- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHolding a red marker, Teri Boss writes ‘thank you’ on the inside label of each newly sewn gown. She sketches a tiny red heart beside every ‘thank you’ she writes. These gowns do not have an ordinary purpose. They adorn the backs of nurses at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) who are working every minute to save the lives of COVID-19 patients. Boss is one of nearly 40 community volunteers who have sewn almost 900 isolation gowns for the nurses of AAMC. In April, during our patient surge, the sewers produced 50-80 gowns a day. “I wanted to give back and take care of my country during this difficult time,” said Boss, a first-generation Polish American, who came to the U.S. in the early 2000s. “The love I’ve received from people in this country inspired me to help.” Teri Boss is one of nearly 40 community volunteers who have sewn almost 900 isolation gowns for the nurses of AAMC. Despite great efforts to conserve gowns during the pandemic, the supply was running low and more were needed for nurses caring for COVID-19 patients. “None of us were sleeping. We were worried about running out of isolation gowns,” said Joan Twigg, RN, who coordinated the gown conversions. “We have to protect our health care workers during this pandemic and back then we were seeing a lot more COVID-19 patients than we are now.” Sewing Angels Twigg said AAMC obtained 800-1,000 lab jackets to help with the shortage. They were not an easy replacement to isolation gowns because they opened in the front. Isolation gowns open in the back to prevent contamination. Twigg took some of the lab jackets home to see if she could make them work. Despite creating a prototype isolation gown, which sealed up the front and opened in the back, she still had a problem. “I brought them into the hospital and said ‘If we could just get a room full of sewers for two days we can do this,’” Twigg said. This was not an easy fix due to social distancing and visitor restrictions enacted by the hospital to protect patients and staff. Twigg contacted a friend who is a family and consumer sciences (FACS) education teacher to see if she could help or knew anyone who could. The friend connected her to FACS teacher, Lenore Martin, who reached out to her sewing network. Martin, who has sewn for years, reached out to fellow sewers and created a video to show them how to put the gowns together. With that, the volunteer COVID-19 sewing gown operation was born. Volunteer Lenore Martin sews gowns for AAMC nurses. “I think all of us feel great about being able to help,” Martin said. “It’s not a lot that people who aren’t qualified in the medical field can really do right now. I’m just really thankful that our sewing abilities are able to be beneficial to the hospital and to the nurses.” The gowns are made out of tent-like material and are washable for reuse. The reuse factor solved the gown shortage problem. Volunteer Julie Bays Julie Bays is a FACS teacher and a lifelong sewer. She learned from her grandmother at the age of 10. She calls sewing her “happy place” and was glad to join the team of sewers. Helping was personal for her. “I have a daughter who works in the emergency room,” Bays said. “I admire how she gets up and goes to work every day with such a willing spirit. It was really nice that I could do a little bit to help the people on the front lines.” The volunteers’ work has not gone unnoticed. They have received notes of thanks from nurses and photos with them wearing their gowns. Some AAMC nurses refer to the network of sewers as angels. They have sent pictures holding up signs that say, “Thank you, sewing angels.” Making a Difference Bays and other volunteers have also sewn masks and scrub caps for AAMC during the pandemic. Volunteer Monette Callahan Like Bays, Monette Callahan also has a personal connection to health care. Her son is an ICU nurse who is currently caring for COVID-19 patients in Baltimore. Regularly he tells her of the challenges that front line workers are facing. “My son says, ‘This is for real mom. This is scary. It’s not like what you see on social media,” Callahan said. Ultimately, Callahan wants to do her part to support her son as well as others working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I enjoy sewing the gowns because I know I’m helping and making a difference in my own way,” she said. “I have the skills, I have the machine and I have the time. Why not go ahead and help?” Learn ways you can help our community.0
- SpecialtyA medical emergency can happen at any time, to anyone. That's why Luminis Health provides exceptional emergency care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you're experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911. Do not drive yourself. When to Go to the ER If you think you may be having a medical emergency, don't hesitate to come to the Emergency Room (ER). By seeking treatment for medical emergencies as early as possible, you'll have the best possible outcome. Come to the ER if you're experiencing: Chest pain or difficulty breathing. Weakness or numbness on one side. Slurred speech. Seizures. Fainting or a change in mental state. Severe headache (the “worst headache of your life"). Serious burns. Severe abdominal pain. Head or eye injury. Broken bones or dislocated joints. Unexplained or persistent high fever. Severe cuts that may need stitches. Thoughts of suicide or hurting someone else. Vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain with pregnancy. , If you don't have health insurance, don't let that stop you from getting emergency care. We see all patients, regardless of whether you have health insurance. If you are a self-pay patient, we can connect you to government programs that may help with your health care costs. Our billing department can also work with you on payment plans.0
- Why Choose Luminis Health Imaging for Your Bone Density TestLuminis Health Imaging is a leader in introducing new imaging technology and practices in Maryland, and we're a champion for lower-radiation imaging. We're laser-focused not just on imaging safety and quality, but also providing an amazing patient experience.We offer an easy online system so you can pick the time slot that works best with your busy schedule. And you can access all your Luminis Health Imaging test results through your online MyChart profile. We want to help you and your health providers follow your health in a thoughtful, big-picture way.Speaking of convenience, we perform a FRAX® questionnaire at the same time as your bone density scan. FRAX® is a tool that gives you a score based on your fracture risk.To calculate your FRAX® score, we'll ask you questions about your medical history, alcohol intake, whether you smoke and so on. We input your answers into the tool – as well as your bone density scan results – and you'll get a handy score. This helps you and your doctor decide on any lifestyle changes, supplements or medications you might need.ScreeningConditions/Services/Treatments PageWe may stop growing, but our bones don't stop changing. Our bodies replace old bone tissue with new bone to stay strong. But as we get older and wiser, our bodies are less efficient at this regeneration process. This means you can lose bone faster than you build it.When your bone density gets very low, it's called osteoporosis. It's often called a “silent disease" because you don't realize you have it until you break or fracture a bone.When you fracture a bone, especially the hip or spine, those glory years of retirement are, well, less glorious. It's harder to get around, see friends, travel or shop for your grandkids.A bone density scan, or DEXA screening, is a way to be proactive about your bone health. It tells you if you have osteoporosis or are at risk of developing it. With this information, you can take steps to improve your bone health. Things like weight-bearing exercise or taking supplements or medications can help.Who Should Get a Bone Density Scan, or DEXA Test?The country's top medical organizations recommend women over age 65 go for bone density scans to check for osteoporosis. Some men, as well as younger women, may also benefit from the test if they have extra risk factors like:Taking certain medicationsGeneticsEarly menopauseHow healthily you eatWhether you smoke or drink heavilyYour doctor can help you decide if you should get a bone density scan.What Is a Bone Density Scan?A bone density scan uses low-dose x-rays to measure bone density. It uses less radiation than you're exposed to naturally from the sun in a day, so it's safe.The scanner sends two radiation beams – one that's absorbed by hard bone tissue and another that's absorbed by soft tissue. By comparing the two, doctors can determine bone density.0
- General Page - Tier 2Deneen Richmond President, LHDCMC [email protected] Dawn Ridley Vice President, LHDCMC FoundationDoes healthcare mean a lot to you? If you said yes, you probably love medical centers that provide a variety of healthcare services to community residents. But, what makes a medical center truly special are the stories of patients who receive quality healthcare. Those stories contribute to the legacy of a medical center. Continuing our legacy of passionately caring for the health and well-being of the residents of Prince George's County and the region with state-of-the-art equipment and quality healthcare services is the mission of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center Foundation. Since 1991, the Foundation has raised funds for various healthcare programs and services for patients such as breast health, surgical services, and now behavioral health services. But none of this is possible without you. If healthcare means a lot to you, share your love now. Make a gift to Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center., If you prefer not to receive fundraising communications from Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center, please contact us toll free at (301) 552-8670 or by email at [email protected]. Please include your name and address so that we may honor and acknowledge your request.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWe’ve never had a holiday season like this before. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed how we live – and it will change how we celebrate the holidays. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended staying home and spending the holidays with your immediate family to help slow the spread of COVID-19. For your safety, and the safety of your friends and family, it’s best to avoid traveling this year. Remember, you can still pass the virus onto others, even if you don’t feel sick. It is also getting colder outside in many parts of the country, forcing people indoors – where COVID-19 spreads more easily. But there are still things you can do to spark some joy this holiday season. Here are some ideas to get you started: Gather your household members together and have fun decorating, whether you’re putting ornaments on the tree or stringing up lights outside. Then, take a ride around your community and admire your neighbors’ holiday cheer! Get crafty. Staying home is the perfect opportunity to tap into your creative side. One easy project we love – making a gratitude jar. 2020 hasn’t been the easiest year for anyone – which is why it’s more important than ever to count our blessings. Bake holiday cookies. You could even participate in a socially distanced cookie exchange with your friends and family. Have everyone make a different kind of treat and arrange times to drop them off on each other’s porches. For some inspiration on how to make healthier desserts this season, check out the American Diabetes Association’s Food Hub. Reach out to family members who are far away. Even if we aren’t physically together, we can still keep in contact thanks to technology. Organize an online meeting Make time to get on Zoom or call your relatives to wish them a happy holiday – particularly if they are alone this year. If you must travel for Christmas, these are the important things to keep in mind: Practice the 3Ws. Wash your hands, wear a mask and watch your distance. Consider whether you, or any of your family members, is at risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. If so, stay home. Look at the number of COVID-19 cases in your community as well as in the community that you plan to travel to. Different states and counties have different travel restrictions. Some may require you to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, or self-isolate for a period of time after arrival. But a negative COVID-19 test simply means you don’t have the virus when you took the test. You should still plan on self-isolating before meeting with family members outside your household. You also need to consider any restrictions you’ll have to follow when you return home. Limit the number of guests. Set expectations with your family ahead of time – and stick to them. Ask family members to bring their own food and drink. But if you are sharing a meal, have one person serve and eat with single-use plastic utensils. If you’re inside, open the windows to increase air flow. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly. We all have to work together to flatten the curve of COVID-19. From all of us at Luminis Health, we wish you a happy, safe holiday. Author Jean Murray is the director of Infection Control at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
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