- Wound CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogComedian and television host Jay Leno was recently treated in an Hyperbaric oxygen chamber for severe burns to his face and hands following a gasoline accident in his garage. You are probably wondering what is hyperbaric oxygen therapy and how does it work. Because wounds require oxygen for a proper healing process, the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), also called hyperbaric oxygen treatment, is actually on the rise. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that increases the amount of oxygen in a patient’s blood so it can pass more easily through the blood plasma—the liquid component of blood—and into wound tissue to heal it. During the treatment, a patient is surrounded by and breathing in 100% oxygen while in a pressurized chamber. The increased pressure helps the patient’s lungs collect more oxygen. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treats Many Conditions At Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to treat slow-healing diabetic wounds, bone infection, compromised skin grafts, arterial insufficiency, acute sensory hearing loss, gas embolism, gas gangrene, decompression illness, acute carbon monoxide or cyanide poisoning, crush injuries, progressive necrotizing infections that kill soft tissues, along with radiation injuries such as: Soft tissue radiation necrosis: When soft tissues die due to radiation exposure. Osteoradionecrosis: When bones die due to radiation. Radiation cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder and urethra resulting from treatment with radiation therapy. Radiation proctitis: Inflammation of the rectum occurring because of acute damage to the rectum sustained from pelvic radiation. What to Expect During Treatment HBOT patients are placed in a monoplace chamber that is approximately seven feet long; this hyperbaric oxygen chamber treats one person only. The patient breathes normally while in the chamber. A clinician remains close by to monitor treatment—patients can speak directly with clinicians whenever needed. Treatment can last for up to two hours, with the number of treatments ranging from 30 to 60. Every treatment is customizable to the patients’ history and diagnosis since each patient responds differently to care. When Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy May Not Be Appropriate You may not be able to undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy if you have an untreated pneumothorax, collapsed lung, COPD, pregnant and have undergone certain chemo medications. Don’t be surprised if your ears “pop” during treatment; this is normal. If you’re feeling a little claustrophobic, the physician can give you a medication to help relax. Possible rare and temporary complications could include barotrauma, which is injury to your ears, because of changes in pressure. You may experience blurred vision which stops when treatment stops, oxygen toxicity or pneumothorax. Ask your healthcare provider about HBOT if you’re concerned about a slow-healing wound. Medicare has approved coverage that fits the guidelines for hyperbaric oxygen therapy and most private insurance companies follow Medicare guidelines; if interested, people should still always check with their insurance company to ensure treatment is covered. Authors Cash McQuarter is the Director of Wound Care at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNovember 16, 2022 – Patients and families can count on high-quality, safe care at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis and Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham. Both hospitals have received high marks by Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for protecting hospital patients from preventable harm and error. Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for fall 2022. LHAAMC has earned ‘Straight A’s” for every grading cycle since 2018. “This national recognition is a real testament of the hard work and commitment from our caregivers and volunteers to protect patients from harm and ensure their safety,” said Sherry Perkins, president of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “Our patients can rest assured they will consistently receive high-quality and compassionate care at our hospital.” Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) earned a “B” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for fall 2022. “I am proud of our team for prioritizing and improving quality and patient safety in the communities we serve every day,” said Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. “We will continue to evaluate our initiatives and best practices to improve the health of all Prince Georgians.” The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization with a 10-year history of assigning letter grades to general hospitals throughout the United States, based on a hospital’s ability to prevent medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent, and free to the public. Hospital Safety Grade results are based on more than 30 national performance measures and are updated each fall and spring. The Leapfrog Group and Money magazine also announced the best hospitals in the United States for billing ethics. LHAAMC and LHDCMC were both recognized for providing fair billing to patients. To meet the new standards, hospitals must ensure patients can easily access and understand what they owe, and provide contact information for someone who can help understand the billing process.0
- General Page Tier 3BlogWe wait for it all year, that wonderful time when we eat things that we don’t usually consume, and sometimes we eat too much of it. The holidays are all about food, and it is possible to enjoy what you love and not feel guilty about it later. The key is to focus on eating nutrient-dense foods—those that have a high level of nutrients but are relatively low in calorie count. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy treats but be mindful about portions and indulge just a little bit. Remind yourself that the first bite or two tastes the best, so slow down and savor the flavors and textures of the delicacies you look forward to all year! Party the Smart Way Holiday parties can be a challenging minefield of delicious foods with low nutritional density, so don’t go to a party on an empty stomach. Try to drink plenty of water and eat a small, healthy snack before the event. Take a good look at all the food choices on the buffet before you select to ensure your calories count. Balance your plate with 50% fruits and vegetables, just like any other day. Don’t waste your calories on foods you can enjoy any time of the year, like a dinner roll, potato chips or cubes of cheese—look for something you wouldn’t normally eat. When you’re invited to a party, offer to bring a dish that fits your normal meal plan. Hosts love when guests bring a fresh fruit platter or veggie platter with a fun and healthy dip. Focus on the people and good conversation and move away from the food table. Did you know that anything you put on a cracker can be enjoyed on a cucumber? Again, fruits and vegetables make nutritious fill-ups without extra calories. Lean protein options including shrimp, smoked salmon, lean meats or beans and hummus can help satisfy hunger. Limit Alcohol but Not Exercise Alcoholic beverages mean holiday cheer for many of us—eggnogs, mixed drinks, and hot ciders. When we have a cocktail or two, our inhibitions around food choices take a dive. We start out selecting fruits and vegetables, but after a drink or two, the higher calorie options call to us. With so many delicious, flavored soda waters and seltzers available these days, enjoy a cocktail but keep a glass of seltzer water in your hand—good for sipping during cocktail hour. Stick with your regular exercise routine and try to work out before or after holiday events. Regular exercise can help temper holiday stress and might help regulate your appetite. Plan an event without food as its focus. Join family and friends to do a tree lighting, go ice skating or enjoy a holiday concert. Get outside and take a brisk walk to enjoy holiday decorations or create a new family tradition—it’s what the holidays are all about. It’s important to remind yourself that with a little planning and a positive attitude, the holidays can be fun and healthy. Relax and enjoy the day of the celebration, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah. Just don’t let one day turn into a week or month of holiday eating. This article was originally posted on the Enquirer-Gazette. Authors Ann Caldwell is a nutritionist and registered dietician at Luminis Health’s Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) has released their Digital Health Most Wired Survey results for the 2022 data collection period. Luminis Health is proud to announce our Level 8 achievement for the Acute and Ambulatory survey selections. Among the more than 38,000 organizations surveyed by CHIME, Luminis Health ranked above peers in categories like analytics and data management, population health, infrastructure, and patient engagement. The survey assessed the adoption, integration and impact of technologies in healthcare organizations at all stages of development, from early development to industry leading. “To receive CHIME’s Digital Health Most Wired recognition year after year is truly an honor and demonstrates our team members’ hard-work and dedication.” said Saad Chaudhry, Luminis Health chief information officer. “Their work directly translates into a better patient experience at Luminis Health. We recently launched a new web-platform that not only includes a redesigned website, but easy, personalized online scheduling for in-person and telehealth visits. Our teams have also continued to push for transformation internally – this year, we launched an AI-enabled support chat-bot to offer technical assistance for employees, allowing for faster and automated resolution of some of the most common Information Technology issues.” He added, “This recognition therefore highlights our focus on not just keeping the lights on, but constantly enhancing our organization’s abilities in the digital realm.” The Digital Health Most Wired survey and recognition program serves as a comprehensive “Digital Health Check-up” for healthcare organizations around the world. As success in digital health increasingly determines the quality of patient care, the scope of the CHIME Digital Health Most Wired survey reflects the progress of leading healthcare providers as they reinvent healthcare for a new century. “We are proud to honor your team’s exceptional dedication to excellence in digital health,” said CHIME President and CEO Russell P. Branzell. “Your pioneering performance in the industry inspires other organizations by example. Patients in communities around the world receive better care when you drive change through digital transformation, as you have proven through your success in this rigorous program.”0
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWe sometimes assume that heavy periods, pelvic pain, or other troublesome symptoms are just part of being a woman. But in some cases, these symptoms can point to uterine fibroids. And many women who find out they have them, wish they’d known more, sooner. That’s why we’re sharing answers to some frequently asked questions about fibroids. What Is A Fibroid? Fibroids are benign muscular tumors that grow in and around the uterus. They can be tiny in size, barely visible to the human eye, or can grow to be the size of a grapefruit or larger. What Causes Fibroids? Medical researchers aren’t sure what causes fibroids to grow. But we do know they: Develop from an abnormal cell in muscle tissue May grow or shrink throughout your life May run in your family Seem to be connected to hormones and the menstrual cycle Are more common in African-American women Are Fibroids Dangerous? Fibroids are very common. And while they aren’t cancerous, they can significantly disrupt your day-to-day life, possibly requiring medication or surgery. They can also affect fertility and pregnancy. How Do Fibroids Impact Pregnancy? Depending on size and location, they can interfere with pregnancy by disrupting implantation and increasing risk for miscarriage. What Are the Symptoms? Since most fibroids don’t cause any symptoms, some women don’t realize they have them until a doctor sees signs during a routine pelvic exam. Other women, however, can experience intense symptoms, including: Abdominal or lower back pain Fullness or pressure in the lower stomach area Heavy or painful periods and bleeding between periods Pain during sex Pregnancy and labor complications Urinating more often or having trouble urinating How Are They Diagnosed? Fibroids can be diagnosed during a routine pelvic exam. They can also be diagnosed through imaging tests such as: Pelvic ultrasound (most common) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Hysteroscopy Saline sonogram Can Fibroids Go Away On Their Own? They can shrink on their own, which often happens after menopause. In fact, if you’re getting close to menopause and have fibroids, your doctor may recommend not treating them. Your doctor also might not recommend treatment if your fibroids are small or aren’t causing any symptoms. But your care team will continue to check during routine exams to make sure they haven’t grown. When Should I Call A Doctor About My Symptoms? If you’re experiencing enough pain or blood loss during your period that you can’t take part in your daily activities, talk to your provider. It’s always a good idea to check in when you have a concern about your body, and that includes when you have any of the symptoms we’ve mentioned. Your doctor may recommend special tests to check for fibroids. How Do I know If I Need Surgery? Treatment options depend on your symptoms, the size and location of your fibroids, and factors in your life such as if you’re thinking of becoming pregnant or nearing menopause. Many new technologies mean there are more treatment options than ever before, including non-surgical or minimally invasive treatments. Many of these options are also uterine-sparing, meaning that they do not require surgical removal of the uterus. Options include: Acessa, or laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (lap-RFA), a minimally invasive procedure that uses targeted heat to shrink fibroids. Myomectomy, which is surgical removal of fibroids while leaving the uterus in place. Uterine fibroid embolization, which is a procedure to shrink the fibroid by blocking off its blood supply. Medications: Certain medications are also available to help manage fibroid symptoms in some patients. While fibroids don’t “grow back” once removed, new ones can still develop after surgery. So, some women choose to have a hysterectomy, surgery to remove the uterus, as a permanent solution. Here When You Need Us We know that any new diagnosis can feel overwhelming. But it’s important to remember you aren’t alone. Help is always just one conversation away, and there are many ways we can help ease the symptoms fibroids can cause. Authors Dr. Jonelle Samuel, Dr. Jessica Ton, and Dr. Rupen Baxi specialize in gynecologic surgery at Luminis Health.0
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