Wellness
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6 tips for a healthy Thanksgiving
Blog
Thanksgiving. It’s a day to relax. Watch football. And most of all, eat good food.
But if you’re one of the many people managing your diabetes or watching your weight, this holiday can be a challenge.
According to the Calorie Control Council, the average American eats 3,000 calories at Thanksgiving dinner. And that’s not including appetizers, drinks or snacks throughout the day.
Need help making healthy choices at the Thanksgiving dinner table? Here are six tips.
Don’t skip meals.
You might think you’re doing your health a favor by “saving” calories for the big Thanksgiving dinner. But skipping meals throws off your blood sugar levels. If your Thanksgiving meal is at the usual dinner hour, eat a healthy breakfast and light lunch.
Eat —don’t drink — your calories.
Say no to sugary drinks, like cocktails, holiday punches and fruit juices. They are full of empty calories that spike your blood sugar and can lead to weight gain. Go for calorie-free drinks — including water, unsweetened tea and seltzers.
Slow down.
Did you know it takes time for your brain to register that you’re full? Savor each bite. Make a conscious effort to set your utensils down between bites. Keep dessert portions small. And eat slowly to enjoy the taste longer. If you’re not hungry, don’t eat.
Put the food away.
Clear the table after the meal to reduce the temptation to snack. Often, after-dinner snacking is a social activity, rather than a way to satisfy hunger. Try gathering in the living room, away from the kitchen.
Include healthy options.
Create a balanced meal – one that includes protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats and plenty of fruits and vegetables. If you’re a guest, offer to bring a seasonal salad or fruit tray for a healthy side.
Get moving.
Get members of your household together and go for a walk. This will take the focus away from food. And the extra steps will help you burn calories and reduce your blood sugar levels. Or, if the weather isn’t cooperating, round up some indoor activities that don’t involve food. Like playing board games, telling stories or sharing photos.
Luminis Health Diabetes and Endocrinology is here to offer comprehensive management, treatment and education for patients with diabetes. Resources include:
Group education classes and access to support groups
Highly individualized counseling
One-on-one nutrition counseling
Instruction on insulin pump usage and continuous glucose monitoring
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Cancer Care, Women's Health, Patient Stories
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Life After Breast Cancer
Blog
Karen Jones remembers the fear and frustration she felt after discovering the lump in her breast. The medical care and emotional support she received at the Breast Center at the DeCesaris Cancer Institute helped both her and her husband, Doug, through the difficult time. “The people at the hospital were so reassuring,” says Doug who accompanied her to all of her appointments. “You felt so much more comfortable after you talked to them.”
Now that she is cancer free, Karen has become a mentor, sharing her experience with other patients at the Breast Center. “We have the most amazing facility here in Annapolis,” she says. “I’m always the first one to say ‘You don’t need to leave this city or state to find excellent medical care.’”
Today, Karen has a much greater appreciation for life’s smallest pleasures; the breeze on her skin, the sound of birds in the trees and the change of seasons. She and Doug are closer than they’ve ever been, and they cherish more moments together. “I’m just glad I have her,” he says.
Karen is proud to be able to say she is a cancer survivor, and she uses her experience to help others through their journey. “I feel better than I felt before my diagnosis, and I think it’s because I’m taking better care of myself.”
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Cancer Care, Community, Women's Health, Patient Stories
General Page Tier 3
A Family Week for Hope and Memories
Blog
In 2011, Sandra Gunn donated a week’s stay at her vacation house to a breast cancer patient and her family. It was a way to honor her friend Leslie Twohig, who had passed away from breast cancer earlier that year. The family was so grateful, that Sandra did it again 2012. But it wasn’t until last year, when she was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer and undergoing treatment at AAMC that she understood she had begun something truly special.
“I was in workshops with women who had stage 4 cancer, some who had double mastectomies, some who had no hope,” she says. “I became so touched by their stories and their strength and determination, and I realized what I was doing with Leslie’s Week was serious.”
Recognizing a need that wasn’t being filled, Sandra founded Leslie’s Week as a nonprofit organization to provide a vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee to mothers with incurable breast cancer and their families. The time in the mountains allows families to get away from some of the stress, celebrate life together, build memories and find hope for the future. Everything is provided for them including groceries, tickets to nearby attractions and a community of neighbors ready to help out, if needed.
“There are all kinds of nonprofits for fighting cancer, finding cures, and grants for research, et cetera,” she says. “But there are very few organizations offering support for women who are stage 4 who need it now, and for their children who need the support now.”
To extend the reach of Leslie’s Week, she is working to establish an educational endowment for the children of women who’ve stayed there. “Whether trade school or university or whatever, we want these children to have an education. And we want their mothers to know as they are going through this illness that her children will be looked after and educated. We want her to have hope and to have her children’s future like a song in her heart. That’s what we’re about.”
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General Page - Tier 1
Did you know:
Approximately 75% of nearly 25,000 workplace assaults reported annually occur in healthcare and social service settings (reported by Occupational Safety and Health Administration) .
1 in 4 nurses have been physically assaulted at work (reported by the American Nurses Association).
76% of emergency nurses experience physical or verbal abuse annually (a study by the Journal of Emergency Nursing).
Healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than workers in all other industries combined (reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Workplace violence contributes to high turnover rates among healthcare staff and significant mental health issues, including PTSD and burnout (reported by the American Hospital Association).
, A message from our CEOOur CEO, Tori Bayless, outlines what we are doing at Luminis Health to protect our teams.At Luminis Health, high-quality, compassionate healthcare begins with a resilient and dedicated workforce. Luminis Health is committed to protecting our staff, patients, families, visitors and the communities we serve by ensuring a safe workplace through comprehensive safety measures and a culture of mutual caring.,
How can you help?
Help support our healthcare workers by advocating for stronger protections and policies against workplace violence, participating in educational programs on respectful behavior, and promptly reporting any incidents of aggression or abuse they witness. By fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding, community members can help create a safer and more supportive environment for healthcare professionals.
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Orthopedics, Wellness
General Page Tier 3
Race Day Checklist with Dr. Max Coale
Blog
You’ve trained hard, stayed consistent and pushed through every mile. Now it’s time to make it count. Dr. Max Coale, foot and ankle orthopedic surgery specialist, shares his top tips to help runners feel their best before, during, and after race day.
Pre-Race Checklist
Fuel up smart. Carbohydrates are essential for energy. Eat a balanced breakfast but stick to what you know — race day isn’t the time to try something new. Drink water in the days leading up and the morning of.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your race and on the morning of. Consider adding electrolytes to maintain balance and prevent cramps.
Stretching. Proper stretching and warmups before the race can help you avoid injury and feel your best. Take 5–10 minutes to warm up with dynamic stretches like ankle circles, calf raises, and leg swings.
Stay calm and listen to your body. Keep your thoughts positive and focus on the excitement of race day. But don’t ignore pain — mild discomfort can be an early sign of overuse or a developing injury.
Post-Race Checklist
Cool down. Keep walking for 5–10 minutes after you run to gradually lower your heart rate. Try some light stretches, focusing on calves and hamstrings.
Prioritize recovery. Your body needs rest to repair. Avoid high-impact exercise for 1–2 days post-race and consider active recovery like swimming, yoga or cycling.
Use RICE when needed. If you notice swelling or tenderness in your foot or ankle, follow the RICE method: rest, ice, compression and elevation.
Follow up. Ongoing pain after running isn’t normal. Luminis Health is here to help you get answers and get back to what you love.
Authors
Schedule an appointment with foot and ankle orthopedic surgery specialist, Dr. Max Coale.
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