- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhile traveling for work several years ago, Bruce Ingram of Nottingham, Maryland, noticed that he had an irregular heartbeat. His partner, Kimberly, is a nurse with many years of experience treating cardiac conditions, and she suggested they go to the emergency room. At the ER, doctors determined that he was in atrial fibrillation (Afib) but had a very slow heart rate. They recommended he receive a permanent pacemaker, a surgically implanted device that sends electrical impulses to the heart to maintain a normal beating rate. Nearly a decade later, Ingram remained active by running and swimming, but he still experienced fatigue and loss of energy, common symptoms of Afib. An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) also showed his heart was weakening. Kimberly recommended that they seek a permanent solution under the care of her former colleague, Dr. Murtaza Dawood, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Luminis Health. Dr. Dawood proposed a hybrid surgical ablation. “Mr. Ingram’s atrial fibrillation is not only contributing to his symptoms, but is most likely causing his weakened heart function. We can treat his atrial fibrillation by surgical ablation to create scarring in the heart muscle. These scars can prevent the normal heart electrical activity from persisting as atrial fibrillation,” he explained. “By restoring a normal heart rhythm, we can improve his symptoms, and with time, his overall heart function.” The hybrid approach combines minimally invasive surgical ablation with a catheter-based ablation to be done three months later. “The Convergent+ procedure combines two minimally invasive procedures to maximize the benefit to the patient” says Dr. Dawood. “Additionally, to further minimize Mr. Ingram’s risk of stroke, I placed a closure device on his left atrial appendage, also done minimally invasively. That’s the ‘plus’ part of the procedure.” Approximately 90% of strokes associated with Afib originate from the left atrial appendage. In January 2022, Dr. Dawood performed the surgical ablation stage on Ingram, with the catheter ablation done 12 weeks later. More than two years later, Ingram reports a complete change since the surgery. He can run, swim, and travel for work without any issues from Afib. This past summer, he and Kimberly visited Yellowstone National Park and enjoyed several hikes around the park. If you are seeking care for Afib, please visit Luminis.Health/HeartSurgery or call (443) 481-1358 to learn about surgical options for treatment.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3Blog(Annapolis, MD)— Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC), a cornerstone of healthcare in the Annapolis region and the Eastern Shore for more than 120 years, has earned its twelfth consecutive ‘A’ Grade from the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. “Exceptional quality and safety are the result of the dedication and expertise of our entire team—physicians, residents nurses, advanced practice providers, technicians, therapists, support staff, and volunteers,” said Sherry Perkins, president of LHAAMC. “Earning an ‘A” grade consistently for patient safety is a true reflection of our team’s commitment and the strong partnership we have with the community.” According to Leapfrog, LHAAMC has earned ‘Straight A’s’ for every grading period since 2018, making it the only hospital in Maryland to achieve this prestigious honor, and one of 105 hospitals nationwide. Leapfrog updates hospital safety grades twice a year, in the fall and spring. Luminis Health is dedicated to upholding best practices that prioritize quality, safety, and accountability across all operational areas. Our commitment is demonstrated through safe staffing, safety huddles, communication, a focus on well-being and retention of the health care team, workplace safety, community partnership, and collaboration with patient family advisors. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.
- Endocrinology, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNovember is Diabetes Awareness Month, highlighting a crucial health issue that affects more than 38 million Americans. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90 to 95% of those with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, a chronic metabolic condition where the body doesn’t use insulin effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Each year, 1.9 million new cases are diagnosed, yet more than 8 million Americans remain undiagnosed. If current trends persist, one in every three people born in the year 2000 will develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. In Prince George’s County, adult diabetes diagnoses exceed the state average, with higher rates of diabetes-related deaths and hospitalizations further underscoring the seriousness of this issue locally. Type 2 diabetes symptoms often develop gradually, causing some people to misattribute them to other factors or remain unaware of the signs. This lack of awareness can delay diagnosis and the opportunity to learn to manage the condition effectively. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes Left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to several complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, loss of vision, neuropathy, reduced circulation, loss of limbs, and more. That’s why you should see a physician as quickly as possible if you see any of the signs of type 2 diabetes. Here are some of the critical signs of type 2 diabetes: Frequent urination. Type 2 diabetes can increase your need to urinate, particularly at night. Your kidneys are working to filter out excess glucose from your bloodstream, leading to frequent urination. Increased thirst. When your kidneys filter excess glucose from your blood, it can cause dehydration and make you feel thirsty. If you drink more fluids than usual and still feel thirsty, it could be a sign of type 2 diabetes. Unexplained weight loss. Sudden unintentional weight loss is another sign of possible type 2 diabetes. When your body can't use glucose efficiently due to insulin resistance, it may break down body fat and muscle for energy, leading to weight loss. Fatigue. Persistent fatigue, particularly after meals, is a common symptom of type 2 diabetes. Your body can’t use insulin effectively for energy, so you may feel tired and sluggish. This fatigue can affect your daily activities. Blurred vision. High glucose levels can lead to changes in your body's fluid levels. Those changes can cause the lenses of your eyes to swell, resulting in blurred vision. Vision changes may come and go, or you may have persistent blurry vision. Slow-healing wounds. Type 2 diabetes can influence your body's ability to heal wounds. That’s because high blood sugar can affect blood flow and cause nerve damage, making it more difficult for your body to heal. Frequent Infections. Type 2 diabetes can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections of the skin, gums, urinary tract, or other common infections. If you notice you are getting more infections than in the past, it could be a sign of type 2 diabetes. When to see a doctor You should see a physician if you have one or more of these symptoms. Early detection and treatment of type 2 diabetes can help you maintain a good quality of life and avoid serious complications. You can learn to manage type 2 diabetes by making lifestyle changes, monitoring blood sugar levels, and taking medication, if necessary. Doctors test for type 2 diabetes primarily through blood tests that measure blood glucose levels. The most common tests include the A1C test, which shows average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months, and the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, which measures blood sugar after an overnight fast. If these levels are elevated, a diagnosis of diabetes may be confirmed. Recognizing the signs of type 2 diabetes is the first step in managing the disease so you can lead a healthy and fulfilling life. The diabetes program at Luminis Health can provide everything you need to manage type 2 diabetes and any complications, including education, monitoring, and treatments. Pedram Javanmard is an endocrinologist at Luminis Health with expertise in a wide range of endocrine-related diseases.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAmy Beales, MS, FABC, is the new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of Luminis Health, a non-profit regional health system serving 1.8 million people in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties, the Eastern Shore, and beyond. In her role, Beales will provide strategic direction and oversight over Human Resources, providing support for the system's 8,300 employees and medical staff. Beales brings to Luminis Health more than 17 years experience in human resources, including senior leadership positions at University of Maryland Medical System and Children's National Hospital, where she served as Interim Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer. Among her many career accomplishments, Beales led system-wide recruitment and retention efforts, leadership diversity programs, and community engagement initiatives to bring together community organizations in support of population health. “Amy Beales has demonstrated throughout her career that she understands the human side of Human Resources," said Tori Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. "I am confident we have chosen the right person to serve and support our extraordinary team of clinicians, caregivers and other staff in our shared commitment to delivering quality, accessible health care to the communities we serve." Beales, who joined the system on December 1, said: “I am thrilled to join Luminis Health and be a part of a team committed to serving this region, building partnerships in the community, and promoting our R.I.S.E. values focused on Respect, Inclusion, Service and Excellence."She earned a Master and Bachelor of Science from Towson University and has called Maryland home for many years.
- Wellness, Weight LossGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe holidays are a magical time, but let’s be honest — they can also put a serious dent in your wallet, especially when it comes to food. Between parties, family gatherings and pumpkin spice everything, it’s easy to feel like you’re overspending. But you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or tradition to stick to a budget. With a little planning and a few smart swaps, you can enjoy all your holiday favorites without the financial stress. 1. Shop smartUse store apps to stay on top of holiday discounts and deals. Focus on buying more whole foods and less processed items. Look for single-ingredient options — like a bag of potatoes, which costs less than pre-cut, seasoned or frozen potatoes. Not only are whole foods cheaper, but they’re also healthier, making this a win-win for your wallet and your well-being.2. Go for seasonal produceIn-season fruits and vegetables are cheaper, fresher and tastier. Consider these seasonal options:Sweet potatoesAcorn and Butternut SquashApplesCranberriesCabbageOrangesCollard GreensCarrotsFrozen options work, too — think berry cobbler or garlicky sautéed green beans that no one will guess came from the freezer.3. Choose budget-friendly proteinFew things sabotage a grocery budget like an expensive cut of meat. This is where going whole can save you big. A whole rotisserie chicken is usually cheaper than a few chicken breasts. Use it for several meals — like chicken and mashed potatoes, chicken salad and chicken soup. Chicken thighs, and drumsticks, as well as beef brisket are also inexpensive meats.4. Make it from scratchSkip the takeout and the convenience items at the store and cook at home instead. Turn on some tunes, get cooking and have fun while reducing your spending. When you cook at home, you also have more control over the ingredients and can skip extra salt, fat and sugar to keep your meals healthy and delicious.If baking, consider these healthier and cheaper substitutes:Applesauce: Use unsweetened applesauce in place of oil or butter for moisture and fewer caloriesGreek Yogurt: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or heavy cream to reduce fat and add proteinWhole Wheat Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrientsHoney or Maple Syrup: Use these natural sweeteners instead of refined sugar for a healthier sweetnessCoconut Oil: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a diary-free alternative with a subtle coconut flavorDark Chocolate: Choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate for higher antioxidant content and less sugar 5. Be your own baristaPair your favorite flavored creamer with freshly brewed dark roast coffee at home to experience all the holiday vibes without spending a small fortune at the coffee shop. Brewing your coffee at home means you can afford to upgrade your beans to match the flavor of your favorite local brew. 6. Host a potluck partyWhen it’s your turn to host, let your guests help. Stay ahead of the “What can I bring” texts and put what you need in the invitation. An appetizer to share, a side dish or a fun dessert is an opportunity for your guests to bring what they like and take some of the pressure off hosting. Beverages can also cost a fortune. Select a few budget-friendly drink options and make a festive infused water with cranberries and fresh mint. Let your guests know what you’ll have on hand and if they want something different to BYOB (bring your own beverage).Enjoy the holidays without a financial hangoverThe holidays are about enjoying time with family and friends, not stressing over your grocery bill. By planning, embracing the flavors of the season and making smart swaps, you can create delicious festive meals without overspending. Happy holidays — and happy saving!About the Author Allison Maurer is the bariatric clinical coordinator for Luminis Health Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery.
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