- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen someone is experiencing depression, anxiety or substance misuse, it doesn’t just impact them – it impacts their family and their community. We all can do our part to watch for signs of mental health struggles in family and friends. But how do you know when you or a loved one is in a mental health crisis and needs to see a professional? Let’s take a look at the signs and symptoms that can indicate a need for treatment. Here are a few symptoms that indicate depression and substance use: Persistent sadness: A prolonged period of feeling sad, empty or hopeless. Loss of interest: Diminished interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities. Change in sleep patterns: Insomnia or lack of energy. Fatigue: A constant feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. Difficulty concentrating: Reduced ability to focus, make decisions, or remember details. Appetite changes: Significant weight loss or gain due to changes in eating habits. Irritability: Unexplained mood swings, increased irritability, or restlessness. Isolation: Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities. When it comes to substance abuse, there are several signs that indicate a person needs help: Changes in behavior: Sudden and unexplained shifts in personality or actions. Neglecting responsibilities: Failing to fulfill work, school, or family obligations. Social withdrawal: Isolating from friends and family, preferring to be alone. Tolerance buildup: Needing more of the substance over time to achieve the same effects. Withdrawal symptoms: Physical and psychological reactions when substance use is reduced or stopped. Loss of control: Inability to cut down or control substance use. Continued use despite consequences: Continued substance use despite negative impact on health, relationships, or job. Secrecy with use: Hiding substance use and being dishonest about its extent. Financial issues: Experiencing money problems due to spending on substances. Legal problems: Getting into trouble with the law related to substance use. It’s important to understand that each person’s experience is different, and you may not experience or see every symptom on these lists. But if you read these lists and think it sounds like something you or a friend or family member are going through, it could be a mental health crisis so please contact a behavioral health professional. A provider can give an accurate diagnosis and provide guidance on treatment options. At Luminis Health, we offer a wide range of mental health services, including: Behavioral Health Walk-In Urgent Care – for moderate to severe psychiatric symptoms that need to be addressed in less than 24-72 hours Outpatient Treatment for Mental Health or Substance Use – For those who are able to wait for a scheduled appointment. Telehealth options are available. Inpatient Treatment for Mental Health or Substance Use – For those who need 24 hour treatment Please visit https://Luminis.Health/BehavioralHealth to schedule care.
- TelehealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogChances are you’ve experienced episodes of coughing, congestion and sniffles in recent weeks. Hospitals are currently busy treating patients who need care for respiratory infections such as COVID, flu, and RSV. If you visit an Emergency Department (ED) for treatment, you might experience longer than normal wait times. Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) in Lanham has successfully improved wait times by revamping its patient triage process: When you arrive at the ED, you will register with the clerk, and a triage nurse will assess your needs to determine the priority of care. A patient liaison staff member promptly engages and will explain and expedite the next steps in your care. This change has decreased the amount of time you wait by 40-50 minutes. If you are discharged to go home, our caregivers will ensure you have appropriate follow-up with your primary care provider, or they will connect you with a Luminis Health Primary Care Provider. Parents will be glad to know that at LHDCMC, physicians from Children’s National are available seven days a week to treat pediatric cases in the ED. You can also take several steps to ensure you receive timely care. Here’s what you can do: Make sure you bring everything you need for emergency care Your time in the Emergency Department will go faster by bringing important items for our care team, such as the following: Driver’s license or identification card Insurance card List of medications and allergies List of contacts, including primary physician, specialists, friends and family Discharge instructions and notes from recent ED visits or hospital admission Cell phone chargers Keep your cool Dealing with an emergency is stressful, and emotions are often heightened for everyone. Getting upset or mistreating your care team won’t speed up your visit. It’s important to remember that doctors, nurses, receptionists and other staff members in the ED are on your side — and working their hardest to give you the care you need as quickly as possible. At Luminis Health, we believe in a culture of mutual caring: We provide the best care possible in a healing environment and we always treat each other with respect and dignity. Caring for and protecting patients, families, employees, and our community, is important to us. “We have to treat patients in order of priority, seeing patients with life-threatening illness or injury first,” said Dr. Reginald Brown, emergency department chair at LHDCMC. “Your patience is very important and appreciated, as we prioritize care for those who need it urgently.” Urgent care is another option There are many situations in which the ED is the best place to go for care, such as life-threatening injuries or conditions. In other cases, urgent care centers are a convenient option for treatment. Urgent care can address the following conditions and symptoms: Cough and cold symptoms Minor cuts that may need stitches Eye problems, like pink eye Mild abdominal pain Mild illnesses, such as strep throat or the flu Sprains and strains Vomiting or diarrhea Telehealth visits are refreshingly easy If you have a minor medical issue, consider connecting with a medical provider virtually. This often allows for a quicker appointment, most patients are able to schedule same-day care. With the availability of after-hours and weekend virtual visits, we aim to accommodate your schedule. Luminis Health’s CareConnectNow is available for Maryland residents by calling (443) 951-4270 from your smart phone or making an online appointment. Thank you for your patience, support, and your own efforts as we strive to improve emergency care for every patient. Author Dr. Reginald Brown, is the emergency department chair at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.
- UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAre you thinking of eating a more plant-based diet in the year ahead? You’re not alone. There is a lot of buzz about choosing to go meatless a few times a week, or even considering adopting a wholly plant-based diet. That’s because plant-based diets are, in general, healthier than diets heavy on meat and dairy products. People who eat plant-based diets have lower risks of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. They’re also less likely to be obese. But ‘plant-based’ doesn’t always mean healthy. Vegan foods can sometimes be worse than meat alternatives. Here’s how to reap the rewards and avoid the pitfalls of a plant-based diet. Watch Out For Sodium in Imitation Meats Many plant-based burgers (which come frozen or fresh) aren’t always healthier than beef or chicken burgers. In some cases, they’re just as high in saturated fats and higher in sodium than meat-based burgers. For example, a four-ounce patty of one popular plant-based burger contains 380mg of sodium. By comparison, some frozen four-ounce beef burgers contain 75mg of sodium. Likewise, plant-based deli meat imitations can be just as salty as actual deli meat. Diets high in sodium increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. “Instead of replacing meat with fake meat substitutes, aim to get your protein from beans, lentils and tofu,” says Dr. Arsalan Sheikh, the medical director for diabetes and endocrinology at Luminis Health. If you’re switching to plant-based foods solely for health reasons, you’re better off eating lean, unprocessed meat than a salty imitation. Not all foods labeled plant-based are natural Those who find it hard to cook plant-based or vegetarian meals might turn to the frozen aisle, where they’ll find pizzas, samosas, veggie ‘nuggets’, veggie loaf and more. The problem? Frozen and processed vegan foods can be high in additives and preservatives. In fact, some plant-based meals can have more additives and thickeners to mimic the texture of meat. One 2022 study found men who eat diets heavy in highly processed foods have a 30% higher risk of getting colorectal cancer. Another recent study found that people who ate diets heavy in processed foods were more likely to die of cardiovascular diseases. It’s not clear exactly why processed foods are so bad for your health. One theory is that chemical ingredients added to foods to improve the shelf life, taste or texture of food could be more difficult for the body to break down. Plus, heavily processed foods are higher in sugar, salt and fat than less processed foods. The secret to a healthy plant-based diet is to “avoid foods with long lists of ingredients, especially ingredients you don’t recognize,” says Dr. Sheikh. Rather than buying already-prepared meals, Dr. Sheikh recommends preparing plant-based foods at home with simple ingredients — like fresh or frozen vegetables, canned or dried beans and whole grains. You can miss key nutrients Meat has nutrients that can be hard, but not impossible, to find in plants. For example, iron, zinc and vitamin B12. Likewise, milk and yogurt are full of calcium and fortified with vitamin D. If you’re switching entirely to a plant-based diet, it’s a good idea to consult a dietician or nutritionist. They can help ensure you’re getting these important vitamins and minerals, whether through food or supplements. They can also make sure you’re getting enough protein through soy, beans and other plant-based foods. “Whenever you’re making a big change to your diet, it’s a good idea to get expert advice,” says Dr. Sheikh. After all, changing what you eat is hard work. It helps to have someone in your corner. Bottom line: Plant-based diets are healthier if you stick to the same tried-and-true advice as conventional diets Can you improve your health by incorporating more plant-based meals into your life? Absolutely, but you’ll need to apply the same rules that apply to healthy, conventional diets. That means planning a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables, not just picking up ‘plant-based’ burgers and assuming it’s good for you. It also means choosing whole grains and starches, such as brown rice or pasta, whole grain bread and sweet potatoes. Remember, too, that fried and highly processed foods should be “once in a while” foods, even if they have a ‘plant-based’ label on them. Author Arsalan Sheikh, DO, is the medical director for diabetes and endocrinology at Luminis Health.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health is proud to announce that Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC), has been named one of Modern Healthcare's 2024 Diversity Leaders. Modern Healthcare recognizes executives and organizations annually for their efforts to advance equity and inclusion within their organizations, and the healthcare industry at large. “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this national recognition for our commitment to championing diversity at Luminis Health and within the communities we serve,” said Deneen Richmond, president of LHDCMC. “I want to thank our dedicated team of caregivers and staff for their commitment to lead as an anti-racist organization, their passion for eliminating health disparities, and their dedication to improving health outcomes for all by providing high-quality patient care close to home.” Modern Healthcare has honored Richmond for her dedication to several key initiatives, including: Founding the HEART Force: Richmond played a pivotal role establishing Luminis Health’s Health Equity & Anti-Racism Task (HEART) Force, which advocates for Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (JEDI) policies Championing Workforce Diversity: Richmond is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce, with 84% of the hospital staff and 80% of her C-Suite identifying as racial/ethnic diverse Addressing Health Disparities: In support of Luminis Health’s strategic goal to eliminate maternal and infant mortality, Richmond is leading a major expansion of the hospital campus to include adding comprehensive inpatient obstetrics services. This initiative addresses critical health disparities, as the maternal mortality rate for Black women is 50% higher than the national average “Our Diversity Leaders in Healthcare awards have been changed to honor a new group of individual honorees each year and our 2024 class sets the bar high,” said Mary Ellen Podmolik, editor-in-chief of Modern Healthcare. “Some have been working on DEI initiatives for decades while others are newer to their positions and already have made a difference. The organizations honored set an example, from their leadership ranks to their programming efforts, of the results that can be achieved across a workplace. We hope industry leader continue to prioritize these efforts to better reflect, internally and externally, the communities they serve.” Modern Healthcare will honor Richmond, and all the 2024 Diversity Leaders, at an awards gala in Chicago in September.
- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt won’t be long before your kids are back to school, and while you’re making sure they have new clothes and all the supplies they need, be sure to take stock of their mental health. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that one out of every six students ages 6 to 17 has a treatable mental health issue such as anxiety or depression. Like with physical health issues, early identification and intervention can help prevent mental health issues from affecting your child’s academic performance and personal development. What causes mental health issues in children? Various factors contribute to mental health issues among students, including: Academic pressure: High grades, tests, and college admissions can create anxiety and chronic stress, impacting emotional health. Some levels of stress are normal, but chronic stress can lead to burnout and emotional distress. Encourage your children to take a balanced approach to schoolwork. Social dynamics: Positive peer interactions boost self-esteem, while bullying can lead to severe consequences like anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Promote healthy relationships for your child and take immediate action if bullying is suspected. Technology: Excessive screen time, especially on social media, can foster loneliness and cyberbullying, necessitating healthy digital habits. Monitoring online activities can help mitigate these risks. Home environment: Supportive families build resilience, while stress or conflict can magnify mental health issues. Overscheduling: Encourage free time for rest and creativity to prevent overscheduling, allowing your kids the space to rejuvenate and explore their creativity without constraint. Developmental changes Each academic phase presents unique challenges: Elementary school (kindergarten to grade 5). Younger children may experience separation anxiety, difficulty with social skills, and adapting to structured environments. Middle school (grades 6 to 8). Pre-teens face the pressures of puberty, identity formation, and increased academic demands. Social acceptance becomes more important to them, and bullying or peer pressure can significantly affect their mental health. High school (grades 9 to 12). Teenagers deal with the complexities of preparing for adulthood, including higher academic expectations, romantic relationships, and career planning. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety often emerge during these years. Mental health resources Schools can’t do it alone. Luminis Health recently received a grant from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission to partner with Prince George’s County Public Schools to implement comprehensive support services at six high schools. Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, Luminis Health is deploying mental health providers directly to the schools, collaborating with school counselors to offer vital support to students and parents. These embedded providers will rotate through the schools, providing education and training to students, parents, and teachers, ensuring access to evidence-based screening tools for identifying individual needs and strengths on an ongoing basis. Support Strategies Here’s how to bolster your child’s mental health: Regular check-ins. Talk regularly with your child about their feelings and experiences. Creating a safe space for those discussions can help you identify issues early. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Help your child explore the benefits of mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques as ways to not manage stress and anxiety, but also to foster a deeper spiritual connection within themselves. Physical activity. Regular physical activity, such as sports, yoga, or even walks, can help improve your child’s mood and reduce stress. A healthy lifestyle. Make sure your child eats a balanced diet and gets enough sleep. Limiting their screen time can have a positive impact on mental health. Professional support. Do not hesitate to get professional help when needed. Mental health is a fundamental aspect of a student's overall well-being. Understanding the challenges K-12 students may face daily and implementing supportive strategies can help ensure they have the resources and resilience to succeed academically and personally. If you, or your children, need mental health support, the Luminis Health Behavioral Health Urgent Walk-In Clinic in Lanham is available for anyone ages 4 and older. It is open Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm for non-life threatening behavioral health needs. No appointment is necessary. Joy Hudson is the clinical director of Behavioral Health at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.
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