- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogA special delivery for expectant mothers in Prince George’s County! Luminis Health is launching CenteringPregnancy ®, a nationally recognized program, to support pregnant mothers and their families. This pioneering healthcare approach features group sessions with other expectant mothers and personalized consultations with your trusted Ob-Gyn or midwife. CenteringPregnancy is one way Luminis Health is addressing the maternal health crisis that has particularly impacted Black women and communities of color nationwide. As part of Vision 2030, the health system’s strategic plan, we’ve set a bold goal of eliminating maternal and infant mortality in the communities we serve. Currently, the maternal mortality rate for Black women in Prince George’s County is 50% higher than the national average. And 80% of women in Prince George’s County leave the county to deliver their babies. It’s important to provide and deliver quality prenatal care closer to home, which is why we’re excited to introduce CenteringPregnancy. What Is Centering Pregnancy? CenteringPregnancy is a healthcare concept that combines Ob-Gyn or midwife checkups with group prenatal care sessions. Here’s how it works: Centering visits begin at 16 weeks of pregnancy and continue through your due date. You meet for 10 sessions, each 90 to 120 minutes long, with a group of eight to 12 other women due around the same time. You are an active participant in your own health care, starting each session by taking and recording your own blood pressure and weight. At every visit, you have private time with your Ob-Gyn or midwife for a belly check. Your provider may take measurements or do an ultrasound. Providers then lead a discussion and facilitate engaging activities. Feel free to ask any questions you have, and we highly encourage you to bring your spouse, partner, or a support person to every Centering visit. Benefits of Centering Pregnancy The type of prenatal care you choose is ultimately up to you. Some expectant mothers prefer traditional one-on-one care. For others, the interactive learning and supportive community of CenteringPregnancy helps them feel better prepared for childbirth and beyond. Here’s how: A Healthier Mom and Baby A 2015 study by the Yale School of Public Health found that group prenatal care improved the health of both mother and baby. It also helped eliminate racial disparities in preterm births. Participants in group prenatal care were: At lower risk of having a preterm or low birthweight baby. More likely to breastfeed their babies. More likely to make healthy lifestyle choices, including exercising, eating healthy foods, and staying away from drugs, alcohol, and nicotine. More likely to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy. Less likely to get pregnant again soon after giving birth, a major risk factor for preterm delivery. More Time With your OB Provider In addition to shared time with your Ob-Gyn or midwife, you have a private checkup at each session. During that time, you can ask questions or share information you might not feel comfortable disclosing in the group. A Community of Other Moms During CenteringPregnancy sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to bond with the same group of women each time — possibly forging lifelong friendships. It’s an instant support system; no matter what twists and turns your pregnancy journey may take, you know you’re not alone. Sharing experiences, learning from, and supporting one another are highlights of this innovative program A Wide Range of Discussion Topics In the group sessions, your provider will cover nutrition, pain management, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, and caring for your newborn. These talks — and the Q&A sessions that follow — help encourage positive behavior that leads to healthier outcomes. To Get Involved Upon completion of the program, you will be better prepared for labor and delivery, breastfeeding, and infant care. Don’t worry about the cost. Because Centering is prenatal care, most health insurance providers cover it like any other prenatal visit. Beginning this summer, the Centering program will take place at Luminis Health’s Greenbelt Ob-Gyn office. Call 301-982-0657 to learn more and to register. As someone who grew up and now practices in Prince George’s County, I am excited to see the positive impact this program holds for our community. Authors Dr. Jonelle Samuel is a board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist who practices in Greenbelt.0
- Cancer Care, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSeven years ago, Howard “Howdy” Freedlander of Annapolis discovered that he had prostate cancer again. He met with Dr. Angel “Ted” Torano, a radiation oncologist at Luminis Health, to discuss treatment for the recurrence. “He was the most authentic and genuine doctor,” Howard says of Dr. Torano. In 2015, Howard traveled to Baltimore for the recommended surgery and now decided to receive eight weeks of radiation treatment under the care of Dr. Torano at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. Howard underwent treatment from Monday to Friday, with each session lasting approximately 10 to 15 minutes. He commends the team for their professionalism and punctuality. The radiation therapists working with him also developed a personal connection. They nicknamed him Howdy, and upon his arrival for the afternoon treatment, they would cheerfully exclaim, “It’s Howdy Doody Time!” On one occasion, they even played the famous Howdy Doody song, and all of them, including Howdy, danced for a few seconds—a unique radiation preparation experience. After a total of 39 treatments, Howard celebrated his last day by ringing the bell in the Donner Pavilion. As a token of appreciation, he left a Howdy Doody bobblehead for the team to remember him by. He carries with him the memories of compassionate care. His advice to others affected by cancer is to maintain a positive mindset. He emphasizes the importance of respecting medical practitioners and appreciating the fact that they are working to save lives. They are motivated to help patients face cancer calmly and optimistically. “Many people who undergo treatment are fearful, anxious, and apprehensive. I chose to acknowledge the seriousness of the process, trust in it, and believe in its effectiveness. I am immensely grateful, as is my family,” says Howard. Howard Freedlander retired in 2011 as the Deputy State Treasurer of the State of Maryland. Previously, he held the position of executive officer in the Maryland National Guard and served as the community editor for Chesapeake Publishing, most recently at the Queen Anne’s Record-Observer. In his retirement, Howard actively serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations in the Eastern Shore, Annapolis, and Philadelphia. If you would like to support the Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center by honoring a doctor, nurse, or caregiver, please consider making a gift.0
- UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWe all know we shouldn’t eat fast food, but most of us can’t help ourselves. The convenience, speed, and flavors of fast food make it tempting, but it’s important to recognize that ultra-processed foods come with health risks. While there are many definitions, think of ultra-processed as food you can’t make from scratch. Sixty percent of the average American adult’s diet consists of ultra-processed food. Diets heavy in ultra-processed foods are linked to higher risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart problems, cancer and more. That’s because the food industry designs these foods so we crave and buy them more. As a result, these foods contain higher amounts of sugar, salt, and fat, and lower amounts of fiber compared to less processed alternatives. One study found that people ate 500 more calories a day when offered diets based on canned or processed meats and frozen potato sides, compared to those who ate fruits, vegetables, and fresh meats. The good news? It’s easier than you think to cut back on ultra-processed foods. Eat ultra-processed food in smaller quantities Trying to cut out your favorite ultra-processed snacks altogether could set you up for failure. Instead, try to eat ultra-processed foods in smaller quantities. That way, you won’t fill up on high-in-calorie, low-in-nutrient food. Don’t eat chips straight from the bag. Instead, put a handful in a small bowl to prevent overeating. At your favorite ice cream shop, order one scoop instead of two and skip the toppings. A rule of the thumb? Order the kids portion if possible. Choose healthier ultra-processed options Not all ultra-processed foods are created equally. Plain pretzels and whole-grain crackers and hummus are better than chips, since they have less saturated fat and calories. Some ultra-processed foods can even be healthy. Whole grain bread without added sugar is technically ultra-processed but it’s also high in fiber and nutrient dense. When buying highly processed foods, compare calories, fiber, sugar, and salt content to make a healthier choice. Watch your drinks Beverages can be heavily processed too. Sports drinks and sodas have a long list of chemical ingredients. Caffeinated drinks can also be high in sugar and artificial flavors. A vanilla latte at a popular coffee shop might pack around 250 calories. Stick to non-sweetened drinks like water and tea as much as possible. If you’re craving soda, try mixing juice and soda water. If you want to order coffee, choose one without flavors, as flavored coffees often include sugary syrup. You can also make your coffee healthier by skipping the whipped cream and requesting skim milk instead of whole milk. Make smart choices at restaurants We all need a break from cooking once in a while. Making healthier choices when going out to eat can be as simple as ordering a small burger without fries or soda. On the side, consider a small salad and ask for a vinaigrette dressing, which packs far fewer calories than cream-based dressings. Avoid salad toppings, like croutons, bacon bits, or tortilla chips, which can be high in fat and salt. Check the ingredients list Foods low in sugar or fat are healthy, right? Not exactly because they are often packed with salt and additives. Pay close attention to the ingredients list and look for chemicals, like guar gum, polysorbates, mono- and diglycerides, carrageenan, and soy lecithin. Strive for products with fewer additives, as this often indicates a higher proportion of real food ingredients. Pay attention as well to the daily value percentage, or how much of the maximum daily amount of sodium, fat, and sugar a product contains. If a package of beef jerky has more than half of the salt you should consume in a day, it’s probably not worth it. The bottom line: small steps can add up Whether you order your coffee with skim milk, skip the fries with your burger, or decide to have whole grain crackers as a snack, you are taking little steps that can make a big difference in your overall health. Author Nowreen Haq, MD, is an endocrinologist at Luminis Health who focuses on cardio metabolic outcomes, complex diabetes, obesity and transgender endocrinology.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center and Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center have received high marks and the designation of “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer” in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 16th anniversary edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). Out of the 1,065 healthcare facilities who participated in the survey, only 462 were distinguished as high performers. “As we celebrate Pride Month, this recognition reinforces our commitment to equitable treatment for all individuals and reaffirms Luminis Health’s on-going dedication to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI),” said Tori Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “Discrimination has no place at any of our hospitals, and we remain steadfast in delivering exceptional patient experiences that enhance the health of the people and communities we serve.” The HEI evaluates and scores healthcare facilities on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars: Foundational Policies and Training in LGBTQ+ Patient-Centered Care; LGBTQ+ Patient Services and Support; Employee Benefits and Policies; and, Patient and Community Engagement. Luminis Health recognizes the importance of providing compassionate and inclusive care to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. By offering implicit bias training for our staff, we ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels welcomed and respected. The health system also understands the significance of asking patients their preferred pronouns, as it acknowledges and affirms their identity. Luminis Health proudly cultivates a supportive atmosphere within the organization with a dedicated LGBTQIA+ Business Resource Group for employees. We actively engage with the LGBTQIA+ community by sponsoring and participating in annual Pride events. Internally, the health system fosters an environment of openness through regular meetings, encouraging candid discussions where concerns and ideas are freely shared. “Everyone who enters our facilities should feel valued, understood, and supported on their journey to wellness,” said Deneen Richmond, Luminis Health’s Chief Quality, Equity and Population Health Officer.. “This dedication is reflected in our values of Respect, Inclusion, Service and Excellence. At Luminis Health, we RISE by lifting others.”0
- Patient Stories, Plastic Surgery & Skin CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAfter years of struggling with a large chest, Elliot Gordon (name changed for privacy) decided to look into top surgery, which is the removal of breast tissue to create a more masculine appearance. It’s a form of gender-affirming care. Gordon developed breasts at a young age and not only found them uncomfortable but as they got older, they did not identify as a woman and did not want breasts. “I never liked having breasts. They caused back and neck pain,” says Gordon. In addition, Gordon has a strong family history of breast cancer. They reached out to Luminis Health to learn about surgical treatment options. After learning about Gordon’s discomfort, identity and family history, the breast surgery and plastic surgery teams decided to work together to treat Gordon. A Luminis Health breast surgeon performed a double mastectomy to remove breast tissue. The plastic surgery team worked on the reconstruction and design of incisions to give Gordon an aesthetic flat closure. “It was a great experience,” says Gordon. “Everyone treated me with respect and kindness. I could not have asked for a better team.” “It was an honor to treat Gordon,” says Derek Masden, MD. “Not only did surgery reduce Gordon’s risk of cancer, it helped them feel comfortable in their own skin.” In Gordon’s case, the surgery was considered a mastectomy, which is used to treat breast cancer and can be done preventatively for those with a high risk of developing cancer. In other cases, breast removal for gender-affirming care is considered top surgery. While not related to cancer, it is incredibly important for the lives of transgender people. Here are a few benefits of gender-affirming care: Improves Mental Health: Gender affirming care can significantly reduce gender dysphoria, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues that transgender individuals may experience. Improves Body Satisfaction: Hormone therapy and surgeries can help transgender individuals feel more comfortable and satisfied with their bodies, reducing feelings of distress or discomfort associated with physical characteristics incongruent with their gender identity. Strengthens Relationships: Gender affirming care can help transgender individuals build healthier relationships with themselves and others by fostering self-acceptance, authenticity, and open communication. Supports Long-Term Health Outcomes: Gender affirming care can contribute to better long-term health outcomes by addressing both physical and mental health needs, ultimately reducing healthcare disparities among transgender individuals. If you or someone you know is interested in gender-affirming surgery, please visit our Plastic Surgery group to request a consultation.0
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