- 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.
- Women's Health, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAward Coincides with the 30th Anniversary of Clatanoff Pavilion, Home to LHAAMC’s Renowned Maternity CareLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) is thrilled to announce its recognition as a 2025 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report. This prestigious designation highlights LHAAMC’s commitment to providing exceptional care for expectant parents and their growing families.This achievement is especially meaningful as 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Clatanoff Pavilion, which has been a cornerstone of maternity care at LHAAMC since its opening in 1995. Over the past three decades, the Thomas J. Frank Family Birth Center has been a trusted space where more than 145,000 babies have been born, making it a cherished part of the community.“As we prepare to celebrate 30 years of the Clatanoff Pavilion’s legacy, this recognition is a true testament to our commitment to excellence in maternity care,” said Sherry Perkins, president of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “Each year, our physicians, nurse midwives, nurses, nurse practitioners, technologists, and the entire team welcome more than 5,500 babies each year – the equivalent of a kindergarten class every day. We are honored to be a trusted partner in life’s most joyful moments.”U.S. News evaluated 817 hospitals from across the United States for its latest ratings. Only half these hospitals earned recognition as Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. Hospitals were evaluated on objective measures on quality, including:C-section delivery rates.Severe unexpected newborn complication rates.Exclusive breast milk feeding rates.Whether each hospital met new federal criteria for “birthing-friendly” practices.Transparency on racial/ethnic disparities.This accolade underscores Luminis Health’s bold quality goal for Vision 2030 to eliminate maternal and infant mortality. To address this important issue, LHAAMC perinatal units have implemented evidence-based maternal safety protocols, implicit bias education and training, as well as culturally customized care strategies to reduce disparities and improve outcomes.“We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition,” said Dr. Monica Jones, Chair of Luminis Health Women’s and Children’s Services. “This award not only reflects our team’s commitment to exceptional quality patient-centered care, while advancing birth equity for all that seek our services. Together, we are building a healthier future for all families.”This announcement comes on the heels of LHAAMC being named a 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital and recognized as a high performing hospital in eight specialties for common procedures, including cardiac care, cancer services, and orthopedics. These accolades underscore LHAAMC’s standing as a leader in delivering exceptional, comprehensive care to the community it serves.
- CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAfter almost three weeks of late-night mischief, does your elf need a night off? Maybe it’s the rainy weather, too many cookies or all the back-and-forth trips to the North Pole. Whatever the reason, every elf deserves a little rest, and we’ve got just the thing: a printable sick note. Whether your elf has come down with “North Pole Sniffles” or is recovering from an "oops" moment, like a tumble off the Christmas tree, this note lets them relax guilt-free. Want to make your elf’s sick day extra special? Here are some creative ideas: Create a cozy tissue bed for your elf to rest on. Set up a “recovery station” with mini marshmallow “medicine” and a candy cane “thermometer.” Add a small blanket, a teacup-sized hot cocoa, or even a tiny book for them to “read” while they recuperate. At Luminis Health, we’re all about keeping the magic alive for families while helping you navigate the busy holiday season. Download your printable sick note below and let your holiday helper get the rest they deserve—after all, being naughty can be exhausting! Download the Elf Sick Note. P.S. If you or your family are feeling under the weather this winter, Luminis Health is here for you. Visit LuminisHealth.org to learn more about our primary care, emergency services, and virtual healthcare option, CareConnectNow.
- Cancer Care, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSandra Massey’s journey with cervical cancer began more than 30 years ago. As a mother of two young daughters, she worried that cancer could take her away from her children—just as she lost her father to cancer at the age of 11. Doctors suggested surgery to remove her cervix, but Sandra hoped to have more children and was not open to that option. Instead, in 1989, she underwent a cone biopsy. Since then, she has been diligent about visiting her doctor every year and staying up to date on screenings. She also welcomed two more children. Despite her commitment to her health, the cancer returned. In June 2023, Sandra received the news that she had stage 4 cervical cancer. “It felt like my life was turned upside down,” Sandra recalls. The day after her diagnosis, she met with Dr. Nicholas Lambrou, Chief of Gynecologic Oncology. “It was meant to be,” Sandra says of meeting Dr. Lambrou. “He and his team gave me so much hope when I needed it most.” Sandra’s treatment plan involved receiving chemotherapy every three weeks for about five months. Then she transitioned to maintenance infusions using immunotherapy. Throughout treatment, Sandra’s four children and three grandchildren provided support. They accompanied her to appointments and ensured she had meals and snacks to help maintain her strength and weight. Today, Sandra continues to work in sales and cherishes every moment with her family. “My grandchildren are the light of my life,” she says. Recently, they enjoyed a Sunday outing together, watching a movie and trying a new restaurant—a tradition they uphold nearly every weekend. Sandra’s resilience and the support of her loved ones have been instrumental in her journey. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, please visit our webpage at Luminis Health Gynecologic Oncology or call 443-481-3493 to schedule an appointment today.
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