- 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.
- Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYour heart is more than just a muscle—it’s the engine that keeps your body running. With every beat, it pumps oxygen-rich blood to your organs. But what happens when this vital system starts to break down? Heart disease can develop quietly, showing only subtle signs before becoming a serious threat. A new report by the American Heart Association reveals cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. The tricky part? The early warning signs aren’t always obvious and can vary based on factors like age and gender. Recognizing them early could make all the difference Types of Heart Disease Heart disease is an umbrella term for several conditions that affect the heart’s ability to function properly. The most common is coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when the blood vessels in your heart narrow, making it harder for blood to flow properly. However, heart disease isn’t just about clogged arteries. Faulty heart valves can force the heart to work harder, while electrical malfunctions can cause arrhythmias—irregular heartbeats that may lead to blood clots, strokes, or heart failure. Some people are also born with congenital heart disease, which affects the heart’s structure from birth. Understanding these conditions is the first step, but recognizing the symptoms and catching them early is crucial to protecting your heart health. Early Warning Signs of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) CAD makes it harder for blood to reach your heart and other parts of your body. If the artery blockage is severe, it puts you at risk of a heart attack. CAD/heart attack warning signs include: Chest pain or tightness (often described as sharp, squeezing, or a feeling of pressure, like an elephant sitting on your chest). Pain in your jaw, neck, throat, upper belly, back, or one or both arms. Unusual fatigue or shortness of breath (especially in women). Cold sweats, often with nausea or lightheadedness (more common in women). Women are more likely to have “silent” heart disease, meaning they may not experience obvious symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they are often mistaken for the flu, stress, or simply the effects of aging. Unlike men, who typically experience chest pain during physical activity, women are more likely to feel discomfort while resting. The risk of CAD increases for women around age 50, when estrogen's protective effects decline, while men typically see their risk rise in their 40s. Early Warning Signs of Heart Rhythm Problems (Arrhythmia) Arrhythmias cause your heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Symptoms can include: A fluttering feeling in your chest. A racing heartbeat. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Shortness of breath. Chest pain (though it’s not always the main symptom). Early Warning Signs of Heart Valve Problems Your heart has four valves that open and close to keep blood moving. Issues with these valves—whether they’re narrowing, leaking, or not closing properly—can cause: Fatigue or a lack of energy. Shortness of breath. Swollen ankles and feet (from fluid buildup). Dizziness or fainting. Chest pain (though it’s not a common early symptom). Don’t Wait to See a Doctor If you notice any heart disease symptoms, it’s important to see your primary care doctor right away. They might refer you to a cardiologist, who might prescribe heart medications, create treatment plans, and, if needed, refer you to a specialist or surgeon for advanced care. To learn more about our cardiology services or to schedule an appointment, visit Luminis.Health/Cardiology or call (443) 481-6700. Taking care of your heart starts with understanding it—don’t ignore the warning signs! Authors Dr. Salvatore Lauria, MD, is a board-certified invasive cardiologist with a special interest in congestive heart failure and preventive medicine.
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogShould you stress about stress? Stress is part of life, but its impact on your health can be more serious than you might think. While eliminating stress entirely may not be realistic, managing it effectively could be life-saving. It’s important to understand how stress affects your body—and what you can do to take control. Stress and your body’s systems Your body is equipped to handle stress in small doses. But heavy stress—especially over long periods of time—can take a toll on every aspect of your health, from your mental and emotional wellbeing to your physical condition. And physiologically speaking, stress can affect every one of your body’s systems in one way or another. Stress and your heart health When you become stressed, your heart rate increases and your heart muscle contracts—which means your blood vessels pump more blood to different parts of your body, temporarily raising your blood pressure. When your heart rate is consistently higher, and stress hormones increase your blood pressure on a regular basis, it can significantly multiply your risk for a heart attack or stroke. Stress and your gastrointestinal (GI) tract The neurons in your gut constantly communicate with your brain. Stress can affect this communication and trigger bloating, pain and other discomfort. And high levels of stress over time can often lead to chronic GI conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Stress and your musculoskeletal system When your body becomes stressed, your muscles tense up. Chronic (constant) stress causes your muscles to be in a continuous state of guardedness, which can cause stress-related disorders. For example, chronic muscle tension in your shoulders can lead to migraines and tension headaches. For many people who have chronic pain conditions related to musculoskeletal disorders though, stress-relieving activities can bring significant relief. Stress and your respiratory system Stress can manifest itself as shortness of breath and rapid breathing. While this isn’t typically a problem for people without respiratory disease, it can harm those who have conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In fact, some studies suggest that high amounts of stress can trigger asthma attacks. Stress and your nervous system Stress triggers your body’s “fight or flight” response, which signals your adrenal glands to release hormones. When the crisis is over, your body usually returns to its normal state. But chronic stress can cause a long-term drain on your body. Stress and your reproductive system For men, chronic stress can affect testosterone production, leading to a decreased sex drive and sometimes causing erectile dysfunction. It can also reduce sperm production. For women, stress can cause missing or delayed periods, which in turn affects their ability to conceive. In addition, it can make premenstrual syndrome (PMS) much worse. Managing your stress Stress management can be challenging, but it’s a necessity. The good news is that making small, incremental changes can pack a big punch. Consider trying these strategies: Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Sleep has remarkable restorative power, and you’re more likely to be able to manage stress when you’re well-rested. Connect with others. Spending time with family and friends can be a pleasant distraction from life’s struggles. Loved ones can lend a listening ear and laughter is always good medicine. Eat a well-balanced diet. A healthy diet that’s heavy on fruits, vegetables and whole grains will go a long way toward helping you feel your best. Food is fuel for the mind and body. Exercise regularly. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are your body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Aim for 30-minutes of exercise a day at a minimum. Try proven relaxation techniques. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, music, art or journaling, relaxation techniques can help your mind—and body—find much-needed balance. Meet with a therapist. A therapist, counselor or other professional can help you understand the root of your stress and come up with long-term plans for stress relief. Support when you need it A Luminis Health Behavioral Health provider can help you figure out the cause of your stress and offer additional ways to manage it. If stress is disrupting your life or putting your health at risk, make an appointment with someone from our team today. Authors Crystal Osuchukwu, LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor. To make an appointment with Crystal, please call 301-623-4352.
- Behavioral Health, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYou’ve probably heard about the nationwide debate on the safety of food dyes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed phasing out artificial food dyes by 2027. It has left parents with many questions. The hard truth? If you’ve noticed your child building up nervous energy or getting cranky after a bright red candy or neon-yellow sports drink, it’s likely a reaction to the dyes. In fact, studies have shown kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be more sensitive to food dye compared to other children. But here’s the good news: Increasing awareness of how your kids respond to dyes, along with ideas for limiting exposure to them, can go a long way toward keeping your family healthy. What are food dyes? Food dyes are chemicals added to foods and drinks to enhance their color. You’ll often find them in candy, cereal, sodas, sports drinks, fruit snacks and even healthier foods like yogurt. In the United States, the most common food dyes include: Red 3 Red 40 Yellow 5 Yellow 6 Green 3 Blue 1 Blue 2 These dyes are usually made in a lab using synthetic materials such as petroleum. They don’t provide the body with any nutrients; they are there solely to make foods and beverages more visually appealing. How do food dyes affect behavior? Food dyes can affect a person at every age and stage of life, but they seem to affect growing children most significantly. According to researchers, there’s a strong connection between food dyes and behavior problems like hyperactivity. This means your children may have trouble sitting still, focusing on tasks or staying calm after eating foods with dye. It’s important to remember though, that all children are unique and react in different ways. Some feel fine after; others are more sensitive; and some have an actual allergy to dyes. For this reason, it’s important to pay attention to any changes in your child’s behavior after eating or drinking foods with dyes. How do dyes affect the body? The link between food dyes and health is still being explored. But scientists suspect that food dyes affect several physiological functions, including brain function, hormone levels and the immune response. Children who are sensitive to food dyes may experience bothersome symptoms like: Anxiety Headache Hyperactivity Irritability Itchy rash Trouble focusing Some recent research also suggests that certain dyes can disrupt the balance in your child’s gut and cause inflammation, which is the body’s way of reacting to something it dislikes. Over time, this can make it harder to maintain good health. Children who are allergic to food dyes will experience more severe—and sometimes life-threatening—symptoms like: Breathing trouble Dizziness or fainting Feelings of impending doom Hives Low blood pressure Sudden and debilitating headache Swelling in the face, lips, tongue or throat Tightness in the chest If your child has mild reactions to food dyes, it’s important to talk with a doctor right away. A skilled care team can help you pinpoint the cause of your child’s symptoms and create a plan to help manage them. Your doctor may also connect you to an allergist for specialty care if needed. More severe and concerning reactions may point to a dye allergy. Seek emergency care right away or call 911 if your child has severe swelling, trouble breathing, faints or has chest pain. What can we do about it? Fortunately, you can take steps to protect your family. Start by: Increasing your awareness about food dyes and how your child responds. Planning meals and snacks around dye-free foods, such as fruits, veggies, eggs, oatmeal and other unprocessed foods. Reading labels on packaged foods and drinks to eliminate ingredients like Red 40, Yellow 5 and Blue 1. Talking to your child’s school about offering snacks that don’t have artificial dyes. Trying dye-free brands of their favorite foods. Many companies are using natural colors like beet juice, turmeric or carrots. We’re in this together Food should help us feel good, both inside and out. If your child experiences symptoms after eating or drinking, and you suspect dyes may be the culprit, our team is here to help. Our dietitians can help you identify which foods work best for your family and support you in making informed, nourishing choices. If you’re concerned that food dyes may be affecting mental health or behavior, our behavioral health specialists can help you understand, manage and prevent related challenges. Authors Colleen Kiley, MS, RD, is a lead diabetes educator for Luminis Health Diabetes and Endocrine Specialists. To make an appointment, please call 443-481-6700.
- Pregnancy & Birth, Women's Health, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnnapolis, MD – At a celebratory ceremony attended by community leaders, clinicians, and advocates, Luminis Health unveiled its new TeamBirth program today at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. The event marked an advancement in perinatal care, aimed at improving birth outcomes and reducing infant mortality across Maryland. With this launch, Luminis Health becomes the first health system in the state to implement this proven model of care.TeamBirth is an evidence-based initiative that promotes transparency and teamwork in perinatal care. At its core is a simple yet powerful tool: a planning board in each birthing room that allows patients, nurses, midwives, and physicians to align on care plans, share updates, and make decisions together. While aspects of this communication already occur, TeamBirth introduces greater consistency, clarity, and accountability. It enhances existing care practices by standardizing communication and fostering a shared approach, empowering teams to deliver safer, more respectful, and continuously improving care tailored to each patient’s needs. “TeamBirth is about making sure every patient has a voice during one of the most critical and joyous moments of their life,” said Dr. Monica Jones, system chair of Luminis Health Women’s and Children’s Service Line. “By fostering open communication and shared decision-making, we are adding another layer of safety and empowerment to the childbirth experience. Our teams are committed to delivering exceptional quality patient-centered care, while advancing birth equity for everyone who seeks our services.”Despite advances in modern medicine, the U.S. continues to face alarming rates of maternal and infant mortality overall. Luminis Health has taken significant steps in recent years to address the maternal health crisis and reduce disparities in care, including:Requiring implicit bias education and training for all maternal care staffImplementing strategies to reduce C-Section ratesEncouraging the use of doulas and nurse midwives to provide continuous, culturally responsive support during laborLaunched CenteringPregnancy® programs in both Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties to improve prenatal care through group-based education and support“At Luminis Health, we believe that by using evidence-based programs and listening to the people and communities we serve, we can end the maternal health crisis,” said Tori Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “Eliminating maternal and infant mortality is one of the bold goals outlined in our Vision 2030 strategic plan, and our teams remain dedicated to expanding access at every level of care.” Today’s event featured remarks from Luminis Health executive and clinical leaders and patient advocates, a demonstration of the TeamBirth toolkit, and opportunities for attendees to engage with members of the labor and delivery team. The announcement took place in the Rebecca M. Clatanoff Pavilion, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Since 1995, the Thomas J. Frank Family Birth Center has been a trusted space for families, where more than 145,000 babies have been born, making it one of the busiest birth centers in Maryland and a special part of the community. The TeamBirth program is fully funded through the generosity of long-time supporters of the hospital. “We are deeply grateful to our generous donors whose support makes innovative programs like TeamBirth possible,” said Sherry Perkins, president of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “Their gifts directly enhances the quality of care we provide and help us better serve the families in our community—a community we’ve proudly served as a trusted place of care for more than 120 years.” Luminis Health also plans to implement the TeamBirth model at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham when it adds inpatient obstetric services. Scheduled to open in 2028, the new women’s health center is expected to deliver approximately 2,000 babies a year once fully operational.Implemented by Unravel Healthcare, TeamBirth was developed by Ariadne Labs, a joint center for health systems innovation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, MA.
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