- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogVirtual Urgent Care: A Fast and Convenient Alternative No one likes to wait, especially when you’re home sick, feeling miserable, and the last thing you want to do is leave the house for a doctor’s appointment. While traditional urgent care can be convenient, long wait times are often the norm. Why wait when there’s a faster option? Luminis Health is proud to introduce CareConnectNow, a virtual urgent care service that lets you receive high-quality care from the comfort of your home. All you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer to connect with a skilled Luminis Health provider in real-time. Since this is relatively a new service, you may have questions. Here are some answers to help you make the right decision for you and your family. What kinds of things can CareConnectNow providers diagnose and treat? For true emergencies, such as life-threatening injuries or conditions, call 911 or visit the nearest Emergency Department. Virtual urgent care is ideal for addressing many other health concerns, including: Acid reflux Constipation Cough, cold or sore throat COVID screenings Eye problems, such as pink eye Fever or flu Headaches or migraines Insect bites or poison ivy Seasonal allergies Shingles Sinus problems Skin rashes and infections Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Vertigo They can also prescribe medications or refer you to a specialist when needed. Is CareConnectNow available to everyone? Our CareConnectNow providers are ready to see patients 13 and older—and you don’t have to be an established Luminis Health patient to get virtual urgent care. Keep in mind, you must be in the state of Maryland at the time of service. Most insurance providers cover virtual urgent care appointments, but it is a good idea to confirm with your provider first. Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham also partners with Children’s National Hospital for emergency pediatric needs should your child require additional or complex care. The urgent care you need in the palm of your hands With CareConnectNow, accessing urgent care has never been easier. You can schedule an appointment with our providers weekdays from 8 am–9 pm ET and weekends from 9 am–4 pm ET. The best part? You can often see a provider in under an hour, often times within minutes. Get a diagnosis, personalized care plan, and prescription, all from the comfort of your home. Schedule a live visit today. Visit LuminisHealth.org and click “Find Care”, go directly to LuminisHealth.org/CareConnectNow or call us at 443-951-4270 from your smartphone. Authors Waseem Hussain, MD, is Associate Regional Director of Primary Care at Luminis Health with expertise in all areas of family medicine. He specializes in the management of neurologic, pulmonary, and cardiac diseases, as well as diabetes and gynecologic care.0
- Digestive CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYour gut can tell you a lot about your overall well-being since it plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity and even mental health. But does that mean you need supplements or vitamins designed to improve gut health? That depends on factors like your diet and lifestyle, and whether you’re facing digestive issues that feel disruptive to your everyday activities. Let’s explore how your gut works, why it matters, and what you can do to keep it healthy. Understanding Gut Health Your gastrointestinal (GI) tract includes your esophagus, stomach and intestines. When you eat, these organs work together to digest food, absorb essential nutrients and eliminate waste. Trillions of microorganisms—including bacteria, fungi and even parasites—live in your gut and play a key role in these processes. The composition of your gut microbiome is affected by many factors, including your diet, medications, genetics and age. Signs of a Healthy Gut A well-balanced gut microbiome often leads to: Clear skin Regular and comfortable bowel movements Steady energy levels However, frequent digestive issues like bloating, cramps, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn or nausea, may signal an imbalance. Other symptoms linked to poor gut health include: Acid reflux and heartburn Allergies and skin rashes Autoimmune issues Chronic bloating or constipation Unexplained fatigue Unexplained weight changes Natural Ways to Improve Gut Health Your daily habits can significantly impact your gut health. Try these natural strategies to keep your digestive system in top shape: Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables Eat slowly to support digestion Exercise regularly Manage stress Prioritize quality sleep Reduce ultra-processed foods Stay hydrated Use antibiotics only when necessary Can Prebiotics and Probiotics Help? Ongoing research suggests that prebiotics and probiotics, which can either be found naturally in certain foods or added to your routine with dietary supplements, can benefit gut health in some cases. However, because not everyone needs supplements—and because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate them—it’s best to consult your primary care doctor before adding prebiotics or probiotics to your routine. A doctor can help you navigate the existing research and keep a pulse on new findings, as well help you decide if any of these gut health remedies are right for you. How Do Prebiotics Work? Prebiotics serve as food for probiotics. They occur naturally in many high-fiber foods, such as: Bananas Beans Berries Garlic Oats Onions But while prebiotic supplements like inulin can enhance gut health, they can also be costly. How Do Probiotics Work? Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that support digestive health. When you consume probiotics through food or supplements, you’re reinforcing your gut’s natural microbiome. Foods rich in probiotics include: Certain cheeses Fermented foods like kimchi, miso, and pickles Sourdough bread Yogurt (with live active cultures) Look for labels that mention “live active cultures” to ensure you’re getting beneficial bacteria. Strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are among the most effective, according to current research, and probiotics with added B12 can further boost your metabolism, energy, and digestion. With so many choices though, finding the right probiotic can be overwhelming. Your doctor can help determine whether a probiotic is right for you, and which best meets your needs. Here When You Need Us If you believe your gut health needs improvement, your next primary care visit is a great time to discuss your concerns with your doctor. Together, you can decide your next steps, including any dietary, lifestyle or supplement changes, and monitor your progress over time. If you don’t have an established relationship with a primary care physician, find a Luminis Health doctor who’s ready to help. Visit Luminis.Health/PrimaryCare to book an appointment. Authors Dr. Ijeoma Nwogu is a primary care physician at Luminis Health who sees patients in Greenbelt, Bowie and Lanham, Maryland.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThis is no ordinary ‘A.’ With patient safety always a top priority, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) is proud to announce it has earned its 13th consecutive ‘A’ Grade from the Leapfrog Safety Grade. This national distinction reflects more than 120 years of trusted high-quality healthcare in the Annapolis region and across the Eastern Shore. According to Leapfrog, LHAAMC has earned ‘Straight A’s’ for every grading period since 2018, making it the only hospital in Maryland to achieve this prestigious honor, and one of 95 hospitals nationwide. “This consistent recognition for patient safety is no easy feat and reflects the dedication and expertise of our entire team of caregivers, all of whom are committed to patient-centered care,” said Sherry Perkins, president of LHAAMC. “As we prepare to celebrate Nurses Week and Healthcare Week, I encourage our community to join me in thanking our physicians, residents, nurses, advance practice providers, technicians, therapists, support staff, and volunteers for always prioritizing the care of our patients.”Luminis Health is dedicated to upholding best practices that prioritize quality, safety, and accountability across all operational areas. Our commitment is demonstrated through safe staffing, safety huddles, multi-disciplinary communication, a focus on well-being and retention of the health care team, workplace safety, community partnerships, and collaboration with patient family advisors. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent, free to the public, and is updated twice a year, in the fall and spring. LHAAMC’s ‘A’ Grade for this grading period places it among the top 32 percent of hospitals nationwide. This achievement builds on the hospital’s recent accolades, including being honored with Healthgrades’ Patient Safety Excellence Award for the third consecutive year, recognized as one of Newsweek’s Best Hospitals in the United States, and named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Hospitals in Maryland, particularly for maternity care. Additionally, the hospital received Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians.0
- Why Choose Luminis Health Imaging for Your CT ScanWe're accredited by the top body in the U.S. for imaging, the American College of Radiology (ACR). This accreditation means our equipment, training and practices measure up to the gold standard.We'll always use the lowest dose of radiation to show the parts of your body your doctor needs to see. That's why we've signed on to the Image Wisely and Image Gently pledges. These programs, led by the ACR, help us stay at the forefront of safe radiology testing.If you're booking a lung screening or calcium scoring test, you can book using our simple online system. (Or give us a call if you prefer!) We also offer convenient evening and weekend appointments.ServiceConditions/Services/Treatments PageA CT scan is an imaging technology to see inside your body. CT scans can show bones, joints, organs, blood vessels — pretty much everything!CT scans can reveal the cause of your symptoms. They can find problems in the body before they cause any symptoms. They can also help doctors see whether cancer is going away with treatment.How Does a CT Scan Work?CT imaging uses radiation beams to produce images. Tissue, bone and other structures in the body absorb the radiation in different amounts. A computer analyzes the radiation beams as they pass through to the other side to form images.While an x-ray uses a single radiation beam, a CT scan takes that x-ray beam and moves it in a circle around the body. This is why CT machines are doughnut shaped. CT scans capture more detailed, 3D images, compared to x-rays.Besides diagnosing a broad range of conditions, CT radiology scans are useful for people without symptoms. They can reveal early signs of heart problems and lung cancer, and help you avoid a health crisis.CT Scans Can Help You Reduce Your Heart Attack RiskJust like plaque can build up around your teeth, plaque can build up in the arteries. But the consequence is much worse — plaque in the arteries can cause heart disease and heart attacks.Calcium scoring uses low-dose CT technology to see the arteries in the heart. The radiologist can then measure the amount of calcium in the arteries. Calcium is an important part of plaque.If you have a moderate to high calcium score, your doctor may recommend medications as well as lifestyle changes.CT Scans Can Find Lung Cancer EarlyAmerica's top lung experts recommend low-dose CT lung screening for long-term or heavy smokers between ages 50 and 80. This gives doctors a chance to find lung tumors when they're small and contained to one area. For cancer, early detection is good. Doctors can use less intense treatments. And treatments are much more likely to work when we find cancer early.How do you know if you smoke enough to need lung screening? Multiply your average number of packs in a day by the years you've been smoking. If you get 20 or more, you qualify. (As an example, someone who smokes a pack a day for at least 20 years should check their lungs. So should someone who smokes a half pack a day for at least 40 years.)0
- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhat are healthy foods for your heart? The choices you make in your diet can have a powerful impact on your heart. Certain foods and beverages have nutrients and natural compounds that can lower cholesterol, maintain healthy blood vessels and protect your heart. Here are the top picks for heart-smart foods to eat often. Adding these foods to your diet can keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Leafy green vegetables All vegetables are nutritious, but dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and collard greens are especially rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that promote healthy blood clotting, lower blood pressure, and protect your heart and blood vessels. Eat leafy green vegetables daily by adding them to salads, sautéeing them as a side dish, adding them to soups or stews, or blending them into a smoothie. Avocados This creamy, satisfying fruit is full of heart-healthy, unsaturated fats. Replacing foods like butter, margarine, cheese, or processed meat with avocado can reduce your risk of heart disease. Skip the tortilla chips, though. For healthier ways to eat avocado, add it to your salad or sandwich or dip fresh vegetables into your guacamole. Fresh or frozen berries Colorful blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries contain polyphenols, antioxidants that reduce inflammation, protect blood vessels and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Fresh or frozen berries can be added to overnight oats, yogurt and salads, or enjoyed on their own for dessert. Oats and barley These whole grains are full of soluble fiber, which helps reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. Soluble fiber also slows digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer, which can promote weight loss. Add these grains to your weekly meal plan by eating oats for breakfast and trying barley as a side dish, in soups, or as a base for salads. Beans (legumes) Chickpeas, lentils, black, pinto, kidney, white beans, and all other dried beans or legumes are heart-smart superfoods. They’re full of plant protein, cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber, and many other nutrients that support your heart, blood vessels, and blood pressure. A 2023 analysis of studies published in Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases found that eating about 3 cups of beans each week can reduce your risk of heart disease. To meet that goal, add beans to soups, stews, chili, tacos, and salads, and blend them with herbs to make dips and sandwich spreads. Fatty fish Oily fish, such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and rainbow trout, are excellent sources of omega-3 fats (fish oil). These essential fatty acids can help reduce blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Research links a higher fish intake to a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. As such, the American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings (a total of eight ounces) of fatty fish each week. If you don’t like oily fish, lean fish or seafood like tilapia, cod, or shrimp still provides some omega-3 fats. Any type of fish is better than none. Nuts and seeds All nuts and seeds are excellent sources of unsaturated, heart-healthy fats which can improve your cholesterol. They also contain significant antioxidants to reduce inflammation and protect your heart and blood vessels from oxidative damage. To get the most benefits from nuts and seeds, vary them in your diet: Snack on almonds, peanuts, and pistachios. Sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, pumpkin, or sunflower seeds on salads and roasted vegetables. Add a spoonful of chia or ground flaxseeds to a smoothie. Olive oil Olive oil is an essential ingredient in the Mediterranean diet, and extensive research supports its benefits for heart health. A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found about 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil each day is enough to reap the benefits. Use it to make salad dressings, in place of butter or other oil for baking, and when roasting fish, chicken, or vegetables. Tea According to a 2021 study published in the Annals of Medicine, drinking two cups of unsweetened brewed green or black tea each day can reduce the risk and progression of cardiovascular disease. Researchers believe antioxidant compounds in tea called flavonoids account for its benefits. If you prefer herbal tea without caffeine, try hibiscus tea. A 2022 review and analysis of 17 studies published in Nutrition Reviews determined it can reduce risk by lowering blood pressure and LDL cholesterol. The bottom line When it comes to heart health, food is medicine, so try to incorporate as many of these foods as possible into your regular diet. If you are taking blood thinners or other medications, talk to your physician before making substantial changes to your diet as some foods can change the effectiveness of those medications. Make sure you stay on top of your heart and overall health by getting regular wellness checks and notifying your doctor about any heart-related symptoms. Author Author: Luminis Health Chief of Cardiac Surgery, David J. Caparrelli, MD. Dr. Caparrelli has more than 20 years of experience in both cardiac and vascular surgery. To make an appointment with Dr. Caparrelli, please call 443-481-1358.0
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