- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogVirtual Urgent Care: A Fast and Convenient Alternative No one likes to wait, especially when you’re home sick, feeling miserable, and the last thing you want to do is leave the house for a doctor’s appointment. While traditional urgent care can be convenient, long wait times are often the norm. Why wait when there’s a faster option? Luminis Health is proud to introduce CareConnectNow, a virtual urgent care service that lets you receive high-quality care from the comfort of your home. All you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer to connect with a skilled Luminis Health provider in real-time. Since this is relatively a new service, you may have questions. Here are some answers to help you make the right decision for you and your family. What kinds of things can CareConnectNow providers diagnose and treat? For true emergencies, such as life-threatening injuries or conditions, call 911 or visit the nearest Emergency Department. Virtual urgent care is ideal for addressing many other health concerns, including: Acid reflux Constipation Cough, cold or sore throat COVID screenings Eye problems, such as pink eye Fever or flu Headaches or migraines Insect bites or poison ivy Seasonal allergies Shingles Sinus problems Skin rashes and infections Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Vertigo They can also prescribe medications or refer you to a specialist when needed. Is CareConnectNow available to everyone? Our CareConnectNow providers are ready to see patients 13 and older—and you don’t have to be an established Luminis Health patient to get virtual urgent care. Keep in mind, you must be in the state of Maryland at the time of service. Most insurance providers cover virtual urgent care appointments, but it is a good idea to confirm with your provider first. Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham also partners with Children’s National Hospital for emergency pediatric needs should your child require additional or complex care. The urgent care you need in the palm of your hands With CareConnectNow, accessing urgent care has never been easier. You can schedule an appointment with our providers weekdays from 8 am–9 pm ET and weekends from 9 am–4 pm ET. The best part? You can often see a provider in under an hour, often times within minutes. Get a diagnosis, personalized care plan, and prescription, all from the comfort of your home. Schedule a live visit today. Visit LuminisHealth.org and click “Find Care”, go directly to LuminisHealth.org/CareConnectNow or call us at 443-951-4270 from your smartphone. Authors Waseem Hussain, MD, is Associate Regional Director of Primary Care at Luminis Health with expertise in all areas of family medicine. He specializes in the management of neurologic, pulmonary, and cardiac diseases, as well as diabetes and gynecologic care.
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, routine screening can reduce the number of people who die from colorectal cancer by at least sixty percent—and that’s just one type of screening. Whether it’s blood sugar for diabetes, mammograms for breast cancer or even monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol for heart disease, screenings are tests that look for diseases before you have symptoms. We refresh and renew our homes like clockwork when spring arrives, but what if we spring clean our health in the same way? A checkup with your primary care provider can help you learn what screenings and tests you might need and when you need them. Screenings help spot problems early, when treatment may be easier and more effective. So, which screenings are for you? Depending on your age, family history, health and risk factors, women may benefit from routine screening for: Cholesterol. Healthy adults should have their cholesterol tested at least every four to six years since high cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Blood pressure. This should be checked at least once every two years since high blood pressure increases risks of heart and kidney disease and stroke. Breast and cervical cancers. Your age and health history determine how often women need tests, like mammograms and PAP tests, that screen for breast and cervical cancers. Sexually transmitted infections. If you’re sexually active and have risk factors, it is important to be screened for sexually transmitted infections. Diabetes. If you have high blood pressure or are on blood pressure medication, you should get screened for diabetes. Colorectal cancer. Most adults should have their first exam at age 50. Your provider can guide you as to which of several available tests is right for you. Osteoporosis. Women should have a bone density scan at least once beginning at age 65. There’s a lot of varying information out there that really does depend on your family history and risk factors. It’s usually best—and you’ll likely feel more comfortable—if you develop an honest, open relationship with your primary care provider as your health partner, so you know what tests are needed and which are not. Remember, it’s a great time for spring cleaning AND spring screenings. Author Schedule your appointment with a primary care provider today and take the first step toward better health.
- Surgery, Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogRobotic surgery allows surgeons to see and perform better. It can lead to less pain and faster recovery. Nicholas C. Lambrou, MD, chief of gynecologic oncology at Luminis Health, is widely recognized as an expert and instructor in robotic gynecologic surgery. He answers a few common questions below. Is robotic surgery new? Robotic surgery has been in use since 2006, so it is not new. I’ve used robotic surgery in more than 4,500 cases. It can perform a hysterectomy, and it can replace the majority of open surgeries for gynecologic oncology. What are the benefits of robotic surgery? Robotic surgery minimizes pain and discomfort. It leads to a shorter recovery period. Patients don’t need an overnight hospital stay, and they recover in two weeks instead of four to six weeks. Many hospitals that use robotic surgery also follow ERAS (enhanced recovery after surgery) protocols. These protocols help reduce stress before and after surgery and help with recovery. What are the risks? The risks for robotic surgery under an experienced surgeon are the same as with conventional surgery, such as anesthesia complications, bleeding and infections. Ask your doctor about the specific risks you should consider. What are the advantages? The advantages of robotic surgery include improved sight and a more specific technique. It’s important to understand that the robot is not performing the surgery. It’s essentially an upgrade on surgical tools that allows the surgeon to see and operate better. How will I know if robotic surgery is right for me? You can ask your doctor if robotic surgery is an alternative option for you. Robotic surgery is not new or unusual, and it can help surgeons achieve the best results. If you have surgery coming up, talk to your doctor about the options available to you. Authors Nicholas C. Lambrou, MD, FACOG, FACS, is the chief of gynecologic oncology at Luminis Health. Dr. Lambrou’s areas of interest include the treatment of women with gynecologic cancer, cancer prevention strategies and advanced gynecologic surgery.
- Digestive CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYour gut can tell you a lot about your overall well-being since it plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity and even mental health. But does that mean you need supplements or vitamins designed to improve gut health? That depends on factors like your diet and lifestyle, and whether you’re facing digestive issues that feel disruptive to your everyday activities. Let’s explore how your gut works, why it matters, and what you can do to keep it healthy. Understanding Gut Health Your gastrointestinal (GI) tract includes your esophagus, stomach and intestines. When you eat, these organs work together to digest food, absorb essential nutrients and eliminate waste. Trillions of microorganisms—including bacteria, fungi and even parasites—live in your gut and play a key role in these processes. The composition of your gut microbiome is affected by many factors, including your diet, medications, genetics and age. Signs of a Healthy Gut A well-balanced gut microbiome often leads to: Clear skin Regular and comfortable bowel movements Steady energy levels However, frequent digestive issues like bloating, cramps, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn or nausea, may signal an imbalance. Other symptoms linked to poor gut health include: Acid reflux and heartburn Allergies and skin rashes Autoimmune issues Chronic bloating or constipation Unexplained fatigue Unexplained weight changes Natural Ways to Improve Gut Health Your daily habits can significantly impact your gut health. Try these natural strategies to keep your digestive system in top shape: Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables Eat slowly to support digestion Exercise regularly Manage stress Prioritize quality sleep Reduce ultra-processed foods Stay hydrated Use antibiotics only when necessary Can Prebiotics and Probiotics Help? Ongoing research suggests that prebiotics and probiotics, which can either be found naturally in certain foods or added to your routine with dietary supplements, can benefit gut health in some cases. However, because not everyone needs supplements—and because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate them—it’s best to consult your primary care doctor before adding prebiotics or probiotics to your routine. A doctor can help you navigate the existing research and keep a pulse on new findings, as well help you decide if any of these gut health remedies are right for you. How Do Prebiotics Work? Prebiotics serve as food for probiotics. They occur naturally in many high-fiber foods, such as: Bananas Beans Berries Garlic Oats Onions But while prebiotic supplements like inulin can enhance gut health, they can also be costly. How Do Probiotics Work? Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that support digestive health. When you consume probiotics through food or supplements, you’re reinforcing your gut’s natural microbiome. Foods rich in probiotics include: Certain cheeses Fermented foods like kimchi, miso, and pickles Sourdough bread Yogurt (with live active cultures) Look for labels that mention “live active cultures” to ensure you’re getting beneficial bacteria. Strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are among the most effective, according to current research, and probiotics with added B12 can further boost your metabolism, energy, and digestion. With so many choices though, finding the right probiotic can be overwhelming. Your doctor can help determine whether a probiotic is right for you, and which best meets your needs. Here When You Need Us If you believe your gut health needs improvement, your next primary care visit is a great time to discuss your concerns with your doctor. Together, you can decide your next steps, including any dietary, lifestyle or supplement changes, and monitor your progress over time. If you don’t have an established relationship with a primary care physician, find a Luminis Health doctor who’s ready to help. Visit Luminis.Health/PrimaryCare to book an appointment. Authors Dr. Ijeoma Nwogu is a primary care physician at Luminis Health who sees patients in Greenbelt, Bowie and Lanham, Maryland.
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