- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health is honored to be designated as a CEO Connection 2023 Mid-Market Economic Justice Champion for its dedication to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). The award recognizes Mid-Market companies that are influencing change, innovation and standards for excellence, while making equal opportunity in their companies and communities a way of life not just a slogan. “This recognition reinforces Luminis Health’s commitment to lead as an anti-racist organization, eliminate health disparities and improve health outcomes for all people in the communities we serve,” said Tori Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “With our ten strategic recommendations from our Health Equity and Anti-Racism Task (HEART) Force, we are steadfast in confronting racism, addressing the impacts of systemic inequity and dismantling structural injustice.” The award-winning companies have been evaluated based on their results in the following areas: Board Diversity, C-Suite Diversity, Supply Chain Diversity, Workforce Diversity and Community Engagement. Based on their scores, the companies have been awarded the following levels of achievement: Economic Justice Champions, Economic Justice Advocates, Economic Justice Engaged. “When we embrace diversity and include those left out or marginalized, we not only set an example for all to see, we give hope to those who often have none. As business leaders, we have the opportunity to impact not only the businesses we lead but also the communities in which we live and work. The 2023 Mid-Market Economic Justice Award winners set an amazing example for others,” says Kenneth Beck, CEO of CEO Connection, “and they do it because it is the RIGHT thing to do, not just because it makes good business sense.” Luminis Health’s HEART Force, a multidisciplinary group made up of members of the board of trustees, senior leaders, medical staff, community partners and stakeholders, developed recommendations that are now embedded in the ten year strategic plan for Luminis Health. The HEART Force’s recommendations are structured by three major categories: Lead as an anti-racist organization, and confront racism and eradicate inequities in health care. Enhance culturally informed communications and community collaboration. Measure and integrate accountability. “Through the work and dedication of our HEART Force, JEDI Council, Inclusion Groups and overall JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) initiatives, Luminis Health is now a majority minority organization – with more than half the workforce represented by ethnically and racially diverse team members. In addition, 50 percent of our Luminis Health board of trustees and executive leadership are women and 42 percent are diverse,” said Tamiko Stanley, chief diversity equity and inclusion officer for Luminis Health. “While we are proud of our progress, and we do take brief pauses to appreciate the advancement of our journey, we are fully aware that there is more work to be done. We remain steadfast in our commitment to become a national model in our JEDI journey.” The complete list of the Economic Justice winners can be found here.
- Weight LossGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThis may be the year you make changes in your life. Losing weight and keeping it off isn’t easy, no matter how hard you try. If you’re considering weight loss surgery, chances are you’ve tried changing your diet and exercise routines many times without seeing lasting results. In fact, if you have a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 35, the chances of reaching a normal body weight for a lasting period of time is less than one percent, according to research by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Weight loss surgery could be the answer. If you’ve been wondering if you might be a candidate, we’re here to help you sort through some important considerations. You can start by finding answers to these questions: Do you meet the medical guidelines? Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, isn’t the right choice for everyone trying to lose weight. In fact, the National Institutes of Health has developed guidelines to help you decide. It’s worth looking into if: You have a BMI of 40 or more (you can calculate your BMI here). You have a BMI of at least 35 and a related health problem such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or sleep apnea. You have a BMI of at least 35, and type 2 diabetes that’s difficult to control. Do you know the benefits and risks? Surgical weight loss changes how your digestive system works, reducing the amount of food your stomach can hold and calories your body can absorb. It also affects how some hormones work, which assists in weight loss. You should work with a multi-disciplinary team to choose the type of surgery that fits your needs, such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy or a new option called SADI-S (single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve), which combines the restrictive power of a sleeve gastrectomy with the malabsorptive power of the gastric bypass. The results can be life changing. Weight loss surgery helps people lose as much as 77% of their excess weight 12 months later. It also helps people live longer healthier lives and can prevent or improve more than 40 obesity-related health issues, including: Heart disease High blood pressure Joint pain Sleep problems Type 2 diabetes Obesity related cancers What’s more, many people who’ve had weight loss surgery say they feel more energized, can move around more easily, and enjoy a better quality of life. For most people, these benefits far exceed the risks. But before signing up, you should talk to a surgeon to make sure you fully understand your risks. Are you ready to commit to a long-term change? It’s important to remember that the life-long benefits of surgery come along with a long-term commitment. You will need to meet program requirements, including nutrition classes, to be approved for your procedure. A bariatric optimization program, which includes physical therapy and nutritional guidance, can help. After your surgery, you will have to follow specific plans to best utilize the changes in your body and optimize for success. You’ll also need to carefully stick to a nutrition plan and attend follow-up appointments to keep your progress on track. Have you researched the specifics? Some insurance plans cover the costs of weight loss surgery, including Medicare and some Medicaid programs. As part of this coverage, be prepared with certain records to show why you need the procedure. Your medical team will help you understand your options for paying for your surgery and tell you about other information you need to know ahead of time. Some healthcare systems offer educational sessions, such as the free weight loss seminar hosted by Luminis Health, to help you get the process started and understand these details before you move forward. Luminis Health is hosting virtual seminars throughout January and February. Have you considered all you have to gain? If you’re interested in weight loss surgery, it’s worth taking the next step. Remember, it’s not about what you have to lose, it’s what you could gain with a strong team by your side: better health, a more active lifestyle and greater self-confidence. If you’re ready to take the next step, please call (443) 481-6699 or click here to sign up for a free webinar. Authors Dr. Alejandro Gandsas, Dr. Courtney Doyle, and Dr. Jilian Nicholas are bariatric surgeons at Luminis Health.
- NeurosurgeryGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen most people think of a “bleed,” they think of bleeding visibly from the body—a cut or abrasion, for example, where a wound is deep enough to release blood onto a person’s skin. A brain bleed, however, is different. It’s an intracranial hemorrhage—a severe bleed inside the skull—which is not observable externally. Intracranial hemorrhages require treatment by a neurologist or neurosurgeon; some strokes can be hemorrhagic. Are You at Risk? The most common risk factors for a brain bleed include: Head trauma Bleeding disorders (a group of conditions that occur when the blood cannot clot properly) Antiplatelet agents such as aspirin that prevent blood clots from developing Anticoagulants such as Coumadin, Xarelto, or Eliquis Uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes Smoking or drinking heavily, or using illegal drugs Atherosclerosis (fatty deposits in arteries) Vascular malformations (abnormalities in blood vessels or blood vessel walls) Aneurysm (a type of vascular malformation) Types of Brain Bleeds Bleeding can occur in the brain, or between the brain and the skull. Each type can have a variety of causes and treatments. Bleeds are named based on where they occur. For example, the following are four types of intracranial hemorrhages that are defined by location and cause: Intraparenchymal, or within the brain. This can be caused by a hemorrhagic stroke, when a weakened blood vessel within the brain ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding areas. It can also be caused trauma or injury, vascular malformation or a tumor. Subdural, which is inside the dura but outside the brain. The dura is comprised of two layers of tough tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. This bleed is usually caused by trauma. Epidural, which is inside the skull but outside the dura. This type of hemorrhage is also mostly the result of trauma. Subarachnoid, which is on the surface of the brain. This type of hemorrhage is cause by trauma or an aneurysm. Symptoms of a Brain Bleed A person experiencing a brain bleed will usually know that something is wrong. Symptoms include: Sudden and severe headache Seizure Loss of balance, coordination, and motor or movement skills—even loss of consciousness Extreme tiredness Weakness in a limb, often on just one side Loss of vision and light sensitivity Loss of normal taste sensations Nausea and vomiting Stiff neck Difficulty breathing Abnormal heart rate IMPORTANT: Persons experiencing the symptoms of a brain bleed should immediately go to an emergency room to maximize chances for survival and recovery. What Can Be Done for a Brain Bleed Depending upon the location, size, cause and severity of a brain bleed, surgery may be required to help reduce swelling and pressure, remove a blood clot or tumor, stop further bleeding or repair malformed blood vessels. Small brain bleeds may not require surgery; patients can work to prevent another occurrence by discussing how to mitigate risk factors with their physician. Swelling or tumors are usually controlled with intravenous steroids. Anti-epilepsy drugs may be prescribed to help prevent seizures. Other medications may be needed to control blood pressure or other risks factors. Those who have been prescribed blood-thinning medications may need to stop taking them during recovery. What to Expect While Recovering From a Brain Bleed A brain bleed is a serious medical event. There are many factors that contribute to a successful brain bleed recovery, and no two patients are the same. Age, genetic predisposition to certain conditions and general health can all affect the speed of recovery, which can be as short as a few days or as long as several months. Many patients will need rehabilitation, which may be lengthy; unfortunately, not all brain injuries can be reversed. Again, the speed with which a person seeks treatment is critical to recovery time. A patient’s recovery team may include not only a neurologist and neurosurgeon, but also rehabilitation specialists and physical, occupational or speech and language therapists. Those in recovery may feel very tired but also have trouble sleeping. Headaches, “odd” bodily sensations and changes in taste, smell or vision are other symptoms that can occur during recovery. There will be good days and bad during the recovery process. Perseverance and a positive mental outlook are two important components that can make the likelihood of a full recovery much more possible. Author Yu-Hung Kuo, MD, PhD, is the Luminis Health Chief of Neurosurgery. Dr. Kuo is an experienced neurosurgeon who specializes in trauma and the treatment of oncologic lesions affecting the nervous system, including tumors of the brain and pituitary gland.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHealthcare should be refreshingly easy. At Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC), we are committed to building a brighter, healthier future for our community. We accomplished a lot in 2022, and we are on a mission to do more in 2023. The Luminis Health system is determined to break down barriers of health and deliver more high-quality, equitable health care in Prince George’s County and throughout the State of Maryland. Three years ago, Doctors Community Hospital joined with Anne Arundel Health System to better meet the needs of patients, grow in a sustainable way, and provide greater access to care—closer to home. By forming Luminis Health, we are making major investments in our community and building upon our nearly 50-year legacy in Lanham. One way to accomplish this is to address the unmet needs in the region. The pandemic showed us all the need for behavioral health services. With the help of a $20 million grant from Prince George’s County and County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, we opened a new behavioral health pavilion on the campus of LHDCMC. We’ve already treated approximately 150 patients in our outpatient mental health and urgent walk-in clinics, as well as our psychiatric day hospital. A new adult inpatient psychiatric unit and residential substance use program will open in early 2023. We have also recognized there is a critical need for additional women’s health services in Prince George’s County, resulting in LHDCMC now offering a variety of minimally-invasive treatments, including fibroids and gynecologic cancers. The health system has also expanded surgical services to include general abdominal, bariatric, and bladder surgeries. In addition, Luminis Health is targeting chronic diseases like diabetes, from a preventive and primary care perspective. Our Community Health Team hosts weekly classes in Riverdale and College Park to help residents eat better and improve their sugar levels, commonly known as A1C. We are also committed to providing top-notch care for your children. Thanks to an ongoing partnership with Children’s National Hospital, we can treat pediatric patients in our emergency department. And, Luminis Health recently launched a new web platform that not only includes a redesigned website, but easy, personalized online scheduling for in-person and telehealth visits. While there is much to celebrate, we can’t overlook the on-going impact of the pandemic on the community and our workforce. The medical staff at LHDCMC has been on the front lines battling this virus for nearly three years. At times, it has been exhausting and emotionally overwhelming. The COVID-19 vaccine is our best shot to transition from a pandemic to an endemic. That’s why Luminis Health led the way by administering approximately 125,000 COVID-19 vaccines throughout our communities. We couldn’t do it without the help of community partnerships such as Reid Temple A.M.E. Church, First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville, the City of Hyattsville, Prince George’s Community College, the Prince George’s County Health Department, and many more. In 2023, Luminis Health has plans to ignite a new era of health care. We are planning to submit a Certificate of Need to bring obstetrics services to our Lanham campus. More than 80 percent of babies are delivered outside of Prince George’s County. By bringing these services closer to home, we can eliminate maternal and infant mortality, which is one of the bold goals of our Strategic Plan called Vision 2030. Future investments include building a women’s health pavilion, adding more parking, and expanding clinical support services such as our pharmacy and lab. While our name may have changed and our campus may expand over time, our commitment to providing high-quality, comprehensive, equitable and compassionate care will never change. It is an honor to live in Prince George’s County and serve as president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. We are respectful of our legacy, and confident about our future. You can expect more progress next year and beyond as we fulfill our mission to enhance the health of the people and communities we serve. Authors Deneen Richmond is president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFor many of us, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year. But for others, it can be the most challenging time of the year. The holidays can invoke memories of pain, disappointment or loss. Fortunately, there are coping mechanisms that can help make the holidays more bearable. Dealing with Loss The loss of a loved one can feel especially raw during the holidays. It’s healthy to allow yourself to enjoy fond memories if you don’t find the remembrance too emotionally troubling. If that’s the case, give yourself some time to remember, grieve for a brief period of time and then move on to restorative activities—it’s always helpful to keep that to-do list close. Consider thinking of how to renew or adapt an old tradition in a way that honors your loved one. Remember to try your best to enjoy the holiday as your loved one would have wanted you to. When you need to separate yourself from emotions of sadness and loss, engage in your usual self-care practices like taking a walk, exercising, watching an enjoyable movie, listening to uplifting music or talking with a family member or friend. Alone for the Holidays Being uncoupled during the holidays can feel particularly lonely. One of the first things to remember is that you are not alone: plenty of people don’t have partners and they deserve to enjoy the holidays as much as those who are in an intimate relationship. This is a great time to rediscover yourself and the things that you enjoy. Our feelings of loneliness are sometimes cravings to be in the presence of others—not necessarily with a romantic partner—so allow yourself to accept offers of getting together with family and friends. Being with others whose company you enjoy is a very healthy distraction when dealing with the loss of a relationship. Navigating Difficult Family Members You may avoid certain family members throughout the year but feel obligated to spend time with them over the holidays. The holidays are a time to endeavor to set aside our differences and celebrate our connections. Try to guide your conversations with difficult family members to subjects that you both like, such as happy memories of mutually beloved departed family members or the latest antics of the family pet. If needed, give yourself an escape route. This may mean having closer family members or friends on the lookout to call you out of a bad conversation. Make sure that you can leave the environment safely if needed—try to be the driver or to have the Uber/Lyft app on your phone. Consider disarming your family member by learning something about them that you didn’t already know; people usually like to talk about themselves, so use that to your advantage. And, most importantly, don’t go looking for conflict. Watch the way that you engage—monitor your tone and your reaction—as sometimes the conflict we experience is due to the conflict we create. Managing Behavioral Health Conditions The holidays are ripe with emotions, both good and bad. If you have a behavioral health condition, it is likely that you will have more symptoms during this time—more depression, anxiety or substance use. Anticipate that this is a possibility and plan now on how to manage the reemergence or increase of symptoms: Consider talking to your therapist/counselor about increasing the frequency of your sessions. Think about talking to your prescriber about the appropriateness of increasing your medication dosage for a brief period. Plan to participate in more recovery support groups and talk to your sponsor more frequently. Monitor your use of recreational or other substances; try to maintain your non-holiday patterns of use and remember that almost every drug supply chain is tainted with fentanyl—this is not a good time to try something new that is substance-related Keep naloxone on hand if you or family members or friends use substances. Call 988 for support if you find yourself in an emotional or substance-related crisis—someone is available to talk with you 24 hours a day. Authors Aliya Jones, MD, serves as the inaugural Executive Medical Director of Behavioral Health for Luminis Health.
How can we help?
Common Searches
Common Searches
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?
Your Account
View your Dashboard
Messages
Find Care
Schedule Appointment
My Care Team
My Record
Appointments
Medications
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?