For example, one cup of sugar would be replaced with one cup of applesauce. Sugar can exact a significant toll on our health when consumed excessively. Luminis Health sees the resulting effect in our medical practices with a 1-2 percent drop in diabetic control each year in January. When making pies, hold the crust. It’s full of fat and calories. If you must have crust, use one layer rather than on the bottom and top. For pumpkin pie lovers, you will be happy to learn pumpkin is one of nature’s season superfoods. Pumpkin is heart healthy. It’s rich in potassium, which can help regulate your blood sugar, and rich in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants—all of which help prevent heart disease. In addition, pumpkin can: improve your vision because it’s rich in beta carotene, an antioxidant that your body turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A helps you see more clearly in low light. lower your cancer risk with its jam-packed combination of cancer-fighting nutrients and antioxidants. boost your immunity with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, folate and iron, all of which help your body be more effective at fighting off germs. leave you feeling full for longer because it’s high in fiber. Other Reminders Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Adding extra calories with alcohol, soda or juices isn’t worth it when you have so many tasty food options to put on your plate. Remember that Thanksgiving is only once a year, so enjoy your favorite family dishes while following portion size control and keeping leftovers to a minimum.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnnapolis, MD— Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC), the premier hospital serving the Annapolis region, Maryland’s eastern shore, and surrounding communities, has earned its 14th consecutive “A” Grade for patient safety from the Leapfrog Safety Grade. According to Leapfrog, LHAAMC is one of only 18 hospitals nationwide, and the only hospital in Maryland, to earn ‘Straight A’s’ in every Leapfrog grading period since 2018, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in patient safety and quality care. "In the few months since becoming hospital president, I have been continually impressed by the dedication of our entire team to providing high-quality, patient-centered care,” said Catherine Maloney, president of LHAAMC and Luminis Health’s chief operating officer. “Patient safety is at the heart of everything we do, and this recognition reaffirms our legacy of excellence and the trust we have built over more than 120 years with the communities we serve." 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 that grades general hospitals across the country on how well they protect patients from preventable harm. Grades are based on performance measures related to errors, injuries, infections, and best practices that improve safety. Scores are peer-reviewed, publicly reported, and updated twice a year. This recognition builds on the hospital’s recent accolades, including being named one of five Age-Friendly Health System Pioneers nationwide by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. LHAAMC is also consistently recognized as one of Newsweek’s Best Hospitals in the United States, and one of the Best Hospitals in Maryland by U.S. News & World Report, particularly for maternity care.
- Weight LossGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThis may be the year you make changes in your life. Losing weight and keeping it off isn’t easy, no matter how hard you try. If you’re considering weight loss surgery, chances are you’ve tried changing your diet and exercise routines many times without seeing lasting results. In fact, if you have a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 35, the chances of reaching a normal body weight for a lasting period of time is less than one percent, according to research by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Weight loss surgery could be the answer. If you’ve been wondering if you might be a candidate, we’re here to help you sort through some important considerations. You can start by finding answers to these questions: Do you meet the medical guidelines? Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, isn’t the right choice for everyone trying to lose weight. In fact, the National Institutes of Health has developed guidelines to help you decide. It’s worth looking into if: You have a BMI of 40 or more (you can calculate your BMI here). You have a BMI of at least 35 and a related health problem such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or sleep apnea. You have a BMI of at least 35, and type 2 diabetes that’s difficult to control. Do you know the benefits and risks? Surgical weight loss changes how your digestive system works, reducing the amount of food your stomach can hold and calories your body can absorb. It also affects how some hormones work, which assists in weight loss. You should work with a multi-disciplinary team to choose the type of surgery that fits your needs, such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy or a new option called SADI-S (single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve), which combines the restrictive power of a sleeve gastrectomy with the malabsorptive power of the gastric bypass. The results can be life changing. Weight loss surgery helps people lose as much as 77% of their excess weight 12 months later. It also helps people live longer healthier lives and can prevent or improve more than 40 obesity-related health issues, including: Heart disease High blood pressure Joint pain Sleep problems Type 2 diabetes Obesity related cancers What’s more, many people who’ve had weight loss surgery say they feel more energized, can move around more easily, and enjoy a better quality of life. For most people, these benefits far exceed the risks. But before signing up, you should talk to a surgeon to make sure you fully understand your risks. Are you ready to commit to a long-term change? It’s important to remember that the life-long benefits of surgery come along with a long-term commitment. You will need to meet program requirements, including nutrition classes, to be approved for your procedure. A bariatric optimization program, which includes physical therapy and nutritional guidance, can help. After your surgery, you will have to follow specific plans to best utilize the changes in your body and optimize for success. You’ll also need to carefully stick to a nutrition plan and attend follow-up appointments to keep your progress on track. Have you researched the specifics? Some insurance plans cover the costs of weight loss surgery, including Medicare and some Medicaid programs. As part of this coverage, be prepared with certain records to show why you need the procedure. Your medical team will help you understand your options for paying for your surgery and tell you about other information you need to know ahead of time. Some healthcare systems offer educational sessions, such as the free weight loss seminar hosted by Luminis Health, to help you get the process started and understand these details before you move forward. Luminis Health is hosting virtual seminars throughout January and February. Have you considered all you have to gain? If you’re interested in weight loss surgery, it’s worth taking the next step. Remember, it’s not about what you have to lose, it’s what you could gain with a strong team by your side: better health, a more active lifestyle and greater self-confidence. If you’re ready to take the next step, please call (443) 481-6699 or click here to sign up for a free webinar. Authors Dr. Alejandro Gandsas, Dr. Courtney Doyle, and Dr. Jilian Nicholas are bariatric surgeons at Luminis Health.
- Lung Care, Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogEvery year, nearly 230,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer. While most people who develop the disease have a history of tobacco use, never-smokers (people who have never smoked) account for up to 20 percent of cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Lung Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder to understand your lung cancer risks and whether screening is right for you. Here’s what to know if you currently use tobacco, used to smoke tobacco, smoke marijuana, or vape. The changing face of lung cancer For decades, lung cancer was associated with older men with a long history of smoking. Today, lung cancer is increasingly found in women, those who have never smoked, and people at younger ages. These trends are concerning because people in these groups often miss the early warning signs. Many are treated for conditions such as adult-onset asthma, allergies, or pneumonia before discovering they actually have lung cancer. By that point, the disease is often advanced and harder to treat. Many lung cancers found in never-smokers also involve a genetic mutation or alteration in the cancer that affects treatment options. Who should get screened? A low-dose chest CT scan is the most effective way to detect lung cancer early, when it’s easiest to treat. However, only the highest risk people are recommended to undergo screening. The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening for adults ages 50 to 80 who have at least a 20 pack-year cigarette smoking history (a pack-year is the equivalent of one pack of cigarettes per day for a year). Other factors that increase lung cancer risk include: Have a family history of lung cancer in first-degree relative Have a personal history of chronic lung disease (COPD, pulmonary fibrosis) Have been exposed to radon or asbestos Personal history of cancer or have received chest radiation previously Occupational exposures (coal smoke, diesel fumes, silica, and others) If you don’t meet criteria for lung cancer screening but have other risk factors, please discuss with your primary care provider as lung imaging may be indicated. What about marijuana and vaping? Cigarette smoking is the most significant risk factor for lung cancer, but while research is still emerging, marijuana and vaping can also harm your lungs. Marijuana use has climbed more than 20 percent in states where it’s legal, including Maryland. Marijuana smoke contains many of the same chemicals found in cigarettes, such as ammonia, benzene, carbon monoxide, cyanide, and tar—all linked to higher cancer risk. It also irritates the lungs and can cause chronic bronchitis, which leads to more mucus, persistent coughing, and shortness of breath. Vaping liquids contain fewer chemicals than cigarettes, but some ingredients, such as formaldehyde, heavy metals, and benzene, raise health concerns. Recent research connects vaping to biomarkers like DNA damage and cell death, which are associated with a higher cancer risk. Vaping also raises the risk of other lung diseases, including e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI), which causes lung scarring and inflammation. Chemicals that sweeten vaping liquids are also linked to bronchiolitis obliterans, or “popcorn lung,” a condition that narrows airways and makes breathing difficult. Protect your health Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, and according to the latest state data, 9 percent of adults in Maryland smoke cigarettes. While this rate has significantly decreased over the past decade, many Marylanders continue to smoke. If you use tobacco, please call 443-481-5366 to speak with a Luminis Health tobacco treatment specialist about free resources and medication available to help you quit. Whether you smoke or not, if you experience concerning symptoms such as recurring respiratory infections, trouble breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, or an enduring cough, talk to your primary care provider about options for you. You may not qualify for lung screening, but a more in-depth evaluation including a diagnostic CT scan can lead to earlier detection, more effective treatment, and better outcomes. Visit Luminis.Health/PrimaryCare to make an appointment today. Authors Stephen M. Cattaneo, MD, is the Medical Director of Thoracic Oncology and the Division Director of Surgical Oncology at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center.
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHere’s an age-old truth: Maryland’s population is aging slightly faster than the rest of the country, meaning more families here are navigating the complexities of caring for older loved ones. At Luminis Health, we are committed to Age-Friendly Care—an approach that centers on what matters most to older adults and their families. We follow the nationally recognized 4M’s framework: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility. What is Asymptomatic Bacteriuria? One important topic that can be tough to talk about and causes confusion is asymptomatic bacteriuria. This happens when bacteria are found in the urine, but there are no symptoms of infection. This condition is very common in older adults, especially women after menopause, when lower estrogen levels reduce protective bacteria. Unfortunately, asymptomatic bacteriuria is often mistaken for a urinary tract infection (UTI), leading to unnecessary prescriptions for antibiotics. Here’s what you should know about asymptomatic bacteriuria: It’s not a UTI. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is different from an infection. A positive urine culture or high white blood cell count doesn’t always mean antibiotics are needed. It does not cause confusion, falls, or weakness. If your loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it could possibly be dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or medications. Antibiotics are often unnecessary and can be harmful. Overuse of antibiotics offers no benefit in treating this condition and can increase risks of diarrhea, colitis, allergic reactions, drug interactions, and dangerous drug-resistant infections and worse. There are safer alternatives. Good daily hygiene with perineal cleaning, vaginal creams, and probiotics can help restore protective bacteria and pH without the risks of antibiotics. So, when do antibiotics make sense? Only when your care provider carefully assesses symptoms, reviews medical history, and determines there are true signs of infection. This is where the 4M’s guide our patient-centered care. The 4M's to Patient-Centered Care What Matters Listening to patients and families about their goals, comfort, and preferences. Medication Avoiding unnecessary antibiotics that can do more harm than good. Mentation Recognizing that confusion in older adults has many causes, not just bacteria in the urine. Mobility Helping older adults stay active and safe, instead of sidelined by side effects from inappropriate treatment. By following this evidence-based approach, we ensure older adults get the right care at the right time—protecting their health, independence, and quality of life. Age-Friendly Care Luminis Health is committed to championing Age-Friendly Care for our community. We’re proud that Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis is one of only five hospitals nationwide recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System Pioneer by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham, along with our primary care practices, have earned the Age-Friendly Healthy System Level 2 – Committed to Care Excellence designation. As Maryland continues to age ahead of the national curve, these conversations matter more than ever—for our parents, grandparents, and all of us who love them. View and share our flyer about antibiotics for elder women, which is also available in Spanish. Authors Mary Clance, MD MPH is a Hospital Epidemiologist at Luminis Health.
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