- Heart Care, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones tragically passed away from hypertensive cardiovascular disease in July at the age of 40, it brought attention to a disease that millions of Americans are at risk for – and that many don’t even know they have. That’s why it is important to take steps to reduce your risk of hypertensive cardiac disease and other dangerous heart conditions. What is hypertensive heart disease? Hypertensive cardiovascular disease, or hypertensive heart disease, is a condition caused by having high blood pressure over a long period of time. High blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart, forcing it to work harder to pump blood throughout your body, which can lead to damage over time. This damage can lead to heart attacks, heart failure, strokes and other health problems. High blood pressure is defined as pressure that is consistently above 130/80 mmHg. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, but just a quarter have it under control. That’s because many may not know they have high blood pressure in the first place. In addition to heart attacks, heart failure and strokes, high blood pressure can put you at greater risk for conditions like: Atherosclerosis, including coronary artery disease Atrial fibrillation (AFib) Aortic Dissection or Rupture Congestive heart failure Kidney disease Retinal problems The risk of heart disease generally goes up with age, and those who have a family history of heart disease may be at higher risk. Athletes or other active people may be prone to hypertensive cardiovascular disease after they wrap up their careers and their activity level decreases. Even people who have lived very active lives can be diagnosed with heart disease. For example, arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (or the buildup of plaque or cholesterol on the walls of the arteries) played a role in the death of fitness guru Richard Simmons. Warning signs of cardiovascular disease High blood pressure usually doesn’t present symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose and treat. However, over time, high blood pressure can cause damage to your heart and lead to symptoms like: Chest pain Dizziness or fainting Heart attack or stroke Irregular, rapid or pounding heartbeat Shortness of breath It’s important to see your primary care provider and check your blood pressure regularly. Your care team will monitor your risk factors, including a family history of hypertension. Depending on your risk factors, your provider may recommend additional testing. These tests may include blood and urine tests or an electrocardiogram (EKG). How to prevent cardiovascular disease Managing your blood pressure can greatly lower your risk of dangerous cardiac events like heart attacks and strokes. That includes living a heart-healthy lifestyle by: Getting enough sleep Lowering your stress Maintaining a healthy weight Quitting smoking Reducing salt intake Reducing alcohol consumption Staying physically active Treating chronic conditions like sleep apnea, high cholesterol, diabetes and kidney disease How to treat cardiovascular disease Your provider will likely recommend adjusting lifestyle factors as a first line of treatment for hypertensive cardiovascular disease. If these adjustments don’t bring your blood pressure down, or if your heart has already sustained damage from high blood pressure over time, your care team may recommend medications as a next step. There are many kinds of blood pressure medications (or antihypertensives) including: ACE inhibitors Beta-Blockers Calcium channel blockers Diuretics (thiazide) All medicines can have side effects and it’s important to understand these impacts. Take medications as directed and follow up with your provider if you have any questions. Protecting your heart in the long run High blood pressure might not cause symptoms by itself, but it can be dangerous if left untreated. If you experience concerning symptoms, we have a number of Luminis Health primary care doctors ready to help, as well as cardiovascular specialists and heart surgeons with all the experience and expertise you need. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for taking medications or change your lifestyle. Your heart will thank you. About the Author: Luminis Health Chief of Heart Surgery David J. Caparrelli, MD. Dr. Caparrelli has more than 20 years of experience in both cardiac and vascular surgery.0
- General Page - Tier 2SOS Committees Patient Mentors Breast cancer survivors serve as mentors who can provide information and real life experience to help alleviate some of the fear and anxiety caused by the diagnosis of breast cancer. SOS mentors volunteer their time to give a sympathetic listening ear, share experiences, but above all, bring understanding to the experience of newly diagnosed patients. Mentors provide an invaluable "buddy support system" and support patient over the course of their treatment. Delivery Scheduler A weekly schedule of breast cancer surgeries, excluding patient names or information, is compiled by the Fortney Breast Center and forwarded to the SOS scheduler who then emails the schedule to the Patient Visitors. These volunteers then reply to the scheduler regarding their availability and which days and times they are able to deliver the SOS gift tote bags. Gift Bag Packers/Inventory Monitors The gift tote bags are packed by volunteers on a biweekly basis so that they are available in the Fortney Breast Center library workroom to be picked up by the Patient Visitors. Many of the items that are packed include "comfort gifts," such as lip balm, protective seatbelt pillows, scarves, socks, and lotion, plus reference materials. An inventory list is updated frequently so that the gift items can be reordered on a timely basis. Patient Visitors These volunteer survivors deliver the wonderful SOS gift tote bags to our patients in the hospital on the day of their surgeries. This visit provides a source of hope and comfort at an overwhelming time. The bags include different products and niceties to help our patients cope both physically and emotionally in their post- operative period. Library Mentors/Office Support SOS members are encouraged to staff the Fortney Breast Center Library, which is a hub for SOS efforts. Volunteers are available as an on-site resource for newly diagnosed patients and their families. These volunteers are mini-mentors who have been trained to offer real life support and understanding of a patient's journey. Sometimes just chatting with a survivor provides proof that one day at a time does result in an end to the treatment process. Library volunteers offer a welcoming presence to the Library and provide office support to the Fortney Breast Center staff when needed. New Member Liason The SOS organization is constantly evolving and seeking new volunteers who are breast cancer survivors having completed active treatment one year ago or longer. This liaison maintains a contact list of all individuals who indicate interest in becoming new SOS volunteers. These names are then forwarded to a hospital staff member who sets up the SOS training sessions and prerequisites. The SOS Membership List is also maintained by this volunteer liaison.0
- Pregnancy & BirthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMoms often describe the hours, days and weeks following their babies’ arrival as a wonderful yet overwhelming time. It’s also an important time to surround yourself with helpful information and support for breastfeeding success. A rewarding breastfeeding experience starts with education, like AAMC’s Breastfeeding Basics class. Getting familiar with the basics will help you get off to a good start. The Early Weeks You may feel like all you’re doing in the first week of your baby’s life is nursing – and it’s probably true! This is how your baby helps your body create a plentiful milk supply. Newborns generally nurse eight to 12 times a day. Nursing this often doesn’t mean your baby isn’t getting enough milk. Rather a newborn’s stomach, just like the rest of them, is tiny! At day three, it’s about the size of a walnut. At two weeks, it’s about the size of a large egg. Newborn Stomach Size from Medela In the early weeks of frequent nursing remember that all your hard work is encouraging your body to create a good milk supply. Breastfeeding is a supply and demand activity. Your body learns to supply exactly what your baby is demanding. Nursing your baby at the first sign of hunger cues– rooting, smacking lips, stirring, hands in mouth—also helps minimize engorgement that can happen two to five days after birth when your milk “comes in” or increases in supply. Some moms worry about their milk supply. If your baby is gaining weight and having frequent wet and dirty diapers, then your baby is getting enough milk. In those early days and weeks, remember you’re learning something new. Like all new skills, it may take some time to feel like you’ve gotten the hang of it. Trust your body, your baby and yourself. And don’t be afraid to ask for help! Importance of Skin-to-Skin Studies prove that skin-to-skin contact, which you may also hear called ‘kangaroo care,’ offers many benefits. Among them, skin-to-skin can help regulate your baby’s temperature, heartbeat, breathing and blood sugars. It can enhance bonding with parents (Yes, dad can do it too!) and reduce baby’s cries. Babies who are kept skin-to-skin immediately after birth may latch better, and are more likely to nurse sooner and longer. Getting a Good Latch A good latch is key to baby effectively and comfortably removing milk, and helps create a successful and enjoyable breastfeeding experience. A good latch can look different to every mom. To latch your baby: Sit comfortably in a slightly reclined position, supported by pillows if you’d like. Have baby lie belly down on you with their nose aligned with the nipple. If baby is not rooting with a wide mouth, tickle baby’s top lip with your nipple to stimulate rooting. As baby opens wide, allow baby to self-latch or guide baby on so that most of your areola is covered by the baby’s mouth, especially at the bottom lip and chin. Watch for signs of sucking from baby’s jaw motion and ear movement, and for periods of swallowing. If you’re experiencing pain, break the latch by inserting your finger into the corner of baby’s mouth and re-latch as needed. Persistent pain should be assessed by a lactation consultant. Images from La Leche League International Breastfeeding should feel comfortable and you should be able to hear sounds of swallowing. Don’t worry if it feels awkward at first. Before long getting baby to latch will feel so second nature you’ll be able to do it with your eyes closed– or at least in a dark room, say around 2 am. For more information, I recommend the Latching and Positioning Resources from Kelly Mom. Author Kim Knight is a board-certified lactation consultant with Breastfeeding Works which offers home consultations and workplace lactation support. She has provided support to thousands of breastfeeding moms during the course of her career. Breastfeeding Resources AAMC offers several breastfeeding support classes, all of which have gone virtual due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Breastfeeding Warm Line: Anne Arundel Medical Center’s lactation staff is available to answer any questions you might have about breastfeeding. You can reach our consultants seven days a week via our Warm Line at 443-481-6977. Simply leave a message and they’ll return your call between 9 am and 4 pm the same day. You can also e-mail our lactation staff anytime at [email protected]. Find a Lactation Consultant: A board-certified lactation consultant can help address your breastfeeding concerns or challenges. You can find one in your area through the United States Lactation Consultant Association directory. AAMC Smart Parents: Join our Facebook community focused on the journey of parenthood. This is a safe, non-judgmental group to ask questions and get answers from local moms and dads, and AAMC experts.0
- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe American Cancer Society estimates more than 100,000 cases of gynecologic cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, and more than 30,000 women will die of these cancers in 2021 alone. Clearly, there’s more work to do. But we have made progress in the fight against gynecologic cancer. And one of our most valuable weapons is information. We’ve learned about lowering the risk for these cancers and how to prevent some of them. We also know more about possible signs of the cancers, something that’s important because bringing symptoms to your doctor’s attention can lead to early detection and treatment. And early treatment leads to better outcomes. That’s why we’re sharing this information with you, and hope that you’ll pass it along to others. September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, making it a perfect time to learn more about gynecologic cancer, including cancers of the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina and vulva. Cervical Cancer One key thing to know: HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccines and regular screening tests may help prevent cervical cancer. HPV vaccines protect against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancer. Vaccination is best before someone becomes sexually active, so we recommend it at age 11 or 12. You can get the vaccine through age 26 if you don’t get it earlier. In some cases, you can get it up to age 45 if you and your health care provider decide it’s right for you. What Puts You At Risk A history of multiple sex partners Giving birth to three or more children Infection with HPV, a virus transmitted during sex Smoking How To Lower Your Risk Don’t smoke Get the HPV vaccine Get screened with a Pap test and/or an HPV test Screening typically starts at age 21 with a Pap test. Your health care provider can tell you how often to get screened, which test(s) to have and when you can stop screening. Possible Symptoms Abnormal bleeding between periods or unusual vaginal discharge Bleeding after sex Pelvic pain Ovarian cancer One key thing to know: There’s no good way to screen for ovarian cancer and no known way to prevent it for most people, making recognizing possible symptoms of the disease even more important. What Puts You at Risk BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish heritage Family history of both colon and uterine (endometrial cancer) or male breast cancer Family history of ovarian cancer in a close relative Not bearing children or having trouble getting pregnant Personal history of breast, colorectal or uterine cancer How to Lower Your Risk Breastfeed your babies Consider risk-reduction surgery if you’re at high genetic risk Give birth at least once Use birth control pills for at least five years Possible Symptoms Abdominal or back pain Bloating Constipation Eating difficulties or feeling full quickly Frequent or urgent need to urinate Pelvic pain or pressure Unusual vaginal discharge Vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause If you experience these symptoms 12 days out of the month or more, please visit your gynecologist. Uterine Cancer One key thing to know: The vast majority of women with the most common type of uterine cancer — endometrial cancer, or cancer affecting the lining of the uterus — survive because of early detection. That’s a good reason to know the symptoms. What Puts You at Risk Obesity Diabetes Estrogen hormone replacement therapy alone, without progesterone Family history of uterine, ovarian or colon cancer High blood pressure Never becoming pregnant Use of the drug tamoxifen for breast cancer, combined with the above risk factors How to Lower Your Risk Achieve or maintain a healthy weight Get regular physical activity Maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels Take progesterone if you are taking estrogen for hormone replacement therapy Possible Symptoms Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including bleeding between periods or bleeding after menopause Pain during sex Persistent pelvic pain or pressure Vaginal and Vulvar Cancer One key thing to know: Getting the HPV vaccine helps protect against these rare cancers. What puts you at risk Conditions, such as HIV, that weaken the immune system Persistent infection with certain types of HPV Precancers of the vagina, vulva or cervix Smoking, if you have an HPV infection How to Lower Your Risk Get regular pelvic exams Get the HPV vaccine Stop smoking Possible Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer Abnormal bleeding Constipation, frequent urination or blood in the stool or urine Pelvic pain Vaginal discharge Possible Symptoms of Vulvar Cancer Abnormal bleeding or discharge Chronic bleeding, burning or itching of the vulva Pelvic pain, especially during urination or sex Sores, lumps, dark spots, red rash or raw areas on the vulva Talk to Your Doctor You’ve taken the first step by learning more. Next, talk to your doctor to learn more about your risk for gynecologic cancer and how to protect yourself or if you notice any concerning symptoms. Find a gynecologist at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center or Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. Authors Monica Jones, MD, MS, FACS, FACG is the chair of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Women’s and Children’s services. To make an appointment with a Luminis Health gynecologic oncologist, please call 443-481-3493. Luminis Health was recently joined by Michael L. Hicks, MD, a board certified gynecologic oncologist. Dr. Hicks has a wealth of experience in gynecologic oncology.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNational Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role that Emergency Department (ED) personnel play in safeguarding our communities’ health and well-being. This year holds particular significance as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of President Ford’s establishment of EMS Week. Now more than ever, amidst unprecedented challenges, we honor the dedication of medical personnel who provide around-the-clock lifesaving services, such as first responders, emergency medical technicians, physicians, nurses, and countless others. During Emergency Medical Services Week (May 19-25), let’s recognize the invaluable contributions of these individuals who save lives and provide critical care when every second counts. Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, with more than 120 years of proud history, has one of the busiest EDs in the entire country and is one of the few hospitals in the state with a pediatric ED. With nearly 95,000 ED visits each year, it takes a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, receptionists, other hospital staff and volunteers who work tirelessly 24 hours a day to give you the care you need as quickly as possible. Knowing emergency rooms can feel frightening for young patients, we have a dedicated space with kids in mind. At our pediatrics ED, children receive tailored attention from a specialized team ready to treat their unique needs. For all patients, we use a process called triage to carefully prioritize who needs care first. Treatment is administered based on the severity of their condition, with those facing life-threatening illness or injury receiving immediate attention. This means that someone who arrives after you may receive care before you. At Luminis Health, we believe in a culture of mutual caring: We provide the best care possible in a healing environment and we always treat each other with respect and dignity. Caring for and protecting patients, families, employees, and our community, is important to us. Dealing with an emergency is stressful, particularly when waiting for care in an Emergency Department. We try to minimize this stress by initiating care in our waiting room and keeping our patients informed while waiting. Luminis Health has also made significant investments to offer more expansive care programs for mental health, substance use and domestic violence in our ED. Additionally, Maryland lawmakers recently provided funds to enhance security for staff and patients, and creating de-escalation spaces in the Pediatrics Emergency Department. During EMS Week, it’s also important to recognize the challenges some of our ED staff face from time to time. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, 2 out of 3 Emergency Department physicians reported being assaulted in 2022. One quarter of them reported being assaulted multiple times a week. That’s why Luminis Health supports the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act. If enacted by Congress, the law would provide protections similar to those that exist for flight crews, flight attendants and airport workers. As we continue to improve ED wait times, we also ask for your help to ensure you receive timely care, by taking these steps: Make Sure You Bring Everything You Need for Emergency Care Your time in the Emergency Department will be more efficient if you bring essential items for your care team, such as the following: Driver’s license or identification card For individuals covered by a health insurance plan, your insurance card List of medical history, medications and allergies, primary physician, specialists Urgent Care is Another Option There are many situations in which the ED is the best place to go for care, such as life-threatening injuries or conditions. In other cases, urgent care centers are a convenient option for minor issues such as cough and cold symptoms, minor cuts, sprains and strains, etc. Telehealth Visits Are Refreshingly Easy If your situation is not a true emergency, Luminis Health offers CareConnectNow, a virtual urgent care service for ages 13 and up. We provide expert care for many conditions that need immediate, but not emergency, attention. With the availability of after-hours and weekend virtual visits, we aim to accommodate your schedule. You can also access this convenient service by calling (443) 951-4270. At Luminis Health we continue to evaluate and explore ways to ensure a positive patient experience. That is our commitment to our community. We thank you for your patience, support, and your own efforts as we strive to improve emergency care for every patient. Let us carry forward the appreciation and recognition for the unwavering dedication of our Emergency Department personnel during EMS Week and throughout the year. Authors Dr. Michael Kent, is the emergency department medical director at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Dr. Lauren Fitzpatrick, medical director of pediatrics at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center0
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
Go to MyChart
Messages
Billing Summary
Find Care
Schedule Appointment
My Care Team
My Record
Appointments
Medications
Insurance Summary
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?