- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHeart disease is the number one cause of death in Americans. There are certain factors that are not controllable: age, gender and family history of heart disease. Fortunately, there are many key steps you can take to lower your risk of heart disease. Quit Smoking Smoking, namely the chemicals in tobacco, can increase your blood pressure and damage your heart and its blood vessels. It is never too late to quit. Your risk of heart disease drops after quitting and your risk of coronary artery disease is the same as a non-smoker after 15 years of quitting. Maintain a Healthy Weight Being overweight can lead to conditions that increase your chances of heart disease. You may use the body mass index (BMI) to get a general sense of whether you have a healthy weight. However, BMI does not take into consideration factors like muscle content. Another useful tool to use is waist circumference. Men are considered overweight if their waist measurement is greater than 40 inches and for women, greater than 35 inches. Eating a heart-healthy diet is a great way to lose weight. This includes avoiding salt and processed sugars, increasing your fruit and vegetable intake, eating whole grains, and limiting foods with saturated or trans fats. Even a small weight loss can be beneficial in lowering your cholesterol and sugar levels. Exercise Exercise helps control your weight and reduce your risk of developing other conditions that affect your heart, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. The goal is to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week (for example, walking briskly). Every little bit helps — take the stairs, park your car far away or go for a walk with your family. Get Regular Checkups and know Your Numbers New blood pressure guidelines from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association have emphasized the importance of controlling your blood pressure, and in turn, lowered the definition of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol is another risk factor. High cholesterol can clog your arteries and raise your risk for having a heart attack. Have your physician check your cholesterol levels regularly. It’s also important that you get screened for diabetes. Adults with diabetes can be two to four times more likely to die from heart disease than adults without diabetes. Make Sleep a Priority If you don’t get enough sleep, your risk of diabetes, obesity and hypertension goes up. Practice good sleep hygiene: set a sleep schedule and try to stick to it, avoid caffeine later in the day and avoid screen time before bed. If you feel as if you’re not getting good, quality sleep, you may want to ask your doctor if a sleep study would be beneficial. Manage your Stress Levels Stress can raise your blood pressure and “extreme” stress has been known to “trigger” heart attacks. Our coping mechanisms for stress are sometimes not ideal — like overeating and smoking. Focus on different stress relief techniques, like exercise, mindfulness and meditation. Author Sadia Shafi, MD, is a cardiologist at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Cardiology Specialists. Originally published March 15, 2018. Last updated March 11, 2019.0
- 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
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt may not feel that way, but 60% of your body weight is water. Proper hydration is vital, particularly during the hot summer, to help maintain your health and wellness. Here are just some of the reasons you should be sure to maintain hydration: Water helps regulate body temperature through sweating. Hydration is crucial for the digestive system. It boosts the body’s ability to break down food and absorb essential nutrients. Proper hydration helps your kidneys filter your blood and excrete waste products and toxins through your urine. Proper hydration can enhance your mood and prevent headaches. Mild dehydration can impair cognitive function and affect concentration, alertness, and short-term memory. Hydration helps your body maintain a robust immune system. Water is the most significant component in synovial fluid, reducing joint friction. Staying hydrated is key to optimal performance by athletes and those who engage in physical activity. Water helps maintain skin elasticity and moisture to give it a healthy and youthful appearance. Drinking water can help weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness. Be sure to drink water regularly. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty; thirst is a sign you are already dehydrated. Carry a reusable water bottle so you can drink at any time. Eat fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon. Finally, you can use phone apps or set alarms to remind you to drink water regularly. Be careful what you drink Not all liquids are the same in terms of hydration. Many beverages that claim to be hydrating contain sugar and salt, which can cause dehydration. Here are a few common culprits: Sugary sports drinks may say they replenish electrolytes after intense physical activity, but some contain large amounts of sugar. That can lead to weight gain and increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes. Soft drinks and fruit juices may temporarily quench your thirst, but their high sugar content can lead to quick spikes and crashes in your blood sugar levels. These drinks can also contribute to obesity and other metabolic disorders. Flavored waters may seem like a healthy alternative, but they can be high in sugar and contain artificial additives. Be sure to read nutritional labels carefully to make sure the flavored water you’re about to drink does not contain almost as much sugar as a can of soda. Alcoholic beverages can make you urinate more frequently and cause your body to lose more water than it takes in. That can lead to dehydration, particularly in hot weather. An ice-cold beer might seem refreshing, but it’s not the best choice for hydrating yourself. Here are some healthy choices that can help you stay hydrated: Plain water is the best and most natural way to stay hydrated. It has no calories or sugar, and it’s readily available. Herbal teas, hot or iced, are excellent for hydration because they typically contain no caffeine, sugar, or calories and are available in many flavors. Unsweetened coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium. That makes it an excellent choice for hydration, particularly after exercise. Infused water can be a refreshing alternative to plain water. Add slices of fruits like strawberries, oranges, or watermelon, and herbs like basil or rosemary to a water pitcher. Let it sit for a few hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to blend. Diluted fruit juices let you enjoy the flavor without the high sugar content. Mix one part juice with two or three parts water to reduce the sugar content. Electrolyte tablets that dissolve in water will let you replenish electrolytes after intense workouts. The tablets typically contain less sugar than sports drinks and can be a convenient way to stay hydrated. Watermelon has a high water content, making it a delicious and hydrating snack, perfect for hot days. Making intelligent choices about what you drink is essential for staying hydrated and maintaining overall health. Remember, the best hydration comes from natural low-calorie options that support your body’s needs without adding unnecessary sugars or salts. Stay smart, stay hydrated, and enjoy the benefits of better beverage choices. Author Waseem Hussain, MD, is Associate Regional Director of Primary Care at Luminis Health who has expertise in all areas of family medicine including intense management of neurologic, pulmonary and cardiac diseases as well as diabetes and gynecologic care.0
- Men's Health, Sleep, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogDo you often wake up feeling unrested and groggy? You may be suffering from a common sleep disorder called sleeplessness, also known as insomnia. With insomnia, you can have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. You may wake up too early and find it difficult getting back to sleep. If left untreated, insomnia can lower your energy level and mood, and it can also affect your health and quality of life. Insomnia is not the same as sleep deprivation; it’s the inability to sleep despite the opportunity to sleep. Insomnia is more often a symptom than a disease. And it’s the most common sleep complaint among patients. Signs of insomnia can include: Difficulty falling asleep at night Waking up during the night Waking up too early Not feeling well-rested after a night’s sleep Daytime tiredness or sleepiness Irritability, depression or anxiety Difficulty paying attention, focusing on tasks or remembering There are two common types of insomnia, short-term and long-term. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, short-term insomnia is linked to stress or changes in your schedule or environment. It can last for a few days or weeks. Long-term or chronic insomnia occurs three or more nights a week and lasts more than three months. It can be linked to a health issue or poor sleep habits. Chronic insomnia, if left untreated, raises your risk of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, obesity, diabetes and/or cancer. Some common causes of insomnia are: Stress Acid reflux Urinary issues Irregular sleep patterns Mental health disorders Physical illness and chronic pain Medications Lifestyle Insomnia is experienced by all adults either acutely or chronically at some point. Poor sleep habits are a common perpetuator of insomnia. If you make better sleep choices nightly, you can avoid acute insomnia before it becomes a chronic problem. If you have experienced some of these symptoms or think you may have insomnia, talk to your primary care physician and schedule an evaluation with a sleep medicine specialist. Dr. Adil Degani is a pulmonary specialist at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- The Region's Most Comprehensive Substance Use Treatment CenterAt Pathways, we don't pass judgment. We treat you with compassion and care.All the help you need, with the privacy you deserve. Pathways is a central resource to help you recover. Our behavioral health campus is both secure and secluded, and we uphold the highest standards of privacy.Specially trained professionals. Our counselors, nurses, doctors and physician assistants are specialists in treatment.A place of refuge. Nestled in the woods, our serene campus helps you leave behind the stress of daily life. It offers:Comfortable, two-person rooms with private bathrooms.A patio for outdoor dining, gathering and self-reflection.Ways to build resilience. Our adventure therapy course helps you build resilience. It helps you regain a sense of trust and control that you can carry out into the world.Help as soon as you need it. At Luminis Health Pathways, we focus on getting you the help you need as soon as possible. We have a streamlined intake process to get you in a treatment program when you need it.A continuum of care with seamless transitions. Pathways shares a campus with the J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center. At whatever point you enter our care, we provide care that meets your needs. You get the right treatment at the right time, which could include:An inpatient program.A partial hospitalization program.An intensive outpatient program.A continuing care outpatient program.A traditional outpatient group.A DWI/DUI education and treatment program.ConditionConditions/Services/Treatments PageWe offer compassionate, individualized care for individuals that need support with managing addiction and substance use. Luminis Health Pathways provides a complete support system for you and your loved ones. Our comprehensive program can help, even if you or your loved one has been in treatment before. We have all of the tools needed to help you overcome substance use disorder.What Is Substance Use Disorder?Whether you are dealing with alcohol or drug addiction, substance use isn't a character flaw or lack of willpower. It's a disease known as substance use disorder. Substance use changes your brain and your behavior. And, if you don't treat it — it can't get better.At Pathways, we understand what you're going through. We know you're not in control. And we want to help you take that control back.Substance use disorder treatment isn't just detox — the most intense form of treatment. It's help managing any use of alcohol or legal and illegal drugs that interferes with your life and damages your relationships. It can be a lonely place, but you're not alone.We are your guiding light through the fog of dependency and addiction. One day at a time. One step at a time. Now and into the future.0
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