- Women's Health, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAward Coincides with the 30th Anniversary of Clatanoff Pavilion, Home to LHAAMC’s Renowned Maternity CareLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) is thrilled to announce its recognition as a 2025 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report. This prestigious designation highlights LHAAMC’s commitment to providing exceptional care for expectant parents and their growing families.This achievement is especially meaningful as 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Clatanoff Pavilion, which has been a cornerstone of maternity care at LHAAMC since its opening in 1995. Over the past three decades, the Thomas J. Frank Family Birth Center has been a trusted space where more than 145,000 babies have been born, making it a cherished part of the community.“As we prepare to celebrate 30 years of the Clatanoff Pavilion’s legacy, this recognition is a true testament to our commitment to excellence in maternity care,” said Sherry Perkins, president of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “Each year, our physicians, nurse midwives, nurses, nurse practitioners, technologists, and the entire team welcome more than 5,500 babies each year – the equivalent of a kindergarten class every day. We are honored to be a trusted partner in life’s most joyful moments.”U.S. News evaluated 817 hospitals from across the United States for its latest ratings. Only half these hospitals earned recognition as Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. Hospitals were evaluated on objective measures on quality, including:C-section delivery rates.Severe unexpected newborn complication rates.Exclusive breast milk feeding rates.Whether each hospital met new federal criteria for “birthing-friendly” practices.Transparency on racial/ethnic disparities.This accolade underscores Luminis Health’s bold quality goal for Vision 2030 to eliminate maternal and infant mortality. To address this important issue, LHAAMC perinatal units have implemented evidence-based maternal safety protocols, implicit bias education and training, as well as culturally customized care strategies to reduce disparities and improve outcomes.“We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition,” said Dr. Monica Jones, Chair of Luminis Health Women’s and Children’s Services. “This award not only reflects our team’s commitment to exceptional quality patient-centered care, while advancing birth equity for all that seek our services. Together, we are building a healthier future for all families.”This announcement comes on the heels of LHAAMC being named a 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital and recognized as a high performing hospital in eight specialties for common procedures, including cardiac care, cancer services, and orthopedics. These accolades underscore LHAAMC’s standing as a leader in delivering exceptional, comprehensive care to the community it serves.
- CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAfter almost three weeks of late-night mischief, does your elf need a night off? Maybe it’s the rainy weather, too many cookies or all the back-and-forth trips to the North Pole. Whatever the reason, every elf deserves a little rest, and we’ve got just the thing: a printable sick note. Whether your elf has come down with “North Pole Sniffles” or is recovering from an "oops" moment, like a tumble off the Christmas tree, this note lets them relax guilt-free. Want to make your elf’s sick day extra special? Here are some creative ideas: Create a cozy tissue bed for your elf to rest on. Set up a “recovery station” with mini marshmallow “medicine” and a candy cane “thermometer.” Add a small blanket, a teacup-sized hot cocoa, or even a tiny book for them to “read” while they recuperate. At Luminis Health, we’re all about keeping the magic alive for families while helping you navigate the busy holiday season. Download your printable sick note below and let your holiday helper get the rest they deserve—after all, being naughty can be exhausting! Download the Elf Sick Note. P.S. If you or your family are feeling under the weather this winter, Luminis Health is here for you. Visit LuminisHealth.org to learn more about our primary care, emergency services, and virtual healthcare option, CareConnectNow.
- Cancer Care, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSandra Massey’s journey with cervical cancer began more than 30 years ago. As a mother of two young daughters, she worried that cancer could take her away from her children—just as she lost her father to cancer at the age of 11. Doctors suggested surgery to remove her cervix, but Sandra hoped to have more children and was not open to that option. Instead, in 1989, she underwent a cone biopsy. Since then, she has been diligent about visiting her doctor every year and staying up to date on screenings. She also welcomed two more children. Despite her commitment to her health, the cancer returned. In June 2023, Sandra received the news that she had stage 4 cervical cancer. “It felt like my life was turned upside down,” Sandra recalls. The day after her diagnosis, she met with Dr. Nicholas Lambrou, Chief of Gynecologic Oncology. “It was meant to be,” Sandra says of meeting Dr. Lambrou. “He and his team gave me so much hope when I needed it most.” Sandra’s treatment plan involved receiving chemotherapy every three weeks for about five months. Then she transitioned to maintenance infusions using immunotherapy. Throughout treatment, Sandra’s four children and three grandchildren provided support. They accompanied her to appointments and ensured she had meals and snacks to help maintain her strength and weight. Today, Sandra continues to work in sales and cherishes every moment with her family. “My grandchildren are the light of my life,” she says. Recently, they enjoyed a Sunday outing together, watching a movie and trying a new restaurant—a tradition they uphold nearly every weekend. Sandra’s resilience and the support of her loved ones have been instrumental in her journey. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, please visit our webpage at Luminis Health Gynecologic Oncology or call 443-481-3493 to schedule an appointment today.
- Surgery, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you’re one of the millions of people suffering from chronic back and neck pain, figuring out how to get relief can feel like, well.....a pain in the neck! From lifestyle changes to medications, several approaches can help. But when chronic back and neck pain interferes with your daily life and keeps you from the activities you love, it may be time to talk to your doctor about other options, including surgery. Understanding your options for treatment and working with a specialist who will build a treatment plan just for you can make the process less overwhelming. Understanding causes of chronic back and neck pain The CDC says nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults report having back pain. Neck pain impacts fewer people but is still common, affecting 15 percent of the population. Pain can range from dull and constant to sharp and sudden, and typically, lifestyle changes and traditional therapies help. However, chronic back and neck pain — which lasts for months or even years — is usually caused by a specific event like an accident or fall, or changes in the spine due to age or a medical condition, and often requires surgery. The right treatment for you depends on the cause of your pain. Your doctor will conduct a full examination, including diagnostic tests like X-rays and scans, to better pinpoint the source of your pain, so they can best treat it. Lifestyle changes In some cases, you can improve back and neck pain with lifestyle changes, such as: Eating an anti-inflammatory diet that includes calcium and vitamin D for strong bones Maintaining a healthy body weight to reduce stress and strain on your neck and spine Practicing good posture when sitting or standing Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees Staying active with regular exercise to increase strength and balance Wearing comfortable shoes with a low heel If pain limits your daily activities, a physical or occupational therapist can help you learn how to move safely. And while bed rest may seem like a good idea when you don’t feel your best, it’s important to note that it can make back and neck pain worse. Traditional and complementary approaches Your doctor may recommend additional back and neck pain treatment, including over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medications or muscle relaxers. In addition to traditional treatments, you may also benefit from complementary approaches such as tai chi and yoga. Surgery If you’ve tried everything else and are still in pain, surgery may provide relief. Surgical approaches to relieve neck and back pain range from minimally invasive to more complex open surgeries, and include: Fusing portions of the spine Removing bone spurs of the vertebrae of your spine Removing part of a herniated disc to relieve pressure Replacing damaged discs Stimulating the spinal cord Widening areas of the spine to relieve pressure on nerves Before surgery, one of our neurosurgeons will give you a thorough evaluation to make sure you’re a good candidate. They’ll review your medical history, the cause of your pain, your symptoms and your level of support after surgery. Your doctor will review the risks and benefits of the procedure with you so you can make an informed choice. Each surgery is tailored to the individual and their lifestyle and activity goals. Expert care for your chronic pain is within reach If you haven’t been able to find relief from chronic back or neck pain, reach out to Luminis Health Neurosurgery today. We’re ready to help you find relief from your pain and get you back to feeling your best. Authors Dr. Christopher Taleghani is internationally recognized as a leading minimally invasive surgeon specializing in complex spine and brain conditions. At Luminis Health, Dr. Taleghani treats disorders of the brain, nervous system, and spinal nerves.
- Wellness, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNothing says Valentine’s Day like a box of chocolate. But this Feb. 14, treat your loved one to the rich, health-boosting benefits of dark chocolate. Chew on this: chocolate—specifically dark chocolate—has gained attention in recent years for its impressive health benefits. A new study backs this up, revealing that eating just a few servings of dark chocolate each week can help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Specifically, the study found that people who ate at least five servings of dark chocolate a week had a 21 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who rarely or never ate dark chocolate. What’s more, the more dark chocolate they consumed, the better the outcome, with each additional serving reducing the risk by another 3 percent. But it’s not all good news. The study found no similar benefits for milk chocolate. In fact, it linked milk chocolate consumption to long-term weight gain—a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. So, what makes dark chocolate stand out from its milk counterpart? In a word: a lot. Big benefits of dark chocolate According to the American Heart Association, a standard bar of dark chocolate with 70 percent to 85 percent cacao (cocoa in its raw, less-processed form) contains about 600 calories and 24 grams of sugar. Milk chocolate, on the other hand, packs roughly the same calories, but double the sugar content. Most dark chocolate is also rich in flavonoids—especially a subtype called flavanols, which have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Cocoa beans are naturally high in flavanols, and since dark chocolate contains more cocoa than other types of chocolate, it also packs more flavanols (Flavanols can also be found in tea, red wine, apples and berries.) As antioxidants, flavanols play a key role in producing nitric oxide, which helps relax blood vessels, improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. They also support a balanced immune system and have a positive impact on brain function, boosting reaction time and memory. Dark chocolate’s lesser-known health benefits While heart health, brain function, and immune support grab the spotlight, dark chocolate also offers other surprising health benefits, such as: Enhanced mood Dark chocolate may increase feelings of pleasure and enjoyment. A 2022 study found that people who ate 85 percent dark chocolate daily maintained a better overall mood than those who ate chocolate with less or no cocoa. Improved workouts Because flavanols promote the production of nitric oxide in the blood, eating dark chocolate can reduce the amount of oxygen you use while exercising, meaning you can work out for longer. Sun protection Eating dark chocolate may protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) ray damage. Reduced stress Eating dark chocolate can reduce levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Dark chocolate is also rich in fiber and packed with important minerals like copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, which among other things, help boost immunity, support bone health, improve sleep quality and help maintain energy levels. Facts to remember Still, there are a few things to keep in mind about dark chocolate, such as: The higher the cocoa content, the better. Aim for dark chocolate that’s at least 70 percent cacao. Always check the nutrition label. You can counteract the benefits if the chocolate is high in calories, fat and sugar. Type 2 diabetes affects millions of Americans. According to the latest data, more than 38 million people, about 1 in 10, have diabetes, with 90 to 95 percent of them having type 2 diabetes. Even more concerning about 98 million Americans, or 1 in 3—have prediabetes, which can lead to type 2 diabetes if left untreated. The good news is prediabetes is reversible, and with lifestyle changes, like maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active, you can delay or even prevent most cases of type 2 diabetes. And maybe, by eating more dark chocolate. Author Colleen Kiley, MS, RD, is a lead diabetes educator for Luminis Health Diabetes and Endocrine Specialists. To make an appointment, please call 443-481-6700.
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