- News & Press Releases, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) is proud to welcome another bundle of joy, in the form of great news. U.S. News & World Report has named LHAAMC as a 2022-2023 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care. This is the highest award a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. The evaluation, now in its second year, is designed to help expectant parents and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity care. “Since we welcome more than 5,500 babies into the world each year, we like to say our teams are trusted to deliver a kindergarten class a day,” said Sherry Perkins, president of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “Thank you to our physicians, nurse midwives, nurses, nurse practitioners, technologists, and the entire team for providing exceptional maternity care to our families.” U.S. News evaluated nearly 650 hospitals that provide high-quality labor and delivery services for uncomplicated pregnancies for its 2022-2023 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. Fewer than half of all hospitals that offer maternity care and participated in the survey received a High Performing designation. “When expectant parents are considering their options for welcoming a baby to the world, the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care are designed to help them identify hospitals that excel in delivering babies for uncomplicated pregnancies,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “A hospital that has earned a High Performing designation may be a good option for parents, in consultation with their medical provider, to consider.” The U.S. News Best Hospitals for Maternity Care methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality, such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, early elective delivery rates and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) rates, among other measures. “We are honored U.S. News is recognizing LHAAMC as a Best Hospital for Maternity Care for the second consecutive year,” said Dr. Monica Jones, chair of Luminis Health Women’s and Children’s services. “One of Luminis Health’s bold goals for Vision 2030 is to eliminate maternal and infant mortality. Through the work of Luminis Health’s Women’s and Children’s Quality and Safety Teams as well as the Women’s and Children’s Counter Racism Task Force, we are providing more high-quality, and culturally customized care. We are leveraging our maternal evidence-based protocols through our service line, system-wide, implicit bias education and training. This important work is already improving maternal and infant mortality for the communities we serve earning our place in the US News rankings.”
- Wound CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogComedian and television host Jay Leno was recently treated in an Hyperbaric oxygen chamber for severe burns to his face and hands following a gasoline accident in his garage. You are probably wondering what is hyperbaric oxygen therapy and how does it work. Because wounds require oxygen for a proper healing process, the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), also called hyperbaric oxygen treatment, is actually on the rise. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that increases the amount of oxygen in a patient’s blood so it can pass more easily through the blood plasma—the liquid component of blood—and into wound tissue to heal it. During the treatment, a patient is surrounded by and breathing in 100% oxygen while in a pressurized chamber. The increased pressure helps the patient’s lungs collect more oxygen. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treats Many Conditions At Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to treat slow-healing diabetic wounds, bone infection, compromised skin grafts, arterial insufficiency, acute sensory hearing loss, gas embolism, gas gangrene, decompression illness, acute carbon monoxide or cyanide poisoning, crush injuries, progressive necrotizing infections that kill soft tissues, along with radiation injuries such as: Soft tissue radiation necrosis: When soft tissues die due to radiation exposure. Osteoradionecrosis: When bones die due to radiation. Radiation cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder and urethra resulting from treatment with radiation therapy. Radiation proctitis: Inflammation of the rectum occurring because of acute damage to the rectum sustained from pelvic radiation. What to Expect During Treatment HBOT patients are placed in a monoplace chamber that is approximately seven feet long; this hyperbaric oxygen chamber treats one person only. The patient breathes normally while in the chamber. A clinician remains close by to monitor treatment—patients can speak directly with clinicians whenever needed. Treatment can last for up to two hours, with the number of treatments ranging from 30 to 60. Every treatment is customizable to the patients’ history and diagnosis since each patient responds differently to care. When Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy May Not Be Appropriate You may not be able to undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy if you have an untreated pneumothorax, collapsed lung, COPD, pregnant and have undergone certain chemo medications. Don’t be surprised if your ears “pop” during treatment; this is normal. If you’re feeling a little claustrophobic, the physician can give you a medication to help relax. Possible rare and temporary complications could include barotrauma, which is injury to your ears, because of changes in pressure. You may experience blurred vision which stops when treatment stops, oxygen toxicity or pneumothorax. Ask your healthcare provider about HBOT if you’re concerned about a slow-healing wound. Medicare has approved coverage that fits the guidelines for hyperbaric oxygen therapy and most private insurance companies follow Medicare guidelines; if interested, people should still always check with their insurance company to ensure treatment is covered. Authors Cash McQuarter is the Director of Wound Care at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNovember 16, 2022 – Patients and families can count on high-quality, safe care at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis and Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham. Both hospitals have received high marks by Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for protecting hospital patients from preventable harm and error. Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for fall 2022. LHAAMC has earned ‘Straight A’s” for every grading cycle since 2018. “This national recognition is a real testament of the hard work and commitment from our caregivers and volunteers to protect patients from harm and ensure their safety,” said Sherry Perkins, president of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “Our patients can rest assured they will consistently receive high-quality and compassionate care at our hospital.” Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) earned a “B” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for fall 2022. “I am proud of our team for prioritizing and improving quality and patient safety in the communities we serve every day,” said Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. “We will continue to evaluate our initiatives and best practices to improve the health of all Prince Georgians.” The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization with a 10-year history of assigning letter grades to general hospitals throughout the United States, based on a hospital’s ability to prevent medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent, and free to the public. Hospital Safety Grade results are based on more than 30 national performance measures and are updated each fall and spring. The Leapfrog Group and Money magazine also announced the best hospitals in the United States for billing ethics. LHAAMC and LHDCMC were both recognized for providing fair billing to patients. To meet the new standards, hospitals must ensure patients can easily access and understand what they owe, and provide contact information for someone who can help understand the billing process.
- General Page Tier 3BlogWe wait for it all year, that wonderful time when we eat things that we don’t usually consume, and sometimes we eat too much of it. The holidays are all about food, and it is possible to enjoy what you love and not feel guilty about it later. The key is to focus on eating nutrient-dense foods—those that have a high level of nutrients but are relatively low in calorie count. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy treats but be mindful about portions and indulge just a little bit. Remind yourself that the first bite or two tastes the best, so slow down and savor the flavors and textures of the delicacies you look forward to all year! Party the Smart Way Holiday parties can be a challenging minefield of delicious foods with low nutritional density, so don’t go to a party on an empty stomach. Try to drink plenty of water and eat a small, healthy snack before the event. Take a good look at all the food choices on the buffet before you select to ensure your calories count. Balance your plate with 50% fruits and vegetables, just like any other day. Don’t waste your calories on foods you can enjoy any time of the year, like a dinner roll, potato chips or cubes of cheese—look for something you wouldn’t normally eat. When you’re invited to a party, offer to bring a dish that fits your normal meal plan. Hosts love when guests bring a fresh fruit platter or veggie platter with a fun and healthy dip. Focus on the people and good conversation and move away from the food table. Did you know that anything you put on a cracker can be enjoyed on a cucumber? Again, fruits and vegetables make nutritious fill-ups without extra calories. Lean protein options including shrimp, smoked salmon, lean meats or beans and hummus can help satisfy hunger. Limit Alcohol but Not Exercise Alcoholic beverages mean holiday cheer for many of us—eggnogs, mixed drinks, and hot ciders. When we have a cocktail or two, our inhibitions around food choices take a dive. We start out selecting fruits and vegetables, but after a drink or two, the higher calorie options call to us. With so many delicious, flavored soda waters and seltzers available these days, enjoy a cocktail but keep a glass of seltzer water in your hand—good for sipping during cocktail hour. Stick with your regular exercise routine and try to work out before or after holiday events. Regular exercise can help temper holiday stress and might help regulate your appetite. Plan an event without food as its focus. Join family and friends to do a tree lighting, go ice skating or enjoy a holiday concert. Get outside and take a brisk walk to enjoy holiday decorations or create a new family tradition—it’s what the holidays are all about. It’s important to remind yourself that with a little planning and a positive attitude, the holidays can be fun and healthy. Relax and enjoy the day of the celebration, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah. Just don’t let one day turn into a week or month of holiday eating. This article was originally posted on the Enquirer-Gazette. Authors Ann Caldwell is a nutritionist and registered dietician at Luminis Health’s Anne Arundel Medical Center.
- Lung Care, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAt Luminis Health, your health matters to us every season of the year. In the fall and winter, staying vigilant about your health becomes paramount during the peak of respiratory illness season. During this period, the convergence of various respiratory infections, such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV, underscores the importance of getting vaccinated. If you want to increase your chances of staying healthy this winter, getting vaccinated is an easy step to take. Getting vaccinated will not only help keep you healthy but can help reduce the spread of illness to others, being admitted to the hospital or experiencing complications associated with these infections. Who is at risk? Flu, RSV and COVID-19 disease are all viruses. High-risk groups for all three viruses include, but are not limited to, adults over 65, very young children, and those with chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease, neurologic issues, weakened immune systems, and obesity. Women who are pregnant may also be at risk. About vaccines Flu vaccines are available now, so get yours sooner rather than later. It takes two weeks for antibodies to be effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months and older receive a flu vaccine and an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine each year, with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important during pregnancy and for those at higher risk of serious complications. The flu can also cause pneumonia and complications that can lead to hospitalization and death. You should receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine, even if you had the original series. Data from last season shows that those who received the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine had better protection against illness and hospitalization compared to those who did not get vaccinated. You can get this at the same time as your flu shot. Last year, the FDA approved the first RSV vaccines for everyone ages 75 and older, adults ages 60-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease, and pregnant women 32 through 36 weeks’ gestation. The CDC recommends protecting infants younger than 8 months against severe RSV by either vaccination of a pregnant person or by the baby getting the antibody shot (nirsevimab), at birth or just before the RSV season. RSV, which typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, can inflame the small airways of the lungs or cause pneumonia—which is a lung infection—in children younger than one year. The CDC says that each year in the United States, an estimated 58,000 children younger than five years old are hospitalized due to RSV infection. Many people don’t realize that, in addition, approximately 177,000 older adults are hospitalized annually with RSV and 14,000 of them die — which highlights the importance of prevention. When to get vaccinated Flu: It’s best to get vaccinated in the fall, as the respiratory virus season typically begins in October and peaks between December and March. Schedule your flu shot with Luminis Health today. COVID-19: The new 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is available now. RSV: The RSV vaccine can be received at any time, but the CDC recommends getting it in late summer or early fall. Pregnant individuals should receive the RSV vaccine between weeks 32 and 36 of pregnancy, ideally between September and January. For infants, administration of antibodies is recommended from October through March. What you can do You’ve heard this before, but truthfully, these are the best ways to protect yourself from serious illness this fall: Wash your hands often. Keep your hands off your face. Avoid close contact with sick people. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Clean and disinfect surfaces. Stay home when you are sick. In addition, experts agree that getting vaccinated will help keep you from being hospitalized for severe illness and will make more hospital beds available for those who really need them. And if you do get sick, Luminis Health is here for you. You can connect with a Luminis Health medical provider on your mobile device from anywhere in the state — even the comfort of your home — with Luminis Health CareConnectNow. Visit LuminisHealth.org/CareConnectNow to schedule an appointment. Illness Who is Eligible? When Should I get it? Flu Everyone six months and older September/October COVID Everyone six months and older Now RSV Adults age 75 or older and adult ages 60-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV Late Summer/Early Fall RSV (pregnancy) Pregnant people during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy September through January RSV antibodies (Infants) Infants younger than 8 months October through March
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