- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC), a nationally recognized health system serving the Annapolis region for more than 120 years, has appointed Elizabeth Gross as the next vice president of the LHAAMC Foundation. In this role, Gross and her team will raise important funds to support LHAAMC, Pathways, J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center and our community. Gross has been with the LHAAMC Foundation since 2014 and became interim vice president in October 2022. Previously, she served as the Foundation’s director of advancement services and major giving officer. She has been instrumental in raising millions of dollars to build the J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center mental health facility in Annapolis, launch the hospital’s cardiac surgery program in 2020 and supporting our life-saving cancer care. From leading the Foundation’s operations to organizing the popular fundraiser Denim & Diamonds, Gross has demonstrated passion and enthusiasm to positively impact our patients and community. “After conducting a nation-wide search and reviewing dozens of talented applicants, it became clear Elizabeth was the right choice to lead our Foundation,” said Sherry Perkins, president of LHAAMC. “With deep business knowledge of philanthropy and the ability to tell the story of our patient centered care, Elizabeth brings a unique blend of experience, innovation, technology, commitment and community engagement. We are confident that under Elizabeth’s ongoing leadership, the Foundation will continue to excel.” Gross has worked in development for 15 years, previously serving roles at the United States Naval Academy Foundation and the Radcliffe Creek School in Chestertown, Maryland. “I am truly honored and humbled to be given this opportunity,” said Gross, vice president of the LHAAMC Foundation. “With the support of this incredible team, I look forward to building upon the countless community partnerships that have sustained and elevated LHAAMC throughout our 120-year history.” Gross is a graduate of the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) Resident program and serves nationally on the AHP Standards Committee. As a 2019 Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) graduate, she also serves on the LAA Health and Human Services Day Committee. Gross holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs from Southern Methodist University and became a Certified Fund Raising Executive in 2016.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThere’s good news and bad news when it comes to colorectal cancer. More people are surviving colon and rectal cancer, but adults are being diagnosed at younger ages, which is alarming. According to a just-released American Cancer Society report, one in five new cases are among people in their early 50s or younger. There also appears to be an overall shift to more diagnoses of advanced stages of cancer. Screenings are important because colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men younger than 50. If you are at average risk, it is now recommended that you start screening at age 45. Getting a colonoscopy is not exactly fun, but there are now more convenient options. Types of Colorectal Screening Tests Several screening tests can be used to find polyps or colorectal cancer. These tests can be divided into two main groups, each with different risks and benefits: Stool-based tests: These tests check the stool for signs of cancer. These tests are less invasive and easier to have done, but they need to be done more often. Visual (structural) exams: These tests look at the structure of the colon and rectum for any abnormal areas. This is done either with a scope (a tube-like instrument with a light and tiny video camera on the end) put into the rectum, or with special imaging (x-ray) tests. Stool-based Tests Stool-based tests are typically done at home, so many people find them easier than a colonoscopy. But, although these tests are easier to implement, they need to be done more often. If the result from a stool test is abnormal, a timely colonoscopy is required to check for cancer. The guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) uses the chemical guaiac to detect blood in the stool. It is done once a year and requires a test kit that is received from your healthcare provider. At home, you use a stick or brush to obtain a small amount of stool, which is then returned in the test kit to the doctor or a lab where the stool samples are checked for the presence of blood. The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool. It is also done once a year in the same way as a gFOBT. The FIT-DNA test (also referred to as the stool DNA test) combines the FIT with a test that detects altered DNA in the stool. For this test, you collect an entire bowel movement and send it to a lab, where it is checked for altered DNA and for the presence of blood. It is done once every three years. The pros of stool-based tests: Stool sample collection can be done at home. There’s no need to empty the colon ahead of time. There’s no need for sedation. The cons of stool-based tests: Stool-based tests are less sensitive than colonoscopy at detecting precancerous polyps. If abnormalities are found, additional tests might be needed. The tests can suggest an abnormality when none is present (false-positive result). Visual (Structural) Exams A colonoscopy is an example of a visual exam for colorectal cancer. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to detect changes or abnormalities inside the entire colon. Colonoscopy takes about 30 to 60 minutes and screening is generally repeated every ten years if no abnormalities are found and you don’t have an increased risk of colon cancer. Pros: Colonoscopy is one of the most sensitive tests currently available for colon cancer screening. The doctor can view your entire colon and rectum. Abnormal tissue, such as polyps, and tissue samples (biopsies) can be removed through the scope during the exam. Cons: The exam might not detect all small polyps and cancers. A thorough cleansing of the colon is required before the test. Diet changes are needed before the test, and medications may need to be adjusted. Sedation is almost always used, and it can take several hours to wear off. Because of the sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home. Rare complications may include a tear in the colon or rectum wall. Cramping or bloating might occur afterward. The Bottom Line You have options when choosing a colon cancer screening test. Talk to your doctor about which choice is best for you based on your personal risk factors. Keep in mind that the earlier colon cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. Author A. Steven Fleisher, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with more than 20 years of experience.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC), a nationally recognized health system serving the Annapolis region for more than 120 years, has received the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) Apex Recognition Award for demonstrating continued best practices in respiratory care. “We are honored to be among an elite group of acute care hospitals in the nation receiving this prestigious award,” said Lenny Nyangwara, director of pulmonary and volunteer services at LHAAMC. “This recognition highlights the exemplary work of our respiratory therapists, leaders, hospital executives and other members of the patient care team who work hard each day to deliver high-quality care.” The AARC Apex Recognition Award was developed in 2017 as a way to recognize respiratory care departments and educational programs who have met the stringent quality, clinical practice or educational program criteria of the award. Twenty-nine organizations from across the U.S. were recognized, this is the third consecutive time LHAAMC has received this award. “Respiratory care departments dedicate themselves to delivering excellent care of patients everywhere. They are a vital component to a patient’s care team, making a positive impact for the quality of patient care,” said AARC President Carl Hinkson. “Earning the Apex Recognition award is a tremendous honor. It shows how these teams reach high standards and bring their specialized skills to their healthcare colleagues. Congratulations to our 2023-2024 Apex Recognition Award recipients.” The AARC is dedicated to supporting the respiratory care profession. The award program distinguishes organizations for their commitment to excellence in professional development, evidence-based care, patient safety, patient satisfaction and quality improvement. The Apex Recognition Award includes five categories for recognition: acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, home medical equipment companies, educational programs and dedicated transport teams.
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMany of us have visited an urgent care clinic for a cut finger or flu-like symptoms. Urgent care centers are convenient because you typically don’t need an appointment. What may be new to you is the idea of walk-in behavioral health urgent care. To help address the mental health crisis in this country, Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center now offers behavioral health urgent care in its new Behavioral Health Pavilion (8200 Good Luck Road, Lanham, MD 20706). The Behavioral Health Urgent Care is a walk-in clinic for the treatment of non-life-threatening behavioral health (mental health and substance use) needs. The clinic focuses on the treatment of behavioral health symptoms in patients ages four and older—this may include assessment for behavioral health treatment or safety, initiation of medication for mild to moderate mental health symptoms or referral to behavioral health services and resources. When Is It Appropriate to Visit the ER vs. Behavioral Health Urgent Care? The Behavioral Health Urgent Care provides the community with an additional layer of behavioral health support and—when appropriate—serves as an alternative to the emergency room (ER) for mental health evaluation and treatment. An ER should still be utilized in cases of: A suicide attempt or suicidal thoughts with the intention of hurting oneself. Self-harm that requires medical treatment. Active psychosis or behaviors that are causing aggression, agitation, or paranoia. Side effects from medication. Any unsafe behaviors. Active overdose. Uncontrolled mania. What to Expect as a Behavioral Health Urgent Care Patient After registering and completing intake forms upon arrival at the Behavioral Health Urgent Care, patients are escorted to a secure area to safely store any personal effects or valuables. They are then greeted by a registered nurse who will take the patient’s vital signs and obtain a brief history of symptoms, medications and any other pertinent information. Patients then speak with a licensed mental health clinician or psychiatric nurse practitioner for clinical evaluation. The team of providers answers any patient questions and makes recommendations for follow-up care. Treatment depends on the determined need after the initial assessment is made. Patients may be provided a prescription for medication, a follow-up appointment for therapy, medication management for on-going support or other clinically appropriate referrals. Behavioral Health Urgent Care patients may be referred to community providers or they may also continue to receive services at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Pavilion, where ongoing support services are provided including: Individual and intensive group therapy. Medication management. Inpatient psychiatric hospitalization (coming soon!). Residential treatment of substance use disorders (coming soon!). The Luminis Health DCMC Behavioral Health Urgent Care is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Future plans include expanding clinic services to seven days a week. Author Aliya Jones, MD, serves as the Executive Medical Director of Behavioral Health for 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.
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