- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt may not feel that way, but 60% of your body weight is water. Proper hydration is vital, particularly during the hot summer, to help maintain your health and wellness. Here are just some of the reasons you should be sure to maintain hydration: Water helps regulate body temperature through sweating. Hydration is crucial for the digestive system. It boosts the body’s ability to break down food and absorb essential nutrients. Proper hydration helps your kidneys filter your blood and excrete waste products and toxins through your urine. Proper hydration can enhance your mood and prevent headaches. Mild dehydration can impair cognitive function and affect concentration, alertness, and short-term memory. Hydration helps your body maintain a robust immune system. Water is the most significant component in synovial fluid, reducing joint friction. Staying hydrated is key to optimal performance by athletes and those who engage in physical activity. Water helps maintain skin elasticity and moisture to give it a healthy and youthful appearance. Drinking water can help weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness. Be sure to drink water regularly. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty; thirst is a sign you are already dehydrated. Carry a reusable water bottle so you can drink at any time. Eat fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon. Finally, you can use phone apps or set alarms to remind you to drink water regularly. Be careful what you drink Not all liquids are the same in terms of hydration. Many beverages that claim to be hydrating contain sugar and salt, which can cause dehydration. Here are a few common culprits: Sugary sports drinks may say they replenish electrolytes after intense physical activity, but some contain large amounts of sugar. That can lead to weight gain and increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes. Soft drinks and fruit juices may temporarily quench your thirst, but their high sugar content can lead to quick spikes and crashes in your blood sugar levels. These drinks can also contribute to obesity and other metabolic disorders. Flavored waters may seem like a healthy alternative, but they can be high in sugar and contain artificial additives. Be sure to read nutritional labels carefully to make sure the flavored water you’re about to drink does not contain almost as much sugar as a can of soda. Alcoholic beverages can make you urinate more frequently and cause your body to lose more water than it takes in. That can lead to dehydration, particularly in hot weather. An ice-cold beer might seem refreshing, but it’s not the best choice for hydrating yourself. Here are some healthy choices that can help you stay hydrated: Plain water is the best and most natural way to stay hydrated. It has no calories or sugar, and it’s readily available. Herbal teas, hot or iced, are excellent for hydration because they typically contain no caffeine, sugar, or calories and are available in many flavors. Unsweetened coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium. That makes it an excellent choice for hydration, particularly after exercise. Infused water can be a refreshing alternative to plain water. Add slices of fruits like strawberries, oranges, or watermelon, and herbs like basil or rosemary to a water pitcher. Let it sit for a few hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to blend. Diluted fruit juices let you enjoy the flavor without the high sugar content. Mix one part juice with two or three parts water to reduce the sugar content. Electrolyte tablets that dissolve in water will let you replenish electrolytes after intense workouts. The tablets typically contain less sugar than sports drinks and can be a convenient way to stay hydrated. Watermelon has a high water content, making it a delicious and hydrating snack, perfect for hot days. Making intelligent choices about what you drink is essential for staying hydrated and maintaining overall health. Remember, the best hydration comes from natural low-calorie options that support your body’s needs without adding unnecessary sugars or salts. Stay smart, stay hydrated, and enjoy the benefits of better beverage choices. Author Waseem Hussain, MD, is Associate Regional Director of Primary Care at Luminis Health who has expertise in all areas of family medicine including intense management of neurologic, pulmonary and cardiac diseases as well as diabetes and gynecologic care.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Heath Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC), a non-profit community-based hospital in Prince George’s County for almost half a century, joins a premier group of organizations that have received Pathway to Excellence® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The Pathway designation is a global credential that highlights LHDCMC’s commitment to creating a healthy work environment where nurses feel empowered and valued. Luminis Health’s nurses are an integral part of the healthcare team, with a voice in policy and practice. Pathway nurses are engaged, resulting in higher job satisfaction, reduced turnover, improved safety, and better patient outcomes. As a Pathway organization, LHDCMC leads the effort to enhance quality of care, patient and nursing safety, and the future of healthcare delivery. “Our Pathway to Excellence journey reflects how our nurses’ commitment to excellence is shaping our workplace,” said Crystal Beckford, Chief Nursing Officer at LHDCMC. “Built on years of hard work and dedication, this recognition highlights our focus on shared decision-making, quality care, and professional development, all of which lead to improved patient outcomes.” “We are incredibly proud of this recognition from the ANCC because it highlights our commitment to creating an exceptional work environment for our nurses,” said Deneen Richmond, president of LHDCMC. “As we approach our 50th anniversary next year, we remain steadfast in delivering high-quality care close to home. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.” This distinction comes on the heels of LHDCMC being recognized as a high-performing hospital by U.S. News & World Report and by the American Heart Association for excellence in treating diabetes.
- Primary CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe dog days of summer are upon us. It’s a time when many of us go outside to have fun, but spending time outside in extreme heat can cause heat-related illness and, in severe cases, heat stroke. Our experts provide guidance on understanding how to prevent, recognize and treat it. What is heat stroke? This is the most severe form of heat-related illness. It occurs when your body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or intense physical activity in hot weather, and it can happen in minutes or over hours or days. When it happens, your body temperature may rise to 104 degrees or more. Take caution if the outside temperature is over 77 degrees, and consider over 85 degrees to be dangerous. Even on cloudy days, high temperatures can cause heat stroke. There are two primary types: Exertional heat stroke affects people who are active outdoors in hot conditions, such as athletes, laborers, or first responders. Strenuous exertion and heat can overwhelm the body’s cooling system. Non-exertional (classic) heat stroke affects vulnerable populations, such as older adults, young children, or people with chronic illnesses. It can occur without physical exertion, particularly during heat waves. How to prevent heat stroke Here are some ways you can help yourself stay safe during hot weather: Drink plenty of fluids, especially when outdoors. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. Limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Take frequent breaks in the shade or cool areas if outdoors. Sunburn can affect your body’s cooling ability, so use sunscreen. Check with your doctor to see if any medications you use can increase the risk of heat stroke. Recognizing the symptoms Early treatment for heat stroke can be the difference between life and death. If you recognize any of the following symptoms in yourself or someone else, get immediate medical attention: Core body temperatures of 104 degrees or higher are the main sign of heat stroke. You may need a rectal thermometer because other types may not be accurate in heat stroke. You may become confused and agitated, slur your speech, be irritable, delirious, suffer seizures, or lose consciousness. For classic heat stroke, your skin may feel hot and dry. In exertional heat stroke, your skin may feel moist. Either way, it’s a sign that your sweating mechanism is not cooling your body. You may feel sick to your stomach, nauseous, or vomit, which can contribute to dehydration. Your skin may turn red and flushed as your body temperature rises. Heat stroke makes your heart work harder to cool your body so you may breathe rapidly and have a strong pulse. How to treat it? If you think someone near you is experiencing heat stroke, here’s what you should do: Call emergency services. This is a medical emergency requiring quick intervention, so call 911 immediately. Move to a cooler place. Get out of the sun and into a shady or air-conditioned location. Cool their body. Apply cool water to the skin with a sponge, garden hose, or wet towel. Use ice packs or cold, damp cloths on the armpits, groin, neck, or back, where blood vessels are closest to the skin and cool the body more quickly. Use a fan. A fan increases cooling by moving air that helps evaporate water from the skin. Hydrate carefully. If the person is conscious and can drink, give them cool water or a sports drink. Do not use caffeinated beverages or alcohol, as these can increase dehydration. Monitor symptoms. Keep a close watch on the person until emergency medical help arrives. The next time you are making plans to go outside on a hot day, make a plan for staying cool and hydrated to stay safe. If you recognize symptoms in yourself or others, seek medical help immediately. Click here to learn about emergency medical care at Luminis Health. Author Gillian Lowe, MD is a primary care provider at Luminis Health.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC), the premier healthcare institution in Annapolis for nearly 125 years, has been named by U.S. News & World Report as a 2024-2025 Best Hospital. LHAAMC ranked No. 8 in Maryland and No. 6 in the Baltimore Metro Area. The hospital was recognized as a high performing hospital in eight specialties for common procedures, including cardiac care, cancer services, and orthopedics. U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. Hospitals awarded “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care and patient experience. The annual Best Hospital rankings and ratings, now in its 35th year, are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decision about where to receive quality care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures. “We are fortunate to have an extraordinary team of caregivers and staff who deserve recognition for this honor,” said Sherry Perkins, president of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “This prestigious Best Hospital designation highlights their commitment to excellence and patient-centered care. This recognition, together with our ‘A’ safety ratings from Leapfrog and the hospital’s recent third Magnet designation for nursing, shows our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of care for the communities we serve.” To calculate the Best Hospitals rankings, U.S. News evaluated each hospital’s performance on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodology measure patient outcomes using data from millions of records provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This year, among other methodology refinements, U.S. News incorporated new data on care provided to patients with Medicare Advantage insurance and on care provided to outpatients, nearly doubling the number of patients included in its annual data analysis. The Procedures & Conditions ratings are based entirely on objective quality measures.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Heath Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC), a cornerstone of healthcare in Prince George’s County for nearly 50 years, proudly announces its recognition by U.S. News & World Report as a 2024-2025 High Performing hospital. LHDCMC has achieved this prestigious distinction for excelling in four critical procedures and conditions: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Heart Failure, Pneumonia, and Stroke. This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn for the U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings. U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. Hospitals awarded “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care and patient experience. The annual Best Hospital rankings and ratings, now in its 35th year, are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decision about where to receive quality care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures. “This recognition by U.S. News & World Report is a testament to our physicians and team members’ commitment to delivering high-quality care to the communities we serve,” said Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. “As we prepare to celebrate our hospital’s 50th anniversary next year, we remain steadfast as a leader in medical excellence, providing exceptional care close to home.” To calculate the Best Hospitals rankings, U.S. News evaluated each hospital’s performance on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodology measure patient outcomes using data from millions of records provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This year, among other methodology refinements, U.S. News incorporated new data on care provided to patients with Medicare Advantage insurance and on care provided to outpatients, nearly doubling the number of patients included in its annual data analysis. The Procedures & Conditions ratings are based entirely on objective quality measures.
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