- 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.
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogBuilding a healthier future for all means ensuring that every community has the resources and support needed to thrive. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) serves as an annual reminder of the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS in the Black community. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of HIV. By raising awareness, promoting prevention, and expanding access to care, we can empower individuals and create a future free from health disparities. Since 1999, NBHAAD has aligned with Black History Month to celebrate the achievements surrounding HIV testing and prevention, and education, while addressing the disproportionate impacts of HIV/AIDS on Black individuals. It’s a day to celebrate progress, foster education and empower individuals to take control of their health and support those living with HIV/AIDS. Impact Despite representing 12% of the U.S. population, Black individuals account for nearly half of the nation’s population living with HIV/AIDS. This stark disparity stems from systemic barriers such as inadequate access to education, testing resources, healthcare and the pervasive effects of inequities. NBHAAD was created to confront these challenges and inspire change. According to the National Library of Medicine, HIV incidence among Black women is more than 20 times higher than among white women. The HIV Surveillance Report states that if current HIV rates continue, “one in two Black gay men who have sex with men will contract HIV in their lifetime.” Additionally, more than 60% of Black transgender women surveyed reported living with HIV. This data demonstrates the importance of targeted resources and support to combat the negative impacts of HIV/AIDS on the Black community. Education Understanding how HIV is transmitted is key to reducing risk and taking steps to protect yourself and others. HIV is transmitted through contact with certain infected body fluids, including: Unprotected vaginal or anal sex Sharing needles, syringes, or other injection equipment From parent to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding HIV symptoms include fever, chills, rashes, muscle aches, sore throat, and fatigue. These symptoms can occur within 2-4 weeks after exposure. Testing If you believe you’ve been exposed to HIV, getting tested promptly is essential. Knowing your status empowers you to take control of your health and helps prevent the spread of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers HIV testing kits that can be ordered online, allowing individuals to learn their status in the privacy of their own homes. Order a kit or find local testing locations on the CDC website. The Maryland Health Department provides free HIV testing kits, along with information about local services and care providers. Learn more. Early detection and treatment prevent the spread of HIV and improve health outcomes. If you test positive for HIV, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider, who can help you access treatment and specialized care. At Luminis Health, our Primary Care team is here to support you every step of the way.
- Heart Care, SurgeryGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhile grocery shopping with his wife over the summer, John Cryan ran up a set of stairs from a parking garage and started to feel faint. He doesn’t remember blacking out but recalls waking up inside his car. His wife called 911, and an ambulance took him to Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC).At the hospital, lab results showed a high troponin level, indicating a heart attack. John met with Scott Katzen, MD, medical director of the cardiac catheterization laboratory at LHAAMC, who recommended coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).Shortly after, John consulted with David Caparrelli, MD, Chief of Cardiac Surgery. Dr. Caparrelli explained that he could use an innovative surgical instrument to freeze John’s nerves, blocking pain signals to the brain and thus aiding in John’s recovery from open heart surgery. This technique, pioneered by Dr. Caparrelli and the team at Luminis Health, has provided long-lasting pain relief for more than 100 patients, and Luminis Health is one of the only hospitals in the country to offer this treatment. John and his wife agreed that surgery with Dr. Caparrelli was the right next step.“In some cases, you meet a surgeon once and never see them again. Dr. Caparrelli checked in on me multiple times and made me feel like I was his only patient,” John says.After surgery, John received a bottle of Tylenol for any discomfort. Six months later, he has yet to open it.“With many health care options, there’s an upside and a downside. In this case, there was only an upside. I recovered quickly and didn’t need pain relief medication,” says John.By October, three months after surgery, John realized he felt better than he had in 20 years. Now, six months post-operation, he completes an hour of cardiovascular exercise and walks his dog in the woods every day.Happily retired from a successful career in international banking, John enjoys a change of pace, spending summers on the Severn River in Annapolis. This season is especially meaningful to him, thanks to the life-saving care he received from Luminis Health.If you or a loved one needs heart surgery, visit Luminis.Health/HeartSurgery to learn about our treatment options.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3Blog(ANNAPOLIS, MD)— Luminis Health, the region’s premier healthcare organization, has been recognized by the Maryland General Assembly with a special citation for its longstanding commitment to providing healthcare services to lawmakers during each legislative session. The honor was presented to Luminis Health CEO Tori Bayless during a special recognition on the House floor, highlighting the organization's dedication to serving 1.8 million people across Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties, the Eastern Shore, and beyond. “Thank you to our state legislators for this recognition and their unwavering support and partnership in improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Tori Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “This honor is a testament to our extraordinary team of clinicians, caregivers, and staff who are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered, and accessible health care, by exemplifying our RISE Values--Respect, Inclusion, Service, and Excellence.” As part of its continued commitment to public health, Luminis Health was proud to partner with Delegate Anne Healey to relaunch the Maryland General Assembly’s annual Blood Drive on the same day as the recognition. The event, paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, returned this year to support local patients in need of blood. “Every blood donation has the power to save lives,” said Delegate Healey. “This initiative is deeply personal to me because my own son’s life was saved by multiple blood transfusions. By donating blood, we directly support our community and help ensure that patients receive the lifesaving care they need.” Luminis Health’s Blood Center Team facilitated the collection of donations by stationing its donor bus outside the House Office Building. All donated blood will stay local, supporting Luminis Health’s hospitals, emergency departments, and patients undergoing both routine and critical treatments“Donating a pint of blood can save up to three lives,” said Tori Bayless. “On behalf of Luminis Health and Delegate Healey, thank you to everyone who donated and gave the gift of life during this important event at the State House.” Anyone interested in donating blood or host a blood drive in the community can visit the Luminis Health Blood Center website to learn more.
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