- 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.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThis is no ordinary ‘A.’ With patient safety always a top priority, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) is proud to announce it has earned its 13th consecutive ‘A’ Grade from the Leapfrog Safety Grade. This national distinction reflects more than 120 years of trusted high-quality healthcare in the Annapolis region and across the Eastern Shore. According to Leapfrog, LHAAMC has earned ‘Straight A’s’ for every grading period since 2018, making it the only hospital in Maryland to achieve this prestigious honor, and one of 95 hospitals nationwide. “This consistent recognition for patient safety is no easy feat and reflects the dedication and expertise of our entire team of caregivers, all of whom are committed to patient-centered care,” said Sherry Perkins, president of LHAAMC. “As we prepare to celebrate Nurses Week and Healthcare Week, I encourage our community to join me in thanking our physicians, residents, nurses, advance practice providers, technicians, therapists, support staff, and volunteers for always prioritizing the care of our patients.”Luminis Health is dedicated to upholding best practices that prioritize quality, safety, and accountability across all operational areas. Our commitment is demonstrated through safe staffing, safety huddles, multi-disciplinary communication, a focus on well-being and retention of the health care team, workplace safety, community partnerships, and collaboration with patient family advisors. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent, free to the public, and is updated twice a year, in the fall and spring. LHAAMC’s ‘A’ Grade for this grading period places it among the top 32 percent of hospitals nationwide. This achievement builds on the hospital’s recent accolades, including being honored with Healthgrades’ Patient Safety Excellence Award for the third consecutive year, recognized as one of Newsweek’s Best Hospitals in the United States, and named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Hospitals in Maryland, particularly for maternity care. Additionally, the hospital received Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians.
- Women's Health, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAward Coincides with the 30th Anniversary of Clatanoff Pavilion, Home to LHAAMC’s Renowned Maternity CareLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) is thrilled to announce its recognition as a 2025 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report. This prestigious designation highlights LHAAMC’s commitment to providing exceptional care for expectant parents and their growing families.This achievement is especially meaningful as 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Clatanoff Pavilion, which has been a cornerstone of maternity care at LHAAMC since its opening in 1995. Over the past three decades, the Thomas J. Frank Family Birth Center has been a trusted space where more than 145,000 babies have been born, making it a cherished part of the community.“As we prepare to celebrate 30 years of the Clatanoff Pavilion’s legacy, this recognition is a true testament to our commitment to excellence in maternity care,” said Sherry Perkins, president of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “Each year, our physicians, nurse midwives, nurses, nurse practitioners, technologists, and the entire team welcome more than 5,500 babies each year – the equivalent of a kindergarten class every day. We are honored to be a trusted partner in life’s most joyful moments.”U.S. News evaluated 817 hospitals from across the United States for its latest ratings. Only half these hospitals earned recognition as Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. Hospitals were evaluated on objective measures on quality, including:C-section delivery rates.Severe unexpected newborn complication rates.Exclusive breast milk feeding rates.Whether each hospital met new federal criteria for “birthing-friendly” practices.Transparency on racial/ethnic disparities.This accolade underscores Luminis Health’s bold quality goal for Vision 2030 to eliminate maternal and infant mortality. To address this important issue, LHAAMC perinatal units have implemented evidence-based maternal safety protocols, implicit bias education and training, as well as culturally customized care strategies to reduce disparities and improve outcomes.“We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition,” said Dr. Monica Jones, Chair of Luminis Health Women’s and Children’s Services. “This award not only reflects our team’s commitment to exceptional quality patient-centered care, while advancing birth equity for all that seek our services. Together, we are building a healthier future for all families.”This announcement comes on the heels of LHAAMC being named a 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital and recognized as a high performing hospital in eight specialties for common procedures, including cardiac care, cancer services, and orthopedics. These accolades underscore LHAAMC’s standing as a leader in delivering exceptional, comprehensive care to the community it serves.
- CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAfter almost three weeks of late-night mischief, does your elf need a night off? Maybe it’s the rainy weather, too many cookies or all the back-and-forth trips to the North Pole. Whatever the reason, every elf deserves a little rest, and we’ve got just the thing: a printable sick note. Whether your elf has come down with “North Pole Sniffles” or is recovering from an "oops" moment, like a tumble off the Christmas tree, this note lets them relax guilt-free. Want to make your elf’s sick day extra special? Here are some creative ideas: Create a cozy tissue bed for your elf to rest on. Set up a “recovery station” with mini marshmallow “medicine” and a candy cane “thermometer.” Add a small blanket, a teacup-sized hot cocoa, or even a tiny book for them to “read” while they recuperate. At Luminis Health, we’re all about keeping the magic alive for families while helping you navigate the busy holiday season. Download your printable sick note below and let your holiday helper get the rest they deserve—after all, being naughty can be exhausting! Download the Elf Sick Note. P.S. If you or your family are feeling under the weather this winter, Luminis Health is here for you. Visit LuminisHealth.org to learn more about our primary care, emergency services, and virtual healthcare option, CareConnectNow.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYou could call it a special delivery for the holidays. Pam Crosby, a devoted knitter and the mother of a Luminis Health nurse, handcrafts tiny hats for each major holiday to brighten the lives of babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. For families facing the challenges of a NICU stay with their newborns, Crosby’s creations bring comfort and a touch of celebration to an otherwise stressful time. Each piece – whether a costume for Halloween, a bunny bonnet for Easter, or a tiny Santa hat for Christmas – offers warmth, charm, and holiday spirit, helping families to feel more at home during the holidays while their little ones are in the NICU. Pam Crosby, who has been knitting for the NICU babies for ten years, says her goal is to provide comfort and support to these families during their NICU stay. "I know how stressful this experience can be for families, especially around the holidays when everyone longs to be at home with their loved ones," says Crosby. “Creating these little hats and costumes is my way of providing a little bit of joy into their lives. I also do this in honor of the NICU staff — especially my daughter Rachel Frazetti, who shows so much dedication and compassion for their patients every day.” To celebrate their first Christmas, the NICU staff carefully dressed the resident babies in holiday themed hats. The dedicated team then celebrated with a special visit from Santa Claus, who proclaimed them ‘Santa babies’ and confirmed they were all on the nice list, while also capturing memories for families. “On behalf of the entire team, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Pam Crosby for knitting more than 700 hats and costumes over the past decade,” said Sharon Mooney, clinical nursing director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. “Seeing the tears of joy in families’ eyes when they see their little one dressed up for the holidays is truly heartwarming. We couldn’t achieve this without the support of our amazing volunteers and dedicated staff who care for our premature babies and their families.” The Frank Family Birth Center at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center welcomes approximately 5,000 babies each year. The Level III NICU, known as “Teddy’s Place,” provides specialized care each year for approximately 800 premature babies and high-need infants who need extra support and care at birth. Consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek, the Annapolis hospital ranks among America’s best for maternity care.
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