- 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
- News & Press Releases, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFor the third consecutive year, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical (LHAAMC) has made Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals for providing exceptional care to new mothers and babies. “We are honored to be just one of 161 hospitals in the country to receive five ribbons for maternity care in 2022, Newsweek’s highest rating,” said Sherry Perkins, president of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “This is all made possible thanks to a collaborative effort by our physicians, nurse midwives, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and the entire team.” Newsweek partnered with data firm Statista to evaluate maternity care based on three factors: A national survey of hospital managers and maternity care specialists that asked them to recommend top maternity hospitals. A review of key hospital performance data related to maternity care, such as a hospital’s rate of cesarean births. A review of patient satisfaction data, such as how patients rated hospital staff for their communication and responsiveness. “I am extremely proud of our team, especially since we are only one of three hospitals in Maryland and the busiest of these three to earn this award,” said Monica Jones, chair of Luminis Health Women’s and Children’s services. “Each and every day, our team members relentlessly pursue the highest-quality and safest care for the patients and families we serve. This national award is a testament of their hard-work and dedication to mothers and their newborns.”0
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogButterflies in the stomach. Sweaty palms. A racing heartbeat. A shaky voice. These are just a few well-documented cases of how stress or anxiety (aka your mental health) can bring on real physical symptoms. After all, we’ve all experienced these kinds of nerves before a big presentation or an important date. But what happens to the body when these “nerves” turn into longer bouts of anxiety and depression? The short answer: It can have a serious impact on your health. And what if you struggle with a chronic illness, like diabetes, high blood pressure, or even cancer? That can impact your mental health. The good news — understanding this mind-body connection can help you take charge of your whole health — mental, physical and emotional. Even better, there are steps you can take to reduce your stress and improve your health. Let’s dive in. How Mental and Physical Health Influence Each Other Researchers have been studying the connection between mental and physical health for years. They’ve asked the big questions, like “How does our mental health affect our health?” and “Does a chronic condition put you at higher risk of a mental illness?” Here are just a Few Interesting Findings: Depression may cause a wide range of physical symptoms and health conditions, including memory trouble, an increased risk of heart attack and heart disease, and weight gain and loss. Anxiety can bring physical symptoms like dizziness and sweating and also lead to long-term health issues, such as gastrointestinal trouble, high blood pressure, eczema and other skin conditions. Mental health can also impact the immune system. Researchers found that individuals who express prolonged periods of stress may have a weaker immune system, ultimately making it easier to come down with illnesses like the common cold or strep throat. Individuals with chronic conditions are also at higher risk of developing depression or anxiety, according to research from the National Institute of Mental Health. Boost your Mental and Physical Health When it comes to staying mentally and physically strong, it comes down to the basics. Most of these tips won’t surprise you, but they are great ways to keep your body in tiptop shape and your mind (and emotions) feeling sharp. Get moving. Exercise has countless physical and mental health benefits. A quick 30-minute walk (or even less) around the neighborhood can help strengthen your heart, lungs and muscles; and boost your mood with a rush of “feel-good” chemicals like endorphins. Rest up. A good night’s sleep connects to a stronger immune system and reduced stress — among many other benefits. Adults should aim for seven or more hours of sleep. Focus on friendships. Your social health is an important part of your physical and mental health. Spending time with friends and loved ones can influence health behaviors and even mortality risk. What better excuse to call up a friend and meet them for a cup of coffee or (even better) a walk around a nearby park? Eat right. Sure, it can be tempting to reach for that delicious (but not-so-nutritious) snack of potato chips or candy bar. But, noshing on some fresh fruit and veggies will help your body and brain feel stronger than ever. Vitamins and minerals, like B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and probiotics, may help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety and support important body functions like the immune system, brain function and bone strength. Ask for Help When You Need it It can be hard to admit you’re struggling with your mental health. Just remember, you are not alone. The National Alliance on Mental Health Institute (NAMI) estimates that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness. Another organization (Mental Health America) found that more than of adults living with mental illness, including anxiety or depression, don’t seek treatment. There’s no shame in getting help to better manage your mood, emotions and mental health. There are proven approaches to help you cope with feelings of anxiety, depression and fear, including therapy, medication and more. If you’ve been struggling with your mental or physical health — or both — your primary care doctor or a mental health professional can help. Schedule an appointment and, together, find ways to improve your overall health and wellness so you can feel your best. Authors Eshe Montague is the director of our behavioral health program at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.0
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