- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogReceiving a cancer diagnosis can be devastating and overwhelming. When you think of treatment types, you may think chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. There is another treatment option that may not be on your radar: immunotherapy. What is Immunotherapy? Immunotherapy, also called biological therapy, is treatment that uses your immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy works by stimulating your immune system’s natural defenses, or by using substances to restore or improve the immune system. How is Immunotherapy given? Immunotherapy can be delivered through IV, injection or orally. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, immunotherapy can be your only form of treatment. This therapy is also combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. It may also be used as maintenance therapy following chemotherapy. What Does Immunotherapy Treat? Immunotherapy treats different types of cancers, including: bladder cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal (colon) cancer, head and neck cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, leukemia, prostate cancer, skin cancer and lymphoma. How Long Has Immunotherapy Been Around? The FDA approved the first cancer immunotherapy in 1990. Since then, several immunotherapy drugs have received FDA approval. What is Immunomemory? When you receive immunotherapy, your immune system learns to go after cancer cells if they return. This is called immunomemory, and it could help people stay cancer-free for a longer period of time. Where Can I Receive Immunotherapy? Talk to your oncologist about which treatment options are right for you. Immunotherapy is available at many hospitals in Maryland, including Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC). You can contact the team at the LHAAMC Infusion Center at 443-481-5740 to find out if immunotherapy could be right for you. Authors Imad Tabbara, MD, FACP, has more than three decades of clinical experience with cancer patients, and holds board certifications in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology. He leads the LHAAMC Hematology and Medical Oncology program. Learn more at LuminisHealth.org/cancercare.
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health is proud to have giving more than 100,000 COVID-19 vaccines in the communities we serve. In July, our Community Health Team will hold various community vaccine clinics throughout Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties. The COVID-19 vaccine is free. No appointments are necessary, however to guarantee a shot, you are encouraged to pre-register. Just click on the link for the particular vaccine clinic. Here is the schedule for July: Luminis Health se enorgullece de haber administrado más de 100,000 vacunas contra el COVID-19 en las comunidades a las que brindamos servicios. En julio, nuestro Equipo de Salud Comunitaria llevará a cabo varias clínicas de vacunación en los condados de Anne Arundel y Prince George. La vacuna COVID-19 es gratuita. No es necesario hacer una cita, sin embargo, para garantizar una vacuna, le recomendamos que se registre previamente. Simplemente haga clic en el enlace de la clínica de vacunación que desee. Encuentre aquí el calendario del mes de Julio: 7/1/21- 4pm-7pm Eagle Rock at Quiet Waters – 1293 Thorn Court, Annapolis, MD 21403; Espanol. 7/1/21-5pm-7pm Megamart Supermarket Riverdale – 5801 Riverdale Rd, Riverdale MD 20737; Espanol. 7/2/21-4pm-6pm Mt. Olive AME Church – 2 Hicks Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401; Espanol. 7/6/21- 12pm-2pm Tre Shadez Hair Studio – 9144 Edgeworth Dr, Capitol Heights, MD 20743; Espanol. 7/6/21- 1pm-3pm Carmody Hills Baptist Church – 6501 Seat Pleasant Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743; Espanol. 7/7/21- 5pm-6pm Blades of Green – 645 Central Ave E, #201, Edgewater, MD 21037; Espanol. 7/8/21- 5pm-7pm St. Marks Parish – 7501 Adelphi Rd. Hyattsville, MD 20783; Espanol. 7/8/21- 6pm-8pm The Pointe at Harpers Mill – 600 Harpers Mill Rd, Millersville, MD 21108 7/13/21- 5pm to 7pm First Presbyterian Church, 171 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 7/13/21- 9am-11am Langley Park Community Center – 1500 Merrimac Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20783; Espanol. 7/13/21- 4-6:00 pm Megamart Riverdale- 5801 Riverdale Rd, Riverdale, MD 20737 7/14/21- 4pm-5:30pm Pizzeria Paradiso and Artwork – 4800 Rhode Island Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20781; Espanol. 7/15/21- 9am-11am Kings Square Apartments – 3402 Dodge Park Rd # 201, Landover, MD 20785; Espanol. 7/15/21- 2pm-3pm Riverdale Farmer’s Market – 6220 Rhode Island Ave, Riverdale, MD 20737; Espanol. 7/16/2- TBD Holy Cross Lutheran Church – 6905 Greenbelt Rd, Greenbelt, MD 20770 7/20/21- 9am-11am LAYC/ Maryland Multicultural Youth Center – 6200 Sheridan St Riverdale MD; Espanol. 7/20/21- 5pm-7pm Boones Estates – 1091 Marlboro Rd, Lothian, MD 20711; Espanol. 7/21/21- 5pm-7pm Auburn Manor – Apartments 6821 Riverdale Rd, Riverdale, MD 20784; Espanol. 7/21/21- 11am-1pm Crossroads Farmers Market – Anne St.@, University Blvd E, Takoma Park, MD 20912; Espanol. 7/23/21- 5pm-7pm Solid Rock Church – 5401 Good Luck Road, Riverdale, MD 20737; Espanol. 7/27/21- 4-5:00 pm Langley Park Community Center – 1500 Merrimac Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20783; Espanol. 7/29/21- 5pm-6pm The Pointe at Harpers Mill, 600 Harpers Mill Road, Millersville, MD 21108 7/31/21- 10am-2pm Ebenezer Church of God, 7550 Buchanan St, Landover Hills, MD 20784
- Cancer Care, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogEach cancer journey is unique. At Luminis Health, we want to shine a light on these journeys from the perspective of our own patients. That’s why we’ve started this new series – bringing hope and comfort to those who have been touched by cancer. Donald Cosden’s story: In July of 2020, I developed a stomach ailment that came on quickly and was excruciating. My primary care physician did a blood test and found that my bilirubin and other markers were off the chart. He told me to get to the Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) emergency department as soon as possible. Scans showed a mass on the head of my pancreas that was closing off my bile duct. A specialist did a biopsy that determined it was pancreatic cancer. I set up treatment at LHAAMC right away. But there was an interesting detour: a good friend who was connected to Johns Hopkins Hospital suggested I go there for a second opinion. They did more scans and developed an initial plan of attack. It was clear that I was in for lengthy chemo treatments. But the doctor encouraged me to make plans to be treated at LHAAMC because I would receive the same excellent treatment and wouldn’t have to drive to Baltimore. So I came back to LHAAMC and started treatment right here at home. The first regimen didn’t work out, so I was switched to another, which had a better effect. My blood markers dropped way down to the range of a healthy person. Then came radiation. Everyone at the treatment and infusion center at LHAAMC were great. I can’t thank them enough for making my experience more tolerable. My wife has been incredible at taking care of me, and we get along amazingly well. I also have a great network of close friends, since I’ve lived in this area my whole life. I don’t think I could have been in better place. I felt like that all along—fortunate to live in the area and receive the high-quality care from the team at LHAAMC.
- CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSetting off fireworks is a fun and festive way to celebrate July 4. But fireworks and other explosives can also be dangerous. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks-related injuries send around 230 people to the emergency room around July 4. Risk of fireworks injuries is highest for children ages five through nine. Don’t let your celebration turn into tragedy. Here are some of the most common fireworks-related injuries that doctors treat around this holiday, and what to do if you or a loved one is hurt. Hand burns A hand burn is the most common injury from fireworks. A minor or first-degree burn causes redness and mild pain. More serious second-degree burns cause blisters, while the most serious third-degree burns cause white or blackened skin and possible numbness. If you have a first aid kit at home, now is a good time to make sure it’s up to date with over-the-counter pain medicine, cloths, burn pads and Aloe Vera gel for cooling down minor burns. If it’s a major burn that requires a trip to the emergency room, you can use a plastic wrap to protect the injury while you wait for treatment. Never pick up a firework that hasn’t ignited, and keep a bucket of water and a charged hose nearby. Other Hand Injuries Fireworks can cause other hand injuries including cuts, torn tendons and broken bones. In the case of a serious hand injury, take off your jewelry, cover your hand with a clean cloth, put an ice pack on the injury and elevate your hand. Seek medical care immediately. Facial Injuries Injuries can include broken bones and loss of facial tissue. If this happens to you, keep your head raised, cover the injury with a clean cloth, place an ice pack over it and get emergency care immediately. Eye Injuries In case of an eye injury, get medical attention immediately. Don’t attempt to rinse out the eye, and avoid putting pressure on it. You should also avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen, which thins the blood and may increase bleeding. And don’t apply ointment or other topical medication, which is probably not sterile. Remember to wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks. Hearing Loss Sounds that are louder than 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss. Fireworks that are three feet away can be as loud as 150 decibels, so keep your distance. If you experience pain or ringing in your ears, make an appointment to see your doctor. Other Risks Fireworks aren’t the only risky July 4 tradition. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and can quickly cause clothing to catch on fire. Bottle rockets, firecrackers and Roman candles can also be dangerous if used incorrectly. Maryland generally bans private displays of fireworks, and a permit must be obtained for a fireworks display. Fireworks, sparklers and other July 4 favorites are not toys, so don’t treat them that way. Take proper care if you are going to be using these items, and have a safe and happy Fourth of July.
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogGet a haircut and a shot. That’s the idea behind a unique program to provide COVID-19 vaccinations at neighborhood barbershops and hair salons in Maryland. Luminis Health is proud to partner with the Health Advocates in Research (HAIR) project of the University of Maryland School of Public Health’s Center for Health Equity to give shots at a trusted place. “The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear why trust matters, so why not go where people already have trust—the local barbershop,” said Stephen B. Thomas, professor and director of the Center for Health Equity in the University of Maryland School of Public Health in College Park. COVID-19 vaccination clinics have taken place at two salons in Prince George’s County, an area hit hard with COVID-19 infections during the pandemic. African American and Hispanic Marylanders have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, yet are less likely to be vaccinated. In Prince George’s County, only 42% of residents are fully vaccinated. “The best way to protect yourself, your family and your community from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated,” said Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. “If we want to reach community immunity, we must vaccinate as many people as possible. Barber shops and salons are a great way to meet people where they are.” Before administering COVID-19 shots, members of the Community Health Team answer questions, address concerns, and clear up myths about the vaccine. Since January, Luminis Health has administered more than 100,000 COVID-19 vaccines in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties. “Our vision is Living Healthier Together,” said Deneen. “Community partnerships are a vital component to enhance the health of the people we serve. Thank you to Dr. Stephen B. Thomas, barbers, hair stylists, and our Community Health Team for your hard-work and dedication as we work together to end this pandemic.”
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