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In this week’s edition: September is moving quickly! This week, we’re sharing a reminder about the best ways to connect with the Luz team, a simple breathing technique for busy days, another community resource to share with you, and our September referral offer.
The Throes of September
September has a way of filling the calendar quickly. New routines begin, schedules shift, activities pick back up, and suddenly everyone seems to be moving in a dozen different directions.
In the midst of all that busyness, how are you doing? Are you getting enough sleep? Finding time to rest and recharge?
As we all move through the throes of almost-fall, we hope you’re able to find a few moments to slow down, enjoy where you are, and connect with the people and things you love. Sometimes even a few intentional minutes can make a busy season feel a little more manageable.
The Best Way to Reach Us
One of the things we value most at Luz is being able to connect directly with our patients. Whether you have a question, need help scheduling, or simply aren’t sure where to start, our team is here to help make getting the care you need as easy as possible.
For brief questions, you’re welcome to call or text the office during regular office hours, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. We aim to respond to phone communications the same day whenever possible.
After 4 p.m. and on weekends, our phone system will alert the provider on call. This option is available for urgent medical questions that cannot wait until regular office hours.
For non-urgent communication directly with your provider, Elation is a great option. You can use Elation at your convenience to send us a message with a brief medical question or update.
Because Elation messages go directly to your provider, we ask that scheduling requests and questions that can be handled by our medical assistant team continue to come through the office phone or text line. Please allow 1-2 business days for responses to Elation messages, as these messages are not monitored after hours.
Scheduling can be done in a couple of ways, depending on your preference. You may self book directly in Elation if you find a nurse or provider visit that works well for you. Or, you may contact us during routine business hours and we are happy to help you book a visit. Choosing the right communication method helps us get your question to the right person – and get you an answer as efficiently as possible.
Just Breathe
When life feels full and schedules are pulling us in every direction, taking even a minute to focus on your breathing can help bring your attention back to the present moment.
One simple technique is box breathing:
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Breathe in slowly for 4 seconds.
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Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
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Exhale slowly for 4 seconds.
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Hold for 4 seconds.
Repeat the cycle a few times at a comfortable pace.
You don’t need a quiet room, special equipment, or a long stretch of free time. It can be something you do at your desk, in the school pickup line, before bed, or whenever the day starts to feel like a little too much.
Community Spotlight: The Birth Tide
This week, we’re highlighting Karissa, founder of The Birth Tide, a local Christian birth doula and childbirth educator who specializes in home birth. After supporting more than 200 couples through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, Karissa has built her work around providing families with thoughtful, relational support as they prepare for motherhood.
Through The Birth Tide, Karissa offers birth classes in Ephrata, doula services, prenatal and postpartum support, and regular client picnics that give mothers access to continued connection, resources, and community. Her goal is to help women feel informed, supported, and confident in their decisions while honoring the individual needs of each mother and baby.
We love highlighting local resources that help families feel cared for and connected throughout pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and beyond.

Karissa, Founder of The Birth Tide
Refer a Friend & Save $50
Our September referral program is still going! When a current Luz patient refers a friend who becomes a new patient, you’ll both receive $50 off.
And there’s more to come – we have some exciting announcements on the way about additional services and opportunities through Luz Medicine. Stay tuned!
As September keeps moving, we hope you’ll remember that taking care of yourself doesn’t always have to be complicated. Sometimes it looks like knowing who to call when you need help, taking a few intentional breaths, or simply giving yourself a moment to slow down.
We’re grateful to be part of your care and look forward to sharing more with you soon.
In Health,
Your Luz Medicine Team
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