- General Page Tier 3BlogThe temptation of sugary delights becomes almost irresistible during the holidays. While sugar is an integral part of traditions, it can exact a significant toll on our health when consumed excessively. We see the resulting effect in our medical practices with a 1-2 percent drop in diabetic control each year in January. If you have a chronic health condition or are working to improve your health, having a strategy to approach the holiday season is key to your success. Americans are eating and drinking more added sugar than recommended according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Excess added sugar in our diet increases the risk for weight gain, diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers. As we enter a sugar-conscious holiday season, moderation can pave the way for a celebration of joy and tradition, with enhanced well-being. Here are some recommendations: Mindful Drink Choices: Sugar-sweetened beverages are the top source of added sugar for the U.S. population – this is a great place to cut back. While water is always the best choice, there are many sugar-free and low-sugar beverages available. Plus, it’s easy for our bodies to confuse thirst with hunger, which can lead to overeating. Amidst the array of cocktails, sodas and sweetened drinks this season, try a glass of sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice or a squeeze of lemon. Creative Substitutes: Reduce the amount of sugar in your desserts by replacing it with natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup or dates. These alternatives introduce sweetness and distinct flavors to your sweet dishes. Experiment by sautéing apples with cinnamon and honey for a healthy take on a seasonal treat.When baking, Colleen Kiley, lead diabetes educator at Luminis Health notes “You can lower the sugar amount in any recipe by 25 percent without a noticeable taste change. For example, you can reduce one cup of sugar to three-fourths cup.” Cinnamon in Coffee: To infuse your morning coffee with a festive essence, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon instead of traditional sweeteners. Allison Maurer, registered dietitian at Luminis Health, shares more tips to reduce sugar in caffeinated drinks here. Adding Fruit: Include fruit in baked goods and drinks when appropriate to add natural sweetener and increase nutritional value. For example, when crafting cocktails and mocktails, try using muddled fruit or seltzers rather than sugary mixers and syrups. Thoughtful Gift-Giving: Be a conscientious gift giver, especially if you are known for your holiday treats. Consider reducing the portions you generously give out to friends, family and co-workers. Smaller portions can help others savor the flavors while being mindful of their health.Another option is to get creative with gifts. For example, consider sharing festive cheer with candles, potted plants, or seasonal fruits like figs, pomegranates and clementines. It’s a thoughtful gesture that embodies the joy of giving with the consideration of wellbeing. Don’t forget to prioritize exercise and movement. Planning activities with family and friends is a great way to maintain your health and spend time together. Create new holiday traditions, such as a family walk, or sign up for seasonal events like a turkey trot or other organized activities to stay active this season. Holidays are a time of indulgence, but they don’t have to mean sacrificing your health. By making these mindful swaps and taking a balanced approach, you can embrace the season without compromising your well-being. Author Dr. Andrew McGlone is the executive medical director of Luminis Health Primary Care and Population Health.
- Plastic Surgery & Skin CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogProtecting your skin from the sun with the right sunscreen is crucial. But picking the right sunscreen can be daunting. Knowing the basics before shopping can streamline your decision-making process, and hopefully prevent cancer. Why sunscreen matters One in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime — it is the most common cancer in the United States, and the most preventable. Your best defense is protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. That’s why the American Cancer Society recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when outdoors. Broad-spectrum sunscreens The sun emits two types of rays: UVA and UVB, both capable of damaging the skin. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and most skin cancers, directly damaging DNA in skin cells, prompting rapid growth and tumor formation. In contrast, UVA rays accelerate skin cell aging, leading to long-term issues like wrinkles and rough skin. They can also indirectly harm skin cell DNA, contributing to certain skin cancers. A sunscreen labeled “broad-spectrum” is proven to shield the skin from both UVA and UVA rays. Why use an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen? SPF stands for sun protection factor—the sunscreen’s protection level against UVB rays. The higher the SPF number, the more protection you get. Here’s how SPF works: When using an SPF 30 sunscreen on your skin, for every 30 minutes you spend in the sun, you only get equal to 1 minute of UVB rays. Here’s how much UVB rays each SPF filters: SPF 15 filters out about 93% SPF 30 filters out about 97% SPF 50 filters about 98% SPF 100 filters about 99% SPF below 15 shields against sunburn but not against sun damage or cancer.. No sunscreen can filter or block all UV rays or protect you completely. Chemical and mineral sunscreens: pros and cons Sunscreens use either chemical or mineral ingredients, or a combination, to filter or block UV rays. Chemical sunscreens use various chemical ingredients, including avobenzone, homosalate, and oxybenzone, to absorb UV rays before they can damage your skin. Pros: They are invisible once absorbed into your skin and feel comfortable. Cons: They can irritate sensitive skin, but need time to absorb before working. Mineral-based sunscreens contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, creating a barrier on your skin’s surface that reflects UV rays. Pros: These work right away. They are safe for sensitive skin and are considered safe for coral reefs and marine life. Cons: They can feel thick or greasy and may leave a white residue on your skin, especially on darker skin. What about water-resistant and tinted sunscreens? Sunscreens can’t claim to be waterproof, they can only claim to be “water resistant” for 40 or 80 minutes. If you sweat a lot or spend time in the water, you may want to use water-resistant sunscreen. Similarly, tinted sunscreens offers additional protection against visible light, benefiting individuals with hyperpigmentation disorders, commonly impacting. How to apply sunscreen Sunscreen only works if you use it correctly Maximize its effectiveness with these tips: Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Use enough to cover exposed skin (if you can see light through your clothing, UV rays can reach that skin, too). Most adults must use one ounce of sunscreen, a shot glass, or a palm full Don’t forget your ears, both sides of your feet, and the back of your neck Reapply at least every two hours Apply again after swimming, sweating, or towel drying One last tip- there’s no difference between baby and adult sunscreen. Both are safe to use. However, sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months. If you have questions about your skin health, please contact Luminis Health Plastic Surgery for a consultation. Our experts can work with you to improve sun damage and protect your skin for years to come. Author Telisha Johnson, NP, is a plastic surgery nurse practitioner at Luminis Health.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogA special delivery for expectant mothers in Prince George’s County! Luminis Health is launching CenteringPregnancy ®, a nationally recognized program, to support pregnant mothers and their families. This pioneering healthcare approach features group sessions with other expectant mothers and personalized consultations with your trusted Ob-Gyn or midwife. CenteringPregnancy is one way Luminis Health is addressing the maternal health crisis that has particularly impacted Black women and communities of color nationwide. As part of Vision 2030, the health system’s strategic plan, we’ve set a bold goal of eliminating maternal and infant mortality in the communities we serve. Currently, the maternal mortality rate for Black women in Prince George’s County is 50% higher than the national average. And 80% of women in Prince George’s County leave the county to deliver their babies. It’s important to provide and deliver quality prenatal care closer to home, which is why we’re excited to introduce CenteringPregnancy. What Is Centering Pregnancy? CenteringPregnancy is a healthcare concept that combines Ob-Gyn or midwife checkups with group prenatal care sessions. Here’s how it works: Centering visits begin at 16 weeks of pregnancy and continue through your due date. You meet for 10 sessions, each 90 to 120 minutes long, with a group of eight to 12 other women due around the same time. You are an active participant in your own health care, starting each session by taking and recording your own blood pressure and weight. At every visit, you have private time with your Ob-Gyn or midwife for a belly check. Your provider may take measurements or do an ultrasound. Providers then lead a discussion and facilitate engaging activities. Feel free to ask any questions you have, and we highly encourage you to bring your spouse, partner, or a support person to every Centering visit. Benefits of Centering Pregnancy The type of prenatal care you choose is ultimately up to you. Some expectant mothers prefer traditional one-on-one care. For others, the interactive learning and supportive community of CenteringPregnancy helps them feel better prepared for childbirth and beyond. Here’s how: A Healthier Mom and Baby A 2015 study by the Yale School of Public Health found that group prenatal care improved the health of both mother and baby. It also helped eliminate racial disparities in preterm births. Participants in group prenatal care were: At lower risk of having a preterm or low birthweight baby. More likely to breastfeed their babies. More likely to make healthy lifestyle choices, including exercising, eating healthy foods, and staying away from drugs, alcohol, and nicotine. More likely to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy. Less likely to get pregnant again soon after giving birth, a major risk factor for preterm delivery. More Time With your OB Provider In addition to shared time with your Ob-Gyn or midwife, you have a private checkup at each session. During that time, you can ask questions or share information you might not feel comfortable disclosing in the group. A Community of Other Moms During CenteringPregnancy sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to bond with the same group of women each time — possibly forging lifelong friendships. It’s an instant support system; no matter what twists and turns your pregnancy journey may take, you know you’re not alone. Sharing experiences, learning from, and supporting one another are highlights of this innovative program A Wide Range of Discussion Topics In the group sessions, your provider will cover nutrition, pain management, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, and caring for your newborn. These talks — and the Q&A sessions that follow — help encourage positive behavior that leads to healthier outcomes. To Get Involved Upon completion of the program, you will be better prepared for labor and delivery, breastfeeding, and infant care. Don’t worry about the cost. Because Centering is prenatal care, most health insurance providers cover it like any other prenatal visit. Beginning this summer, the Centering program will take place at Luminis Health’s Greenbelt Ob-Gyn office. Call 301-982-0657 to learn more and to register. As someone who grew up and now practices in Prince George’s County, I am excited to see the positive impact this program holds for our community. Authors Dr. Jonelle Samuel is a board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist who practices in Greenbelt.
- Cancer Care, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSeven years ago, Howard “Howdy” Freedlander of Annapolis discovered that he had prostate cancer again. He met with Dr. Angel “Ted” Torano, a radiation oncologist at Luminis Health, to discuss treatment for the recurrence. “He was the most authentic and genuine doctor,” Howard says of Dr. Torano. In 2015, Howard traveled to Baltimore for the recommended surgery and now decided to receive eight weeks of radiation treatment under the care of Dr. Torano at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. Howard underwent treatment from Monday to Friday, with each session lasting approximately 10 to 15 minutes. He commends the team for their professionalism and punctuality. The radiation therapists working with him also developed a personal connection. They nicknamed him Howdy, and upon his arrival for the afternoon treatment, they would cheerfully exclaim, “It’s Howdy Doody Time!” On one occasion, they even played the famous Howdy Doody song, and all of them, including Howdy, danced for a few seconds—a unique radiation preparation experience. After a total of 39 treatments, Howard celebrated his last day by ringing the bell in the Donner Pavilion. As a token of appreciation, he left a Howdy Doody bobblehead for the team to remember him by. He carries with him the memories of compassionate care. His advice to others affected by cancer is to maintain a positive mindset. He emphasizes the importance of respecting medical practitioners and appreciating the fact that they are working to save lives. They are motivated to help patients face cancer calmly and optimistically. “Many people who undergo treatment are fearful, anxious, and apprehensive. I chose to acknowledge the seriousness of the process, trust in it, and believe in its effectiveness. I am immensely grateful, as is my family,” says Howard. Howard Freedlander retired in 2011 as the Deputy State Treasurer of the State of Maryland. Previously, he held the position of executive officer in the Maryland National Guard and served as the community editor for Chesapeake Publishing, most recently at the Queen Anne’s Record-Observer. In his retirement, Howard actively serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations in the Eastern Shore, Annapolis, and Philadelphia. If you would like to support the Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center by honoring a doctor, nurse, or caregiver, please consider making a gift.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHealthcare scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting unsuspecting patients through various means, especially emails and other forms of communication. One area of concern is the MyChart Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, which is widely used for managing personal health information. At Luminis Health, we take cybersecurity concerns seriously and adhere to best practices to keep data safe. In addition to our security measures, there are steps you can take to safeguard your health data and personal information. As you review emails, texts and phone calls, here’s what you need to know: Understanding MyChart EMR Scams Scammers often exploit the trust and familiarity associated with well-known health systems and EMR platforms like MyChart. They aim to steal sensitive personal information or install malicious software on your devices. Here are the key red flags to watch out for: 1. Phishing Emails and Text Messages Phishing is a common method used by scammers. You might receive an email or text message that appears to be from your health system, prompting you to click a link or provide personal information. These messages often look legitimate but contain subtle errors or urgent language designed to create panic. Tip: Always verify the sender’s email address and look for grammatical errors or unfamiliar web addresses. If unsure, contact your healthcare provider directly using a trusted phone number. 2. Spoofed Caller ID Scammers can use technology to make it appear as if they are calling from a legitimate healthcare provider’s phone number. During the call, they may ask for personal information or direct you to a fake website. Tip: If you receive an unsolicited call asking for personal information, hang up and call your healthcare provider back at a known, trusted number. 3. Fake Login Pages Scammers create fake websites that mimic the MyChart login page. When you enter your credentials, they capture your username and password, giving them access to your EMR. Tip: Ensure the website URL is correct before logging in. Genuine MyChart portals will have secure web addresses starting with “https://” and often include your healthcare provider’s name. 4. Unsolicited Requests for Personal Information Legitimate healthcare providers will never ask for sensitive information such as your Social Security number, password, or financial details via email or phone. Be wary of any unsolicited requests for such information. Tip: If you receive a suspicious call or message, do not provide any information. Instead, contact your healthcare provider to verify the request. 5. Unusual Account Activity Regularly monitoring your MyChart account can help you spot unauthorized access. If you notice any unfamiliar activity or changes, it could be a sign that your account has been compromised. Tip: Enable account notifications to receive alerts about any changes or logins. Report any suspicious activity to your healthcare provider immediately. Protecting Your Information Here are some steps to enhance the security of your personal information and communications: Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. A strong password includes a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message code or authentication app. Regularly Update Your Passwords: Change your passwords periodically to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Cybersecurity experts recommend changing your password every three months. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing accounts with sensitive information, like MyChart, over public Wi-Fi networks which are often less secure. Verify Communications: Always verify the sender or contact of suspicious emails, text messages and phone calls. Look for signs of legitimacy, such as official logos, correct email addresses and proper grammar. Reporting and Responding to Scams If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam or that your MyChart account has been compromised, take immediate action: 1. Report the Incident: Contact your healthcare provider’s support team to report the issue. The Luminis Health MyChart Support team can be reached at (833) 254-3600 or [email protected]. Change Your Password: Update your MyChart password and any other accounts using the same credentials.3. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your medical and financial accounts for any unusual activity. For more information on recognizing and avoiding healthcare scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website on healthcare scams. By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can help protect your MyChart EMR and personal health information from scammers. Sources:• Federal Trade Commission, “Health Care Scams,” accessed May 17, 2024, FTC Healthcare Scams• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Protecting Personal Health Information in Electronic Health Records,” accessed May 17, 2024, HHS Protecting PHI
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