- 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.
- Primary CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs the new year begins, many across the country are looking to improve their health. You may hear about family, friends or colleagues trying a “Dry January,” a growing trend to abstain from alcohol for the first 31 days of the year. This movement continues to grow in the US, especially as the World Health Organization emphasizes that no level of alcohol consumption is safe for health. However, any month can be a dry month. Taking a break can provide some significant health benefits and offer you a chance to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol. Benefits of a Dry Month The impact of a month without alcohol can be profound. Studies reveal that participants experience numerous benefits from a dry month, including improved sleep, weight loss, increased energy, and even noticeable enhancements in skin quality. Mental health and overall well-being can also undergo positive transformations. Let’s not overlook the obvious perks: financial savings and the welcome lack of hangovers. Exploring Alternatives Discover various substitutes, social strategies and activities to make the dry month experience enjoyable and sustainable. Prepare by having alternative beverages on hand; flavored seltzer water and low-sugar beverages make a great substitute in social situations. Challenging your friends and family to participate in a dry month can make the experience fun and competitive. You can also opt for outdoor activities away from alcohol-serving venues to add exercise to your routine as well. It may be helpful to keep a weekly journal to document the personal health milestones and benefits that you experience. Preparing for Success Considering a dry month? Just like any challenge, preparation significantly boosts your chance of success. Most importantly, if you drink every day, are concerned about your alcohol use or have experienced withdraw symptoms in previous attempts to quit, it is important to talk to your doctor or seek professional help before stopping alcohol. Taking a break from alcohol can be a great way to kickstart a healthier version of yourself in 2024. Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the US, behind tobacco consumption, and illegal drug use. While complete abstinence is the healthiest choice, even a reduction can have positive effects. Thinking about New Year’s resolutions? Challenge yourself and explore the health benefits that a dry month can bring about. If you find yourself struggling with avoiding alcohol, this is a great opportunity to talk to your health care provider about your challenges. For those seeking professional assistance or guidance on alcohol use, Luminis Health Pathways is a comprehensive addiction treatment center, offering a range of services to support individuals on their journey towards recovery and a healthier lifestyle. Your journey to better health matters. Connect with our primary care teams for continual support in achieving a longer, healthier life. Author Dr. Andrew McGlone is the executive medical director of Luminis Health Primary Care and Population Health.
- Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn August of 2023, Eileen Littlejohn received a diagnosis of gynecologic cancer. Her gynecologist, Dr. Chasheryl Leslie of Luminis Health, recommended that she schedule an appointment with Dr. Nicholas Lambrou, the Chief of Luminis Health Gynecologic Oncology. Upon contacting the gynecologic oncology office with inquiries, Eileen experienced a compassionate and accommodating response. They promptly scheduled her for an appointment the following day. “From my initial appointment, I found the team approachable and very reassuring,” she remarked. “Their responsiveness to answering my call, all my questions and addressing my concerns left a strong impression of relief for me.” Dr. Lambrou commented “When a patient is referred to our office, our team reaches out immediately to the patient to schedule an appointment. Knowing the concern and worry a new cancer diagnosis carries, we try our best to provide prompt appointments at a location most convenient to our patients. Our goal is to provide ample time during the initial visit to allow patients and their families to meet with our team members, understand their plan of care, and coordinate next steps. We believe the key to this is clear communication within our team and to our patients.” Offering advice to fellow patients, Eileen stressed the importance of having a strong support system. She consistently brought a companion with her to appointments, emphasizing the significance of asking questions without reservation. “There’s no such thing as a dumb question,” she advised. She adds, “I was extremely happy and comfortable that the entire team including the doctor, PA, nurse, scheduler and office staff were all kind and tender with their approaches, responses and responsiveness to all requests…I highly recommend Dr. Lambrou, his team and the Luminis Health Gynecologic Oncology for services and treatment.” If you or a loved one are seeking gynecologic oncology care, please call 443-481-3493 to make an appointment. Our services are available in Annapolis, Lanham and Easton. Click here to learn more.
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you’re on a path to improve your mental health, you might have come across information about practicing gratitude. Gratitude… a concept so simple it leaves you wondering, ‘how can adopting a gratitude practice help my mental health?’ For this reason, we looked into the science that proves this is a real thing. What is gratitude? Gratitude is an appreciation or recognition of what one has beyond monetary value. What is practicing gratitude? Practicing gratitude involves taking a few moments each day to notice and appreciate what you’re thankful for. These don’t need to be big things, but rather the small, often overlooked aspects of daily life; such as mobility, a solid friend group, or a home. Developing an “attitude of gratitude” may sound silly, but its effectiveness and been proven and backed by research.The researchers behind the 2003 study titled “Counting blessings vs burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life,” from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, found that expressing gratitude in daily life positively impacted emotional well-being. How to maximize the effect? The most significant effect on your mental health will come from dedicating a few minutes to being mindful of the small, yet positive things in your life, then writing down why you’re grateful for them. Keeping a gratitude journal can effectively provide you with the time to reflect on the little blessings in your life. If a journal isn’t for you, try to adopt a gratitude practice in the shower, where you won’t have many distractions. Reflect on the smallest things you might ordinarily take for granted and consider why you’re grateful for them – like the warmth of hot water on your body or the soap that keeps you clean and healthy by washing away dirt and germs. How does that first sip of coffee in the morning make you feel? Be grateful for the little burst of energy it gives you, as well as the taste and smell of your favorite morning brew. And if you happen to be grateful for a person, the best way to practice gratitude is by letting them know. A video that demonstrates the effect of gratitude on happiness showed that the largest increase in happiness came from telling someone about the impact that person had on their life. Practicing gratitude doesn’t solve everything No, practicing gratitude won’t resolve significant mental health challenges like bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, and similar conditions. However, that is not its purpose. Gratitude serves as a powerful tool to enhance your overall state of well-being, but it’s not meant to be a solution for every single mental health issue out there. In summary Incorporating gratitude into our daily lives doesn’t require grand gestures. Simple practices, such as keeping a gratitude journal, stealing moments throughout the day to or expressing appreciation to others, can pave the way for transformative mental health benefits. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, cultivating gratitude may well be the prescription for a healthier mind and a more fulfilling life. Author Tranesha Christie-Nance is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and the Urgent Care Mental Health Clinician at the Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center Behavioral Health Pavilion located in Lanham, Maryland. Tranesha has over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field, specializing in mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, grief and loss, parenting, behavioral issues, and social-emotional learning throughout the lifespan.
- Lung CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn the fall and winter, staying vigilant about our health becomes paramount during the peak of respiratory illness season. During this period, the convergence of various respiratory infections, such as the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, underscores the importance of knowing how to prevent the spread of germs and maintaining robust health practices. Through vaccination and rigorous hygiene measures, we can strengthen our defenses against these illnesses. Who’s at Risk Flu, RSV, and SARs CoV2 which causes COVID-19 disease are all viruses. High risk groups for all three viruses include, but aren’t limited to, adults over 65, very young children and those with chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease, neurologic issues, weakened immune systems and obesity. Women who are pregnant may also be at risk. About Vaccination Flu vaccines are available, so get yours, sooner rather than later. It takes two weeks for antibodies to be effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months and older receive a flu vaccine each year, with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important during pregnancy and for those at higher risk of serious complications such as pneumonia and even death. Flu can also cause problems that may result in inflammation of the heart, brain, muscle tissues, and multi-organ failure. The CDC recommends that everyone five years and older receive one dose of the updated COVID-19 omicron-specific booster, even if you had the original series. RSV vaccines are recommended for adults 60 years and older and pregnant women. There is also an RSV antibody shot that is recommended for babies at birth to 8 months old, but has been difficult for many health care providers to get adequate supply this season. RSV can inflame the small airways of the lungs or cause pneumonia—which is a lung infection—in children younger than one year. What You Can Do You’ve heard this before, but truthfully, these are the best ways to protect yourself from serious respiratory illness: Wash your hands often. Keep your hands off your face. Avoid close contact with sick people. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Clean and disinfect surfaces. Stay home when you are sick. In addition, experts agree that vaccination will keep you from being hospitalized for severe illness and keep you home with family this holiday season. Author Jean Murray is the system director of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology at Luminis Health. She has over 26 years of experience in infection control, outbreak surveillance and epidemiology.
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