- Provider110865476This provider is a part of the Internal Medicine Residency program at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center.EnglishInternal Medicine0
- Women's Health, Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogCervical cancer screenings play a vital role in catching cancer early, when it’s most treatable. With new testing options, including an at-home test recently approved in the U.S., more people find it easier to stay on top of their health. Here’s what you should know about cervical cancer tests, how they work and why regular screenings matter. The basics of cervical cancer screening According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 13,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. The good news is that screenings—like a Pap smear, a human papillomavirus (HPV) test, or both—can find changes in cervical cells before they turn into cancer. Regular screenings give the best chance of catching problems early, when treatment works best. Over the past few decades, this has already helped lower cervical cancer rates significantly. In-office vs. at-home testing Traditionally, cervical cancer screening is done during a pelvic exam at a doctor’s office. During the visit, a health care provider collects cells from the cervix and sends the samples to a lab for testing. Now, a new at-home test provides another option. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), reports that the FDA recently approved a self-collection method for HPV testing, which may help expand access to cervical cancer screening. With this option, patients collect a sample at home using a simple kit, then mail it to a lab for analysis. While this option can be helpful for those with limited time, difficulty accessing appointments or discomfort with in-office exams, it’s important to know that it does not replace screenings with a provider. Key differences between at-home and in-office testing include: Comprehensive care: Office visits often include other important screenings and exams. Follow-up care: A doctor can immediately discuss next steps if any arise. Provider expertise: In-office tests are done by trained professionals who ensure proper sample collection. At-home tests can be a good starting point, especially for those overdue for screenings, but they should not entirely replace professional evaluations. When and why you should get screened ACOG recommends that cervical cancer screening begin at age 21. Screening guidelines by age: Ages 21 to 29: Get a Pap test every 3 years. Ages 30–65: Choose from a Pap test and HPV test every 5 years, a Pap test alone every 3 years, or an HPV test alone every 5 years. Age 65 and older: Screening is not needed unless there is a history of cervical changes, cervical cancer, or certain health conditions, such as being immunocompromised. It’s also important to note that those who are vaccinated against HPV still need screening, as the vaccine doesn’t protect against all cancer-causing HPV strains. Talk to your provider about the best screening schedule based on your age, health history and risk factors. What happens if you’re diagnosed with cervical cancer? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed after being diagnosed with cervical cancer. The important thing to remember is that when it’s found early, treatment is often very successful, which is why regular screenings matter so much. The right treatment plan depends on the stage of cancer and your overall health. A dedicated care team will be there every step of the way to create a personalized plan and provide the support needed. Take charge of your health Whether you choose an at-home option or visit with a provider, what matters most is that you get screened. Regular cervical cancer testing is one of the most effective ways to protect your health. Cervical cancer is both preventable and treatable. This Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, take charge of your health. Call 240-241-7474 to schedule your annual well-woman exam at Luminis Health Primary Care Lanham. Authors Tormeika Sanford is a nurse practitioner at Luminis Health. To schedule an appointment, visit Luminis.Health/PrimaryCare.0
- Behavioral Health, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogKids have busy lives…and so do you! If you and your children feel overwhelmed by summer activities like sports, camps, chores and more, it might be time for a mental health day. I like to call them ‘Family Skip Days.’ According to the most recent Prince George’s County Community Health Assessment, almost a third of middle and high school students felt sad or hopeless enough that it impeded their normal activities. That’s why mental health days are just as important for kids as for grown-ups. While it might feel challenging to fit one of these days into our busy schedules, it’s important to prioritize mental health and wellbeing to help the whole family recharge. What are the signs? While everyone feels down at times, you might consider a mental health day if your child is feeling persistent sadness or showing frustration that does not match the situation. Remember, summer should be fun. You can look out for these signs too: Changes in sleep or appetite Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks Increased irritability or anxiety Negative comments on social media Noticeable stress of feelings of being overwhelmed Physical complaints (like stomachaches) without a clear cause Withdrawal from social activities Threatens to harm or kill oneself Many of these signs may be more obvious in teens, but harder to spot in younger children. Watch for signs like frequent, unexplained temper tantrums, persistent nightmares, or ongoing disobedience and aggression. Whatever the signs, children of all ages can benefit from mental health days. Tips for a successful mental health day with your child Mental health days should be fun and relaxing, not stressful. Here’s how I make these days easy to schedule and fun for my own family: Schedule wisely: Pick a day when your family has the fewest obligations to reduce the stress of rescheduling other events. Start the day strong: Sleep in and help your children pick out or make their favorite breakfast in their pajamas. Pick enjoyable activities: It will feel more special if your kids can help decide the activity. Consider giving them options that are local and budget-friendly to make the day easy on your wallet. Connect with your kids: Ask your child if there’s anything on their mind or if something is bothering them. You can talk while you’re cooking, playing or walking to a park. Rotate the time: If you have multiple children, rotate activities so that each child has some one on one time with you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If your child expresses feelings of anxiety, depression or other mood disorders, you may consider reaching out to a behavioral health professional. It’s okay that your kids are not okay. If you think that your child could benefit from meeting with a behavioral health professional, you can book an appointment online without a referral at Luminis.Health/BehavioralHealth. For urgent matters, visit the Behavioral Health Urgent Care at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham. At the urgent care, walk-in appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Lastly, the most important thing is to get out of the house and enjoy your time together. Put away the phones and turn off the TV and game consoles. A mental health day is not about checking out, it’s about checking in with your child and being present without any distractions. Authors Dr. Jesselina Curry is the System Medical Director for Ambulatory Behavioral Health Services at Luminis Health.0
- General Page - Tier 2Together, We Advance Health and Healing The impact of philanthropy is felt throughout Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) and across the broader region. Each of these philanthropy reports highlight the areas in which support from donors made an impact in 2024. Within the pages of these reports, you will find stories and statistics that demonstrate how donations and kindness are making a difference in the lives of our patients, their families, and our community at large, and why we need continued support. Our rich history of more than 120 years is also bolstered by strong philanthropic support. We take great pride in our many donors and friends who continue to step up to help inspire our work today and ensure our strength for tomorrow. Every gift to LHAAMC is put to work to make our great hospital even more extraordinary. Whether it is a one-time gift or ongoing annual support, philanthropic impact is hard at work everywhere at LHAAMC. We thank you for your continued generosity in our efforts to advance the health of the communities we serve. Together, we make a meaningful difference.0
- ResearchAbstractCushing's syndrome is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular events, sepsis, and thromboembolism are the leading causes of mortality. Patient's with Cushing's due to a pituitary adenoma and those with Cushing's due to benign adrenal adenoma have relatively good survival outcomes often mirroring that of the general population. Persistent or recurrent disease is associated with high mortality risk. Ectopic Cushing's syndrome and Cushing's due to adrenocortical carcinoma confer the highest mortality risk among Cushing's etiologies. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, and specific monitoring for and treatment of associated comorbidities are essential to decrease the burden of mortality from Cushing's.2018-06-30Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am.2018 Jun;47(2):313-3330
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