- 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
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogArtificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming part of everyday life. You can get instant answers to almost any question at your fingertips. It’s no surprise then that many people are turning to tools like ChatGPT for health information. A recent poll found that about one in three adults nationwide used AI for health-related questions in the past year. But is that a good idea? And how much is too much? What chatbots can do well First, it’s okay to try it. AI tools can feel personal and are easy to use. Chatbots can break down complex health topics into language that’s easier to understand, helping you learn about conditions, symptoms, and possible treatments. It can even help you develop effective workout routines and tailored dietary plans. Chatbots can also improve your next doctor’s visit. When you come in with a better understanding, you’re more prepared to ask detailed questions and work with your provider to decide options that are best for you. Where chatbots fall short Chatbots may be convenient, but they’re not a substitute for professional medical advice. These tools are only as good as the information you enter and the information that the chatbot finds online. Leave out a key symptom or detail, and the response you get may be incomplete, misleading, or fail to reflect the seriousness of your condition. That’s where a human provider makes a difference. They’re trained to ask follow-up questions about symptoms that you may not have mentioned, didn’t notice, or dismissed as minor. Chatbots and your mental health You might turn to a chatbot when dealing with a personal or emotional concern. While that can feel helpful in the moment, it’s important not to rely on it too heavily. There are a few signs to watch out for: Overuse: You find yourself turning to a chatbot repeatedly and overanalyzing your thoughts or situations. Dependence on decisions: You rely on it to make even simple choices, such as weekend plans. Catastrophizing: You take responses at face value and begin to assume the worst about your situation. Teenagers and AI chatbots With millions of teens using AI chatbots, there’s a good chance your child has tried one. For some, it’s just entertainment. For others, it can fill time when they’re bored or feeling lonely. Over time, these tools can start to feel like companions, always available and responsive. If your child begins relying on AI for emotional support or reassurance, or struggles to make decisions without it, it might be time to step in. Learning how to make healthy decisions and applying their creativity are important milestones that you want them to achieve. Keep in mind, the goal isn’t to take technology away completely, but to help your child build a healthy balance. Start with an open conversation Ask how they’re using AI tools and what they like about them. Keeping the tone curious—not critical—makes it more likely they’ll be honest. Set reasonable boundaries Create limits around when and how often AI can be used, especially during times meant for schoolwork, family, or sleep. Encourage real-world connections Help your child stay engaged with friends, hobbies, and activities that build social skills and confidence outside of a screen. Teach them to think critically about AI Remind them that chatbots don’t truly understand them and can be wrong. Encourage them to question responses rather than accept them as fact. Help is here if you need it If you or your child feel withdrawn, anxious, or overly dependent on AI, consider reaching out to a counselor or mental health professional. Luminis Health is here to help. Our Behavioral Health Urgent Care is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 7:00 pm, and on Saturdays, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. No appointment is necessary. The center is located on the campus of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham. Authors Danny Watkins is Luminis Health’s senior director of Behavioral Health Nursing and Operations0
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNo one ever wants to hear the words, “You have cancer.” Ever. It is, unfortunately, a reality that many people will face at some point in their lifetime. A cancer diagnosis is scary and comes with many uncertainties. Since you need as much support as possible, more and more doctors and patients are embracing integrative oncology. Think of it as using your mind, body, and soul to cope with symptoms and side effects. What is Integrative Oncology? Integrative oncology is a field of cancer care that combines conventional cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy with evidence-based complementary therapies to address the physical, emotional and psychological needs of cancer patients to enhance their overall well-being. Doctors and patients recognize that these treatments go beyond medical interventions and consider the complete needs of the patient. It incorporates a wide range of complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, mind-body techniques (for example: meditation, yoga, and guided imagery), nutritional counseling, and herbal and nutritional supplements. What Are the Benefits? The benefits of integrative oncology include: Management of cancer-related symptoms and treatment of side effects such as pain, fatigue, nausea, nerve pain/numbness and anxiety.By effectively managing these symptoms, patients can possibly tolerate conventional treatments better, allowing them to complete their treatment schedules as planned. Complementary therapies can help improve a patient’s quality of life during and after treatment. Supporting the immune system and overall well-being.Nutritional counseling focuses on strengthening the body’s natural defenses and improving overall health. This may involve herbal supplements, exercise programs, stress reduction techniques, and other strategies to support the immune system and promote well-being. Empowering the patient.Integrative oncology underscores patient-centered care and encourages active participation in the treatment process. Patients are provided with information, education and tools to make informed decisions about their care and take an active role in managing their health. Who Is It For? Integrative oncology is a good fit for those who value a wide-ranging approach to cancer care since it focuses on the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of each patient—recognizing the importance of addressing the whole person, not just the disease. Integrative oncology may be a good fit for cancer patients who: Desire to actively participate in their cancer treatment: Integrative oncology emphasizes the patient and healthcare providers making decisions together, as a team. Experience treatment-related side effects: Complementary therapies integrated into oncology care can help manage the side effects of conventional cancer treatments. For example, acupuncture may lessen nausea and pain caused by chemotherapy, naturopathic doctors may help relieve numbness/pain and digestive symptoms, and mind-body techniques like meditation or yoga can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Complete active treatment and wish to focus on living a healthy lifestyle: Integrative oncology can help with lifestyle changes, nutritional support, and stress management to enhance long-term health and well-being. In Conclusion A growing number of cancer patients are tapping into the benefits of integrative oncology, with nearly 80 percent using some form of complementary therapies. Integrative oncology is patient-centered and evidence-based, with a goal of maximizing cancer patients’ physical and emotional ability to undergo cancer treatments and improving quality of life. Ask your healthcare provider if integrative medicine might benefit your cancer journey. Authors Young Joo Lee, MD, is the medical director for Breast and Integrative Oncology at Luminis Health. Dr. Lee is passionate about providing the most effective cancer therapies with minimal toxicity. She is a strong supporter of integrating the wisdom of other traditional healing practices into modern medicine.0
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