- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe new year offers a chance to set goals, refocus, and try something new. Dry January—a month of abstaining from alcohol—is a popular challenge for those looking to reset their relationship with drinking. While the benefits of this commitment can include improved physical health, better sleep and mental clarity, staying sober in social settings and managing stress without alcohol can feel overwhelming. Here are practical tips from Luminis Health Behavioral Health to make your Dry January successful. 1. Find Alternative Ways to Reduce Stress One of the biggest reasons people turn to alcohol is to unwind, but there are plenty of healthier ways to manage stress. You could try physical activity such as a brisk walk or yoga, meditation exercises with an app like Headspace or Calm, or decompress with something creative like painting or cooking. It may take a few tries to find the stress reliever that works for you, but once you have it, it can become a lifelong tool. 2. Staying Sober at Parties Social situations are often where the pressure to drink is strongest, but with preparation, you can navigate them with confidence. If you are meeting at someone’s home, bring your own alcohol-free drink such as sparkling water or a mocktail. If you are going to a restaurant, check the menu ahead of time to pick out a non-alcoholic drink. Look to see if others are abstaining and spend time with those people so you can support each other. Engage in conversation and games to distract from the focus on drinking. 3. What to Do If You Need Support Dry January might reveal deeper challenges with alcohol, and that’s okay. Recognizing this is the first step toward positive change. If you feel like you’re struggling, here’s how to get support: Reach out to trusted friends or family: Talking to someone you trust can help you process your feelings and develop a plan. Explore community groups: Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery offer judgment-free support from people who understand your journey. Consult a professional: Therapists and counselors trained in addiction can provide tailored guidance to help you address underlying issues. Luminis Health has several options for treating substance use concerns, including a behavioral health urgent care if needed. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it can lead to profound personal growth. Dry January is an opportunity to build healthier habits and reflect on your relationship with alcohol. By embracing alternative ways to reduce stress, confidently navigating social settings, and seeking support when needed, you’ll not only survive the challenge but thrive. Whatever your reasons for taking on Dry January, celebrate every small victory and enjoy the clarity and energy that comes with life without alcohol.
- News & Press Releases, CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt was an extraordinary year for Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC). In 2024, we celebrated five years since joining Luminis Health, during which more than $140 million has been invested to enhance services and ensuring exceptional care remains accessible in our neighborhoods. As we reflect on our achievements, we look forward to exciting growth opportunities in 2025, particularly the 50th Anniversary of our hospital in Lanham. Our team is dedicated to improving the health of Prince George’s County residents by expanding services, addressing health disparities, and advancing health equity. As president of a non-profit hospital, I am extremely proud of our commitment to tackling the maternal health crisis. Over the past year, we launched CenteringPregnancy® in Greenbelt, a nationally recognized program that offers group sessions for expectant mothers and personalized consultations with trusted Ob-Gyns or midwives. We also finalized design plans and began the permit process to add inpatient obstetric services, labor, delivery, and postpartum care with rooms designed for a family-centered birth experience. These additional women’s health services are scheduled to launch in 2028, and once fully operational, we look forward to delivering 2,000 babies each year. Since 80 percent of babies are born outside the county, this major initiative will help address a health disparity by providing quality care close to home and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in Prince George’s County. In September, we celebrated another significant achievement: the second anniversary of our Behavioral Health Pavilion on our campus. To date, we have facilitated approximately 8,000 visits through our behavioral health walk-in urgent care, outpatient mental health therapy, a psychiatric day program, and an adult inpatient psychiatric unit. To meet the growing demand for mental health services among young people, Luminis Health received a state grant to provide comprehensive mental health support services at several high schools in the County. Building on this commitment to enhancing the health of the people and communities we serve, we launched a Virtual Nursing Program. By installing cameras in select rooms, patients can opt to receive both-in person and virtual nursing support. This combination of technology and personal touch has already benefited more than 5,000 patients; reducing hospital readmission and boosting patient satisfaction. Plans are underway to install cameras in every patient room to further enhance the patient experience. Our commitment to nursing has earned us the prestigious Pathway to Excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. This honor contributes to higher job satisfaction, reduced turnover, improved safety, and the quality of care we provide to our patients. Research from Prince George’s County shows residents seek 42 percent of their healthcare outside the county. To tackle this disparity, we’ve hired additional breast, vascular, bariatric, Ob-Gyn, and orthopedic surgeons. We also opened a new primary care practice in District Heights and another in Greenbelt, which currently offers primary care and Endocrinology services.To improve access, our Community Health Team regularly visits underserved communities to provide free health screenings, education, and vaccines. In the last fiscal year, we screened 662 residents in Prince George’s County, many of whom lack a primary physician or the financial resources for care. Thanks to several state grants, Luminis Health provides no cost breast cancer and colon cancer screenings to county residents. As a colon cancer survivor, I encourage everyone aged 45 and older, or those with a family history, to get screened. As we gear up to celebrate our 50th Anniversary, LHDCMC is excited to host a series of events throughout the year, culminating in a Gala in April dedicated to Black Maternal Health. This milestone not only honors our legacy of service but also highlights our commitment to the future of healthcare in our community. In conjunction with our anniversary celebrations, we are launching a major fundraising campaign aimed at supporting our maternal health initiatives, ensuring that we continue to provide vital care and resources for expectant mothers and their families. Join us in celebrating this momentous occasion as we work together to shape a healthier future for Prince George’s County!Deneen Richmond is the president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.
- Heart Care, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones tragically passed away from hypertensive cardiovascular disease in July at the age of 40, it brought attention to a disease that millions of Americans are at risk for – and that many don’t even know they have. That’s why it is important to take steps to reduce your risk of hypertensive cardiac disease and other dangerous heart conditions. What is hypertensive heart disease? Hypertensive cardiovascular disease, or hypertensive heart disease, is a condition caused by having high blood pressure over a long period of time. High blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart, forcing it to work harder to pump blood throughout your body, which can lead to damage over time. This damage can lead to heart attacks, heart failure, strokes and other health problems. High blood pressure is defined as pressure that is consistently above 130/80 mmHg. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, but just a quarter have it under control. That’s because many may not know they have high blood pressure in the first place. In addition to heart attacks, heart failure and strokes, high blood pressure can put you at greater risk for conditions like: Atherosclerosis, including coronary artery disease Atrial fibrillation (AFib) Aortic Dissection or Rupture Congestive heart failure Kidney disease Retinal problems The risk of heart disease generally goes up with age, and those who have a family history of heart disease may be at higher risk. Athletes or other active people may be prone to hypertensive cardiovascular disease after they wrap up their careers and their activity level decreases. Even people who have lived very active lives can be diagnosed with heart disease. For example, arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (or the buildup of plaque or cholesterol on the walls of the arteries) played a role in the death of fitness guru Richard Simmons. Warning signs of cardiovascular disease High blood pressure usually doesn’t present symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose and treat. However, over time, high blood pressure can cause damage to your heart and lead to symptoms like: Chest pain Dizziness or fainting Heart attack or stroke Irregular, rapid or pounding heartbeat Shortness of breath It’s important to see your primary care provider and check your blood pressure regularly. Your care team will monitor your risk factors, including a family history of hypertension. Depending on your risk factors, your provider may recommend additional testing. These tests may include blood and urine tests or an electrocardiogram (EKG). How to prevent cardiovascular disease Managing your blood pressure can greatly lower your risk of dangerous cardiac events like heart attacks and strokes. That includes living a heart-healthy lifestyle by: Getting enough sleep Lowering your stress Maintaining a healthy weight Quitting smoking Reducing salt intake Reducing alcohol consumption Staying physically active Treating chronic conditions like sleep apnea, high cholesterol, diabetes and kidney disease How to treat cardiovascular disease Your provider will likely recommend adjusting lifestyle factors as a first line of treatment for hypertensive cardiovascular disease. If these adjustments don’t bring your blood pressure down, or if your heart has already sustained damage from high blood pressure over time, your care team may recommend medications as a next step. There are many kinds of blood pressure medications (or antihypertensives) including: ACE inhibitors Beta-Blockers Calcium channel blockers Diuretics (thiazide) All medicines can have side effects and it’s important to understand these impacts. Take medications as directed and follow up with your provider if you have any questions. Protecting your heart in the long run High blood pressure might not cause symptoms by itself, but it can be dangerous if left untreated. If you experience concerning symptoms, we have a number of Luminis Health primary care doctors ready to help, as well as cardiovascular specialists and heart surgeons with all the experience and expertise you need. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for taking medications or change your lifestyle. Your heart will thank you. About the Author: Luminis Health Chief of Heart Surgery David J. Caparrelli, MD. Dr. Caparrelli has more than 20 years of experience in both cardiac and vascular surgery.
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNurse practitioners are having a moment, and it’s worth paying attention to how they can benefit you and your family. While many might think that the role is a recent development, educational programs for nurse practitioners were first established in 1965 to address the healthcare needs of underserved populations by training nurses to make advance clinical decisions. As demand for medical care increased and doctors faced capacity challenges, more programs emerged across the United States to help meet these growing needs. Awareness of nurse practitioners has grown slowly, becoming more widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent article from the National Institute for Health referred to the pandemic “an unprecedented opportunity for nurse practitioners to reform healthcare.” What is a nurse practitioner? A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has received additional training in treating patients. In Maryland, nurse practitioners have full practice authority. This means they can serve as your provider, prescribing medications, ordering lab tests and addressing your medical concerns. What distinguishes a doctor from a nurse practitioner? The primary difference lies in their training: Nurse practitioners first earn their registered nurse (RN) license by completing a bachelor’s degree program in nursing, and then a graduate degree. From start to finish, it can take six to eight years to become a nurse practitioner. Doctors, on the other hand, first complete a bachelor’s degree. Then, they go to medical school and complete a residency in the specialty they chose. It can take 10 to 14 years to become a fully licensed doctor. What to expect when seeing a nurse practitioner? If you’re dealing with a sore throat, seasonal allergies, or the flu, a quickly scheduled visit with a nurse practitioner can provide much-needed relief without having to go to the emergency room. Nurse practitioners offer a wide range of health care services, including: Physical exams: Performing physical exams and taking health histories Diagnosis and treatment: Diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions, and managing overall care Prescribing medication: Prescribing and managing medications and therapies Ordering tests: Ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic tests Education: Teaching patients about disease prevention and healthy lifestyles Referrals: Referring patients to offer health professionals as needed On the rise and ready to help The number of nurse practitioners has increased significantly over the past few decades. One of the key factors driving this growth is the nationwide shortage of doctors, which is expected to increase. A report from the Association of American Medical College estimates that the United States faces a shortfall of between 37,800 and 124,000 doctors in the next 12 years. Fortunately, the number of nurse practitioners is increasing, with more than 385,000 licensed in the U.S. At Luminis Health, our nurse practitioners are ready to serve you. Collaborating with doctors at their clinic or practice, they ensure that all your medical needs are met promptly and conveniently, close to home. Tormeika Sanford is a nurse practitioner at Luminis Health. To schedule an appointment, visit Luminis.Health/PrimaryCare.
- Plastic Surgery & Skin Care, Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3Blog
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