- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Heath Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC), a cornerstone of healthcare in Prince George’s County for nearly 50 years, proudly announces its recognition by U.S. News & World Report as a 2024-2025 High Performing hospital. LHDCMC has achieved this prestigious distinction for excelling in four critical procedures and conditions: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Heart Failure, Pneumonia, and Stroke. This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn for the U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings. U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. Hospitals awarded “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care and patient experience. The annual Best Hospital rankings and ratings, now in its 35th year, are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decision about where to receive quality care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures. “This recognition by U.S. News & World Report is a testament to our physicians and team members’ commitment to delivering high-quality care to the communities we serve,” said Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. “As we prepare to celebrate our hospital’s 50th anniversary next year, we remain steadfast as a leader in medical excellence, providing exceptional care close to home.” To calculate the Best Hospitals rankings, U.S. News evaluated each hospital’s performance on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodology measure patient outcomes using data from millions of records provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This year, among other methodology refinements, U.S. News incorporated new data on care provided to patients with Medicare Advantage insurance and on care provided to outpatients, nearly doubling the number of patients included in its annual data analysis. The Procedures & Conditions ratings are based entirely on objective quality measures.0
- Plastic Surgery & Skin CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogProtecting your skin from the sun with the right sunscreen is crucial. But picking the right sunscreen can be daunting. Knowing the basics before shopping can streamline your decision-making process, and hopefully prevent cancer. Why sunscreen matters One in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime — it is the most common cancer in the United States, and the most preventable. Your best defense is protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. That’s why the American Cancer Society recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when outdoors. Broad-spectrum sunscreens The sun emits two types of rays: UVA and UVB, both capable of damaging the skin. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and most skin cancers, directly damaging DNA in skin cells, prompting rapid growth and tumor formation. In contrast, UVA rays accelerate skin cell aging, leading to long-term issues like wrinkles and rough skin. They can also indirectly harm skin cell DNA, contributing to certain skin cancers. A sunscreen labeled “broad-spectrum” is proven to shield the skin from both UVA and UVA rays. Why use an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen? SPF stands for sun protection factor—the sunscreen’s protection level against UVB rays. The higher the SPF number, the more protection you get. Here’s how SPF works: When using an SPF 30 sunscreen on your skin, for every 30 minutes you spend in the sun, you only get equal to 1 minute of UVB rays. Here’s how much UVB rays each SPF filters: SPF 15 filters out about 93% SPF 30 filters out about 97% SPF 50 filters about 98% SPF 100 filters about 99% SPF below 15 shields against sunburn but not against sun damage or cancer.. No sunscreen can filter or block all UV rays or protect you completely. Chemical and mineral sunscreens: pros and cons Sunscreens use either chemical or mineral ingredients, or a combination, to filter or block UV rays. Chemical sunscreens use various chemical ingredients, including avobenzone, homosalate, and oxybenzone, to absorb UV rays before they can damage your skin. Pros: They are invisible once absorbed into your skin and feel comfortable. Cons: They can irritate sensitive skin, but need time to absorb before working. Mineral-based sunscreens contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, creating a barrier on your skin’s surface that reflects UV rays. Pros: These work right away. They are safe for sensitive skin and are considered safe for coral reefs and marine life. Cons: They can feel thick or greasy and may leave a white residue on your skin, especially on darker skin. What about water-resistant and tinted sunscreens? Sunscreens can’t claim to be waterproof, they can only claim to be “water resistant” for 40 or 80 minutes. If you sweat a lot or spend time in the water, you may want to use water-resistant sunscreen. Similarly, tinted sunscreens offers additional protection against visible light, benefiting individuals with hyperpigmentation disorders, commonly impacting. How to apply sunscreen Sunscreen only works if you use it correctly Maximize its effectiveness with these tips: Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Use enough to cover exposed skin (if you can see light through your clothing, UV rays can reach that skin, too). Most adults must use one ounce of sunscreen, a shot glass, or a palm full Don’t forget your ears, both sides of your feet, and the back of your neck Reapply at least every two hours Apply again after swimming, sweating, or towel drying One last tip- there’s no difference between baby and adult sunscreen. Both are safe to use. However, sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months. If you have questions about your skin health, please contact Luminis Health Plastic Surgery for a consultation. Our experts can work with you to improve sun damage and protect your skin for years to come. Author Telisha Johnson, NP, is a plastic surgery nurse practitioner at Luminis Health.0
- 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
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