- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWe have recently received reports of fraudulent recruitment communications and outreach posing as Luminis Health recruiters and employees. These scammers aim to seek personal information and direct deposit or credit card payments. We assure you that we take this matter seriously and do not conduct our outreach to candidates in this manner. Your safety is our priority and we urge you to not respond to these fraudulent communications. Spotting a Recruitment Scam Unsolicited Communication: Beware of unexpected phone calls, emails, social media messages, and texts claiming to be from Luminis Health recruiters when you have not recently submitted an application. Online-Only Interviews: Be cautious if you’re asked for online-only interviews with a quick response required. Money or Personal Information Requests: Our recruiters will never ask for money, personal information, or software purchases in exchange for a job offer. Check Email Addresses: Verify email addresses for legitimacy; all genuine offers come from @luminishealth.org addresses. Our Recruitment Process Apply through luminishealthcareers.org: We require all applicants to use our official website for job applications. Face-to-Face Interviews: Our interviews will always include a face-to-face component, whether virtual or in-person. Official Communication Channels: Genuine offers will only come from @luminishealth.org email addresses or official phone lines. If You Receive Suspicious Communication Exercise Caution: If you get messages via phone calls, emails, texts, or social media that seem suspicious, be careful. Don’t Share Personal Info: Never disclose personal or financial information in response to these messages. Save Evidence: Keep unsolicited messages and report them to your local police department. Learn More About Job Scams Visit the FTC website to get further information on job scams.
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSince fall is here, it’s time to pull out the sweaters and fire pits, visit the pumpkin patch, watch your favorite football team, and breathe the crisp air as you enjoy fall foliage. Whatever the fall activity, chances are you’ll swing by your local coffee shop for a pumpkin spice latte, cold brew, or cup of joe. But did you know that sweetened beverages account for nearly half of all added sugars consumed in our diets? Never fear! Minor adjustments to your drink order can cut back significantly on calories and added sugar. If you are trying to lose weight, every calorie counts. Empty Calories It’s easy to drink a lot of calories without realizing it, because beverages sweetened with sugar aren’t as filling as food. Sugary drinks may bring comfort, but they don’t offer nutritional benefits. That’s why we consider these drinks “empty calories.” A good tip? Everything in moderation. Too many sugary drinks can contribute to the development of many diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancers. Which Drink is Right for You? A plain cup of brewed cup of coffee has less than five calories and no fat. Cold brew coffee without any extras can be just as healthy as regular coffee. A general rule of thumb is lattes contain the most milk and are the highest in calories, fat, and protein. Cappuccinos contain a bit less milk but still provide a good amount of calories. Macchiatos contain only a splash of milk and are significantly lower in calories, fat, and protein. Tips for Reducing Sugar in Caffeinated Beverages There are simple ways you can reduce the amount of sugar you consume each day in your favorite coffee drink. Here are some ideas: Request less syrup. When ordering a latte, ask the barista to limit the syrup. A single pump of flavored syrup can provide more than five grams of added sugar. (For context, four grams of sugar is equal to about one teaspoon.) Try a smaller size. You can still enjoy your favorite drink, but with less sugar. Know your coffee shop lingo. Many coffee shops use terms like “lightly sweet” or “skinny” to refer to drinks with less added sugar. The skinny options usually include nonfat milk, the removal of whipped cream and the replacement of regular syrup with sugar free. For example a grande iced vanilla latte from Starbucks has 28 grams of sugar, while the skinny version has only ten grams of sugar. Ditch the toppings. While whipped cream, caramel and chocolate drizzle toppings are delicious, they add a heap of empty calories and added sugar. Mix it up. Consider occasionally switching up your sweet drink order with a seasonal unsweetened tea. You can enjoy it iced or hot. It has all the flavor and none of the sugar. And if your sweet tooth needs to be satisfied, use sugar substitutes to sweeten your tea. Tips for Less Sugar in Other Beverages In addition to coffee drinks and sodas, smoothies and bottled teas can also contain more sugar than you might expect. By making your smoothie or iced tea at home, you have more control over the sugar content. In smoothies, fruit is usually sweet enough that you don’t need any additional sugar or honey. Use plain yogurt, unsweetened milk or almond/soy milk or water instead of flavored yogurt or sweetened milk to help reduce sugar. For a festive fall smoothie, add a scoop of canned pumpkin and a dash of pumpkin spice or a cup of chopped apple with a sprinkle of cinnamon to unsweetened yogurt and milk. For iced tea, make a pot of caramel apple black tea or pumpkin spice black tea, let it cool and then serve over ice. Cut Back on Sugar Slowly No one expects you to quit cold turkey. It’s best to cut back on your sugar intake gradually so that your taste buds get used to less sugar. For some great alternatives, consider unsweetened sparkling water or seltzer. Whether at home or at the coffee shop, think about ways to reduce sugar in your drinks. These small steps can lead to big health benefits. To learn more, or to make an appointment for nutritional support, visit our webpage. Author Allison Maurer, RDN, LDN is a registered dietitian at Luminis Health
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s time to paint the town pink! Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center is hosting its annual Pink Ribbon Rally to raise awareness about breast cancer and the critical importance of early detection through mammograms. The event, taking place October 6 on our Lanham campus, will feature no-cost mammograms and clinical breast screenings, as well as life-saving information about the signs, symptoms, and early detection of breast cancer. “The Pink Ribbon Rally is not just an event; it’s a movement to empower our community with the knowledge and support in the fight against breast cancer,” said Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. “Since Luminis Health’s mission is to enhance the health of the people and communities we serve, our goal is to raise awareness, provide support, and encourage all women to prioritize their breast health.” A recent study shows an alarming trend of cancer impacting younger Americans, particularly women, with gastrointestinal, endocrine and breast cancers climbing at the fastest rates, especially among age 30 to 39. “African American and women of color are especially at risk because we tend to get breast cancer at younger ages and a more aggressive form called triple negative breast cancer,” said Dr. Regina Hampton, chief of breast surgery at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. “With breast cancer being one of the leading causes of death among women in Prince George’s County, I can’t stress enough the importance of getting a mammogram. Early detection is the key to survival.” The hospital received a $1.3M state grant to provide breast cancer screenings to women in Prince George’s County over a three-year period. In the first year, Luminis Health administered 1,038 no-cost breast cancer screenings for women in the County. In addition to mammograms, the Pink Ribbon Rally will offer resources and guidance from local organizations, support groups, and healthcare professionals. There will also be inspirational stories from breast cancer survivors, bra fittings, live music, food, and games. Event Details: Date: Friday, October 6, 2023 Time: 8 am to 3 pm Location: Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center; top level of the Emergency Department garage Address: 8118 Good Luck Road, Lanham Admission: Free and open to the public
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt is never easy to hear that you have cancer, but it can be even harder for those who least suspect it because age is on their side. Yet more and more younger Americans are diagnosed with cancer in a concerning trend. A recent study shows an alarming increase of cancer impacting younger people, particularly women, with gastrointestinal, endocrine and breast cancers climbing at the fastest rates, especially among ages 30 to 39. Greater Risk for Women of Color These numbers are no surprise to Dr. Regina Hampton, chief of breast surgery at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center, whose practice primarily serves African-American and Latina women. “Breast cancer can occur more frequently in women under the age of 50 in the African-American population,” says Dr. Hampton. “It’s not uncommon for me to see someone in their thirties or forties who has received a breast cancer diagnosis.” Because of this, Dr. Hampton recommends women of color get a breast cancer risk assessment and start breast cancer screenings at age 30. Know Your Family History Family history of breast cancer is one of the biggest risk factors for diagnosis. It’s important to know if you have any of your close family members, such as mothers or sisters and even fathers and brothers who have been diagnosed. Men can’t be left out of the conversation, as they, too, can be diagnosed with breast cancer. Having open and honest conversations about your family’s history with breast cancer could save your life, or that of a loved one. Importance of Screening Sometimes women are unsure when they should start screening for breast cancer. You should receive a yearly mammogram starting at age 40, with 3D mammograms being the gold standard. If there is a family history of breast cancer, then you should start getting a mammogram ten years prior to the age your loved one was diagnosed. For example, if the mother was age 42 at diagnosis, the daughter should start getting mammograms at age 32 and enroll in a high-risk breast screening program. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, Luminis Health can help with your screening. We received a $1.3M state grant to provide breast cancer screenings to women in Prince George’s County over a three-year period. In the first year, Luminis Health administered 1,038 no-cost breast cancer screenings for women in the County. To see if you qualify for a no-cost mammogram, please call (301) 552-7724. Looking Ahead Although alarming, the increase in breast cancer diagnoses in younger women may be due, at least in part, to increased breast cancer awareness and improved technology. Regular breast self-exams are essential. Early breast cancer is best diagnosed when there are no symptoms and there is only a small abnormality on imaging. Whatever your age, if you are concerned about changes in your breast tissue, get it checked by your healthcare provider and continue to advocate for yourself until you get answers that satisfy your concerns. Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center is hosting its annual Pink Ribbon Rally on Friday, October 6 at its Lanham campus from 8 am to 3 pm. The event includes testimonials from survivors as well as opportunities to receive life-saving information about the signs, symptoms, and early detection of breast cancer. Please join us as we paint the town pink! Author Dr. Regina Hampton is the chief of breast surgery at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNo one ever wants to hear the words, “You have cancer.” Ever. It is, unfortunately, a reality that many people will face at some point in their lifetime. A cancer diagnosis is scary and comes with many uncertainties. Since you need as much support as possible, more and more doctors and patients are embracing integrative oncology. Think of it as using your mind, body, and soul to cope with symptoms and side effects. What is Integrative Oncology? Integrative oncology is a field of cancer care that combines conventional cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy with evidence-based complementary therapies to address the physical, emotional and psychological needs of cancer patients to enhance their overall well-being. Doctors and patients recognize that these treatments go beyond medical interventions and consider the complete needs of the patient. It incorporates a wide range of complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, mind-body techniques (for example: meditation, yoga, and guided imagery), nutritional counseling, and herbal and nutritional supplements. What Are the Benefits? The benefits of integrative oncology include: Management of cancer-related symptoms and treatment of side effects such as pain, fatigue, nausea, nerve pain/numbness and anxiety.By effectively managing these symptoms, patients can possibly tolerate conventional treatments better, allowing them to complete their treatment schedules as planned. Complementary therapies can help improve a patient’s quality of life during and after treatment. Supporting the immune system and overall well-being.Nutritional counseling focuses on strengthening the body’s natural defenses and improving overall health. This may involve herbal supplements, exercise programs, stress reduction techniques, and other strategies to support the immune system and promote well-being. Empowering the patient.Integrative oncology underscores patient-centered care and encourages active participation in the treatment process. Patients are provided with information, education and tools to make informed decisions about their care and take an active role in managing their health. Who Is It For? Integrative oncology is a good fit for those who value a wide-ranging approach to cancer care since it focuses on the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of each patient—recognizing the importance of addressing the whole person, not just the disease. Integrative oncology may be a good fit for cancer patients who: Desire to actively participate in their cancer treatment: Integrative oncology emphasizes the patient and healthcare providers making decisions together, as a team. Experience treatment-related side effects: Complementary therapies integrated into oncology care can help manage the side effects of conventional cancer treatments. For example, acupuncture may lessen nausea and pain caused by chemotherapy, naturopathic doctors may help relieve numbness/pain and digestive symptoms, and mind-body techniques like meditation or yoga can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Complete active treatment and wish to focus on living a healthy lifestyle: Integrative oncology can help with lifestyle changes, nutritional support, and stress management to enhance long-term health and well-being. In Conclusion A growing number of cancer patients are tapping into the benefits of integrative oncology, with nearly 80 percent using some form of complementary therapies. Integrative oncology is patient-centered and evidence-based, with a goal of maximizing cancer patients’ physical and emotional ability to undergo cancer treatments and improving quality of life. Ask your healthcare provider if integrative medicine might benefit your cancer journey. Authors Young Joo Lee, MD, is the medical director for Breast and Integrative Oncology at Luminis Health. Dr. Lee is passionate about providing the most effective cancer therapies with minimal toxicity. She is a strong supporter of integrating the wisdom of other traditional healing practices into modern medicine.
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