- News & Press Releases, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) and Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) have opened their doors to limited patient visitation. The guidelines allow one to two visitors, based on patient situation, to be present during visitor hours throughout the patient’s stay. Visitor hours for LHAAMC are 12 pm to 8 pm. Visitor hours for LHDCMC are 8 am to 8 pm. Clergy of any denomination may visit a patient at any time and does not count in visitation totals. “Caring for and protecting our patients, families, employees, and the community during this pandemic has been our top priority,” said Victoria Bayless, chief executive officer for Luminis Health. “We recognize this past year has been difficult for patients and their loved ones. The new procedures will bring much needed support to our patients, while keeping everyone safe. We thank everyone for their patience and ask them to remain vigilant.” Visitors will be screened upon entry to the hospital and expected to follow these guidelines: They will be required to wear an appropriate mask at all times while in the hospital (even if vaccinated); Must maintain social distancing from all others; And wash or sanitize their hands throughout their visit. As a patient and family-centered organization, Luminis Health will continue to review and update our visitation guidelines and practices as the situation changes. View the latest guidelines for LHAAMC here and LHDCMC here.
- News & Press Releases, Women's Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAccording to Newsweek and The Leapfrog Group, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) has been named one of the best maternity hospitals in the State of Maryland. LHAAMC made the publication’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2021 list for demonstrating the highest performance in the United States in safety and quality of care for moms and newborns. “It is truly an honor for Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center to be just one of 217 hospitals in the country to receive this recognition,” said Sherry Perkins, president of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “This award is made possible thanks to efforts by our physicians, nurse midwives, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and the entire team.” “To be just one of three hospitals in Maryland to earn this award is no small feat,” said Dr. Mitch Schwartz, president of Luminis Health Clinical Enterprise. “This is a real testament to our staff for its hard-work, quality care, and dedication to our patients.” Newsweek partnered with The Leapfrog Group, an independent nonprofit that monitors the quality and safety of hospitals, to compile the list of hospitals that demonstrate excellence in maternity care. To be recognized as a Best Maternity Hospital, healthcare organizations had to meet several standards that include: Low rates of early elective deliveries. Low rates of Cesarean (C-section) deliveries for first-time mothers delivering a single, full-term baby in the head-down position. When babies are delivered by C-section, using standardized techniques to prevent blood clots in new mothers. Low rates of episiotomies, or incisions made in the birth canal to aid in a difficult delivery and prevent tearing of the tissue. Testing babies for high levels of bilirubin, a substance that can highlight a baby is at higher risk for disabilities. “Our families deserve the best,” said Monica Jones, chair of Luminis Health Women’s and Children’s services. “We’re here to create healthcare that’s easier, personal, and made for the communities that we call home. Hats off to our team for being 100% focused on the families we serve.” Luminis Health wants to expand its nationally recognized obstetrics services to Doctors Community Medical Center. “Eight out of 10 mothers leave Prince George’s County for maternity care,” said Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. “Prince Georgians deserve accessible women’s health services. That’s why we will submit a certificate-of-need application to the Maryland Health Care Commission in April to bring these much needed services to our family, friends, neighbors, and community there.”
- Community, Pediatrics, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMany schools are re-opening for in-person instruction after being closed for nearly a year. Heading back to school can be both exciting and nerve-racking. And whether your child has already returned or is still adjusting to new schedules, our experts have you covered with helpful tips for being back in the classroom. Routine Since many students have been out of school for almost a year, it’s important to restart good habits around routines like eating and sleeping. Children should start going to bed early and waking up each morning at an appropriate time. Remember, it’s always good to get eight hours of sleep and breakfast is the important meal of the day. Model Good Behavior Students should wear masks/face coverings on the bus and at school. If you wear a mask, your children will follow your lead. Face coverings must cover their mouth and nose fully. Kids should also practice wearing masks for long periods of time. It will make it that much easier when they return to the classroom. Watch for Symptoms If your child is sick, or if someone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19, they should stay home. Symptoms of COVID-19 can include cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever of 100 degrees or higher, chills and loss of taste or smell. If you have questions, contact your child’s physician or the school’s health office. Health and Safety Children want to share; it’s in their nature. Normally, we applaud their kindness. But for now, students should refrain from sharing food or school supplies. They also must keep their physical distance from classmates. Turn a conversation about social distance into a fun exercise. For example, show your child how many toys it takes to get to six feet. Finally, remind them to frequently wash their hands with soap and water during the school day. These important steps will keep everyone safe and healthy. Children are our future. Let’s help them lead the way. Authors Lauren Fitzpatrick, MD, is the medical director of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Pediatric Emergency Department. Kristen Breslin, MD, MPH, is the medical director of Children’s National Emergency Department at Doctors Community Hospital.
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s been one year since COVID-19 became one of the most common terms in our vocabulary. It’s been a hard year, filled with the consequences of a “once in a hundred years” pandemic. We’ve adapted to unexpected changes to our daily routines and our way of life. Our usual coping skills are put to the test on a daily basis. Stress has been a constant. How do we keep going? How do we keep a hopeful, positive attitude? The first thing is to acknowledge and accept that none of this is “normal.” We are used to crises that resolve within a matter of days or weeks, not a global crisis of this magnitude. However, through difficulty comes resilience. Resilience is our ability to adapt to loss and changes to get to a place of learning and growth. Resilience can help us cope with stress, overcome adversity, and enjoy the better days to come. Here are some ideas for staying resilient during difficult times: Connect with supportive people in safe ways. Stay connected to positive relationships with loved ones and friends who can provide you with support and acceptance. Talk with friends on the phone or a Zoom call. Attend a virtual church service. Or, set up a virtual coffee or lunch date. It’s the human connection—hearing the right words, seeing someone’s smile—that can make all the difference to how you’re feeling. Take care of your needs. Even if you’re working from home follow a daily schedule — exercise, shower, get dressed, make your bed and prepare for your day. Eat food that supports your health. Get plenty of sleep. And find a relaxing way to spend your downtime. Read a good book. Watch a funny movie. Listen to music. Take up a hobby. Make time for self-care. Think of at least one good thing each day. It might be very simple: I taught my daughter how to access the library online, or my family and I ate a good dinner. Expressing gratitude each day is a healthy way to counterbalance feelings of unease or worry. Spend time outdoors. Getting fresh air outside is an important way to destress and recharge. Stepping away from your work or daily routine to go outside can help clear your thoughts. This can help improve your concentration and mood. Think about what you’ve learned during COVID. How can you use those things to make a new goal? Resilient people see change as an opportunity to align priorities and purpose. We know we’ll eventually get through this difficult time. The vaccine is helping. The number of people testing positive is decreasing. Hospitalizations and deaths have also begun to decrease. Spring is coming. We’re slowly getting back to life. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s keep moving forward. Authors Jo Deaton is the senior director of nursing for Behavioral Health at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. She can be reached at 667-204-7313.
- Wound Care, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYour heart affects every aspect of your health. This includes your ability to heal wounds. Your heart circulates oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout your body. Cardiovascular diseases damage blood vessels. They also cause blockages that obstruct the flow of blood. This decreased blood flow hinders the delivery of oxygen and nutrition needed for proper wound healing. Currently, 48% of American adults, suffer from cardiovascular disease including Coronary Artery Disease, Peripheral Artery Disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Eight million Americans are currently living with a chronic wound. Most of them have three to four other chronic conditions including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. These people are at high risk for complications without proper wound care. An unhealed wound on the foot or leg can lead to amputation. In fact, 82% of lower leg amputations are due to poor circulation of the affected limb. Take steps to prevent conditions that may affect the health of your heart and proper wound healing. The Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) offers the following tips to live a heart healthy life. Eat Heathy Low-fat, high-fiber foods are good for your heart. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains every day. Be Active Walk, run, dance, swim . . . find a way to get moving for at least 30 minutes every day. Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight. Take Care Be kind to yourself. Practice positive self-talk. Make sleep a priority. Reduce stress with fun hobbies. Stop smoking and all use of nicotine. Get Screened See your health care provider at least twice a year. Ask about screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, peripheral vascular disease and diabetes. If you or someone you know is living with a cardiovascular disease, it is especially important to detect wounds early. Seek specialized wound care to prevent possible infection, hospitalization and amputation due to poor circulation. For more information, contact The Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine at LHDCMC at 240-965-3690 or visit https://www.dchweb.org/locations/center-wound-healing-and-hyperbaric-medicine. Author: Queen Mbanuzue, DPM, podiatrist at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center
How can we help?
Common Searches
Common Searches
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?
Your Account
View your Dashboard
Messages
Billing Summary
Find Care
Schedule Appointment
My Care Team
My Record
Appointments
Medications
Insurance Summary
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?