- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogButterflies in the stomach. Sweaty palms. A racing heartbeat. A shaky voice. These are just a few well-documented cases of how stress or anxiety (aka your mental health) can bring on real physical symptoms. After all, we’ve all experienced these kinds of nerves before a big presentation or an important date. But what happens to the body when these “nerves” turn into longer bouts of anxiety and depression? The short answer: It can have a serious impact on your health. And what if you struggle with a chronic illness, like diabetes, high blood pressure, or even cancer? That can impact your mental health. The good news — understanding this mind-body connection can help you take charge of your whole health — mental, physical and emotional. Even better, there are steps you can take to reduce your stress and improve your health. Let’s dive in. How Mental and Physical Health Influence Each Other Researchers have been studying the connection between mental and physical health for years. They’ve asked the big questions, like “How does our mental health affect our health?” and “Does a chronic condition put you at higher risk of a mental illness?” Here are just a Few Interesting Findings: Depression may cause a wide range of physical symptoms and health conditions, including memory trouble, an increased risk of heart attack and heart disease, and weight gain and loss. Anxiety can bring physical symptoms like dizziness and sweating and also lead to long-term health issues, such as gastrointestinal trouble, high blood pressure, eczema and other skin conditions. Mental health can also impact the immune system. Researchers found that individuals who express prolonged periods of stress may have a weaker immune system, ultimately making it easier to come down with illnesses like the common cold or strep throat. Individuals with chronic conditions are also at higher risk of developing depression or anxiety, according to research from the National Institute of Mental Health. Boost your Mental and Physical Health When it comes to staying mentally and physically strong, it comes down to the basics. Most of these tips won’t surprise you, but they are great ways to keep your body in tiptop shape and your mind (and emotions) feeling sharp. Get moving. Exercise has countless physical and mental health benefits. A quick 30-minute walk (or even less) around the neighborhood can help strengthen your heart, lungs and muscles; and boost your mood with a rush of “feel-good” chemicals like endorphins. Rest up. A good night’s sleep connects to a stronger immune system and reduced stress — among many other benefits. Adults should aim for seven or more hours of sleep. Focus on friendships. Your social health is an important part of your physical and mental health. Spending time with friends and loved ones can influence health behaviors and even mortality risk. What better excuse to call up a friend and meet them for a cup of coffee or (even better) a walk around a nearby park? Eat right. Sure, it can be tempting to reach for that delicious (but not-so-nutritious) snack of potato chips or candy bar. But, noshing on some fresh fruit and veggies will help your body and brain feel stronger than ever. Vitamins and minerals, like B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and probiotics, may help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety and support important body functions like the immune system, brain function and bone strength. Ask for Help When You Need it It can be hard to admit you’re struggling with your mental health. Just remember, you are not alone. The National Alliance on Mental Health Institute (NAMI) estimates that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness. Another organization (Mental Health America) found that more than of adults living with mental illness, including anxiety or depression, don’t seek treatment. There’s no shame in getting help to better manage your mood, emotions and mental health. There are proven approaches to help you cope with feelings of anxiety, depression and fear, including therapy, medication and more. If you’ve been struggling with your mental or physical health — or both — your primary care doctor or a mental health professional can help. Schedule an appointment and, together, find ways to improve your overall health and wellness so you can feel your best. Authors Eshe Montague is the director of our behavioral health program at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMay is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, making it a good time to brush up on skin cancer facts. So, before you put dibs on your lounge chair for the pool season, learn more about how to spot — and prevent — skin cancer, using these tips from Dr. Walid El Ayass, medical oncologist at the Luminis Health Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. After months of doing more hiding than shining, the sun’s finally coming out to play. Sunshine in the right doses is good for us—it increases serotonin, the brain’s mood-boosting hormone that helps us feel calm and focused. It also boosts vitamin D, which helps keep bones strong. But heavy doses of sunshine? It turns out that “too much of a good thing” can cause skin cancer. What are the Types of Skin Cancer? There are several types of skin cancer. The most common ones are melanoma and basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, known as nonmelanoma skin cancer. These cancers develop in the top layer of skin (the epidermis), in areas that get the most sun exposure, like the face, ears, neck, arms and hands. Basal Cell Carcinoma About 80% of skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas. They start in the deeper part of the epidermis in those sun-exposed areas. They’re usually raised, pearly bumps that grow slowly. They rarely spread to other parts of the body, but without treatment, basal cell carcinoma can spread deeper into the skin to the bone. Squamous Cell Carcinoma These cancers start in the upper layer of the epidermis. Along with sun-exposed areas, squamous cell cancers can develop in scars or chronic skin sores. They often look like a rough, scaly, reddish patch. They’re more likely to grow faster and spread than basal cell cancer but can usually be removed or treated and cured. Melanoma Melanoma is less common than other cancers, and it’s more dangerous. If not caught early and treated, it’s more likely to spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma starts in the cells that give skin its tan or brown color, so time in the sun plays a big role. What Are the Risks of Developing Skin Cancer? Most people don’t realize that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they’re 70. Anyone can get skin cancer, but some factors put you at greater risk: A family history of melanoma A history of blistering sunburns as a child or teen Blond or red hair Blue or green eyes Certain types of moles Exposure to UV rays from sunlight or indoor tanning over a long period A light complexion What are the Signs of Skin Cancer? Skin cancer is the only type of cancer you can see. That means you can and should be on the lookout for it. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends doing head-to-toe self-exams every month. When it comes to looking for skin cancer, remember these three words as your guide: New: Look for new growths, moles or blemishes (especially if you’re over age 21). Changing: Check if growths are changing in size, color, shape or texture. Unusual: Keep an eye out for growths or moles with an unusual outline that itch, hurt, crust or bleed for more than three weeks. If you see something, do something – talk with your primary care provider. Remember, skin cancer is curable if found early. How can I Reduce my Risk of Skin Cancer? It’s no secret sun that exposure is the main culprit when it comes to pegging a cause of skin cancer. About 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 86% of melanomas are linked to UV light exposure from the sun. The good news? Reducing your risk of skin cancer doesn’t mean giving up the great outdoors. You can reduce your risk with some simple habits: Don’t use tanning beds, booths or sunlamps. Enjoy the sun from under an umbrella, especially between 10:00 am – 2 pm when the sun is strongest. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher every day. (You get damaging UV rays even on cloudy days.) When you’re in the sun or water, reapply it every two hours. Wear sun-protective clothing, UVA- and UVB-blocking sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats. Authors Dr. Walid El Ayass is a medical oncologist at the Luminis Health Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. He specializes in treating breast and gastrointestinal malignancies. To make an appointment with Dr. El Ayass, please call 443-481-4884.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogProactive, regularly scheduled screenings are your best defense against cancer. By checking for cancer before you have symptoms, you can catch it early — when it’s most treatable and gives you the best chance for a successful outcome. Dr. Feras Abdul-Khalek, medical oncologist for the Luminis Health Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, suggests talking with your doctor about the types of cancer screening that are right for you and when you should have them. Know your risk factors The timing and type of cancer screenings you need depends on your risk factors. And each type of cancer has its own set of risk factors; some you can control and some you cannot. If you’re concerned about a specific type of cancer, ask your doctor which risk factors may make you more likely to get cancer. Common risk factors include: Age Alcohol use Certain gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 for breast cancer Dense breast tissue Diet Family history First pregnancy after age 30 Gender Physical activity Sun exposure Tobacco use Ultraviolet radiation exposure (such as tanning beds) Weight Understand screening types When it comes to cancer screening, remember you’re your first line of defense. Know your body and tell your doctor about any changes or symptoms as soon as you find them. Healthcare professionals are specially trained to listen to — and follow up on — your concerns. They will also likely recommend some routine cancer screenings based on your unique needs: Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer. Several types of screening can help detect colorectal cancer, including a colonoscopy. Men and women at average risk for colorectal cancer should have screening between 45 and 75. CT Scan for lung cancer. A low-dose CT scan, which combines x-ray imaging with computer processing, can reduce lung cancer deaths in heavy smokers. Adults age 50-80 who either currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years may be eligible for annual screening. Exams for skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. and typically affects exposed skin like your face, hands and arms. Schedule a skin cancer screening or talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in your skin, like a new mole or changes to a mole you already have. HPV and Pap tests for cervical cancer. The human papillomavirus test (HPV) and Pap test, alone or in combination, are the standard screening tests for cervical cancer. Women age 21 should begin screening for cervical cancer (Pap test alone); age 30-65 Pap test every 3 years or Pap test and/or HPV test every 5 years. Remember – the HPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancers. Mammograms for breast cancer. Mammography uses a low-level x-ray to take images of the breast tissue and check for any masses. Women age 40 and older should get a mammogram every year. PSA test for prostate cancer. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures a protein produced by prostate cells. Men aged 55 and older are at a higher risk for prostate cancer and should regularly have screenings. Trust Luminis Health with your health Cancer specialists at Luminis Health offer advanced cancer screening and diagnostic tests. Talk to your doctor to help determine if you need a specific type of cancer screening. Authors Dr. Feras Abdul-Khalek is a medical oncologist for the Luminis Health Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Dr. Abdul-Khalek is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology. To make an appointment with him, please call 443-481-4884.
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhat do pop star Lady Gaga, NBA legend Magic Johnson and British royal family member Prince Harry all have in common? Besides being famous, they’ve all been speaking up recently on an issue that didn’t use to get much attention—mental health. Our Luminis Health experts say the conversation is coming not a moment too soon. We’re now seeing the value of mental health By sharing their experiences, many celebrities, athletes and other public figures are putting in bold headlines what many people have struggled with quietly for years. Previous generations might have swept mental health problems under the rug for fear of being thought of as “weak,” but we now know that silence can do more harm than good. Developing your emotional, psychological and social wellbeing is a sure sign of strength. It helps you get along well with the people around you and make good choices throughout your day. And working to maintain positive mental health can pay off throughout your life. For example, strong mental health helps us all: Cope with stress Contribute to our communities Feel happy and safe Reach our full potential Work productively When celebrities talk about their mental health challenges, it helps spread the word that it’s OK to speak up when you’re not feeling quite right. And it’s OK to ask for help when you need it. Our minds are just as important to take care of as the rest of our bodies, and just as important to our overall health. We’re learning from the pandemic We’re also talking more about our mental health lately because COVID-19, of course, delivered it such a big blow. So many of us experienced stress, worry, fear and anger and the heavy toll those all can take on our lives and health. In the summer of 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted a major increase in the number of people reporting behavioral health symptoms. In one survey, one in three people said they were feeling symptoms of anxiety and depression, and one in 10 said they were having serious thoughts of suicide. Those rates are nearly double what the CDC would have expected before the pandemic. Awareness also continues to grow around children’s mental health issues. Pediatric emergency rooms have seen an increase in mental health visits during COVID. The mental health needs of kids and adults will continue, and it’s important to keep talking about how to make sure we address them. We’re talking more about how to cope Thankfully, it has become more common to talk about the everyday ways you can support your mental health. We now know some healthy strategies that can help us all cope in hard times. For example: Finding time to connect with others Getting enough sleep Staying physically active Helping others Trying to stay positive When that isn’t enough, there’s another key step—finding help. New resources are being set up in our communities, schools and workplaces to connect more people to professional mental health resources where and when it’s needed. Luminis Health, for example, recently broke ground on a new mental health facility in Prince George’s County and is taking other steps to meet community needs. Join the conversation Celebrities might have started the mental health conversation trending, but you don’t have to be famous to join in. Check in with your friends and loved ones to make sure they’re truly doing OK and offer your support. And if you’ve been feeling “off” yourself lately and think you might need help, talk to your primary care provider. They can quickly connect you to the right resources to help you start feeling more like yourself again. Together, we can get past old stigmas and shine a new light on how we can help each other. Our mental health is too important to ignore. Authors Eshe Montague is the director of our behavioral health program at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. To learn more about the services coming to Prince George’s County this summer, visit Luminis.Health/BehavioralHealth.
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWe’ve been living in a “state of survival” for some time. Life with COVID-19 has taken a toll on us, physically and mentally. Each phase of this pandemic has brought its own set of worries. Now, vaccines are widely available and society has continued to reopen. We don’t need to be in survival mode anymore. But its effects will linger for some time, possibly years. Coping with a traumatic event like a pandemic is hard on all of us, especially those with mental health conditions. That’s why, as we reenter the world after what we’ve experienced, it’s important to keep our bodies healthy, as well as our minds. Be empowered with your mental health Lowering our defenses takes time. The world has changed. So have we. Instead of trying to pick up where we left off before the pandemic, it’s helpful to approach our new normal with caution, positivity and grace. Here’s how you can strengthen your mental health: Find peace, understand that much of the recent challenges were out of your control. You are entitled to your feelings. Accept them. Cut yourself a break. Fuel your body Restrictions are loosening, and gyms are reopening. Take advantage. Physical activity is good for your body. It produces hormones (endorphins) that help you feel good. It also strengthens your mind, giving you a sense of accomplishment. Find an activity that gets you moving and motivated. And focus on eating well. The food you consume has a major impact on how you feel. Many of us turn to food for comfort during traumatic events. Now is the time to concentrate on shaping a diet that supports your mental and physical wellness. Connect with others Concert venues are again welcoming fans, and capacity limits are being lifted. There’s no substitute to physically being with family, friends and new acquaintances. So grab a coffee, play some tennis, or take a walk. Social experiences can help fill any voids you’ve been feeling. Go at your pace You’ve never gone through a global pandemic before. After restrictions, shutdowns and cautious activity, you’re now returning to what was once “irresponsible” or even “dangerous.” Identify your boundaries. Are you comfortable being masked in a movie theater? Are you ready to attend an indoor birthday party? Being truthful with yourself and planning when to draw the line is one way you give yourself control. There is no “right time.” There is only “your time.” And be mindful of others. You may be ready to enjoy an indoor concert, but your friend may not be. Accept that we all move at our own speed and comfort level. Make a list of things you want to do Chances are, you can do more now. Trying new things and going new places pushes you out of your comfort zone and confirms that you can overcome the unexpected. Revisiting your favorite restaurants and entertainment venues can also make you feel comforted and refreshed. Most public gathering places have measures in place for you to enjoy their services safely. Respecting these guidelines helps keep you protected. Limit your news Many people say they felt most powerless over the pandemic when they watched the news. Limiting how much time you spend reading or watching news reports can help you feel more in control. If you’d like to stay informed, check out the highlights, then move on. Ask for help We’ve gotten used to quarantine life, and resuming a more normal life is yet another adjustment to make. Change can be hard, but don’t let fear and anxiety consume you. We continue to process traumatic events after they are over. Reach out to friends and family or seek a trained mental health professional for help. More people are seeking mental health services today than ever. Whether you feel deeply affected by mental illness or you simply need someone to hear your concerns, licensed mental health specialists are committed to helping you process traumatic events and inspiring you to a more peaceful mental state. Authors Eshe Montague is the director of our behavioral health program 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?