- Community, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you’re finally traveling to see friends or family this summer — or just hitting the road for some R&R — it’s still important to weigh the COVID-19 risks. But with careful planning (and some mask wearing, social distancing and handwashing) it might be OK to now book that long-awaited trip. First, Check Travel Restrictions Before you finalize your plans, check online for travel restrictions. Some places aren’t yet open to travelers or could require you to get a COVID test before arrival. And, even if travel is allowed, it’s smart to check infection rates where you’re going to make sure there isn’t a local spike in cases. If You’re Not Vaccinated The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say it’s safe to travel within the U.S. if you’re fully vaccinated and follow safety precautions. If you’re not vaccinated, they recommend you delay your trip. However, if you have to travel before then, you should: Get tested one to three days before you leave Quarantine for 10 days after you return home (or seven days with another negative test after your trip) Protect Yourself in Transit If you’re headed through a public transit hub such an airport, keep in mind it might be crowded. Even with signs reminding everyone to stay six feet apart, that might not always happen in lines, at busy gates and on shuttles. Take the following safety measures: Consider eye protection. You might want to wear protective glasses or a face shield in addition to your mask. Keep distance. Leave seats open between you and other travelers when possible. Mask up. Wear a mask in airports and transit stations, and on shared transportation like planes, trains, buses and taxis. Wash your hands often. Don’t forget to scrub up after touching common surfaces like turnstiles, touchscreens and handrails. Stay Safe at Your Destination Unfortunately, COVID isn’t taking a vacation just yet, and new variants are circulating. Keep taking the safety measures you take at home while on your trip. You might want to pick a destination with plenty of fun outdoor activities so you can enjoy yourself with a lower risk of virus transmission. If you’re headed to a beach or swimming pool, keep in mind that while the CDC hasn’t noted any reports of the virus spreading through water itself, the virus can still be passed through the air in a crowd of people. Prepare for the Unexpected When you’re packing your bags, think ahead. You might want to bring a few extra items to ease your mind and reduce your risk while you’re on the go. That could include: Extra masks in case yours get wet or dirty Harder-to-find safety gear like protective eyewear Sanitizing wipes to use on tables or counters And don’t forget the snacks. In some areas, transit food courts might be overcrowded or not yet fully open. If you’re traveling by car, bringing your own food can also cut down the need to go into busy markets or restaurants near hot vacation spots. Finally, Aim for Flexibility Travel advice continues to change as we learn new information about COVID. If you’re heading out for a trip soon, stay up to date on the news and ready to adjust your trip if needed. And remember, with so many people eager to travel, you may hit delays on the road or at rental car locations. But getting the chance to safely venture out, hug family and friends, and recharge a bit after the year we’ve had is well worth it. Authors Dr. Michael Glickman practices family medicine on Kent Island.0
- The Best Heart Valve Care in the RegionLuminis Health provides award-winning cardiac care. Our heart specialists use advanced technology to diagnose and manage problems like heart valve disease to keep your heart healthy. Our patients have access to:A dedicated heart center. We offer a dedicated inpatient unit for people with heart conditions, as well as cardiac catheterization labs, a cardiovascular critical care unit and a cardiac rehabilitation center.Nationally recognized care. The American College of Cardiology recognizes Luminis Health for our commitment to hospital care for heart patients. We appear on the 2022 U.S. News & World Report list of “Best Hospitals."Heart treatments recognized by the American Heart Association. The American Heart Association recognizes us as one of only 25% of hospitals in the U.S. qualified to perform emergency cardiac catheterization.The latest technology for minimally invasive procedures. With advanced testing, we can detect and treat heart valve disease — often with minimally invasive procedures. That means small incisions, less pain and a quicker recovery for you.ConditionConditions/Services/Treatments PageWe treat all types of heart valve disease, including the kind some people are born with and those that result from age or other health problems.What Is Heart Valve Disease?Your heart has four valves, with flaps that open and close with every heartbeat. The flaps allow the right amount of blood to pump through your heart in the right direction. With heart valve disease, one or more of your heart's valves don't work correctly.Heart valve disease doesn't always cause symptoms or problems. But sometimes, if it worsens, it can lead to life-threatening conditions like heart attack or stroke.The three main types of heart valve disease include:0
- Why Choose Luminis Health for Skin Cancer Care?The mortality rates for melanoma are higher in our region than state and national rates. That's a concern for our skin cancer experts, who want to see those numbers go down. Our skin cancer experts are trained to provide comprehensive care and:Promote risk reduction. We provide education on steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer and detect skin cancers early.Be at the forefront of research. Clinical trials are available for eligible participants for cutting edge treatment options.Connect you with cancer support services to help your well-being. Cancer is a major life event. If you or a loved one has cancer, we're here to help you every step of the way. We offer many different services and resources designed to fit your needs and give you a better, more comfortable experience.ConditionConditions/Services/Treatments PageReceiving a diagnosis of skin cancer might feel overwhelming. The good news is, when caught early, most skin cancers are treatable.What Is Skin Cancer?Skin cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the skin cells. Skin cancer is very common. According to the American Cancer Society, it's by far the most common type of cancer. About 5.4 million people in the United States receive a skin cancer diagnosis every year.No form of skin cancer is good news, but some are more serious than others. Types of skin cancer include:Basal cell skin cancer, which is the most common type of skin cancer. Basal cell cancers develop in the outermost layer of the skin. Most are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays that come from the sun or indoor tanning.Squamous cell skin cancer, which is the second most common skin cancer. Squamous cell cancers grow near the surface of the skin. They usually appear in sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, neck and back of the hands.Melanoma, which occurs in the cells of the skin that produce pigment. These cells are called melanocytes. Melanocytes are present in and around our eyes so it is important to protect your eyes from sun exposure, too!Several types of rare skin cancers exist, including Merkel cell skin cancer and acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM). ALM is more common in people of color.0
- The Region's Leading Peripheral Vascular Disease CareAt Luminis Health, we use advanced treatments and a highly experienced team approach to managing PVD. In fact, PVD is one of the most common vascular conditions we treat.You can trust us for your vascular care because we:Are nationally recognized. The American College of Cardiology recognizes Luminis Health for its commitment to hospital care for heart patients. You'll find us on the 2022 U.S. News & World Report list of “Best Hospitals."Have an experienced surgical team. Our surgeons perform many procedures each year. PVD is one of the most common conditions we treat.Offer the latest PVD treatments. Our vascular specialists are pioneers in the field, and we use the latest technology to detect and treat PVD. Our advanced surgical techniques offer treatments with less pain and faster recovery times.Provide multidisciplinary care teams. Your dedicated team of health care professionals includes cardiologists, physical therapists, wound care specialists and other providers. We'll partner and support you every step of the way.ConditionConditions/Services/Treatments PageIt's easy to mistake leg pain for a sore muscle. But if it occurs on a regular basis, or your legs feel weak or heavy, the problem might be your arteries, not your muscles. Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a problem that often affects blood vessels leading to poor blood flow in your legs or feet.What is Peripheral Vascular Disease?PVD is also known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). It happens when plaque slowly builds up in arteries in one or both of your legs. Over time, it restricts blood flow, causes pain and can lead to wounds that won't heal.At Luminis Health, our vascular specialists offer state-of-the-art treatments for PVD that will keep you pain-free and moving.0
- Provider80266Christopher Jones, MD, is a fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity specialist. A native of Rochester, NY, Dr. Jones received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University in 2003 and his medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical Univeristy in Syracuse, NY in 2009. He subsequently moved to Baltimore, MD where he completed an internship in general surgery and residency in orthopaedic surgery at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital. Upon completion of his residency training, he completed his hand, upper extremity, and microvascular surgery fellowship at the Curtis National Hand Center at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital. With special interests in microsurgery, wrist instability, complex soft tissue and bony reconstruction, nerve compression, and fractures involving the hand and upper extremity he has conducted numerous research studies to investigate reconstructive technique for some of these problems. He has presented this research at multiple national meetings. Dr. Jones’s practice offers a comprehensive approach to the assessment of and treatment of common and complex hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder problems for patients of all ages. Dr. Jones, his wife, toddler and their golden retriever have recently moved to Severna Park from Baltimore. They are from Upstate New York originally and love the outdoors. In their spare time, they enjoy taking their dog swimming, hiking, and going to baseball games.American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery | Surgery of the Hand, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery | Orthopaedic SurgeryFellowship - MedStar Union Memorial Hospital at Baltimore, Residency - MedStar Union Memorial Hospital at Baltimore, Internship - MedStar Union Memorial Hospital at Baltimore, Medical School - State University of New York at SyracuseEnglishOrthopedics0
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