- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWith the popularity of wearable smart devices today, it’s likely you and your loved ones use one of these gadgets. These devices connect us to our families, friends and colleagues, assist in managing our calendars and grocery lists, and even aid in navigation. But can they effectively help us maintain our health? Heart Rate Fitbits and most smartwatches use specialized sensors to track your heart rate both at rest and during exercise. Monitoring your heart rate with a smart device is preferable to not monitoring it at all, although there can be some margin of error. The most accurate heart readings are obtained in a doctor’s office. While these devices might alert you to potentially concerning heart rate changes, they are not substitutes for medical equipment. Blood Pressure Blood pressure readings present an even greater variability with smart devices. Fitbits, for example, estimate blood pressure using heart rate data, activity levels, and other factors. However, it’s important to note the term “estimate.” The gold standard for accurate blood pressure monitoring is the old fashioned way of a trained healthcare provider using a stethoscope and upper arm cuff. The accuracy of smart device readings can be affected by several factors, including body size, skin pigmentation, and even lighting. However, one way it could be helpful is if it indicates a sudden rise or dip in blood pressure, which could signal a potentially dangerous health condition. Irregular Rhythm Several smartwatches collect heart rhythm and motion data to check for signs of atrial fibrillation, or AFib, a condition that affects more than two million people in the U.S. AFib is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke and other complications. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting AFib by smart devices is greater than 90 percent, making them comparable to medical-grade devices. However, the results are most accurate among those who are older, while young and healthy people sometimes get false positives leading to unnecessary health care visits. Overall, this feature is promising and in time, better sensors and algorithms will enhance accuracy. Fitness Fitbits, smartwatches and similar devices are best known for tracking activity levels, including daily step counts. You’ve probably heard you must get 10,000 steps a day. A recent study published in the Journal of American Cardiology (which was a combination of 12 other studies) revealed health benefits start at 2,500 to 2,700 steps per day. The study recommends 7,000 daily steps for strong cardiovascular defense and suggests that aiming for 9,000 steps can promote longevity. You don’t have to reach 10,000 steps daily to gain health benefits. Here are a few tips on how to best use a Fitbit or similar device to set goals and stay motivated: Set Realistic Goals: Start by setting achievable goals for yourself, such as a certain number of steps per day, active minutes, or calories burned. Fitbit allows you to set personalized goals based on your fitness level and objectives. Wear it Consistently: Wear your Fitbit device throughout the day for precise activity monitoring. Track Your Activity: Use your Fitbit to track steps, distance calories burned, active minutes, and floors climbed. Check your progress regularly to ensure you’re meeting your goals. Utilize Workouts and Challenges: Smart devices provide features and challenges to keep you engaged and motivated. Try different workout modes like running, biking, or swimming, and join challenges with friends or online communities. Stay Active Throughout the Day: Use your Fitbit to remind you to move throughout the day, especially if you have a sedentary job. Set up hourly reminders to take a short walk or stretch break to keep your body moving and avoid prolonged sitting. Tracking Helps You Stay on Track Whether you’re counting steps or monitoring other health metrics, smart devices can be a useful tool. Just don’t rely solely on them and neglect professional medical advice. The biggest advantage of wearing a Fitbit or similar device is that it keeps you consistently mindful of your health, leading to better choices. If you have heart health concerns, please schedule an appointment with Luminis Health Cardiology by calling (443) 481-6700. Authors Salvatore Lauria, MD, is a cardiologist with Luminis Health Cardiology.
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you have a teenager, no doubt the world is much different than your childhood. Social media apps have made it easy for teens to communicate with strangers—and sometimes, the people they interact with online are actually scammers. Parents should prioritize monitoring their children’s online activities, especially their interactions with others. It’s crucial to engage in open and meaningful conversations about the potential risks of living in a social media obsessed world. You may be surprised to learn social media scams are far-reaching, impacting teens around the world. While anyone can fall victim to these sexting scams, teenage boys are often targeted by scammers using blackmail tactics. What exactly are sexting scams? Sometimes referred to as sextortion, sexting scams are meant to scare victims into handing over money. While the details can vary, scammers gain the trust of victims before tricking them into sharing compromising photos. The predator threatens to share the photos with the victims’ family and friends unless they pay money. Strangers pose as interested girls and convince unsuspecting boys to send naked photos of themselves showing their face. After sending the photos, they are immediately blackmailed for money. The frequency of this scam has prompted federal law enforcement to issue warnings, cautioning that scammers are targeting children as young as ten years old. If our kids aren’t equipped to recognize it as a scam — or don’t feel comfortable coming to their parents when it happens — it can be dangerous. Ranging from anxiety and depression to thoughts of suicide, these scams can have troubling and long-lasting effects on their mental health. What are the signs my teen may be in trouble? There are many signals to help you determine if your child may have been victimized. Parents should start asking questions if they discover their teen: Becomes unwilling to talk about their online interactions with you or anyone else Exhibits sudden changes in behavior, like moodiness or isolating themselves Expresses fear or discomfort about someone they met online Grades suddenly drop Loses interest in activities Receives messages from strangers asking for personal information Uses electronic devices to the point of ignoring things going on around them Withdraws money from bank accounts or purchases gift cards How can I help if my teen falls victim to sexting scams? If your child is in this kind of situation, you should take the following steps: Let the blackmailer know parents are now involved, you are not afraid, and the harassment needs to stop immediately. Keep proof of all conversations and make backups. Don’t send any money. Even if the harasser has potentially damaging photos of your child, there’s no guarantee that sending them money will end the blackmail. Report the scam to the social media platform. Contact the police. You can call the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at (800) CALL-FBI or report the harassment online at fbi.gov. You can also report the incident to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at icactaskforce.org. Talking to your teen openly and often is your best defense The more you and your child talk about these situations, the less likely they are to become a victim. Before your child gets a cell phone, talk to them about the importance of keeping personal photos and personal information private, even if they are in a mature relationship. Sharing compromising photos is never a good idea. But if your teen shares nude photos, they should know that they can come to you, or another trusted adult, for help. The Luminis Health Behavioral Health Clinic in Lanham is a safe space for teens. The urgent care offers services for those needing non-emergency, non-life-threatening behavioral health care. It’s open from 8 am to 5:30 pm, Monday-Friday, for adults and children 4 years of age and older. Author Dr. Jesselina Curry is Luminis Health’s regional medical director for Ambulatory Behavioral Health Services PC: Maureen Porto Photography
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogStephanie Schnittger has been appointed the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Luminis Health, a non-profit regional health system serving 1.8 million people in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties, the Eastern Shore, and beyond. In her role, Schnittger will provide strategic direction and oversight to various financial aspects of Luminis Health, including Financial Operations, Budgeting, Planning and Analysis, Reimbursement, Revenue Cycle, Managed Care, Treasury, Capital Projects and Financing, Real Estate, and Supply Chain. With more than 25 years of experience in healthcare finance, Schnittger brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Luminis Health. She has held senior leadership positions at Sentara Health and Inova Health System, where she led financial initiatives and contributed significantly to their growth and success. “We are excited to welcome Stephanie Schnittger to Luminis Health,” said Tori Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “Stephanie is a seasoned financial leader with a proven track record in resource management within the healthcare sector. Her consistent achievement of operational excellence across various business units and divisions will play a crucial role in advancing the health system’s financial strategy to achieve our ambitious Vision 2030 goals, as we continue to invest in the health and wellbeing of our organization and community.” “I am honored to join the Luminis Health Team,” said Stephanie Schnittger, CFO of Luminis Health. “I look forward to executing a comprehensive long-term strategy that strengthens our financial position, ultimately benefiting our team members, patients, their families, and ensuring we remain a valuable asset to the communities we serve.” Stephanie graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Dayton in Ohio. She received her CPA license from the State of Ohio.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFamily history plays a large role in the risk of some cancers, such as breast, colon and prostate cancers. Esophageal cancer, however, is rarely linked to genetics. For Esophageal Cancer Month, our experts look into the most important risk factors for this cancer. The two leading risk factors for esophageal cancer are extensive use of tobacco products and high alcohol consumption. According to the American Cancer Society, someone who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day or more is two times more likely to develop esophageal cancer compared to a nonsmoker. Other risk factors include: Age – > 55 years old Sex – four out of five esophageal cancer diagnoses occur in men Obesity Lack of physical activity Injury to the esophagus Heartburn/acid reflux Diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus Not all esophageal cancers can be prevented, but you can greatly reduce your risk by controlling these lifestyle risk factors. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent it: Avoid alcohol – it is best to not drink alcohol. If you choose to drink, drink moderately, limiting intake to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women (definition per the Centers for Disease Control). Avoid tobacco – it is never too late to quit smoking. Call Luminis Health at 443-481-5388 for free resources to help you quit. Watch your body weight – Work towards a healthy weight by limiting red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, highly processed foods, and overall caloric intake. Be physically active – Adults should get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week. Daily walks are an excellent way to start. These lifestyle changes can help prevent esophageal cancer as well as other cancers and illnesses. Talk to your primary care provider if you experience frequent heartburn/reflux symptoms, have increased difficulty swallowing, or are losing weight unintentionally, as these may be signs of esophageal cancer. Authors About the Author: Antony Koroulakis, MD is a radiation oncologist with experience treating a wide range of cancers.
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMarch is a special time at Luminis Health as we celebrate Women’s History Month, a period dedicated to acknowledging the remarkable roles women have played through history. It’s also a chance to recognize the strides we’ve made in areas like women’s health, while acknowledging the journey ahead. We recognize that women’s health includes improving access to quality care, addressing disparities and advocating for women’s unique healthcare needs. Central to our efforts is Luminis Health’s Vision 2030, our strategic plan that sets forth ambitious goals aimed at improving the health and well-being of our communities, including ending infant mortality. The Vision 2030 bold goal serves as constant reminder that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive from the moment they enter this world. Guided by our Women’s and Children’s Health Equity Taskforce, we’ve launched several initiatives aimed at bridging health gaps and nurturing positive health outcomes for mothers and babies. One notable success has been reducing the gap in first-time C-sections by more than 10%, thanks to our tailored care approach and team education. Our Centering Pregnancy programs offer a fresh take on prenatal care, fostering a supportive community for expectant mothers through group sessions and comprehensive care. This innovative approach has not only lessened preterm births but also built a tight-knit community among the more than 100 participants to date. Our program based in Annapolis is a fully accredited site and we are launching Centering Pregnancy in Prince George’s County, at Luminis Health Ob-Gyn in Greenbelt, later this summer. Recognizing the critical role of cultural sensitivity in healthcare, our Women’s and Children’s teams are well-versed in culturally customized care. This includes 100% participation in implicit bias training, helping us provide care that’s respectful and inclusive of all backgrounds. A significant milestone in our journey is the recent approval of our Certificate of Need by the Maryland Health Care Commission for the development of comprehensive obstetrics services at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham. With construction scheduled to begin this spring, this milestone represents a major investment in women’s health by expanding access to high-quality maternity care closer to home. Currently, Luminis Health delivers more than 5,000 babies a year. Once our obstetrics program in Prince George’s County is fully operational, we anticipate an additional 2,000 births annually. As we reflect on Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate women’s past and present achievements and recommit to advancing women’s health equity. Luminis Health is proud to lead in ensuring every woman enjoys a healthy, fulfilling life. Author Dr. Monica Jones, system chair, Luminis Health Women’s and Children’s Service Line
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