- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3Blog(Lanham, MD) – Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) will host its annual Pink Ribbon Rally on Saturday, October 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., to kick-off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year’s celebration carries added significance as the hospital marks its 50th anniversary of serving Prince George’s County with a deep commitment to women’s and maternal health. The Pink Ribbon Rally is designed to raise awareness about breast cancer and highlight the lifesaving power of early detection through mammograms. To make the event more accessible for families, neighbors, and survivors, LHDCMC now holds the rally on Saturdays. The day will feature walk-up mammograms along with vital information about the signs, symptoms, and early detection of breast cancer. Since about one-third of the cancers Luminis Health treats are breast cancers, attendees can learn about treatment options and meet our experienced team of specialists. The event is also a celebration, with pink attire and decorations to raise awareness about breast cancer, along with uplifting survivor stories, community resources, food, and games. “Breast cancer continues to profoundly affect the lives of women in Prince George’s County,” said Deneen Richmond, president of LHDCMC. “This year, as we celebrate 50 years of service to the community, we’re also reaffirming our commitment to advancing women’s health, from breast cancer prevention to maternal care. We invite women and families to join us for the Pink Ribbon Rally, be inspired and take important steps to protect their health.” Prince George’s County has one of the highest breast cancer mortality rates in Maryland. To address this urgent need, Luminis Health is in the third year of a $1.3 million state grant to provide breast and cervical cancer screenings. With this support, more than 3,400 county residents have already received timely, life-saving care they may not have otherwise had been able to access. “Mammograms save lives. When breast cancer is caught early, survival rates are extremely favorable. That’s why it’s crucial for women to begin screenings at age 40, or sooner, if they have a family history,” said Dr. Allison Bruff, breast cancer surgeon at LHDCMC. “Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Prince George’s County, particularly among Black and Latino women. I look forward to wearing pink, celebrating survivors, and empowering more women to take action. Together, we can continue to fight against this devastating disease.” Event Details: Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025 Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Location: 8118 Good Luck Road, Lanham Admission: Free and open to the public
- Sleep, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt doesn’t matter if it’s insomnia or several late nights and early mornings. If you’re not getting enough sleep, you may be looking for help to catch those Zzz’s. For better slumber, many people turn to melatonin supplements. The average adult needs seven hours of nightly sleep. If you’re getting less, you’re not alone. Nearly 50 percent of U.S. adults aren’t sleeping enough. The problem worsens with age because your body produces less melatonin—the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle. So, if you’re struggling to sleep, a melatonin supplement may help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Before you take a tablet or chew a gummy, here’s what you should know. How much melatonin is safe? Melatonin supplements are generally safe for most children and adults, and studies suggest they may help improve sleep time. Still, it’s best to talk with your doctor before starting them. Supplements may interfere with medications like blood thinners or birth control. They can also worsen health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. If your doctor approves, the key is starting with a small dose. According to the Sleep Foundation, these doses are safe for children with insomnia: Preschool (ages 2 to 5): 1 to 2 milligrams (mg) School age (ages 6 to 12): 1 to 3 mg Adolescents (over age 13): 1 to 5 mg Adults should start with .5 to 1 mg nightly for a week. Take it between 30 and 60 minutes before bedtime. Timing is key. Taking a supplement at the wrong time can confuse your body and worsen insomnia. If you aren’t sleeping better within several days, increase your dose by one mg per week. Don’t take more than ten mg. Like children, older adults should consult their doctor. Lower doses can be safe but should be used with caution. Some people experience daytime sleepiness or dizziness. Those side effects increase the risk of falling. Studies from Nature of Science and Sleep focused on older adults with dementia show melatonin supplements decrease nighttime restlessness. But they can also increase depression symptoms. Can you take melatonin daily? Yes, taking supplements nightly is safe. But the Sleep Foundation recommends restricting yourself to short-term use. Daily use for one to two months is best. After that, it’s a good idea to take a break for a few weeks. Long-term daily use isn’t necessarily harmful. But you can become dependent on the supplements to fall asleep. Plus, they may become less effective. Choosing a reliable melatonin supplement Alongside tablets and gummies, some lotions, teas and bath products contain melatonin. When choosing a melatonin source, remember the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate them. Still, you can determine if the product you’re using is safe and effective. Show your doctor or check the label for third-party verification. Look for certification from either of these groups: NSF International: This global public health testing organization ensures products are tested for contaminants. It also verifies that each product’s ingredients match what’s printed on the label. U.S. Pharmacopeia: This non-profit group evaluates supplements for dose accuracy, purity and quality. Supplement alternatives If melatonin supplements don’t work for you, don’t worry. Consider these alternative supplements: Lavender: Research shows inhaling lavender scents promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety and stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system. This system helps regulate your blood pressure and heart rate, helping you sleep better for longer. Magnesium: This mineral promotes better sleep by supporting your nervous system and increasing your sense of calm. Zinc: This mineral regulates your sleep neurotransmitters like serotonin and affects the receptors in your brain that regulate sleep and wakefulness. If you prefer a non-supplement alternative, try these sleep-promoting activities: Acupuncture: A technique that uses small needles placed along specific points of your body to manage sleep disruptions like sleep apnea or insomnia. Mindful meditation: Quiet focus that can reduce stress, promote relaxation and improve your sleep. Yoga: Physical activity which blends breathing exercises and specific postures to reduce anxiety and stress, promoting relaxation and better sleep. A good night’s sleep supports your overall health. Melatonin supplements can help you get the rest you need. Check with your doctor to see if it’s right for you. If you have questions about the benefits and risks of melatonin supplements, contact your primary care provider. Authors Katherine Wollenberg is a family medicine nurse practitioner at Luminis Health.
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHere’s an age-old truth: Maryland’s population is aging slightly faster than the rest of the country, meaning more families here are navigating the complexities of caring for older loved ones. At Luminis Health, we are committed to Age-Friendly Care—an approach that centers on what matters most to older adults and their families. We follow the nationally recognized 4M’s framework: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility. What is Asymptomatic Bacteriuria? One important topic that can be tough to talk about and causes confusion is asymptomatic bacteriuria. This happens when bacteria are found in the urine, but there are no symptoms of infection. This condition is very common in older adults, especially women after menopause, when lower estrogen levels reduce protective bacteria. Unfortunately, asymptomatic bacteriuria is often mistaken for a urinary tract infection (UTI), leading to unnecessary prescriptions for antibiotics. Here’s what you should know about asymptomatic bacteriuria: It’s not a UTI. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is different from an infection. A positive urine culture or high white blood cell count doesn’t always mean antibiotics are needed. It does not cause confusion, falls, or weakness. If your loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it could possibly be dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or medications. Antibiotics are often unnecessary and can be harmful. Overuse of antibiotics offers no benefit in treating this condition and can increase risks of diarrhea, colitis, allergic reactions, drug interactions, and dangerous drug-resistant infections and worse. There are safer alternatives. Good daily hygiene with perineal cleaning, vaginal creams, and probiotics can help restore protective bacteria and pH without the risks of antibiotics. So, when do antibiotics make sense? Only when your care provider carefully assesses symptoms, reviews medical history, and determines there are true signs of infection. This is where the 4M’s guide our patient-centered care. The 4M's to Patient-Centered Care What Matters Listening to patients and families about their goals, comfort, and preferences. Medication Avoiding unnecessary antibiotics that can do more harm than good. Mentation Recognizing that confusion in older adults has many causes, not just bacteria in the urine. Mobility Helping older adults stay active and safe, instead of sidelined by side effects from inappropriate treatment. By following this evidence-based approach, we ensure older adults get the right care at the right time—protecting their health, independence, and quality of life. Age-Friendly Care Luminis Health is committed to championing Age-Friendly Care for our community. We’re proud that Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis is one of only five hospitals nationwide recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System Pioneer by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham, along with our primary care practices, have earned the Age-Friendly Healthy System Level 2 – Committed to Care Excellence designation. As Maryland continues to age ahead of the national curve, these conversations matter more than ever—for our parents, grandparents, and all of us who love them. View our Antibiotics Flyer here. Authors Mary Clance, MD MPH is a Hospital Epidemiologist at Luminis Health.
- Behavioral Health, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogKids have busy lives…and so do you! If you and your children feel overwhelmed by summer activities like sports, camps, chores and more, it might be time for a mental health day. I like to call them ‘Family Skip Days.’ According to the most recent Prince George’s County Community Health Assessment, almost a third of middle and high school students felt sad or hopeless enough that it impeded their normal activities. That’s why mental health days are just as important for kids as for grown-ups. While it might feel challenging to fit one of these days into our busy schedules, it’s important to prioritize mental health and wellbeing to help the whole family recharge. What are the signs? While everyone feels down at times, you might consider a mental health day if your child is feeling persistent sadness or showing frustration that does not match the situation. Remember, summer should be fun. You can look out for these signs too: Changes in sleep or appetite Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks Increased irritability or anxiety Negative comments on social media Noticeable stress of feelings of being overwhelmed Physical complaints (like stomachaches) without a clear cause Withdrawal from social activities Threatens to harm or kill oneself Many of these signs may be more obvious in teens, but harder to spot in younger children. Watch for signs like frequent, unexplained temper tantrums, persistent nightmares, or ongoing disobedience and aggression. Whatever the signs, children of all ages can benefit from mental health days. Tips for a successful mental health day with your child Mental health days should be fun and relaxing, not stressful. Here’s how I make these days easy to schedule and fun for my own family: Schedule wisely: Pick a day when your family has the fewest obligations to reduce the stress of rescheduling other events. Start the day strong: Sleep in and help your children pick out or make their favorite breakfast in their pajamas. Pick enjoyable activities: It will feel more special if your kids can help decide the activity. Consider giving them options that are local and budget-friendly to make the day easy on your wallet. Connect with your kids: Ask your child if there’s anything on their mind or if something is bothering them. You can talk while you’re cooking, playing or walking to a park. Rotate the time: If you have multiple children, rotate activities so that each child has some one on one time with you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If your child expresses feelings of anxiety, depression or other mood disorders, you may consider reaching out to a behavioral health professional. It’s okay that your kids are not okay. If you think that your child could benefit from meeting with a behavioral health professional, you can book an appointment online without a referral at Luminis.Health/BehavioralHealth. For urgent matters, visit the Behavioral Health Urgent Care at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham. At the urgent care, walk-in appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Lastly, the most important thing is to get out of the house and enjoy your time together. Put away the phones and turn off the TV and game consoles. A mental health day is not about checking out, it’s about checking in with your child and being present without any distractions. Authors Dr. Jesselina Curry is the System Medical Director for Ambulatory Behavioral Health Services at Luminis Health.
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