- 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. Aquí va una verdad de toda la sangre: La población de Maryland envejece ligeramente más rápido que en el resto del país, lo que significa que más familias aquí están enfrentándose a las complejidades del cuidado de seres queridos mayores. En Luminis Health, estamos comprometidos con la Atención Amigable con la Edad, un enfoque que se centra en lo que más importa para los adultos mayores y sus familias. Seguimos el marco nacionalmente reconocido las 4M: Lo que importa: medicación, mentalidad y movilidad. ¿Qué es la bacteriuria asintomática? Un tema importante que puede ser difícil de tratar y que causa confusión es la bacteriuria asintomática. Esto ocurre cuando se encuentran bacterias en la orina, pero no hay síntomas de infección. Esta condición es muy común en adultos mayores, especialmente en mujeres después de la menopausia, cuando niveles bajos de estrógeno reducen las bacterias protectoras. Desafortunadamente, la bacteriuria asintomática suele confundirse con una infección urinaria (ITU), lo que lleva a recetar antibióticos innecesariamente. Esto es lo que usted debería saber sobre la bacteriuria asintomática: No es una infección urinaria. La bacteriuria asintomática es diferente de una infección. Un cultivo de orina positivo o un recuento alto de glóbulos blancos no siempre significa que se necesiten antibióticos. No causa confusión, caídas ni debilidad. Si su ser querido experimenta estos síntomas, podría tratarse de deshidratación, desequilibrio electrolítico o medicación. Los antibióticos suelen ser innecesarios y pueden ser perjudiciales. El uso excesivo de antibióticos no aporta ningún beneficio para tratar esta condición y puede aumentar los riesgos de diarrea, colitis, reacciones alérgicas, interacciones farmacológicas e infecciones resistentes a fármacos y peores. Hay alternativas más seguras. Una buena higiene diaria con limpieza perineal, cremas vaginales y probióticos puede ayudar a restaurar las bacterias protectoras y el pH sin los riesgos de los antibióticos. Entonces, ¿cuándo tienen sentido los antibióticos? Solo cuando su profesional médico evalúe cuidadosamente los síntomas, revise el historial médico y determine que existen signos reales de infección. Aquí es donde las 4M guían nuestra atención centrada en el paciente. Las 4M a la atención centrada en el paciente Lo que importa Escuchar a los pacientes y a sus familias sobre sus objetivos, comodidad y preferencias. Medicamentos Evitar antibióticos innecesarios que pueden hacer más daño que bien. Actividad mental Reconocer que la confusión en los adultos mayores tiene muchas causas, no solo bacterias en la orina. Movilidad Ayudar a los adultos mayores a mantenerse activos y seguros, en lugar de quedar marginados por los efectos secundarios de tratamientos inadecuados. Siguiendo este enfoque basado en la evidencia, garantizamos que las personas mayores reciban la atención adecuada en el momento adecuado, protegiendo su salud, independencia y calidad de vida. Cuidados respetuosos con la edad Luminis Health está comprometida a defender la atención amiga de la edad para nuestra comunidad. Nos enorgullece que el Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center en Annapolis sea uno de los cinco hospitales a nivel nacional reconocidos como Pioneros en el Sistema de Salud Amigable con la Edad por el Institute for Healthcare Improvement. El Centro Médico Comunitario Luminis Health Doctors en Lanham, junto con nuestras consultas de atención primaria, han obtenido la distinción de Sistema Saludable Amigable con la Edad Nivel 2 – Compromiso con la Excelencia en la Atención. A medida que Maryland sigue envejeciendo más rápido que el promedio nacional, estas conversaciones importan más que nunca—para nuestros padres, abuelos y todos los que los queremos. Consulte y comparta nuestro folleto sobre antibióticos para mujeres mayores, que también está disponible en español. Authors Mary Clance, MD MPH es epidemióloga hospitalaria en Luminis Health.
- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s time to show your heart some love, especially if you are a woman. When most of us think of someone having a heart attack, we picture a man clutching his chest and struggling to breathe. But did you know that, contrary to common belief, heart disease—which is commonly manifested in the form of heart attacks—is just as common in women as it is in men? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the most common cause of death in women in the United States. Approximately one in every five female deaths is attributed to heart disease. Heart attacks in women are common. What Is Heart Disease and How Does It Relate to Heart Attacks? The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease in the United States—and the main cause of heart attacks—is coronary artery disease, which is a buildup of plaque in the walls of arteries that supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body. The heart is a muscular pump that sends blood to the entire human body. As with any other muscle, the heart needs a steady supply of blood and oxygen to function properly. When blood flow to the heart is reduced or blocked, the heart muscle is deprived of necessary oxygen, resulting in a heart attack. Do Genetics Play a Role? Although there aren’t specific genes that have been identified as making some women more prone to heart attacks, there are trends that can occur in families. Family history of coronary artery disease, particularly at a younger age (30 to 50) is a strong predictor of increased potential for heart attack, as is race and other inheritable illnesses such as diabetes and high cholesterol. A heart attack can occur at any age, but the average age for women is 70. Heart Attack Symptoms Symptoms of a heart attack are most commonly described as an intense pressure/ache in the chest that may or may not extend to the arms, neck, jaw or stomach. Sometimes, particularly in women, pressure/ache is replaced with more vague symptoms such as: Nausea/vomiting Shortness of breath Pain in both arms Jaw pain Back pain Stomach pain Sweating Lightheadedness Extreme fatigue Risk Factors and Prevention Heart attack risk factors can be grouped into two main categories: modifiable and non-modifiable. Familial history, race and gender are non-modifiable. Modifiable risk factors include other medical diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and tobacco use. Heart attack prevention in women is the same as for men: Properly manage diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol with physician-prescribed medications Make heart-healthy food choices Maintain a normal body mass index Perform regular physical activity Quit smoking — Women who smoke are four times more likely to have heart disease than non-smokers Love Your Heart February is American Heart Month, a time when we can all focus on our cardiovascular health. It’s important because an estimated 80% of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is preventable. To raise and spread awareness, Luminis Health invites you to learn about heart health risks while entering for a chance to win a Lululemon studio mirror (so that you can bring the gym experience to your home). Visit Luminis.Health/MirrorGiveaway for details and to register for a chance to win. Now, that’s something we can all love. Authors Murtaza Dawood, MD, is a cardiothoracic surgeon at Luminis Health. He is recognized for performing operations for complex valve disease and atrial fibrillation. Prior to joining Luminis Health, he was the surgical director for the University of Maryland atrial fibrillation and structural heart programs. Jennifer Brady, MD, is a cardiologist at Luminis Health who is board certified in cardiovascular disease and electrophysiology. She has a special interest in adult echocardiography and heart failure.
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogCue the shocking emoji: A staggering 90 percent of teens aged 13 to 17 are using social media. When used correctly, there are benefits to social media, but the negative impacts are contributing to this country’s historic mental health crisis. Excessive use can lead to cyberbullying, low self-esteem, addictive behavior, peer pressure and unrealistic expectations of how their body should look. Dr. Rakesh Goyal—a psychiatrist at Luminis Health—estimates that nearly 70 percent of his young patients have experienced a negative impact to their mental health because of social media. It’s become such a problem several Maryland school districts are now suing social media companies alleging their addictive platforms are contributing to mental health problems among teens. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy even issued a warning recently, calling the impacts of social media on children an “urgent crisis.” It should be a wake-up call for all of us. That’s why we’re here to help. Pros of Youth Social Media Use Let’s first begin with the positive aspects of social media. Teens can stay connected with friends, meet new ones with shared interests, find a sense of community and feel more accepted, as well as explore and express themselves. Of course, each child is different, and you know your child better than anyone. It’s important to realize the impacts of social media can depend on what they do and see online, their preexisting strengths or vulnerabilities, and their living environment. Those between the ages of 10 to 15 years old are especially vulnerable to the influence of social media because their brains and emotions are still developing. Growing Brains and Evolving Emotions The brains of preteens, typically between the ages of 10 to 12 years, undergo changes that make social rewards start to feel much more satisfying. Receptors for oxytocin and dopamine—our “happy hormones”—increase, making young teens extra sensitive to attention and admiration from others. At the same time, adolescents are passing through a stage of psychological development in which they give a lot of importance to acceptance and validation from their peers. The number of views, likes and shares are often important to social media users. It can cause small bursts of dopamine in our brains. Young people especially crave more and more of the “happy hormone” release. At the same time, a hurtful comment or being ignored by others can cause negative self-esteem and extreme sadness. Protecting Your Child There are steps you can take with your child to encourage responsible use of social media and limit some of its negative effects. Consider these tips: Delay the age at which your child can use social media to 13 and above. Educate your child about the risks, pitfalls and red flags of social media use, especially about sharing personal information online. Monitor your child’s social media accounts and let them know beforehand that you’ll be doing so. You can mute accounts that are inappropriate. Set reasonable limits on how much time your child can spend on social media each day; include parameters about what time of day they are allowed to use it. Remind them to treat others on social media the same way they would treat others in person. If they wouldn’t say something out loud, they shouldn’t say it online. Be an example of healthy social media use for your child and report problematic content. Social media is here to stay. But we must ensure teenagers enjoy the its benefits while protecting their mental health. If your teen is feeling depressed and needs immediate help, Luminis Health has a dedicated Behavioral Health Urgent Walk-In Care at our Lanham campus. It’s open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. No appointment necessary. Learn more about our services here. Author Rakesh Goyal, MD, is a psychiatrist at Luminis Health specializing in children and adolescents.
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFibroids are benign tumors in the uterus that affects 20 percent to 80 percent of women by the time they reach age 50. Symptoms can include heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, and pelvic pain. In some cases, there are no symptoms. Some women experience unmanageable pain, as well as swelling of the abdomen or pelvic area. While doctors still don’t know what causes fibroids, we now have minimally invasive treatments, eliminating the need for large incisions that were common just a few decades ago. Here’s what you need to know: During minimally invasive surgeries, smaller incisions and precise surgical tools are used, sometimes with robotic assistance like the da Vinci surgical system. Compared to traditional open surgery, there are numerous benefits, including: Less pain Less stress on your immune system Quicker healing Decreased need for pain medications, especially narcotic medication Lower risk of post-surgery complications Shorter recovery time Shorter hospital stays – many times, patients can go home the same day Shorter operating time with less time under anesthesia Smaller incisions with smaller, more subtle scars What are the options? Minimally invasive techniques can treat various gynecologic conditions, such as fibroids, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, heavy and painful menstrual periods, and ovarian cysts. Based on your condition, health history, and other unique factors, your gynecologist may recommend one of the following types of minimally invasive surgery: Advanced laparoscopic surgery and robotics Laparoscopic surgery could be an alternative to a traditional hysterectomy (removal of uterus) or myomectomy (removal of uterine fibroids). small incisions are made in the surgical area to accommodate surgical tools and a camera for precision during the surgery. It can be used for complex cases, including large fibroids, advanced stage endometriosis, or certain gynecologic cancers. The Acessa® procedure, a laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of uterine fibroids, is an advanced uterine-sparing treatment option. Heat is delivered directly to the fibroid tumor, causing it to shrink. It is an outpatient, same day procedure that allows you to return to work in four to five days and return to your normal activities quicker. Robotic surgery, most commonly using the DaVinci® system, enhances precision and allows access to small or hard-to-reach areas. With laparoscopic surgery (with or without robotics), patients typically return to light activity and driving within two weeks. Hysteroscopic surgery During a hysteroscopic procedure, your surgeon uses a camera (called a hysteroscope) to get a view of the lining of the uterus (endometrium). It requires no incisions, as this surgery is performed through the natural orifices of the vagina and cervix. This type of surgery is often used to treat abnormalities inside the lining of the uterus like fibroids. Hysteroscopic surgery can often be performed in an office setting without the need for sedation. The recovery time is about 24-48 hours. Vaginal surgery By inserting surgical tools through your vagina to the area where the surgery is being performed, surgeons can perform many procedures without making any incisions. And, depending on the exact minimally invasive procedure you undergo, it’s possible you could even return home the same day. How do I know which is right for me? Having open conversations with your doctor is essential in developing the best treatment plan for you. By sharing your health and wellness goals and getting answers to all your questions, you can make an informed decision and improve your quality of life. Authors Dr. Jonelle Samuel and Dr. Jessica Ton specialize in many types of gynecologic surgery at Luminis Health.
- Orthopedics, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWe all notice sore and stiff joints occasionally, like a sore hip after skiing or stiff shoulders after heavy lifting. Often, these issues go away on their own. But if you find sore and stiff joints are taking a toll on your daily life, it could be time to consider surgery. Our experts weigh in on when you should opt for surgery, and what to expect during recovery. Is there a best time for surgery? There’s no perfect time of year for joint replacement surgery. The best time, really, is when it’s most convenient for you. Some people may reach a point where the pain becomes unbearable, and mobility issues disrupt their daily life. In that case, they may opt for surgery right away. Others are able to plan ahead and schedule surgery at a time that fits their work or family commitments. If you have the flexibility to plan, there are a few factors worth considering. For example, if you usually have a busy holiday season in late winter, you may want to schedule surgery in the early fall. This timing allows for recovery before large family gatherings and activities. On the other hand, if you participate in spring or summer sports, it could be best to schedule surgery in winter. That way, you’ll be healed and ready to make the most of the warmer months. 5 signs it’s time for a joint replacement You may be tempted to put surgery off until your pain is unbearable. In some cases, delaying could lead to more joint damage and a longer recovery. Instead, consider discussing joint replacement with your provider if you have these problems: You need help with daily tasks like walking up and down stairs, getting dressed or standing up. Joint pain keeps you awake at night even after you’ve taken pain-relieving medication. Other treatment options like anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and physical therapy have failed. You make decisions about activities based on how far you must walk or if you must use stairs. You have advanced joint damage or osteoarthritis. Recovery is part of the process Surgical advancements have transformed joint replacement procedures. Operations take less time, incisions are smaller, pain is reduced and recovery is faster. Most of the time hip and knee replacement surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis. Still, it’s important to remember that healing takes time. Your body needs time to adjust, strengthen, and help you return safely to your usual routine. Here’s what to expect during recovery and how to set yourself up for a smooth return to the activities you love. Pain management begins immediately.Even with a minimally invasive procedure, you’re going to feel some pain. Your provider may suggest medications for pain, inflammation, or nerve pain. You’ll be up and moving within hours.Most patients start walking with a walker shortly after surgery, then transition to a cane as they gain strength. Physical therapy is essential.Rehabilitation starts as soon as you can get out of bed to improve motion and rebuild strength. You’ll return to a fully active life.Typically, patients are back to their usual routines within two to three months, although a full recovery can take up to a year. Be patient with yourself as you regain strength and mobility. If you have questions about joint replacement surgery or want to schedule a procedure, make an appointment with Luminis Health Orthopedics at Luminis.Health/JointPain. Our experienced and caring team is ready to support your recovery every step of the way. Authors Dr. Andrey Zuskov is a hip and knee replacement surgeon at Luminis Health.
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