- 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.0
- 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 Health0
- 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.0
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe C-word no one wants to hear is cancer. Thankfully, cervical cancer is highly preventable thanks to the HPV vaccine. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, there has been a significant drop in the number of young people receiving the HPV vaccine. January is cervical cancer awareness month, and it’s a good opportunity to learn about screenings and vaccinations. What is Cervical Cancer? It is cancer that starts in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. We know that the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes changes in cells that lead to this type of cancer. Many women do not experience symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer, which is why screening is so important. Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer include: Pain in the abdomen, pelvis, or back Pelvic pressure Difficult urination Difficult bowel movements Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including in between periods Common treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. What Are Your Options? The HPV vaccine protects people from the types of HPV that usually cause cancer. But the key is to get the vaccine before there’s a chance of being exposed to HPV. Children can get the HPV vaccine as early as age 9, but most providers recommend it for preteens ages 11–12. We suggest that people younger than 26 get the vaccine if they haven’t had it already. Your provider can help you know if and when the vaccine is right for you. Providers have safely administered the HPV vaccine to young women for more than a decade. Schedule Regular Cervical Cancer Screenings Even after receiving the HPV vaccine, women should plan on screenings. There are two main screening tests—the more well-known Pap test and the HPV test. The Pap test looks for cells on the cervix that may become cancer. The HPV test looks for signs of HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer. If you have a cervix, we recommend getting your first Pap test at age 21. Consult with your gynecologist regarding specific screening recommendations that are right for you. You may need screenings more often if the test results are abnormal or you’re at a higher risk of cancer. When cervical cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 92%. With it being Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, make it a priority to get a routine screening, and if you haven’t already, make sure your children receive the HPV vaccine. It can save their life. Author Nicholas C. Lambrou, MD, FACOG, FACS, is the chief of gynecologic oncology at Luminis Health. Dr. Lambrou’s areas of interest include the treatment of women with gynecologic cancer, cancer prevention strategies and advanced gynecologic surgery.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health is honored to be designated as a CEO Connection 2023 Mid-Market Economic Justice Champion for its dedication to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). The award recognizes Mid-Market companies that are influencing change, innovation and standards for excellence, while making equal opportunity in their companies and communities a way of life not just a slogan. “This recognition reinforces Luminis Health’s commitment to lead as an anti-racist organization, eliminate health disparities and improve health outcomes for all people in the communities we serve,” said Tori Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “With our ten strategic recommendations from our Health Equity and Anti-Racism Task (HEART) Force, we are steadfast in confronting racism, addressing the impacts of systemic inequity and dismantling structural injustice.” The award-winning companies have been evaluated based on their results in the following areas: Board Diversity, C-Suite Diversity, Supply Chain Diversity, Workforce Diversity and Community Engagement. Based on their scores, the companies have been awarded the following levels of achievement: Economic Justice Champions, Economic Justice Advocates, Economic Justice Engaged. “When we embrace diversity and include those left out or marginalized, we not only set an example for all to see, we give hope to those who often have none. As business leaders, we have the opportunity to impact not only the businesses we lead but also the communities in which we live and work. The 2023 Mid-Market Economic Justice Award winners set an amazing example for others,” says Kenneth Beck, CEO of CEO Connection, “and they do it because it is the RIGHT thing to do, not just because it makes good business sense.” Luminis Health’s HEART Force, a multidisciplinary group made up of members of the board of trustees, senior leaders, medical staff, community partners and stakeholders, developed recommendations that are now embedded in the ten year strategic plan for Luminis Health. The HEART Force’s recommendations are structured by three major categories: Lead as an anti-racist organization, and confront racism and eradicate inequities in health care. Enhance culturally informed communications and community collaboration. Measure and integrate accountability. “Through the work and dedication of our HEART Force, JEDI Council, Inclusion Groups and overall JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) initiatives, Luminis Health is now a majority minority organization – with more than half the workforce represented by ethnically and racially diverse team members. In addition, 50 percent of our Luminis Health board of trustees and executive leadership are women and 42 percent are diverse,” said Tamiko Stanley, chief diversity equity and inclusion officer for Luminis Health. “While we are proud of our progress, and we do take brief pauses to appreciate the advancement of our journey, we are fully aware that there is more work to be done. We remain steadfast in our commitment to become a national model in our JEDI journey.” The complete list of the Economic Justice winners can be found here.0
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