- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it’s the perfect time to focus on the importance of breast cancer screening for all women. It is especially important for residents of Prince George’s County, where there is a higher rate of late-stage breast cancer diagnosis and mortality rates. This month is also an opportunity to highlight all of the wonderful progress made in breast cancer treatments. COVID-19 had an impact on breast cancer screening frequency during and after the pandemic, with the American College of Radiology (ACR) finding that mammogram screenings dopped by 63.7 percent compared to pre-pandemic numbers. Screening exams at our Lanham site are approximately 30 percent lower than pre-pandemic levels. This is especially concerning given that early breast cancer diagnosis is the key to better survival rates. When You Should Get Screened Sometimes women are unsure when they should start getting screened for breast cancer. The recommendation is for yearly mammograms starting at age 40. If there is family history of breast cancer, then it is recommended to start ten years prior to the age your family member was diagnosed. For example, if the mother was age 42 at diagnosis, the daughter should start getting mammograms at age 32 and enroll in a high-risk breast screening program. The ACR has recognized that African American and Jewish women are at a high risk for breast cancer. These women should get a risk assessment and consider starting early breast cancer screening at age 30 Be Your Best Advocate Early breast cancer is best diagnosed when there are no symptoms and there is only a small abnormality on imaging. There are some women who feel a lump, but it does not always mean they have cancer. There are many non-cancerous problems that cause a lump in the breast. If a woman feels something different from their normal, they should get it checked out by their physician. It is important for women with dense breasts to ask for 3D mammograms because they are the best imaging for evaluating dense tissue. Women should look closely at their imaging report and be self-advocates: if you are identified as having dense breasts, ask for additional tests, such as ultrasound or MRI. This is especially important if you feel a lump and the report comes back as “normal.” A mammogram isn’t the most comfortable test, but it is quick and provides valuable information. With the newer machines, the compression releases as soon as the picture is taken. It is recommended that patients take an over-the-counter pain reliever about two hours prior to their mammogram. A few minutes of discomfort are preferable to a long process of treatments for breast cancer. Pink Ribbon Rally Welcomes You On Friday, October 14, Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center will host a special Pink Ribbon Rally event on its Lanham campus to help take the fear and mystery out of getting a mammogram. There will be music, dancing and learning, as well as discussion about how mammograms are performed, breast self-awareness and treatment, and advocating for your own health. Hear from breast cancer survivors who share their journey, and even discuss proper bra fit. Join in on the discussion about gynecologic problems such as fibroids, menopause, uterine cancer, etc. The event runs from 8 am to 3 pm. Women who are unable to get screened at the rally can make an appointment to come back at a later date—Luminis Health performs mammograms year-round. This article was originally published with the Enquirer-Gazette. Authors Dr. Regina Hampton is the medical director of the breast care center at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. A board-certified general surgeon who has focused her practice on breast health and breast cancer, she has been ranked by her peers as one of the top breast cancer surgeons in the Washington, D.C. area.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Pathways, the region’s premiere substance use treatment center, is marking 30 years of caring for patients seeking help for substance use and addiction. The nationally accredited facility, located on Riva Road in Annapolis, provides detoxification, residential, and outpatient substance use services for patients throughout Maryland. “Founded in 1992, Luminis Health Pathways has provided exceptional care for thousands of patients who live in the communities we serve,” said Sherry Perkins, president of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “It’s called Pathways because everyone’s journey to recovery follows a unique path, and three decades later, the staff continues to be a beacon of hope for those struggling with drug and alcohol use as well as related mental health disorders.” Fast Facts about Luminis Health Pathways: Treated more than 26,000 patients since 1992 In the last year, we provided care to 1,100 inpatients and provided more than 5,900 outpatient visits Most accessed service is residential treatment, including Detoxification and Rehabilitation Normal stay is 14-28 days in our 40 inpatient residential bed facility Comprehensive outpatient group offerings, medication services, and Intensive Outpatient Programs and to help sustain recovery. 70% successful transition rate and nationally ranked for patient satisfaction. “Pathways provides evidence-based, comprehensive services for people looking to recover from a substance use disorder,” says Dr. Aliya Jones, executive medical director of Behavioral Health for Luminis Health. All communities need and deserve high-quality substance use disorder care provided in a compassionate and culturally sensitive environment and Luminis Health Pathways is well-positioned to provide the highest standards of care for patients.” Most patients seeking care at Luminis Health Pathways are treated for alcohol and opioids. “One of the bold goals of Luminis Health’s Vision 2030 is to eliminate opioid addiction in our communities,” said Danny Watkins, senior director, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Behavioral Health Nursing and Operations. “Thanks to the compassion, collaboration, and hard-work of our Treatment Teams throughout our programs and communities, we are seeing a decrease in opioid overdoses in our region. Luminis Health and Pathways have decreased access to unneeded prescription opioids, and increased access to evidence based initiatives like Medication Assisted Treatment, Narcan, and Prevention Education services.”
- Weight LossGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you are considering weight loss surgery (also called bariatric surgery) you may have heard of a gastric bypass or a sleeve gastrectomy, which are the most common bariatric procedures. Gastric bypasses have been performed for over 50 years. Today, it is usually a minimally invasive procedure with laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Let’s compare the two options of weight loss surgery. The gastric bypass divides the stomach, creating a small pouch. The larger piece of the stomach no longer stores or digests food, however it does still create digestive juices that are pushed downstream to meet up with the food you eat. The small intestine is also divided and connected to the newly created small stomach pouch. This helps with weight loss because the stomach is now much smaller, which means you are able to hold less food and ingest fewer calories. Also, a portion of the small bowel does not see food anymore, which results in decreased absorption. In comparison, the sleeve gastrectomy removes about 80% of the stomach using surgical staplers. As with the gastric bypass, it helps with weight loss because the smaller stomach holds less food. Also, the 80 percent of the stomach that is removed produces most of the body’s ghrelin or “hunger hormone.” Removing the hormone decreases the hunger sensation and increases fullness. Surgery is the most effective treatment for type 2 diabetes. 80 percent of people who receive gastric bypass experience a remission of diabetes. For those who have the sleeve gastrectomy, remission is seen in over 60 percent of patients. Both procedures involve reshaping the stomach to hold less food and both work for weight loss. If you are considering weight loss surgery, the best way to understand which option is right for you is to meet with a bariatric surgeon. Please visit our website to request an appointment or sign up for a free webinar with one of our surgeons. This article was originally featured in the Enquirer-Gazette. Authors Jilian Nicholas, DO, is a bariatric surgeon at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTalk about a special delivery! Nurse Maria Moody was coming into her shift when she was approached by a father, Sean McGee, in the Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) parking garage asking for help. His wife, Lindsay, was having a baby! Maria quickly ran to the north entrance front desk and asked the team to call for help. They activated OBGYN Net, which is the emergency response team for deliveries, and Maria returned to the car in time to help deliver the baby. She was so happy the baby was breathing, moving, and healthy, she forgot to check if the baby was a girl or boy! The rest of the team arrived and took over care for mom and baby girl, Beau Isla. “The whole experience was incredible and Nurse Maria is amazing,” said Lindsay. “Her presence made me feel safe and gave me the confidence to give birth right there and then. This is a story we will be telling our little girl for the rest of her life!” “It was my privilege to be a part of their special day and such a blessing to be able to meet this beautiful family,” said Maria. “Lindsay truly is the definition of a super mom!” Maria has worked at LHAAMC since 1999. Currently she works in the Procedural Care Unit, where she preps and recovers all Interventional Radiology and Cardiac Catheterization patients. Thank you, Maria for all that you do!
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFeeling down? Anxious? A little “off?” You’re not alone. The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a 25% increase in anxiety and depression around the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Now, as the threat of airborne illness remains, everyone — from seniors to teens — are feeling the effects. Isolation, stress, and worry about our families and loved ones can take a toll on our physical and mental health. But knowing what resources are available and where you can access them can make a big difference. Whether you’re looking for talk therapy, a support group or any other kind of mental health care, these options can help you decide what you need and where to find it. Counseling and psychotherapy Bad days are normal. But when feelings of anxiety, burn out, or “the blues” become constant, the help of a doctor may help you feel better. Counseling or psychotherapy (also known as “talk therapy”) is one of the most widely used treatments for mental health. A mental health professional will meet with you — either one-on-one or in a group setting — to discuss how you’re feeling and ways to make it better. Talk therapy can be a valuable resource for anyone experiencing: A long-term mental health condition Anxiety Depression Interpersonal issues Life challenges Talking to a licensed mental health professional may be a good place to start if your symptoms are causing distress or affecting your daily functioning. Or, if you’re seeking help for trauma or a mental illness. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a specialist. Or you can search your provider directory for the counselor who is right for you. You may also be able to access mental health care for low- or no cost through a local community center, church or hospital. Substance abuse prevention or treatment programs If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t wait to get help. Reaching out right now could save a life. Out-patient therapy, support groups and stays at in-patient facilities assist individuals managing substance dependence. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers resources to help people begin their recovery journeys. Use this anonymous treatment services locator to find services and facilities. The SAMHSA National Helpline, available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), can connect you to even more treatment options, referrals and information. Mental health crisis The World Health Organization defines “mental health” as a state of being in which an individual can work, thrive, cope with life stressors and recognize their own value. During a mental health crisis, coping becomes extremely difficult. Here are some signs that you or someone else might be experiencing a mental health crisis: Extreme mood swings Dissociation Hallucinations Paranoia Poor hygiene Self-harm or self-injury Self-imposed isolation Severe agitation Significant despair Feelings of helplessness Hopelessness If you suspect that someone is in crisis, call the SAMHSA National Helpline anytime at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or dial 988. You can also visit a walk-in urgent care center or emergency room (ER) for immediate care. In case of emergency When a mental health crisis escalates, it can become an emergency. And a mental health emergency is a life-threatening situation. During this kind of emergency, a person may threaten to harm themselves or someone else. They may appear disoriented or “out of touch” with reality. Dangerous activities and out-of-control behavior may be signs of an emergency. If you or your loved one is in danger or threatening to hurt themselves or someone else, call 9-1-1. That way, you or your loved one can get the help you need right away. Learn more about Luminis Health’s behavioral health services. We offer comprehensive care across outpatient therapy and medication management, substance use programs, inpatient treatment and partial hospitalization. Authors Maria Winters is Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for Luminis Health.
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