A NICU Where Families Come FirstWe know how important it is for you to care for your baby and bond with them. All parents have 24/7 access to the NICU via your own security cards. Our NICU nurses train and support you in day-to-day care and feedings. After all, you'll be caring for your baby at home before you know it!If you want to breastfeed, we offer lactation consultants both while you're in the hospital and at home. We provide pumps and a secure breast milk storage and tracking system. (We also have donated breast milk available for preterm babies.)Our NICU offers comfortable rooms for visiting and fold-out beds if parents want to stay the night. After spending time with your baby's care team, you'll know and trust they have everything under control. And that's a good feeling when it's time to go home and get some rest.You'll also be glad to know you can call your baby's nurse anytime to get an update on your little champion. Your nurse answers right away or calls you back within 10 minutes. In other words, when your baby is staying at the NICU, you'll never feel far away.
Treatment
Conditions/Services/Treatments Page
Neonatology
Learn About Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Luminis HealthSometimes babies need extra medical care and round-the-clock supervision after they're born. They may be born early, have an infection or have a health condition. That's where our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) comes in.We offer state-of-the art incubators to support our littlest babies' transition from the womb. Our Level III NICU experts provide advanced therapies that aren't available at many other NICUs. Should your baby need medical care after delivery, they won't have to travel far. Our NICU is right across the hall from our labor unit.Our NICU babies have grown into amazing people, and we're so proud of each and every one.
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Infectious Disease
General Page Tier 3
What We’ve Learned About COVID-19 Over the Last Year
Blog
It’s been more than a year since the first cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were reported in Wuhan, China, sparking the beginning of a global pandemic.
Information changed daily, especially in those early days. We all had a lot to learn about this new virus. Its symptoms. How it spreads. Who’s most at risk.
As we begin 2021, here’s what we have learned about COVID-19.
COVID-19 spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets, produced when you cough, sneeze, talk and breathe. This happens when people are within about six feet of each other. We believe this is the main way the virus spreads. That’s why it’s so important to remember the 3Ws. Wash your hands. Wear a mask. Watch your distance.
Certain people are at higher risk of becoming more ill from COVID-19 than others. This includes older adults, particularly those who are 65 and older, and people with underlying health conditions. If you fall into these categories, it’s especially important to take precautions against getting the virus. But the virus can be unpredictable. Younger people, including those without pre-existing conditions, aren’t immune to getting sick.
The long-term effects of COVID-19 are still unknown. Most people who contract the virus recover within about two weeks. Yet others, known as “long haulers,” have symptoms that can last for months – even those who were never treated in the hospital. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most commonly reported long-term COVID symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, joint pain and chest pain. Other COVID long haulers have reported brain fog, depression, muscle pain, headache, fever that comes and goes and heart palpitations. Still others have experienced more serious complications, including heart, respiratory and neurological problems. It will be several years before we fully understand the virus’ long-term effects on people.
Vaccines are a ray of hope. But we’ll still have to be vigilant. The arrival of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in Maryland last month was a big step forward. And we’re excited and optimistic that this means the beginning of the end of the pandemic. But it will be months before the majority of Maryland residents receive the vaccination. Gov. Larry Hogan has rolled out a plan that involves a multi-tiered distribution process, allowing frontline health care workers and residents and employees of long-term care facilities to get the vaccine first. It will eventually be available to everyone who wants it. We believe this is our best shot at ending the pandemic. But it will take time. So, again, let’s continue to practice the 3Ws.
We’re all in this together. It’s going to take a collective effort to defeat this pandemic once and for all. Follow safety guidelines to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Get the vaccine once it’s available to you. Encourage your loved ones to do the same.
If we can work together to do these things, there’s reason to believe in a light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.
Author
Kanak Patel, MD, is Luminis Health’s system director of Critical Care Medicine.
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General Page - Tier 2
Please Help Keep Our Community Healthy
Coming together for a stronger community
Since 1975, Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) has provided quality healthcare services to everyone regardless of their financial circumstances. Because of generous donors, like you, we can continue to strive for a healthier community.
Your donation during this time of uncertainty will ensure that we can help everyone. Your support will prepare our staff who are working day and night to meet the demands of this pandemic that has impacted the world., Donation of personal protective equipment (PPE)
If you or your company can provide masks or other essential medical supplies listed below, please donate them to help protect our healthcare workers:
N-95 masks of all sizes
Isolation gowns
Hand sanitizers with greater than 60 percent alcohol content
Face shields
Procedure masks
Protective eyewear
Antibacterial/antiviral wipes
To donate supplies, please contact the LH DCMC Foundation at 301-552-8670 or email [email protected].
Thank you for your support during this time. Together, we can keep our community safe and healthy.
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Cancer Care
General Page Tier 3
Know What Not to Say to Someone With Lung Cancer
Blog
A lung cancer diagnosis brings fear. Sadness. Uncertainty. So, how can you support someone with such a heavy load? There’s no single answer. Words can’t fix it, but they can comfort. They can also hurt or make someone feel hopeless, even by accident. Knowing what to say, and what not to say, can make all the difference.
Some general things to keep in mind
We don’t want you to be so cautious that you avoid your loved one or friend. But there are some general tips to keep in mind when you talk to someone sick. Avoid clichés. They’re impersonal, and they fall flat. Don’t give your friend medical advice. Let your friend’s care team be the experts. And unless asked, don’t share stories of others with lung cancer. You’ll steal the moment and possibly force your friend to compare themselves to someone else. Every journey is different, and your friend might feel badly if they don’t live up to the standards established by someone else.
Phrases to avoid
Avoid expressions that come off uncaring, like:
“Did you smoke?” or “You shouldn’t have done this.” Lung cancer is often associated with smoking, sometimes unfairly. Lots of people who develop lung cancer have never smoked. If you have lungs, you are at risk for lung cancer. Asking about smoking habits or drawing conclusions on how your friend could have avoided lung cancer isn’t helpful. These expressions put the blame on the person who is sick.
“I know how you feel.” You don’t. You can empathize, but you really can’t know how this person feels or what they are thinking, even if you’ve had cancer. This seemingly empathetic expression redirects the conversation to you and diminishes the moment for your friend.
A form of “Your cancer is treatable,” “Be positive” or “If you have to get lung cancer, that’s the one to get.” These words belittle your friend’s authentic feelings. Being diagnosed is scary, and expressions that misrepresent the severity of cancer can make your friend feel like their concerns aren’t valid. Don’t let emotions bottle up. Sometimes a good cry is the best way to release fears.
Telling someone they are strong or brave. They might not feel that way. These words can put pressure on your friend to act courageously for others and might keep them from expressing their fear.
Predicting a positive outcome, like “You can beat this” or “Everything will be fine.” You don’t know that. No one does.
Say this instead
Let your friend guide the conversation. If they don’t want to talk about their illness, talk about something else. If they do discuss their cancer, understand that your friend is inviting you to discuss something very personal. They want to feel hopeful. They want to know that you care for them. And you don’t have to be a wordsmith to offer words of comfort. Instead of trying to think of something profound, try an expression like…
“How do you feel today?” Navigating lung cancer is a rollercoaster. Some days are better than others. Ask your friend how they’re feeling in that moment. “How do you feel” is too big a question. Asking about a specific moment is manageable.
“What have your doctors told you about treatment options?” Show that you are there for them, even if you can’t be in the doctor’s office. But don’t pry. Follow their lead.
“I’m going to be there for you.” And then do it. Many people with lung cancer say the hardest part of their journey is feeling abandoned. Regular check-ins make people feel like they have a champion with them. Again, follow their lead. Some people like daily conversations. Others appreciate a phone call every few weeks, nothing more. No matter how often you check in, being remembered makes the experience less lonesome.
“I’m not sure what to say.” People appreciate honesty. Your friend isn’t expecting you to be enlightening. Just present.
You can also offer your help. Instead of a vague offer such as “let me know what I can do,” try to think of specific ways you can make life a little easier for them. Offer to bring them groceries on Sundays, cut their grass this week, or drive their child to school. By reducing your friend’s obligations, you can help them focus on their care.
Support your friend
No matter what you say, or don’t say, being there for your friend is the most important way to show your support. Your friend is the same person they were before their diagnosis. And they need support now more than ever.
Learn more about lung cancer treatment here.
Authors
Stephen Cattaneo, MD, is a thoracic surgeon and medical director of Thoracic Oncology at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center.
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Community, Giving, Infectious Disease
General Page Tier 3
Ways You Can Help AAMC
Blog
Last updated at 8:00 am Monday, June 8, 2020.
Thank you for caring for our employees and patients during the coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis. We appreciate your generosity more than you know. The outpouring of donations from our friends and neighbors is a boost to our spirits.
We have moved our collection site but we are still accepting donations. You can drop off items to our North Pavilion information desk and leave in the bins there.
In addition to following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance for social distancing and staying home as much as possible, here are three things you can do right now to help:
Donate protective equipment. Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) is accepting donations of personal protective equipment (PPE). If you or your company have a supply of masks or any of the other essential medical supplies listed below, please donate them to help protect our healthcare workers.
N95 masks, all sizes
Isolation gowns and surgical caps. Learn how to make handsewn gowns and surgical caps here.
Avagard or a product with greater than 60 percent alcohol content
Face shields with masks
Yellow procedure masks
Protective eyewear
Oxivir wipes
Please deliver donations to the North Tower reception desk, located at Hospital Pavilion North, 2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis, MD, 21401. You can leave your items in the bins next to the information desk. We sincerely appreciate your help as we work together to care for our community.
If you have questions or would like a tax-deductible receipt, please email us.
Make a CDC-compliant mask. Many members of our community have reached out and asked if they can help us by making masks. Yes, we can use CDC-compliant masks for those in health care spaces who are not taking care of patients yet need extra protection, as well as for our patients. This will allow the professional protective gear to be used exclusively for health care professionals who are at higher risk of exposure. Learn how to make a face mask here.
“At a time of a national shortage of masks we appreciate the community’s willingness and eagerness to do this,” says Barbara Jacobs, RN, chief nursing officer at AAMC. “This will allow us to accumulate masks that can be used if supply issues continue, particularly for our patients.”
We will sanitize all delivered masks. Please deliver these items to the North Tower reception desk, located at Hospital Pavilion North, 2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis, MD, 21401. You can leave your items in the bins next to the information desk.
Give blood. We encourage healthy individuals to schedule an appointment to help meet the blood supply need in our community. Call 443-481-4215 to schedule a time to donate.
READ MORE: Blood donations and coronavirus: How we’re keeping our community safe
The Blood Donor Center is located inside AAMC’s Wayson Pavilion, Suite 450. Donation times are Monday through Wednesday from 8:15 am to 3:45 pm and Thursday and Friday from 7:15 am to 2:45 pm.
Thank you for supporting our incredible heroes on the frontlines as we work together to care for our community during this unprecedented time.
We appreciate the many who have asked about donating food. If you are interested in donating meals to our frontline health care workers, please email [email protected] to learn more about how you can help to keep our staff fed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We want to keep our limited resources focused on the gathering of PPE supplies for our health care workers and homemade masks for those not in direct patient care, as well as encouraging people to donate blood. These are critical to the health of our staff and patients. We will keep you informed if things change.
If you are interested in further supporting the important efforts of our caregivers and staff who are working tirelessly to care for our community, we would be grateful for any and all financial donations for our Community Response Fund – every dollar truly makes a difference.
You have a critical role as we Stay Healthier Together.
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