- General Page Tier 3BlogLet the festivities begin. The holidays are a time for celebrating with friends, family and, of course, good food! However, the season spans for more than a day or two. We would do ourselves a favor if we paced our indulgences and considered healthier alternatives to some of the old rituals. Here are our top “eat this, not that” hacks to try to stay on track throughout the holidays. Swap full-fat dips for yogurt dips. Why indulge on appetizers? Substitute low-fat or nonfat plain Greek yogurt for sour cream in all of your recipes this season. With herbs and seasonings, no one will be able to tell the difference. Just 1 ounce of sour cream has 60 calories compared to 1 ounce of Greek yogurt, which only has 15 calories. Be sure to use fresh vegetables instead of chip or crackers. Skip some alcoholic drinks and try wine spritzers. For a portion-controlled alternative that will help you save calories, replace 2 ounces of wine with club soda. A 5-ounce glass of red or white wine has about 150 calories, while club soda has none, saving you 60 calories. Now that’s a deal! Skip candied yams and eat roasted sweet potatoes. Instead of serving candied yams, which have 215 calories per half-cup, try oven-roasted sweet potatoes. A ¾-cup serving of sweet potatoes brushed with olive oil is only 100 calories. Go for the white turkey meat, pass on the dark. The dark meat in the turkey has about twice the fat of white turkey breast. That’s why we recommend that you eat mostly white meat. Lose the skin on either to save up on the calorie count. Try low-fat gravy instead of traditional. Turkey gravy is a recipe that can be healthy without losing taste. Try 1 cup of fat-free turkey broth, 2 tablespoons of flour and seasonings to taste. If you want to add some drippings, skim off the fat first. Skip cranberry sauce, eat cranberry relish. That can of cranberry sauce is full of sugar, corn syrup and other added sweeteners. Even if using portion control, just ¼-cup of the canned stuff can have more than 100 calories. Make your own relish and use less sugar than the recipe calls for – it’s often too much anyway! Eat fresh green beans with slivered almonds in lieu of green bean casserole. Alternatively, use reduced fat mushroom soup. Eat your vegetables first because they are lower in calories and help fill you up, leaving less room for higher calorie foods. Go for pumpkin pie with graham cracker crusts and say “no thank you” to pecan pie. We know this one is tough! It’s hard to resist holiday desserts but you can save about 200 calories by choosing pumpkin pie. Consider eating a handful of pecans sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. If you really can’t pass on the pie, skip the crust entirely, which is where most of the fat lurks. Be adventurous this year! Look at some of your old recipes, put a new spin on a few and see how it goes. Healthy holiday eating might make you anxious but don’t get too worked up. This should be a time of celebration and relaxation. If you happen to eat more than you planned during this holiday season, don’t beat yourself up. More importantly, don’t let a lapse become a relapse. Nevertheless, by planning ahead you can set yourself up for success! Authors Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford are nutritionists and registered dietitians at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555. Originally published Nov. 5, 2018. Last updated Nov. 17, 2021.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health, a Maryland-based health system, and Cedar, a market-leading healthcare financial technology platform, today announced a partnership to create an excellent, personalized patient experience synonymous with the recently-formed health system, which includes three hospitals and a physician group. Since its inception in 2019, Luminis Health has focused on innovation and this partnership, and its collaboration with Cedar will take the patient experience to the next level. “We formed Luminis Health to remove barriers to health, make care easier and ensure that everyone has access to the tools they need to live a healthy life—and in order to be successful in this mission, it’s important to make the financial experience as seamless and accessible as the care experience,” said Kevin Smith, chief financial officer for Luminis Health. “Investing in and implementing leading healthcare technology is the best way to achieve this goal, and we look forward to working side-by-side with Cedar to build a financial journey that empowers each and every one of our patients.” Cedar Pay, Cedar’s post-visit patient engagement and payment platform, delivers personalized billing through outreach, messaging and bill resolution based on a variety of unique factors and preferences. The platform will be fully integrated with Luminis Health’s existing Epic instance, enabling a financial experience that drives meaningful engagement and enhances patient satisfaction. “The biggest barrier to true transformation in healthcare has been antiquated processes. Luminis Health is setting an example by starting its new venture with investments in strategic digital health tools, and we are thrilled to be working with a partner that shares in our mission of empowering patients to easily and affordably pursue the care they need” said Florian Otto, CEO and co-founder of Cedar. “Consumers crave a modern, intuitive experience within their healthcare journey and will gravitate and return to innovators like Luminis Health, who value the patient financial experience as a core component of the healthcare journey.” Luminis Health and Cedar expect to roll-out the new engagement and billing platform in the spring of 2022.
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMore than a year and a half after going into lockdown, we’re all anxious to put COVID-19 in our rearview mirror. But if you had coronavirus, and continue to experience its after-effects, you know first-hand that life is far from “back to normal.” With the goal of helping you manage lingering symptoms, the team at Luminis Health has created a COVID Recovery Service. Here, you’ll find a team approach to helping our community recover from COVID-19. When symptoms persist COVID-19 is a new illness. As a result, there’s a lot we’re still learning about it. One thing that we’ve learned is that not everyone gets over the virus in the same way. While some people seem to recover quickly, others continue to have problems weeks or months after they’re diagnosed. If you have had COVID-19 and are still suffering from any of the following symptoms, our providers can help. Dizziness on standing Shortness of breath Anxiety/depression Fatigue Swallowing issues Difficulty with memory Voice dysfunction Weakness These symptoms may be bothersome and frustrating. They can also make everyday living challenging. At Luminis Health, our COVID Recovery Service includes a team of providers from different specialties assisting patients in their recovery after a COVID-19 infection. Our team offers personalized care including: Telehealth visits with our providers, including a full medical evaluation. In-person visits with our lung specialists, including a physical and cognitive evaluation by a physical therapist. Referrals to additional specialties to allow for timely management of symptoms, including cardiology and neurology. Outpatient rehabilitation such as physical therapy and occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help if you’re having trouble with activities of daily living, like driving. It can also help with everyday tasks as some find their symptoms worsen after mental activity as well as physical activity. Our physical therapists will assess your strength, balance and physical abilities. We will design a program to help you get stronger and make it easier for you to do things you want and need to do. As we work with you, we track your blood oxygen levels and symptoms to make sure you stay safe. Speech therapy can help with voice changes, swallowing or memory issues that may occur. Our programs assists with organizing and processing your thoughts along with projecting your voice so you can communicate effectively with others. It’s okay to reach out for help If you’re struggling after a COVID diagnosis, we’re here for you. While Post-COVID symptoms aren’t uncommon, you don’t have to live with them. Contact the COVID Recovery Service team for more information or to schedule an appointment at 443-951-4286.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogA lung cancer diagnosis brings fear. Sadness. Uncertainty. So, how can you support someone with such a heavy load? There’s no single answer. Words can’t fix it, but they can comfort. They can also hurt or make someone feel hopeless, even by accident. Knowing what to say, and what not to say, can make all the difference. Some general things to keep in mind We don’t want you to be so cautious that you avoid your loved one or friend. But there are some general tips to keep in mind when you talk to someone sick. Avoid clichés. They’re impersonal, and they fall flat. Don’t give your friend medical advice. Let your friend’s care team be the experts. And unless asked, don’t share stories of others with lung cancer. You’ll steal the moment and possibly force your friend to compare themselves to someone else. Every journey is different, and your friend might feel badly if they don’t live up to the standards established by someone else. Phrases to avoid Avoid expressions that come off uncaring, like: “Did you smoke?” or “You shouldn’t have done this.” Lung cancer is often associated with smoking, sometimes unfairly. Lots of people who develop lung cancer have never smoked. If you have lungs, you are at risk for lung cancer. Asking about smoking habits or drawing conclusions on how your friend could have avoided lung cancer isn’t helpful. These expressions put the blame on the person who is sick. “I know how you feel.” You don’t. You can empathize, but you really can’t know how this person feels or what they are thinking, even if you’ve had cancer. This seemingly empathetic expression redirects the conversation to you and diminishes the moment for your friend. A form of “Your cancer is treatable,” “Be positive” or “If you have to get lung cancer, that’s the one to get.” These words belittle your friend’s authentic feelings. Being diagnosed is scary, and expressions that misrepresent the severity of cancer can make your friend feel like their concerns aren’t valid. Don’t let emotions bottle up. Sometimes a good cry is the best way to release fears. Telling someone they are strong or brave. They might not feel that way. These words can put pressure on your friend to act courageously for others and might keep them from expressing their fear. Predicting a positive outcome, like “You can beat this” or “Everything will be fine.” You don’t know that. No one does. Say this instead Let your friend guide the conversation. If they don’t want to talk about their illness, talk about something else. If they do discuss their cancer, understand that your friend is inviting you to discuss something very personal. They want to feel hopeful. They want to know that you care for them. And you don’t have to be a wordsmith to offer words of comfort. Instead of trying to think of something profound, try an expression like… “How do you feel today?” Navigating lung cancer is a rollercoaster. Some days are better than others. Ask your friend how they’re feeling in that moment. “How do you feel” is too big a question. Asking about a specific moment is manageable. “What have your doctors told you about treatment options?” Show that you are there for them, even if you can’t be in the doctor’s office. But don’t pry. Follow their lead. “I’m going to be there for you.” And then do it. Many people with lung cancer say the hardest part of their journey is feeling abandoned. Regular check-ins make people feel like they have a champion with them. Again, follow their lead. Some people like daily conversations. Others appreciate a phone call every few weeks, nothing more. No matter how often you check in, being remembered makes the experience less lonesome. “I’m not sure what to say.” People appreciate honesty. Your friend isn’t expecting you to be enlightening. Just present. You can also offer your help. Instead of a vague offer such as “let me know what I can do,” try to think of specific ways you can make life a little easier for them. Offer to bring them groceries on Sundays, cut their grass this week, or drive their child to school. By reducing your friend’s obligations, you can help them focus on their care. Support your friend No matter what you say, or don’t say, being there for your friend is the most important way to show your support. Your friend is the same person they were before their diagnosis. And they need support now more than ever. Learn more about lung cancer treatment here. Authors Stephen Cattaneo, MD, is a thoracic surgeon and medical director of Thoracic Oncology at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center.
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTurkey and dressing. Football games. Black Friday ads. Time with family. These are just a few of the traditions we look forward to every Thanksgiving. Of course, 2020 was a year like no other: The climbing number of COVID-19 cases, combined with a lack of vaccines, forced us to sit these cherished moments out. But as we gather around the Thanksgiving table this year, there’s a lot to be thankful for: Experts say it is safer to get together with family and friends – albeit with a few specific precautions. Let’s be thankful for vaccines Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or attending a gathering somewhere else, it’s important to ask about vaccine status. It may not always be an easy or welcomed conversation. Still, it will help you make an informed decision about how to celebrate. The three COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in the United States have all been proven safe and effective — and continue to be our best tool for protecting ourselves. It is certainly great news that the CDC has just approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children between the ages of 5 and 11 years old. Let’s be thankful for “tried and true” safety measures They say there’s nothing like repetition to create new habits. So, now that we’ve all been practicing these safety techniques for 18+ months, we should all be good at them and feel like part of our everyday routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages people gathering for the Thanksgiving holiday to continue to: Mask up. Regardless of vaccination status, the CDC recommends all individuals wear a mask in a crowded public indoor setting Stay home if you’re sick. COVID-19, the flu, colds and even allergies have similar symptoms. So, it can be tough to know which one you have without a COVID-19 test. Play it safe if you’re experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms by staying home. Socially distance yourself from others. Though crowded Thanksgiving tables can be fun, help guests socially distance themselves by setting up your table (or tables) for maximum safety with place settings at least 6 feet apart. Plan an outdoor celebration. When it comes to COVID-19, outside is always safer than inside. Create a cozy space with a firepit and blankets in your backyard to help further reduce the risk of illness. Get air flowing. If you have an indoor celebration, a good breeze from an open window or fan can help disperse those germs and keep guests safe. Let’s be thankful we can travel again For some, Thanksgiving means visiting far-away friends and family. While travel isn’t as risky as before vaccines were widely available, it’s still essential to follow some basic safety tips to limit the spread of COVID-19. Here’s what the CDC has to say about holiday travel: Get tested. If you’re not vaccinated, get a COVID-19 viral test once to three days before your trip. Get vaccinated. The CDC recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated. Wear a mask. You will be required to wear a face covering on all public transportation, including busses, trains and airplanes. If you’re traveling by car, wear a mask whenever you stop to stretch your legs in a public place. Bring your COVID vaccine card. More businesses, especially restaurants, are requiring proof of your COVID-19 vaccination. If you’ve lost or misplaced your vaccine record, you can download and print a copy through the state of Maryland Still have questions? If you have any questions about what’s best for your family, we encourage you to talk with your primary care physician who plays a crucial role in helping you and your family stay healthy and safe while still experiencing the joy of the season. Authors Amirali Amjadi, MD, is an Infectious Disease Specialist at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.
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