- Plastic Surgery & Skin CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe dog days of summer have arrived and, fittingly, August is Summer Sun Safety Month. For many, it is the peak season to be outside having fun in the sun. But along with the heat and late summer sunshine comes the importance of remembering to stay hydrated and remain diligent about sunscreen application. The Importance of Sunscreen Sunscreen helps prevent skin damage from the sun’s powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can lead to skin cancer, discoloration and wrinkles over time. There are two types of UV rays: Ultraviolet A (UVA) has a longer wavelength. It is associated with skin aging. Ultraviolet B (UVB) has a shorter wavelength. It is associated with skin burning. While UVA and UVB rays differ in how they affect the skin, they both can harm you. Unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB damages the DNA in skin cells, producing genetic defects, or mutations, that can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. UV rays can also cause eye damage, including cataracts and eyelid cancers.Everyone should wear sunscreen daily, year-round. UV rays and sun damage do not discriminate and can cause harm to people of all races and colors, even in the winter when up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can reflect off snow causing sun damage. It is important to apply sunscreen to your face daily, as you are exposed to the sun even when you don’t realize it, such as when driving. If you are going to be outside in full sun, sunscreen should be applied liberally to your entire body. Types of Sun Protection There are two major types of sunscreens: chemical sunscreen and sunblock. Chemical sunscreen—which is what we normally refer to as sunscreen—filters the sun’s UV rays, only allowing some to get in. In contrast, sunblock—also known as physical sunscreen—reflects the sun’s UV rays and blocks them from penetrating the skin. Sunscreens usually contain oxybenzone or avobenzone, while sunblock has titanium oxide or zinc oxide. Both are effective at protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) refers to the percent of UVB rays that are blocked. SPF 15 blocks about 15% of UVB radiation, while SPF 30 blocks about 97%. Any sun protection above SPF 30 offers negligible additional production from UVB rays. Sunscreen Recommendations Skin care experts recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen or sunblock that is at least SPF 30. Broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. For optimal sun protection, use sunscreen or sunblock that contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Wear waterproof sunscreen if you plan to spend time in the water or sweat and reapply at least every two hours, regardless of SPF coverage. It should be reapplied even more frequently if swimming or sweating. Make It a Habit Including sunscreen in your daily skin care regimen is a helpful way to make it a regular practice. A variety of skincare products contain sunscreen, including skin moisturizers, makeup primer and foundation. These are easy ways to incorporate sunscreen application into your daily routine so that you can enjoy outside activities safely, any time of the year. Stop by the Luminis Health booths at Bowie Baysox games on August 18 and 19 to pick up a travel-size sunscreen for UV protection on the go! This post was originally featured in the Enquirer-Gazette. Authors Lauren Eisenbeis, MS, PA-C, is the lead plastic surgery physician assistant at Luminis Health.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) is pleased to announce Christine Frost as the hospital’s next Chief Nursing Officer. In her role, Ms. Frost will oversee the approximately 1,200 nurses at LHAAMC, as well as help manage finances, enforce policies, and connect patients with the care they need. In a career that spans almost 30 years, Frost has a deep knowledge of nursing and the history of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. She worked at LHAAMC twice previously, including starting her nursing career at this hospital in 1995. “This hospital truly has a special place in my heart. This is where I began my nursing journey, and where I gave birth to my two children. It’s an honor to return to a place that feels like home, especially since LHAAMC means so much to me both personally and professionally,” says Frost. “As chief nursing officer, I look forward to working with our nurses to provide patient-centered care that is easier, more personal, and built for the communities we call home.” Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical conducted an extensive and rigorous nationwide search for the chief nursing officer. “We were looking for someone with the perfect combination of the art and science that is nursing,” says Sherry Perkins, president of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “Christine was a standout because she brings a wide base of knowledge, as well as a commitment of caring for patients, families, and our dedicated team.” One of Frost’s top priorities is tackling the nationwide nursing shortage, which has expanded during the global pandemic. “Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center is a great place to work, and we will strive every day to be the number 1 employer of choice in the region where 100% of team members find joy at work,” says Frost. “I am committed to working closely with my colleagues to recruit and retain quality nurses.” Frost held various nursing positions at the University of Maryland Medical System and the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center. She received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University School of Nursing, as well as a Masters in Nursing and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Maryland. She is currently a doctoral candidate in the Nursing Program at the University of Maryland.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTori Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health, has been elected to the Board of Trustees for the American Hospital Association (AHA). Luminis Health was formed in 2019 when Anne Arundel Medical Center and Doctors Community Medical Center came together to provide even greater access to high quality, specialized care to the communities served. The AHA Board of Trustees is the highest policymaking body of the AHA and has ultimate authority for the governance and management of its directions and finances. Bayless will serve a three-year term beginning January 1, 2023. “I am truly honored to join the Board of Trustees of the American Hospital Association, an organization that has advocated for hospitals and health systems nationwide for more than 120 years,” says Tori Bayless. “AHA and Luminis Health both have similar missions of enhancing the health and the communities we serve. Together, we can improve the health of Marylanders and residents throughout this country.” Bayless has been an AHA commissioner on the board of The Joint Commission (TJC) since 2020 and serves on various TJC committees. She served as a delegate on AHA Regional Policy Board 3 from 2015-2017, and will be its chair starting in January of 2023. “We are incredibly proud of Tori’s appointment to the American Hospital Association’s Board of Trustees,” says Leisa Russell, chair of the Luminis Health Board of Trustees. “Tori brings a breadth of knowledge and passion that will benefit the AHA, its members, and ultimately every community in the United States.” Luminis Health is proud of its long-standing partnership with the American Hospital Association, including being recognized by the AHA with two NOVA awards for innovations in community partnerships to improve community health. In addition, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center was the recipient of the AHA 2019 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award. “Luminis Health shares AHA’s commitment to advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI),” says Bayless. “Through the AHA’s Health Equity Roadmap and our own Vision 2030 – Living Healthier Together, we will work every day to confront racism, advance health equity, remove barriers of health, and meet the needs of our communities.” Bayless received her Bachelor of Science from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, and her Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) from the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
- Patient Stories, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogBill Bowen, 58, of Pasadena, MD, was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation three years ago. Atrial fibrillation, commonly referred to as “A-Fib,” is a type of abnormal heartbeat or arrhythmia. This arrhythmia is a common heart condition that, if left untreated, can cause heart dysfunction and stroke. Treatment for A-Fib can include medication or electrical shocks to restore normal heart rhythm. In Bill’s case, those treatments worked for a while, but his symptoms returned. He needed something better. His cardiologist recommended Murtaza Dawood, MD, an experienced cardiac surgeon at Luminis Health to treat his atrial fibrillation. “Mr. Bowen’s case is not uncommon. Typically patients will try medical management first, but the durability of those interventions are limited in a subset of patients. Mr. Bowen was an ideal candidate for a hybrid approach to cure his atrial fibrillation,” Dr. Dawood says. The hybrid approach merges minimally invasive catheter ablation with minimally invasive surgical ablation to treat atrial fibrillation. Bill arrived at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center for surgery in the summer of 2022. “From the moment I went to Dr. Dawood’s office to the day I was discharged, everyone went above and beyond. They were kind, helpful and professional,” Bill says. “Every person I interacted with, from the food delivery staff to the cleaners, was friendly and personable. I ran into my nutritionist and she gave me her office number if I needed anything. You don’t see that type of service anymore.” Bill is back home and hopes to return to his job in industrial maintenance soon. He says he and his wife are “beach people” and they hope to visit someplace tropical, perhaps Costa Rica, in the future. Authors Murtaza Dawood, MD, is an experienced cardiothoracic surgeon who specializes in performing operations to correct valve diseases and arrhythmia. To make an appointment with Dr. Dawood, please call 443-481-1358.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center is participating in two high priority, national Coronavirus (COVID-19) studies: Infection Prevention: for people who have had a high exposure to COVID-19, but are not yet infected. Early Treatment: people who have a documented COVID-19 infection and some symptoms of COVID-19, but are not sick enough to be in the hospital. Since there are no recommended treatments for either situation, the purpose of the study is to determine if infused antibodies collected from a recovered COVID-19 patient (convalescent plasma) can either prevent a COVID-19 infection or prevent the disease from getting worse in those who have it. What is convalescent plasma? Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood. It contains antibodies that fight infections. People exposed to COVID-19 may benefit from receiving antibodies against COVID-19 virus from the plasma of those who have recovered from COVID-19. Getting plasma with antibodies may help your body develop its own antibodies, which protects you from a COVID-19 infection. What is the safety of receiving a plasma donation? Convalescent plasma undergoes careful testing to ensure its safety and has proven useful for other infectious diseases in the past. Thousands of hospitalized COVID-19 patients have safely received the plasma. How do I know if I qualify for the Infection Prevention Study? You may qualify if you: Are 18 years of age or older. Have been in *close contact with an infected person within the past four days. Do not have symptoms of COVID-19. Can travel to a nearby facility for evaluation. Are currently COVID-19 negative. (You will receive a COVID-19 test to confirm.) *Close contact with someone who has COVID-19 means you: Live in the same household. Have had direct physical contact (hugging, kissing). Are a health care worker and had an exposure without wearing recommended PPE. Provide care for someone with COVID-19 without recommended PPE. How do I know if I qualify for the Early Treatment Study? You may qualify if you: Are 18 years of age or older. Have had a positive COVID-19 test within the past six days. Are still having at least one COVID-19 symptom at enrollment. Are sick, but do not need hospitalization. Can travel to a nearby facility for enrollment and transfusion. What is involved in receiving the plasma infusion? You will receive one plasma infusion and then have five to seven follow-up visits over 90 days. All visits are at an outpatient office. There is a narrow window to enroll based upon the date of your exposure (96 hours from the last exposure days) or first symptom/positive test (6 days). I’m interested in participating. Who do I contact? If you’re interested in participating, please email [email protected] and a member of our team will contact you. Modest compensation for your time is available for those who qualify to participate. If you had COVID-19 and would like to donate plasma to future COVID-19 patients to help in their recovery, learn more about what you need to know to qualify.
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