- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHoliday family gatherings offer a great opportunity to create valuable new memories with our loved ones, and to share something equally important: your family’s health history. While countless conditions run in families, it’s common to be worried about cancer since it often comes with the most uncertain outcomes. Knowing who in your family has had cancer, and how much of it exists in your family history, empowers you to safeguard your health and take proactive action. Why asking about cancer history matters Cancer can run in families. Sometimes it happens because you’re exposed to the same factors. Other times, you inherit genes that increase your risk. Only 5 to 10 percent of cancer cases are linked to changes in your genes. However, there are some cancers that have a strong genetic connection. For example, BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations have a significant link to breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, and male breast cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, having one of these mutations substantially increases the risk of breast cancer for women and prostate cancer for men. If you have several family members with the same cancer, your chances of having a genetic mutation are higher. That doesn’t necessarily mean you will get cancer. But it does increase your risk. That’s why it’s important to talk with a doctor who can help you take steps to prevent the disease or detect it early, when it’s most treatable. Who to talk to and what to ask about your family cancer history The first step is identifying which family members you should talk to. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests gathering health information from your blood relatives, particularly first- and second-degree relatives. Collect details about any relatives who have died, too. This can include your: Aunts and uncles Children Nieces and nephews Parents and grandparents Siblings Several factors are key to assessing your risk of cancer. Consider asking these questions of your blood relatives: For relatives who died, what was their age at death? What was their cause of death? How old was your relative (living or dead) when they were diagnosed? What type of cancer did they have? What to do with your family cancer history information Once you’ve gathered this information, take it to your healthcare provider. Based on your family history and other risk factors, they can recommend lifestyle changes and preventive screenings that may minimize the impact cancer has on your life. Routine health screenings are one of the most effective ways to prevent cancer-related deaths. They can detect the first signs of cancer, making treatment easier and more successful. Depending on your family history, your doctor may also recommend genetic counseling and testing. Genetic counselors can conduct specific genetic tests that provide a more in-depth examination of your DNA. Not only will they identify the full range of your genetic risks, but they will also help you understand what those factors mean. If cancer does develop, genetic test results can also help guide more personalized treatment options. Be sure to also share important information from your genetic testing with family members. It may encourage them to start life-saving cancer screenings. Tips for collecting family cancer history details Starting a conversation about personal health history can be difficult. However, there are ways to make your relatives feel more comfortable with the discussion. To put your loved ones at ease, consider these tips: Start by sharing your own health information. This sets the stage for a two-way conversation. Talk with each family member individually and pick a private spot where they can speak openly. Explain why you’re asking about their health. Ask specific questions, one at a time. Find out what other health conditions they have (like heart disease or diabetes) and their age at diagnosis. Write down the details from every family member. If you find out about any health changes in the future, add them to your record. After heart disease, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Knowing if your family history puts you at higher risk for developing the disease could help save your life or the life of a loved one. So, make it a goal this year, in between the big family holiday dinners or parties, to take a couple of minutes to ask a few questions. Your family will come away with a priceless gift: health knowledge. If you’re concerned about a family history of cancer, talk to your primary care provider to see if screening is right for you. Authors Mini’imah Wilson is a Manager of Cancer Prevention Grant Programs at Luminis Health.0
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe excitement of a new year brings the opportunity to reset and prioritize your well-being. While many of us make New Year’s resolutions, it can be tough to stay on track long term, even with plenty of motivation in January. At Luminis Health, our vision is Living Healthier Together, and a big part of that is partnering with our community to support healthy habits year-round. That’s why we’re sharing practical advice to help you keep your resolutions and feel your best throughout 2026 and beyond. Setting small, realistic goals is essential. Here are a few recommendations: You don’t have to be a gym rat We all know that exercise is key to a healthy lifestyle; but too many of us think we have to run a half marathon, spend hours at the gym or lift more than a hundred pounds. The truth is much simpler — every bit of movement helps. Aim for 20 to 30 minutes of exercise or moderate activity each day. Even a short walk, especially after a meal, has been shown to offer major health benefits. Try finding activities you actually enjoy, like dancing, gardening or playing with your kids. The best exercise is the one you’ll keep doing. Plus, regular movement boosts your mood, reduces stress and helps you sleep better — benefits that make it easier to stay active all year long. Eating healthier doesn’t have to be complicated If one of your goals is to lose weight, it’s easy to think the solution is a popular weight loss drug or the latest fad diet. But remember the old adage — “eat your fruits and vegetables”? It’s 100 percent true. If you are hungry, eat. Remember to be mindful of what you’re putting into your body. Try to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, and aim for a variety of colors throughout the week. The more colorful your meal, the more nutrients you’re getting. A good goal is to include at least three colors at each meal. And don’t forget to stay hydrated, sometimes your body can confuse thirst with hunger. Spend less time on your devices You know that old saying—there are never enough hours in the day? It’s no secret that our phones take up a lot of time. According to recent studies, Americans now spend an average of more than five hours a day on their phones. Here are some “smart” ways to cut back in 2026: Create “no phone” zones: Let your family know devices are not allowed at the dining table or at bedtime. Set limits on social media: Use built-in phone settings to track screen time and set daily limits. Replace scrolling with movement: When you feel the urge to check your phone, take a short walk, stretch or chat with a friend instead. Be aware of AI: Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of our daily lives. From schoolwork to shopping and even health advice, it can be a great tool when used wisely. But don’t rely on it too much or let it replace real human connection. Talk with your children about using AI responsibly and help them understand both its benefits and its risks. Try mindfulness Put down your phones, and pick up mindfulness. This simple practice can help reduce stress, boost your mental and physical health, and bring more fulfillment to your daily life. Try these easy activities: Take a mindful walk: Notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you as you move. Practice deep breathing: Inhale slowly through your nose, exhale through your mouth and focus on your breathing for one minute. Do a body scan: Pay attention to how each part of your body feels, from your head to your toes. When you decide to pick your phone up again: Try an app: Mindfulness apps can walk you through deep breathing, short meditations and other simple practices to help you get started. See your primary care provider Haven’t been to the doctor in a while? Now’s the perfect time to book an annual wellness visit. Having a primary care provider helps you prevent future illness, manage existing chronic conditions, and reduces health care costs. It’s easier than ever to book an appointment with Luminis Health. Find a provider at Luminis.Health/PrimaryCare. Best wishes for a healthy 2026 as we continue Living Healthier Together. Authors Dr. Kimberly Carrette is a primary care provider at Luminis Health Primary Care Lanham.0
- Behavioral Health, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs the days grow shorter and colder, it’s natural to feel a shift in your energy. But for some, that seasonal slowdown is more than a passing mood. It’s seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that affects about 10 million Americans each year. Since SAD is often brushed off as the “winter blues,” it’s important to know it’s a real mental health condition, and it’s treatable. Recognizing the signs early so you can get the help you need, regardless of the season, is a great first step. Defining SAD SAD is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most often beginning in late fall or early winter and subsiding in spring. It’s more than feeling “off” when the seasons change. It’s a recurring type of depression linked to reduced sunlight. Less sunlight can disrupt your body’s internal clock and lower levels of serotonin and melatonin; chemicals that help regulate mood and sleep. SAD comes in two main forms: Winter-pattern SAD – This is the most common form of SAD. Summer-pattern SAD – This form of SAD is less common. It usually begins in late spring or early summer and begins improving in the fall. You may be more likely to experience SAD if you: Already live with depression or anxiety Have a family history of depression or bipolar disorder Live in regions where daylight hours are shorter Spend most of your time indoors with little exposure to natural light While researchers don’t fully understand SAD’s exact cause, we believe genetics, brain chemistry and environmental factors all play a role. Even something as simple as your daily routine, like commuting to work before sunrise and returning home after sunset, can contribute to the symptoms. How to recognize SAD Symptoms of SAD mirror those of depression, but they appear during a specific time of year and typically last four to five months. Signs may include: Craving carbohydrates or gaining weight Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Low energy or fatigue Oversleeping or difficulty waking up Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness Withdrawing from friends or social activities How to treat SAD SAD is a medical condition, not a personal weakness. Your doctor can help you determine the best course of treatment based on your symptoms and lifestyle. Some common SAD treatments include: Antidepressant medications Light therapy Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy) Vitamin D supplements You can also support your mental well-being with lifestyle changes, including: Eating nourishing foods, such as fruits, vegetables and lean protein Exercising regularly Getting outside during daylight hours, even for a brief walk Maintaining social connections, even when you feel like hibernating When to seek help If you think you may have SAD, or if self-care strategies aren’t helping, talk to your doctor. They can recommend an evaluation and guide you toward treatment that fits your needs. Taking proactive steps early in the season can also help. If you know shorter days tend to affect you, start light therapy or talk with your doctor before symptoms appear. Preparing ahead of time can make it easier to prevent a full downturn in mood. In addition, you can schedule an appointment with our behavioral health team. If you need immediate help, consider going to our Behavioral Health Urgent Care, which is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Lanham. With the right support, you can manage SAD and feel brighter through every season. Authors Dr. Datrell Ward is a psychiatrist at the Luminis Health Behavioral Health Clinic in Lanham.0
- Location232666tel:(410) 235-9382200 E 33rd St, Ste 523, Baltimore, MD 212180
- Research2019-09-07Falmouth, Massachusettesthe Irish American Orthopaedic Society Annual Meeting0
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