- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYour health should be a top priority, and having a primary care provider (PCP) can make a big difference. Think of your PCP as your go-to health partner—someone who helps you stay well, manage ongoing issues and connect you with specialists when needed. Still, many people avoid going to the doctor. Whether it’s due to fear, discomfort or simply a busy schedule, it’s easy to let routine care slip through the cracks. But delaying care can lead to missed opportunities to catch issues early and stay on top of your health. Studies show that having a PCP is essential to staying healthy. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, people who have a PCP tend to manage chronic conditions better, spend less on healthcare and feel more satisfied with their care overall. Whether your PCP is a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant, they can help with most of your healthcare needs. Why Regular Visits to a PCP Matter Having a PCP isn’t just about convenience—it can lead to better health outcomes, including: Better Prevention: Each year, about 70% of adults with a PCP receive their flu shot, compared to just 42% of those without one. This simple action can be lifesaving, as the flu causes an estimated 12,000 to 51,000 deaths each year in the United States. Early Detection: The more your PCP knows about you and your health, the easier it is to catch issues early, when they’re easiest to treat. For instance, regular blood pressure checks can spot hypertension before it leads to heart disease. Lower Hospitalization Risk: Studies have shown that those with a PCP are less likely to be hospitalized for chronic conditions, like diabetes, asthma or heart disease, thanks to ongoing support and care. The Extra Perks Consistent Care: Seeing the same provider over time helps build trust and makes it easier to talk openly and feel truly understood. Better Communication: Over time, you’ll feel more at ease sharing your concerns and following their advice. Improved Health Outcomes: Regular care from a PCP is linked to lower death rates and better chronic disease management. Cost Savings: Preventive care, like checkups and vaccines, can help you avoid costly ER visits or hospital stays down the road. Ready to Take Charge of Your Health? Seeing a PCP regularly is one of the best things you can do for yourself. But the truth is, checkups are easy to put off. According to Prince George’s County Health Department data, only 83% of county residents have a regular PCP, below the statewide average of 87%. That means thousands are missing out on consistent, preventive care. Life gets busy, and healthcare often takes a backseat until something feels urgent. That’s why having trusted care nearby is so important—it helps make your health a priority before problems arise. Right now, 42% of Prince George’s County residents travel outside the county for care. Luminis Health is working to change that by recently opening primary care practices in District Heights and Greenbelt—making it easier to get the care you need, closer to home. This matters more than ever. Prince George’s County has higher-than-average rates of Type 2 diabetes, with many cases going undiagnosed. Early detection by a primary care provider is key to effectively managing this condition, leading to better long-term health. Let us be your health’s best ally. At Luminis Health, we’re here to be your partner in wellbeing, helping you reach your goals and build a healthier future for you and your family. Your health journey starts here—and having a primary care provider by your side makes all the difference. Find a PCP at Luminis.Health/PrimaryCare or call 301-927-0088 to schedule an appointment. Authors Layne Lesnau, is a Luminis Health nurse practitioner and practices in Prince George’s County.
- Cancer Care, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSandra Massey’s journey with cervical cancer began more than 30 years ago. As a mother of two young daughters, she worried that cancer could take her away from her children—just as she lost her father to cancer at the age of 11. Doctors suggested surgery to remove her cervix, but Sandra hoped to have more children and was not open to that option. Instead, in 1989, she underwent a cone biopsy. Since then, she has been diligent about visiting her doctor every year and staying up to date on screenings. She also welcomed two more children. Despite her commitment to her health, the cancer returned. In June 2023, Sandra received the news that she had stage 4 cervical cancer. “It felt like my life was turned upside down,” Sandra recalls. The day after her diagnosis, she met with Dr. Nicholas Lambrou, Chief of Gynecologic Oncology. “It was meant to be,” Sandra says of meeting Dr. Lambrou. “He and his team gave me so much hope when I needed it most.” Sandra’s treatment plan involved receiving chemotherapy every three weeks for about five months. Then she transitioned to maintenance infusions using immunotherapy. Throughout treatment, Sandra’s four children and three grandchildren provided support. They accompanied her to appointments and ensured she had meals and snacks to help maintain her strength and weight. Today, Sandra continues to work in sales and cherishes every moment with her family. “My grandchildren are the light of my life,” she says. Recently, they enjoyed a Sunday outing together, watching a movie and trying a new restaurant—a tradition they uphold nearly every weekend. Sandra’s resilience and the support of her loved ones have been instrumental in her journey. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, please visit our webpage at Luminis Health Gynecologic Oncology or call 443-481-3493 to schedule an appointment today.
- Surgery, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you’re one of the millions of people suffering from chronic back and neck pain, figuring out how to get relief can feel like, well.....a pain in the neck! From lifestyle changes to medications, several approaches can help. But when chronic back and neck pain interferes with your daily life and keeps you from the activities you love, it may be time to talk to your doctor about other options, including surgery. Understanding your options for treatment and working with a specialist who will build a treatment plan just for you can make the process less overwhelming. Understanding causes of chronic back and neck pain The CDC says nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults report having back pain. Neck pain impacts fewer people but is still common, affecting 15 percent of the population. Pain can range from dull and constant to sharp and sudden, and typically, lifestyle changes and traditional therapies help. However, chronic back and neck pain — which lasts for months or even years — is usually caused by a specific event like an accident or fall, or changes in the spine due to age or a medical condition, and often requires surgery. The right treatment for you depends on the cause of your pain. Your doctor will conduct a full examination, including diagnostic tests like X-rays and scans, to better pinpoint the source of your pain, so they can best treat it. Lifestyle changes In some cases, you can improve back and neck pain with lifestyle changes, such as: Eating an anti-inflammatory diet that includes calcium and vitamin D for strong bones Maintaining a healthy body weight to reduce stress and strain on your neck and spine Practicing good posture when sitting or standing Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees Staying active with regular exercise to increase strength and balance Wearing comfortable shoes with a low heel If pain limits your daily activities, a physical or occupational therapist can help you learn how to move safely. And while bed rest may seem like a good idea when you don’t feel your best, it’s important to note that it can make back and neck pain worse. Traditional and complementary approaches Your doctor may recommend additional back and neck pain treatment, including over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medications or muscle relaxers. In addition to traditional treatments, you may also benefit from complementary approaches such as tai chi and yoga. Surgery If you’ve tried everything else and are still in pain, surgery may provide relief. Surgical approaches to relieve neck and back pain range from minimally invasive to more complex open surgeries, and include: Fusing portions of the spine Removing bone spurs of the vertebrae of your spine Removing part of a herniated disc to relieve pressure Replacing damaged discs Stimulating the spinal cord Widening areas of the spine to relieve pressure on nerves Before surgery, one of our neurosurgeons will give you a thorough evaluation to make sure you’re a good candidate. They’ll review your medical history, the cause of your pain, your symptoms and your level of support after surgery. Your doctor will review the risks and benefits of the procedure with you so you can make an informed choice. Each surgery is tailored to the individual and their lifestyle and activity goals. Expert care for your chronic pain is within reach If you haven’t been able to find relief from chronic back or neck pain, reach out to Luminis Health Neurosurgery today. We’re ready to help you find relief from your pain and get you back to feeling your best. Authors Dr. Christopher Taleghani is internationally recognized as a leading minimally invasive surgeon specializing in complex spine and brain conditions. At Luminis Health, Dr. Taleghani treats disorders of the brain, nervous system, and spinal nerves.
- Wellness, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNothing says Valentine’s Day like a box of chocolate. But this Feb. 14, treat your loved one to the rich, health-boosting benefits of dark chocolate. Chew on this: chocolate—specifically dark chocolate—has gained attention in recent years for its impressive health benefits. A new study backs this up, revealing that eating just a few servings of dark chocolate each week can help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Specifically, the study found that people who ate at least five servings of dark chocolate a week had a 21 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who rarely or never ate dark chocolate. What’s more, the more dark chocolate they consumed, the better the outcome, with each additional serving reducing the risk by another 3 percent. But it’s not all good news. The study found no similar benefits for milk chocolate. In fact, it linked milk chocolate consumption to long-term weight gain—a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. So, what makes dark chocolate stand out from its milk counterpart? In a word: a lot. Big benefits of dark chocolate According to the American Heart Association, a standard bar of dark chocolate with 70 percent to 85 percent cacao (cocoa in its raw, less-processed form) contains about 600 calories and 24 grams of sugar. Milk chocolate, on the other hand, packs roughly the same calories, but double the sugar content. Most dark chocolate is also rich in flavonoids—especially a subtype called flavanols, which have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Cocoa beans are naturally high in flavanols, and since dark chocolate contains more cocoa than other types of chocolate, it also packs more flavanols (Flavanols can also be found in tea, red wine, apples and berries.) As antioxidants, flavanols play a key role in producing nitric oxide, which helps relax blood vessels, improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. They also support a balanced immune system and have a positive impact on brain function, boosting reaction time and memory. Dark chocolate’s lesser-known health benefits While heart health, brain function, and immune support grab the spotlight, dark chocolate also offers other surprising health benefits, such as: Enhanced mood Dark chocolate may increase feelings of pleasure and enjoyment. A 2022 study found that people who ate 85 percent dark chocolate daily maintained a better overall mood than those who ate chocolate with less or no cocoa. Improved workouts Because flavanols promote the production of nitric oxide in the blood, eating dark chocolate can reduce the amount of oxygen you use while exercising, meaning you can work out for longer. Sun protection Eating dark chocolate may protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) ray damage. Reduced stress Eating dark chocolate can reduce levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Dark chocolate is also rich in fiber and packed with important minerals like copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, which among other things, help boost immunity, support bone health, improve sleep quality and help maintain energy levels. Facts to remember Still, there are a few things to keep in mind about dark chocolate, such as: The higher the cocoa content, the better. Aim for dark chocolate that’s at least 70 percent cacao. Always check the nutrition label. You can counteract the benefits if the chocolate is high in calories, fat and sugar. Type 2 diabetes affects millions of Americans. According to the latest data, more than 38 million people, about 1 in 10, have diabetes, with 90 to 95 percent of them having type 2 diabetes. Even more concerning about 98 million Americans, or 1 in 3—have prediabetes, which can lead to type 2 diabetes if left untreated. The good news is prediabetes is reversible, and with lifestyle changes, like maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active, you can delay or even prevent most cases of type 2 diabetes. And maybe, by eating more dark chocolate. Author Colleen Kiley, MS, RD, is a lead diabetes educator for Luminis Health Diabetes and Endocrine Specialists. To make an appointment, please call 443-481-6700.
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYou’ve probably seen them at the gym, on social media or tucked in a friend’s purse — little packets promising hydration and energy. Electrolyte packets are everywhere these days, but what is in them, and do you really need them? Let’s break it down. What is an electrolyte? Electrolytes are minerals that help your body function properly. They carry an electric charge (hence the name electrolytes) and are essential for many body functions, like: Keeping your heart rhythm steady Maintaining fluid balance Supporting nerve and muscle function What ingredients are in electrolyte packets? Most electrolyte packets contain a blend of the following ingredients: Calcium, which is important for bones, muscles and nerves Flavors or colors, which are added for taste and appearance Magnesium, which helps with muscle relaxation and energy production Potassium, which supports muscle and heart function Sodium, which helps your body retain fluid and supports nerve function Sugar or sweeteners, which are added for taste or as a quick source of energy Some packets also contain B vitamins that support energy metabolism. But not all packets are created equal; some contain large amounts of sugar, while others use sugar-free alternatives. Be sure to read the label. Why do sugar and sodium levels matter? While a little sugar can help your body absorb electrolytes faster, too much can do more harm than good. Unless you're exercising for more than an hour or in extreme heat, you probably don’t need added sugar. Sodium is vital for hydration, but too much can be a concern. The sodium in electrolyte drinks is designed to replace sodium lost through sweat. If you haven’t lost a lot of sodium, this extra sodium isn’t good for you. Many electrolyte packets are designed for endurance athletes and have more sodium than the average person needs. To make sure you aren’t going overboard on sugar or salt, look for products that: Contain around 100-150 mg of sodium per 8-oz. serving Don’t have artificial colors or unnecessary fillers Have no more than 6g of sugar per 8-oz. serving If you have special sodium restrictions, you should consider how electrolyte packets fit into your diet and if you should use them at all. Keeping a food diary, like this one from the American Heart Association, that tracks sodium is an easy way to see how much you’re consuming each day. When is the best time to use electrolyte packets? They’re not just for professional athletes. You may benefit from added electrolytes if you: Exercise for more than an hour, especially in the heat Are recovering from fluid losses due to vomiting or diarrhea Follow a low-carb or keto diet Sweat heavily during workouts In any of these situations, use electrolyte packets by mixing according to the package instructions and sipping the solution over the course of 30-60 minutes. Why not just drink water? Water is great for daily hydration, but it doesn’t replace minerals lost through sweat or illness. Electrolyte drinks give your body a faster way to recover and stay balanced. Compared to plain water, they can help prevent muscle cramps, hydrate you faster and support energy and focus. The bottom line Electrolyte packets can be a useful tool for staying hydrated, especially during intense activity, illness or extreme temperatures. But be sure to check the label for sugar and sodium content, so you can select a product that’s right for you. Need help picking the right one? A Luminis Health registered dietitian can help you find the best electrolyte products for your needs and lifestyle. Authors Vincenza N. Garcia, RD, LDN is a Registered Dietitian for Luminis Health Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery.
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