- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogConfidence. Balance. Adventure. Focus. Support. These are just a few key qualities kids need in order to develop the mental strength required to become strong, responsible adults. Mental strength isn’t about being strong-willed, defiant or tough. It’s about teaching kids how to cope with what life sends their way and giving them the courage and confidence to reach to their full potential. As a parent, how do you instill these values while navigating the changing tides of society? You’re told to make kids brave, but cautious. Raise them to be confident, but humble. Give them freedom, but not too much. Keep them active, but let them rest. In the coming months, we’ll explore the “how” with you. Our age-by-age conversation starters will help you foster open communication as your child grows. Our article “Is it puberty or something else?” will explore what’s within the normal range of emotions and behavior and help you determine when you should seek professional help. We’ll talk about creating a stimulus barrier for yourself and your children, how play is therapeutic and how to navigate the pressures of social media. Raising mentally strong kids also takes self-reflection. When you get emergency instructions on an airplane, the flight attendant tells you to put on your own oxygen mask first before attempting to help anyone else. It’s a metaphor that extends to all aspects of life — you need to take care of yourself in order to best take care of others. So as you read our upcoming articles, participate in online discussions and use our tools to help encourage better communication with your child, reflect on how you too handle difficult situations, show resiliency and communicate. Let’s build mental muscle together. We need to make caring for our minds, and the minds of the children looking up to us, a priority. Because ultimately, healthy minds need YOU. Ask questions, find resources and learn more at askAAMC.org/HealthyMinds.0
- News & Press Releases, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) and Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) have opened their doors to limited patient visitation. The guidelines allow one to two visitors, based on patient situation, to be present during visitor hours throughout the patient’s stay. Visitor hours for LHAAMC are 12 pm to 8 pm. Visitor hours for LHDCMC are 8 am to 8 pm. Clergy of any denomination may visit a patient at any time and does not count in visitation totals. “Caring for and protecting our patients, families, employees, and the community during this pandemic has been our top priority,” said Victoria Bayless, chief executive officer for Luminis Health. “We recognize this past year has been difficult for patients and their loved ones. The new procedures will bring much needed support to our patients, while keeping everyone safe. We thank everyone for their patience and ask them to remain vigilant.” Visitors will be screened upon entry to the hospital and expected to follow these guidelines: They will be required to wear an appropriate mask at all times while in the hospital (even if vaccinated); Must maintain social distancing from all others; And wash or sanitize their hands throughout their visit. As a patient and family-centered organization, Luminis Health will continue to review and update our visitation guidelines and practices as the situation changes. View the latest guidelines for LHAAMC here and LHDCMC here.0
- UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMay is Lupus Awareness Month. Lupus (also called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) is a disease that effects 1.5 million people in the U.S., according to the Lupus Foundation of America. A 2019 survey found that 63% of Americans have never heard of lupus or have little information about the chronic illness. Here is what you need to know: Lupus is an autoimmune disease Lupus causes your immune system to attack healthy tissues and organs in the body. The body creates antibodies which attack your own cells. The chronic disease most commonly attacks your kidneys, skin, joints, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs. Lupus may not affect all of these in each patient. Lupus symptoms Lupus is often tough to identify because its symptoms are similar to other illnesses. Here are the most common signs and symptoms from the Mayo Clinic: Fatigue Fever Joint pain, stiffness and swelling Butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose or rashes elsewhere on the body Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods Dry eyes Headaches, confusion and memory loss It is important to remember that these symptoms may also occur with other illnesses. A doctor can perform an examination and tests to see whether a patient has lupus or a different condition. Risks for developing lupus Lupus is more common in women. A lupus diagnosis usually occurs between the ages of 15-45 years old. African Americans, Hispanics and Asian Americans account for the majority of lupus diagnoses. If fact, lupus diagnoses are two to three times more likely in African Americans compared to whites. You may also be at a greater risk if you have a family member with lupus. The disease may become more active during pregnancy, and require close monitoring. Causes of lupus In most cases, the cause of lupus is unknown. Experts believe it is possible to trigger lupus if you have a genetic predisposition for the disease, by hormonal changes, or by environmental factors. Treatment options There is currently no cure for lupus. You can manage lupus symptoms through a proper treatment plan created by your doctor. Treatment includes monitoring regularly. It may also include medications to help with symptoms, prevent worsening, and block the disease process. Health providers choose medicines very carefully. Medication selection depends on what other conditions a patient has, how severe the lupus is, and which features of lupus are the most active. Medications might include plaquenil, prednisone, imuran or benlysta. Author Susan Berger, MD, is a rheumatologist with Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogPalliative care is often mistaken for hospice care. If you or your loved one is suffering from a serious illness, it’s important to know the difference and what is available to you. Hospice care is appropriate when medical treatments cannot offer a cure. Hospice professionals provide care to people who have an advanced illness and are in their last stages of life (prognosis of six months or less). Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv), however, may be given at any time during a patient’s illness, from diagnosis on, regardless of life expectancy. Palliative care may also be provided along with curative (meaning lifesaving or life-prolonging) treatment. Most doctors are trained to focus on curing and treating your illness. But you may have symptoms that make it difficult to be as active as you want to be, or that impact your overall quality of life. This is where palliative care teams come into play. Teams are made up of specially trained doctors, nurses and other providers. They focus on treating and relieving your symptoms and side effects, such as shortness of breath, pain, lack of appetite and fatigue. They can also treat physical and mental stress caused by a serious illness—whatever your diagnosis. In fact, the word “palliative” itself comes from the word “palliate,” which means to make the effects of something less painful, harmful or harsh. Palliative care also emphasizes making sure you are informed. Teams help you understand the pros and cons of treatments and help you make decisions about treatment options. They also offer spiritual or religious support, and can help match your goals and values to your medical care. Palliative care teams work with you, your other doctors, and your family to coordinate all aspects of your care. They focus on you as a whole person, not just the part of you that is sick. Research shows that those with a serious or chronic illness who receive this extra layer of support see a number of benefits, like better symptom control, improved quality of life, satisfaction with care, fewer hospital and emergency room visits, and lower medical costs. So, where do you start? If you think palliative care could be right for you, the first step is to talk to your doctor. If costs concern you, you should know that services are covered by most private insurance plans as well as Medicare and Medicaid. Services are also flexible and based on your needs. Medical care can be confusing. Palliative care teams can help you and your family talk through what you want, and help you navigate a very complex system. You don’t have to cope with the day-to-day challenges of living with a serious illness alone. Palliative care can give you a better quality of life. Learn more about palliative care at www.askAAMC.org/palliative. Author Jeanette M. Abell, MD, MBA, is associate chair of Medicine and medical director of Hospitalists and Palliative Medicine at Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTori Bayless, Luminis Health CEO, reflects on hope in times of crisis. I am sure each of you is still processing the events of yesterday, as am I. What happened in our nation’s capital was shocking and scary. While horrifying for people all over the country, we have the added trauma of this happening where we live – so many of our colleagues live and work in DC or nearby. This is our home – not a tourist destination. News analysts and commentators speak about how yesterday’s breach and desecration of the Capitol shakes the very foundation of our democracy. And it does. For us, it also takes aim at the security and sanctuary of our home. That is no small matter, especially this year when home has become even more central to our worlds – family life has collided with work and school. Home has been a safe haven from the virus; our respite. Yesterday, for some of our team mates, getting home was a scary prospect. That weighs on everyone. Many of us were looking forward to the hope of a new year. The promise of a vaccine and a return to normal. Yesterday’s violent acts shattered some of that optimism. But here’s what I know: The hope is in us. Each of us – choosing to stand and face the future with determination to make it better – give hope for a brighter tomorrow. Together, collectively, we have the power to change today. And tomorrow. And the one after that. During the stress of a long day or particularly hard shift, it is easy to forget how much our communities respect and admire the compassion, excellent care, teamwork and inclusiveness you demonstrate every day. But just as the assault on our nation’s capital could not destroy the inherent strength of our democracy, neither a pandemic – nor any challenge – can harm the strength of our purpose and our resolve to make lives better for thousands of people every day. I encourage you to check on each other. Reach out for help. Call the employee assistance program. Take care of yourself, your family, and each other. Know that your Luminis Health family is with you, supporting each other. There is hope in that.0
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