- Community, Pediatrics, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSummer is prime time for frequent trips to water parks, pools, beaches and lakes. Unfortunately, it’s also the high season for drowning and even dry drowning that occurs after swimming. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency care for nonfatal submersion injuries. The key to prevention is water safety education. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning water activities this summer: Learn to swim. The American Association of Pediatrics recommend children start swimming lessons around age one. You can find lessons at your local pool. Learn CPR and first aid. In the time it takes for paramedics to arrive, your CPR and first aid skills could save someone’s life. Find CPR and first aid certification programs online in your local area. Use the buddy system. Never swim alone. Wear a life jacket when on a boat, raft, inner tube, kayak or canoe. Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming, boating or water skiing. Do not drink alcohol while supervising children. If you have a pool at home, make sure you have the proper safety mechanisms (i.e., gates, latches, locks, etc.) in place to prevent accidents. We all love to have fun, but we must do our part to protect others and ourselves by practicing water safety. If you have questions or concerns about preparing for summer activities, your primary care physician can help. Authors Heather Newhard, MSN, CRNP-F, is a primary care physician with Luminis Health.0
- Community, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health has reached a major milestone. The health system has given more than 100,000 vaccines in our communities. Luminis Health can now provide more shots in arms, thanks to a $2.2 million state grant. The funding will be used to expand efforts to bring COVID-19 vaccinations to vulnerable residents in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties. The Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) provided the funding to increase Maryland’s statewide vaccination rate. The new program awarded $12 million to hospital systems to expand and improve existing mobile and community-based vaccination programs. Luminis Health will use the funds to expand its mobile vaccination program. Since January, our Health & Wellness Team has administered shots at businesses, homeless shelters, senior centers, low-income housing communities, barber shops, churches, and community events. Through our mobile program, the health system will provide more than 41,000 additional vaccinations in 14 target zip codes across Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties. “We need to meet people where they are,” said Christine Crabbs, director of Community Health at Luminis Health. “This additional funding will allow us to help our vulnerable residents who face challenges such as poverty and lack of access to health care, technology, and transportation. We will go door-to-door if necessary to get shots in arms.” Luminis Health will work with more than one hundred community partners on this project. “Consistent with our new 10-year strategic plan, Vision 2030, Living Healthier Together, we are focused on partnerships, public health, and care beyond the walls of the hospitals,” said Tori Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “Since our mission is to enhance the health of the people we serve, it is our honor and duty to vaccinate as many as we can, to bring this pandemic to an end. Keitarree Smith of Annapolis received the 100,000 vaccine during a clinic at Mt. Olive AME Church. He was presented with a $100 Visa gift card and a special sign.0
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogBeginning this month – National Cancer Survivor’s Month – we will share a series of blog posts from our own cancer survivors. Each cancer journey is unique. At Luminis Health, we want to shine a light on these journeys from the perspective of our own patients. That’s why we’ve started this new series – bringing hope and comfort to those who have been touched by cancer. Here’s Maureen Disharoon’s story: Last summer, my husband, Larry, noticed that he had a blister between his toes. We didn’t think much of it, but a few weeks later, it looked a little angry, so we saw a dermatologist—the biopsy came back as melanoma. The dermatologist helped us get an appointment at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) the very next day, which was really kind of amazing. Going through this process during the year of COVID-19 added a challenging layer to this scary scenario. Over the next few months, Larry had surgery to remove his cancerous toe and a lymph node from his groin. A genetic test recommended by Dr. Adam Riker determined he had a version of the BRAF gene that makes melanoma worse, so he recommended immunotherapy following the surgery. It was a lot, but everything seemed to be going fine until December, when Larry started to have some behavioral and cognitive changes—we learned that the cancer spread to his brain, as well as his lung, his abdomen, and leg. This required an entirely new game plan on very short notice: whole brain radiation and full-blown chemotherapy. Throughout this process, Larry’s team of doctors at LHAAMC—Drs. Julie Oda, Mary Young, and Adam Riker —were amazing. They were right there at every new development. Dr. Riker always has a “we gotta go after this!” energy, while Dr. Oda has a gentle, caring approach—and both are brilliant. Dr. Young, the radiology oncologist, laid out an aggressive plan the first day she met Larry and moved heaven and earth to set up his whole brain radiation that started hours later…during Christmas week. This was not an insignificant feat. The whole team, including the nutritionist and other staff, gave us whatever we needed; not only did they design a treatment plan for him literally in hours, but everything was so personalized. When he went in for radiation, Dr. Young would occasionally walk Larry out herself and hand him over to me, adding a personal touch to this treatment phase. The staff has just been incredible, compassionate, and accommodating. From my perspective, as the spouse and advocate, I did a lot of notetaking, scheduling, and orchestrating. I’ve been a NASA consultant supporting many NASA missions for 40 years and this became my newest mission. Most people have seen how quiet and calm mission control is, but in reality, the rooms that surround Mission Control can be frantic. I tried to harness the frenzy, keep out the noise, and focus on the “mission.” We feel very grateful for the care Larry has received. Larry’s brother died of melanoma at 43, before immunotherapy and other targeted treatments existed. As long as the medicine is working, Larry will stay on it. We know it won’t cure it, but as his doctors say, we can put the cancer to sleep for as long as it will stay asleep. The cancer is asleep now, but if it wakes up—if the gene finds a backdoor, as it’s been known to—then maybe something else will be needed. Larry is still under the care of Drs. Oda, Riker, and Young, and they’re making sure we don’t let our foot off the gas. But things are hopeful right now: Larry celebrated his 65th birthday in April, and he’s looking and feeling good, he’s gained weight, mows the lawn, and has even gone golfing! If you told me this in February, I don’t know if I’d have believed it. So that’s where we are. We’re enjoying life. Every day we have like this is a win.0
- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFor a lot of us, the pandemic has taken its toll on our mental health and wellbeing. That’s especially true for teenagers. At Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, we have seen an increase in mental health visits to the pediatric emergency room. That’s why we have created a new space for young patients to relax and chill out. Over the past few months, a planning team has transformed the hospital’s old playroom into a Zen Den, an area specifically designed to meet the mental health needs of teens. “Before a teen is admitted, there is a fair amount of wait time anxiety,” said Melanie Lee, clinical nursing director of Pediatrics for Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “The Zen Den is a safe and supportive space that came at just the right time. During this pandemic, we saw an increase in teenagers needing mental health services.” The moment you walk in the room, you are surrounded by peace and calm – the lighting is dim, the walls are painted blue, and soft music is playing in the background. Teens can relax in a beanbag chair, write their feelings on a white board, or enjoy the Vector Jr. sensory station, complete with a bubble and jellyfish tower. “You feel like you are not in the hospital,” said Meghan Siegel, a certified child-life specialist at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, “and it’s already making a difference. Patients are relieved, peaceful, and less stressed. It’s really a simple space.” The Zen Den was made possible thanks to donations from the community. When Rob Rex died in November 2020, his family asked loved ones and friends to donate money for a new playroom at the hospital. Nearly $14,000 were raised through the Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation, which helped create this innovative addition to the Pediatric Emergency Unit. “We are happy to be able to give back to the community that has been so incredibly supportive of us,” said Jenn Rex. “There is not much more important than the mental health of our children and we are proud to have the Zen Den named in my husband’s memory and as a lasting reminder of the impact his life had on so many. Rob was the most positive person I have ever known and we look forward to doing as many positive things as we can in his honor.”0
- Community, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you’re finally traveling to see friends or family this summer — or just hitting the road for some R&R — it’s still important to weigh the COVID-19 risks. But with careful planning (and some mask wearing, social distancing and handwashing) it might be OK to now book that long-awaited trip. First, Check Travel Restrictions Before you finalize your plans, check online for travel restrictions. Some places aren’t yet open to travelers or could require you to get a COVID test before arrival. And, even if travel is allowed, it’s smart to check infection rates where you’re going to make sure there isn’t a local spike in cases. If You’re Not Vaccinated The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say it’s safe to travel within the U.S. if you’re fully vaccinated and follow safety precautions. If you’re not vaccinated, they recommend you delay your trip. However, if you have to travel before then, you should: Get tested one to three days before you leave Quarantine for 10 days after you return home (or seven days with another negative test after your trip) Protect Yourself in Transit If you’re headed through a public transit hub such an airport, keep in mind it might be crowded. Even with signs reminding everyone to stay six feet apart, that might not always happen in lines, at busy gates and on shuttles. Take the following safety measures: Consider eye protection. You might want to wear protective glasses or a face shield in addition to your mask. Keep distance. Leave seats open between you and other travelers when possible. Mask up. Wear a mask in airports and transit stations, and on shared transportation like planes, trains, buses and taxis. Wash your hands often. Don’t forget to scrub up after touching common surfaces like turnstiles, touchscreens and handrails. Stay Safe at Your Destination Unfortunately, COVID isn’t taking a vacation just yet, and new variants are circulating. Keep taking the safety measures you take at home while on your trip. You might want to pick a destination with plenty of fun outdoor activities so you can enjoy yourself with a lower risk of virus transmission. If you’re headed to a beach or swimming pool, keep in mind that while the CDC hasn’t noted any reports of the virus spreading through water itself, the virus can still be passed through the air in a crowd of people. Prepare for the Unexpected When you’re packing your bags, think ahead. You might want to bring a few extra items to ease your mind and reduce your risk while you’re on the go. That could include: Extra masks in case yours get wet or dirty Harder-to-find safety gear like protective eyewear Sanitizing wipes to use on tables or counters And don’t forget the snacks. In some areas, transit food courts might be overcrowded or not yet fully open. If you’re traveling by car, bringing your own food can also cut down the need to go into busy markets or restaurants near hot vacation spots. Finally, Aim for Flexibility Travel advice continues to change as we learn new information about COVID. If you’re heading out for a trip soon, stay up to date on the news and ready to adjust your trip if needed. And remember, with so many people eager to travel, you may hit delays on the road or at rental car locations. But getting the chance to safely venture out, hug family and friends, and recharge a bit after the year we’ve had is well worth it. Authors Dr. Michael Glickman practices family medicine on Kent Island.0
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