- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Gilchrist Lifecare Institute will enhance elder care services in Anne Arundel County Gilchrist, Maryland’s largest nonprofit leader in serious illness and end-of-life care, today announced a joint venture with Luminis Health to form Luminis Health Gilchrist Lifecare Institute. The joint venture will enhance comprehensive geriatric care services in Anne Arundel County. The Luminis Health Gilchrist Lifecare Institute will provide an integrative continuum of care for the elderly across multiple settings, including hospitals, doctors’ offices, long-term care facilities and at home. These services will help address the complex medical, emotional and social needs specific to the elderly. The joint venture expands on Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center and Gilchrist’s existing partnership for hospital-based palliative care services. In-hospital hospice care will also be available at Anne Arundel Medical Center. The Luminis Health Gilchrist Lifecare Institute will provide services in Anne Arundel County, with plans to expand to Prince George’s County through Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in the future. “Gilchrist is pleased to partner with a nationally recognized regional health system to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care to those with serious illness, whenever and wherever they need it,” said Catherine Y. Hamel, president of Gilchrist. “Luminis Health shares our commitment to serving patients throughout all stages of life.” “Our partnership with Gilchrist is a natural evolution of our nationally recognized Institute for Healthy Aging to provide expansive care and services to our older adult population and their families,” said Mitch Schwartz, president of Luminis Health Clinical Enterprise. “It’s about providing the right care, at the right time and the right place, and this new partnership will ensure that elderly health care is seamless. We are pleased to have the expertise of Gilchrist in hospital-based palliative care and, now, geriatric care and hospice services beyond our hospital walls into the communities and homes of the people we serve.” By 2034, older adults (65 and over) are expected to outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history. Maryland will experience a projected 136 percent increase of individuals aged 80 to 84, between 2005 and 2040. Sixty-three percent of individuals 60 and over live in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. The Luminis Health Gilchrist Lifecare Institute aims to better meet the needs of this elderly population and improve their quality of life while reducing costly, unnecessary hospitalizations.0
- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThanks to awareness and education campaigns, breast cancer tops the list of well-known cancers. But, unfortunately, millions of women know about breast cancer firsthand — it’s the most common cancer in women. Women diagnosed with breast cancer are typically over the age of 50. But the Centers for Disease Control shares that there isn’t just one face to breast cancer. Breast cancer can and does develop in younger women. When it does, it’s known as early-onset breast cancer. What is early-onset breast cancer? Breast cancer is categorized as early-onset when diagnosed in someone age 45 and younger. And although breast cancer isn’t as common in younger women, one in 10 women diagnosed is under age 45. Black women tend to have a higher rate of early-onset breast cancer than other younger women. A few things set early-onset breast cancer apart from other cancers: It may include worries about body image, fertility, finances and isolation It’s more aggressive and challenging to treat It’s often hereditary (runs in your family) It’s usually at a later stage when found What increases your risk for breast cancer when you’re younger? While anyone with breasts is at risk for breast cancer (yes, even men), different factors increase your risk for breast cancer when you’re younger. If you’re under 45 years old, your risk may be higher if you: Are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, which puts you at a higher risk for changes in genes that fight breast cancer (BRCA1 or BRCA2) Are Black, due to genetics, the biology of the cancer, and/or differences in health care. Are transgender, due to differences in hormones and gender affirmation surgeries. Have a mammogram that reveals you have dense breasts Had other breast health problems, such as lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Had radiation to your breast or chest during early childhood or as a young adult Have changes in the BRCA genes or have close relatives with changes in the BRCA genes Have relatives (parents, siblings, grandparents on both sides) who had breast or ovarian cancer before age 45 What are the symptoms of breast cancer? Breast cancer symptoms can show up differently for everyone. Or you may not have any symptoms at all. In fact, many people don’t know they have breast cancer until it shows up on a mammogram. Some breast cancer warning signs are: A new lump in the breast or the armpit area Any change in the size or shape of the breast Irritation or dimpling of breast skin Nipple discharge (including blood) other than breast milk Nipple pulling in Pain in any area of the breast Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or breast Thickening or swelling of any part of the breast While these symptoms can also be a sign of something other than cancer, it’s crucial to talk with your doctor about these symptoms. How can you reduce your risk of early-onset breast cancer? If you have any risk for early-onset breast cancer, there’s good news. You don’t have to let cancer have the upper hand. You can take action and reduce your risk. Learn about your family’s history of breast and ovarian cancer Your family’s health history is one of those risk factors that’s out of your control. Learn about your family’s history of breast, ovarian and other cancer history (including your immediate family and extended family on both your mom’s and dad’s side). It gives you and your doctor a solid starting point for better understanding your risk for early-onset breast cancer and hereditary cancer. Consider genetic counseling and testing If your family history puts you at greater risk for cancer, your doctor may recommend genetic counseling. You’ll talk with a specialist who can help you and your family decide whether genetic testing for the changes in the BRCA and other inherited genes is right for you. If you have testing and learn you have a mutation (change) in a gene known to cause cancer, you have options that will make it less likely you’ll develop cancer. Those may include having mammograms, clinical breast exams and ovarian cancer screenings at a younger age. Medications to reduce your risk and surgery to remove your breasts, ovaries and fallopian tubes are also options. Focus on a healthy lifestyle Reducing your breast cancer risk is just one of the many benefits of making a healthy lifestyle a priority. Take action and take care of your health. Lower your cancer risks by choosing to: Breastfeed your babies, if possible Exercise regularly Limit or eliminate alcohol Maintain a healthy weight Take charge of your breast health at every age Don’t assume you have to be a certain age to consider your risk for breast cancer. Prevention and early detection save lives. Talk with your primary care provider, or if you need a provider, call Luminis Health at 443-481-5800 to schedule an appointment. This post was originally published on the Enquirer Gazette. Authors Dr. Regina Hampton, Medical Director of the Breast Center at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. She is a breast surgeon with more than 15 years of experience.0
- Behavioral Health, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWith a significant rise in the need for mental health services, Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDMC) will soon offer a broad continuum of services for people dealing with mental health issues and substance use disorders. Today, Victoria Bayless, chief executive officer of Luminis Health, and Deneen Richmond, president of LHDCMC, joined Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and other local and state key stakeholders for the ribbon cutting of the new Behavioral Health Services Building located on the hospital’s Lanham campus. “Mental health impacts all of us, and we know many in our community are struggling, and even more so through the global pandemic,” says Bayless. “When Luminis Health was formed in 2019, we made a commitment to increase access to high-quality care in Prince George’s County. Today, we deliver on that promise by making healthcare easier, more personal, and built for the communities we call home.” Major funding for the project was made possible through a $20 million grant from Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and the Prince George’s County Council. “We are excited to celebrate the grand opening of the Luminis Behavioral Health Facility,” says Alsobrooks. “We have looked forward to this day for a while, and today is proof of what happens when we capitalize on a time of rising opportunity for our residents. Prince George’s County has had some longstanding challenges in providing residents with access to behavioral healthcare, but with the opening of this facility, Prince Georgians will now have access to the high-quality healthcare they need right here at home.” This July, we will open first floor ambulatory services: Outpatient Mental Health Center (OMHC): Therapy and medication management for adults at the beginning, evolving to include children Behavioral Health Walk-In Urgent Care: For non-emergent behavioral health concerns for all ages Psychiatric Day Treatment Program (PDTP): Mental Health Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for adults and adolescents 8-bed Addiction Residential Service Substance use disorder intensive outpatient treatment program “This facility will provide much needed access to behavioral health care and will ensure people receive the care they need, close to home,” says Richmond. “We’ve served this community for more than 45 years, and the opening of this facility will help us fulfill our mission of enhancing the health of the people and communities we serve.” The second phase, a 16-bed adult inpatient psychiatric unit on the second floor, is scheduled to open this December.0
- Men's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s true that men are less likely than women to visit a doctor. They’re also more likely to skip routine health screenings. But getting through the door of a doctor’s office – even for a short visit like a checkup or screening – can be so important for a man’s overall health and longevity. If you’ve been avoiding the doctor, or you love someone who has, here are three tips from Luminis Health physicians. Three tips to turbocharge your health Know when to schedule checkups It’s always a good idea to schedule a checkup when something isn’t feeling right. If you’ve had a sudden change in weight, problems sleeping or are experiencing sexual dysfunction, for example, it’s time to get an appointment on the calendar. And get in the habit of annual visits, if you’re not already doing that. While yearly checkups are helpful for men of all ages, they’re especially important for those over age 50. During your appointment, your doctor will do routine checks, such as: Blood pressure Blood sugar Cholesterol Physical exam Keeping an eye on your stats can help you prevent or manage minor problems before they turn into significant health issues such as heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for men. While at your appointment, you can also talk about any mental health issues you’re facing or discuss any changes in your mood. Mental health is closely tied to physical health, and your physician is a good resource to connect you with help when you need it. Understand the importance of cancer screenings Your cancer risk over your lifetime depends on a variety of personal factors. When you reach the age of 40, or earlier if you have a family history of cancer, it’s crucial to talk to your doctor about which cancer screenings are right for you. Early intervention routinely saves lives – for example, the number of people diagnosed with and who die from colorectal cancer is dropping, due in part to more people getting screened and improved treatments. Colorectal cancer While many men wouldn’t list “getting a colonoscopy” at the top of a list of things they’re excited about this year, think of it this way: even for advanced colorectal cancers, a 95% cure rate is possible, so screening is important. By the time you’re 45 (or earlier if you have a family history), talk to your provider to learn when you should get your first screening. You can also talk about alternative screening methods that may be an option for you, such as those that use a stool sample. Learn more about preventing colorectal cancer. Prostate cancer Advice on prostate cancer screening isn’t as straightforward. Current screening methods haven’t been shown to lower the risk of dying from this cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, and could potentially lead to overdiagnosis or overtreatment. Talk to your doctor when you’re 50 about the benefits and risks of screening and treatment, including getting the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test. Start the conversation earlier if you have increased risk factors, including if you are African American or have a family history. Learn more about prostate cancer screening. Take charge with preventive measures When you want to start practicing some healthier habits, think about your daily lifestyle choices. It’s never too late to kickstart a new routine that helps you get stronger and take better care of your body. Get moving. Aim for at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, according to the American Heart Association. It’s even better if you can spread out your exercise over the week and add in strength training on at least two days. Make healthy food choices. Eat a variety of nutritious, wholesome foods. If you’re having trouble getting started, ask your doctor to connect you with a nutritionist. Quit unhealthy habits. If you smoke, now’s the time to stop. Avoid drinking excess alcohol. And if you’ve been skipping sleep, remember that the effects of poor sleep can affect other areas of your life. Aim for at least seven hours or more a night. All these small choices can add up to a lifestyle that helps you prevent serious health issues as you get older. Bottom line: your health is too important to put on the back burner this year. This post was originally published for the Enquirer-Gazette. Learn more and schedule your appointment at: https://www.luminishealth.org/en/services/primary-care?language_content….0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health has named Catherine “Cathy” Martin as the new Chief Corporate Compliance Officer. With more than 23 years of experience in health care, Ms. Martin will ensure that legal, ethical, and professional standards are met and communicated throughout the health system. In this role, she has oversight for regulatory compliance, corporate compliance, internal audit, billing compliance, policies infrastructure, and HIPAA privacy. Ms. Martin has an extensive background in healthcare, including being a shareholder in a national health care law practice, as well as government service. She has served as Senior Counsel for the Office of the Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and most recently was a Senior Technical Advisor at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “I am excited to transition from my time at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid where I focused on health care policy to working at Luminis Health, a health system whose mission is to enhance the health of the people and communities it serves,” said Martin. “I look forward to working to ensure our team members can do so in accordance with clinical, ethical, and legal principles.” Ms. Martin has degrees from Loyola College and the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. In her free time, she is a member of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Anne Arundel County and volunteers helping children in the foster care system.0
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